UNISON Conference throws out Pension Strike Call

80% of "rank and file" UNISON local government delegates reject call to ballot for strike action over changes to our pension scheme.

This afternoon in Alexander Palace (aka "Ally Pally"), London there was a special conference of UNISON Local Government members. At the conference there was a choice between:

Composite A motion moved by our elected lay leadership "supporting" the current package of proposals regarding our pension, asking for negotiations to continue, then for there to be a consultative ballot of all members. This ballot would ask members if they accept the proposals or if they will support "substantial and escalating industrial action". or

Composite C motion rejecting the current package of proposals and calling for a ballot for an "escalating programme of national strike action to begin asap" and for UNISON to publically support a "yes" vote to this call for strikes.

To be blunt -A: No Strike or C: Strike.

(There were also important business regarding equalities in the LGPS which was less controversial)

I was a local government lay delegate but I was unable to express my view (and I "think", of the overwhelming vast majority of my members) at the conference since our delegation was "mandated" (see previous posts) to vote for an immediate strike ballot and the recommendation for strike action (I am contesting the validity of this).

However, I thought that the debate at times was pretty good. Both sides were able to field speakers who eloquently expressed both sides of the argument. However, it was also at times very bad tempered.

Delegates no doubt felt very passionate about this issue. However, I did think that the speakers in favour of strike action concentrated their arguments on criticising the way the campaign had been fought so far (which is a fair comment I suppose - but wrong) rather than commenting on where we are now and what are our realistic options for the future. I must also admit that when Paul Holmes of Kirklees branch, (normally a sensible speaker), told the conference that we should go on strike, because in March 28th last year, during our last "one day" strike the "Government was on its knees" ?????? that things have got out of hand. March 28th was very successful, but in no way was the Government threatened in that way and it is madness to suggest otherwise.

Eventually (after who knows how many speakers -for and against) there was a card vote where a clear majority of delegates voted to support the current package of proposals. I estimated it at 80:20 in favour. Paul Holmes later said he reckoned it was (2:1) 66% in favour and conceded that a card vote would have been even more against his argument since most large branches were in favour of the deal on offer.

One "sour" point (tigmoo). Despite this conference being overall positive (but expensive), I was very "concerned" at the behaviour of some of the delegates in my own London region. Please note that the vast majority of these delegates behaved in an exemplary manner. However, out of 60 odd London delegates there were about 2 or 3 who were continually abusive towards speakers who were against strike action. I apologise to other delegates from other regions who were disturbed by this behaviour. I don't just mean occasional expressions of frustration, moans or groans against the other side "speakers". There was constant and sustained (not shouting) personally abusive and demeaning remarks against nearly every single such speaker by this group. They did not even attack the "politics" of the person. Instead they were about the persons size or weight, that they were personally all corrupt, liars, stupid, thick etc etc. I repeat this not someone losing their temper, it was continual abuse and I believe deliberate abuse to intimidate delegates from speaking against the call for strikes. This is not acceptable. The vast majority of London delegates nearby were I think ashamed by this group and hopefully this incident illustrates why we need change in London region. For ..... sake we are suppose to be trade unionists who are against bullying!

I'll finish on more positive topics such as a pic of Jon Rogers (Far Left: Lambeth) with his "head in his hands" after the result of the vote (nuff said") and then long standing Kingston Branch Secretary, Alex Yap (Middle) and then (Right as in "always" not in "wing") Tower Hamlets Assistant Branch Secretary (Manual) Rita Ash.