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National Delegate Conference 19-22 June 2007

"I Never Dreamed I'd Be Here"

Malcolm Cantello UNISON's National President Addresses Conference

Malcolm Cantello
Malcolm Cantello

Malcom Cantello, UNISON's National President was warmly welcomed by Conference.

A Leicester City Transport worker, he was lured into NALGO in 1959 on the promise of a low cost "Hi De Hi" holiday at Croyde Bay. That was just the beginning.

"Thank you all" said Malcolm as he gave recognition to the Transport Service Group "one of the smaller service groups - but one whose members provide services we all depend upon." - and to the efforts by members, branches and officers, campaigning, representing promoting and ensuring the values, beliefs and view of our union are successfully pursued."

"Positive views - of our Public Services and how best to deliver them. Positive views - on the proper recognition and value of those who provide them - our members. Positive views - on the rights of individuals in society and in the workplace. And positive views on what our society should represent."

On the success of the Anti-BNP campaigns in the run up to the May elections, Malcolm said "Our support for the 'Hope not Hate' campaign activities which encouraged racial harmony and positivism in communities have been a great success and our co-working with Searchlight is a significant part of this."

"We cannot be complacent, their use of the democratic process doesn't hide what they are - opponents of decency, opponents of organised labour, opponents of a civilised society that fosters equality and diversity. They walk around now dressed in business suits and ties, allegedly promoting a different agenda, but their policies haven't changed - we can't let people be hoodwinked by this. We must stand up to the fascists wherever they are, including on the ballot paper"

Malcolm highlighted UNISON's positive involvement in many areas - in the bicentenary of abolition of slavery, its sign up to Stop Climate Change campaign and its own commitment to becoming a greener organisation.

"We want to live in a country that is conscious of environmental issues; that believes in and offers social justice, that affords opportunities for all to work, and at work offers quality employment and quality of life."

Other successes have been UNISON's work in Life long Learning and gains in UNISON membership. On recruitment, Malcolm reminded Conference "there is no room for resting on our laurels. We have to redouble our recruitment effort to ensure that our employers take us seriously."

Whilst recognising the disappointments and disagreements with many Labour Government decisions since their return to power in 1997, he warned, "We must not forget the 18 years prior to that, and we must not assume that it could not happen again. We need to remember that whilst we may be disappointed, or downright angry with some of the decisions that have been made, we can applaud others."

"We nevertheless remain somewhat frustrated with a Government we see as our own. But we need firstly to secure a fourth term, under Gordon Brown's leadership, and work with the Labour Government to ensure that our agenda is not just heard but listened to and acted upon."

Malcolm praised UNISON's international work, defending and promoting public services across the world, much of which he witnessed first hand as he attended Congresses in Durban, South Africa and Stockholm.

He sent a strong message of solidarity to the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) and its striking public service members, amidst one of the biggest strikes in the history of South Africa in their fight for decent pay and conditions.

Malcolm appealed for donations to ARROW (Art: A Resource for Reconciliation Over the World.) This programme, based at Plymouth's College of St Mark and St John uses arts to help young people communicate across boundaries and to express their stories, needs, hopes, fears and aspirations as a way of reconciling and moving forward after conflict. The 'Voices of Reconciliation' project with a group of young people in Freetown, to help them overcome the traumas of war, will be followed by work to build a network in Africa which will allow input from the Sierra Leone group.

Cheques can be made payable to UNISON, and sent to Joan Walker, Executive Office,1 Mableton Place, London WC1H 9AJ

 

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