Who's have thought the rules would be the most exciting day?

Rule change 23

This failed to get a two-thirds majority following a lengthy debate, avoiding the imposition of conciliation as a decision on the disciplinary rules.

Conciliation would not be a choice for the victim but would have been a decision by the body initiating the investigation. The victim would have had no say and no appeal in the matter.

The rules still need fixed and at this stage an incremental process is favoured.

Rule Change 8

This was carried introducing a clause on suspension specifically for investigations into financial irregularities.

Mary Crichton, Scottish Regional Rep, spoke in favour. "As a democratic union, we have to distinguish between allegations of harassment and bullying, and financial irregularities. That's why Scotland withdrew Amendment to Rule 7"

Conference delegates, but not enough, called for a Card Vote but President Veronica Dun was not for budging.

Steve Warwick (NEC) got up to move Rule Change 12, The Right to Attend and Speak, or so he thought while all this was still going on. Jokingly pretending it was a standing ovation and told Conference "you're too kind".

Despite Steve's attempts to exercise his 'Right to Speak', Conference was building up to a crescendo of most delegates applauding the chair and a section still calling for a card vote.

The indomitable chair, helped by London's John Rogers told them to sit down and they did.

Steve did eventually get to speak to the amendment that would have tied representatives to speaking on behalf of the body they are representing. It was lost.

Supporting stressed activists

Kevin Duguid from City of Edinburgh successfully moved an amendment to 162 on counselling for lay members.

The amndment considerably strengthened the original motion and asked for an investigation into stress experienced by lay activists with a report to the 2002 National Delegate Conference.

The report is to identify the causes of stress and also the required action (which might include a confidential independent counselling service) and stress management courses for activists.

Said Kevin, "This union has a responsibility to protect, support and nurture its activists".

He said that recognising and accepting that lay activists do encounter stress should be the first step in addressing the effects of stress. Kevin also urged branches to work with their regions to imnput into the investigation.

East Dunbartonshire wins double with best website award

Robert McComb won the national best website competition today for East Dunbartonshire.

In a unique double he also won best newcomer in the magazine competition.

Jim Burnett is mentioned on the award since he joint edits with Robert. Robert has been a welcome addition to the Briefings Team this year .

Scots Night
If ye wurnae there, ye missed yersel'

Thanks to Pat Rowland for organising Scots Nite last night. A great band, lots of bopping and not a little thirst quenching made it such a good night that many folk were still bringing up memories of it this morning.

International News?

Alison Cosgrove of East Lothian Branch had to keep chasing her hotel to get hold of a Herald for her.

It was the third day that one arrive - The Herald & Tribune that is, the New York Herald and Tribune!