National Delegate Conference 15-18 June 2010

Take million voices to members

We did not cause the crisis, said Gerry Gallagher UNISON National President, as he urged UNISON to take the Million Voices Campaign to all our members and to the public.

"With a Cabinet of millionaires and public school boys, a new Government promising new politics but instead delivering over £6bn of cuts before they've even got their feet under the table.", said Gerry. "We must increase involvement in the Million Voices Campaign wherever and whenever we can."

Gerry asked all Branches to sign up to the Million Voices Campaign if they hadn't already. He urged everyone to take the campaign to their members, to dispel the myths through media activity, and to take the campaign to the public through organising local activities.

The Anti-Cuts Demo in Glasgow in April was one of Gerry's highlights over the course of his year as president, "one of the sunniest days ever in Scotland.", and his first chance to speak at an open air event. Among his other highlights of his year, was his international work and his visits to the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU), and the Canadian Union of Public Employees conferences.

A rich learning experience, he decided against the CUPE example where the President stood throughout Conference, but was quite taken with the SAMWU respect for their President, "Comrade Boss", and the fact that delegates did indeed sit down when they were told to.

He commented that in his travels through Europe, North America and Africa, it was evident that UNISON was held in very high esteem - and that was thanks to all involved in international work. The success in fighting the BNP at this year's election, could not go without a mention, and Gerry congratulated the hard work of UNISON activists along with Searchlight, Hope not Hate and Unite against Fascism.

Gerry warned that the BNP, and the Scottish and Welsh Defence Leagues would not go away so we could not afford to be complacent and would need to continue the good work and to illustrate how Public Services were indeed dependent upon the valuable contribution of migrant workers.

Green Workplace has a number of projects underway, and Gerry emphasised that it was important that UNISON had green issues as an integral part of its work. With this week being National Carer's Week, Gerry highlighted the growing number of carers, with 6m carers in the UK and 2m new carers each year, many trying to juggle their care responsibilities with their jobs; and the work that UNISON does to help these members and campaigning for better policies.

Looking to the future, Gerry will always have his trade union values at the heart of everything he does and will still be behind UNISON and the problems that our members face. "We need to organise and recruit like never before to improve our ability to fight on all fronts, to boost our density, to maximise our organisational skills, and to ensure that UNISON remains the first port for call for those members in need."

Not A Silent Witness

The President's Campaign Gerry has seen first hand the devastating effect of domestic abuse, having spent 36 years working for the police service. He explained at least one in four of us will experience domestic abuse at some stage in our lives and that it accounts for approximately a quarter of all reported violent crime. There are two deaths a week in the UK related to domestic abuse.

Many members are directly affected by domestic abuse, and many others are affected indirectly having to deal with the effects on their colleagues, friend and families. Gerry is proud of the work that UNISON does campaigning against this crime and for the support that is already available through the UNISON Welfare domestic abuse helpline. But we can and should do more.

Not A Silent Witness will offer in the short term respite breaks at Croyde Bay. In the longer term, it will provide training for activists to recognise the signs and to be able to help members affected. To support the survivors of domestic abuse, send your cheques made payable to UNISON Welfare to: President's campaign, UNISON Welfare, 1 Mabledon Place, London WC1H 9AJ or donate online at www.justgiving.com/president2009.

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