National Delegate Conference 15-18 June 2010

Call for broader engagement in Labour Link as Conference supports political fund report

Mike Kirby

Conference approved the report into the effectiveness of the political fund and the NEC will take forward a range of measures to improve the understanding of the political funds and to encourage all parts of the union to engage with the funds to advance UNISON's objectives.

With the threats posed to public services by the coalition government, it is more important than ever for UNISON members to engage in political activity, locally and nationally.

Delegates backed recommendations to improve the way the political fund works, provide more training and support for branches and communicate widely throughout the union. Scotland's amendment, described by Scottish Convener Mike Kirby as a "friendly amendment" called on Labour Link to review its operational rules to widen participation, consistent with UNISON and Labour Party rules.

This will give enhanced rights to those members who pay to the affiliated part of the UNISON fund and opens the door to giving non Labour Party members a say in the business of Link, subject to them meeting Labour Party rules with regard to representation.

"A broader engagement, expanding eligibility for participation, would strengthen ability and influence," Mike told conference.

He acknowledged that there will be different views on this position and some genuine concerns about entryism by certain particular factions, ironically an argument put and won by Scotland at an earlier UNISON conference. However the consultation process has shown a low level of engagement with Labour Link at grass roots level which needs to be addressed.

"There is also the irony of a non Labour Party Link levy payer, voting in a Labour Party Leadership election, but unable to stand as a branch Link Officer. I include in this, Past Presidents of this trade union," said Mike.

"The question should be asked why the Labour Link appears exclusive to Labour Party members. Or should it be open to levy payers, who do not wish to join the Labour Party, but see the purpose of the Link, recognising that while general campaigning can create a sympathetic political environment and response, it is political parties that make laws, and govern at the level of devolved administrations and locally," added Mike.

He called for the Labour Link review to ensure greater integration with the work of the regions, ensure that the political serves our members at work, and to align UNISON's campaigning and policy priorities with Link activity regionally and locally.

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