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Public services in the second term

Mike Kirby and Mary Crichton Scotland Regional Delegates

The return of a Labour Government for a second term puts the debate on the future of public services to the front of the political agenda and this conference provides a platform for UNISON's Positively Public campaign.

Do we, as some suggest, focus on the retention of jobs and conditions and gear the union towards organising workers in these services, however they are delivered?

Or do we accept the challenge of our own agenda believing that it does matter how public services are organised? Private investment is not new in itself but how it's managed is and has far reaching consequences for more than jobs and conditions.

Public services were established to address social need when business sought profit. Business is geared to profit not addressing need.

But traditional public services can be improved and if they are to remain public must secure public confidence through greater participation in the political process of managing resources and services.

A potentially unifying conference agenda can send a message to the rest of the trade union movement and those who depend upon the services, that UNISON is prepared to pick up that challenge.

The main debate on the economy and public services will take place on Wednesday morning.

The prioritisation process with regions and branches, service groups and self organised groups has again allowed the Standing Orders Committee to create themes leading off each half day's business, with the other prioritised issues following on.

Tuesday morning includes Trade Union Rights, with Pensions, Living Wage and Low Wages in the afternoon. The union's organising agenda is addressed on Wednesday afternoon with Union Mergers and Branch Funding.

On Thursday morning equal opportunities debates and international issues, including Europe, will precede the afternoon rules debate.

Friday begins with Health & Safety issues prior to an afternoon of rearranged business for the original priorities, on which you will be consulted during Thursday morning.

Regional delegates

The key people on the Conference floor this year are Scottish Council delegates Mike Kirby (Scottish Convenor) and Mary Crichton.

As well as promoting Scottish policy, Mike and Mary are invaluable contacts if you want to speak on any issue. They will be co-operating with other Regions, and especially in big debates, they will know who you need to speak to and how things are likely to be organised.

Another key player is Standing Orders Committee Rep Robin Hunter. Robin has a very busy week at Conference but is always willing to advise on the finer points of procedure, emergency motions etc etc.

Conference Index . Home . Rules

Scots Night
Thursday June 21, 8pm - Midnight
Durham Suite, Metropole Hotel (Just along from the Conference Centre)

Live band all night (honest)

Tickets £7 from Pat Rowland at the Scottish Branches Meeting on Monday

Proceeds to International Solidarity causes

Branches - remember to bring donations for the raffle