Fab guest post by top Branch activists Mitsy Harmon-Russell & Doreen Davies.
Monday
Unison
National Delegate Conferenced (NDC) started on the 19th June, 2017 delegates
were allowed to check into their accommodation from 15:00. Our Greater London Housing Association branch representatives
were Doreen Davis, Lola Oyewusi, Mary Abu and Mitsy Harmon-Russell. John Gray
was also present as National Executive Committee representative. Due to work
commitment delegates arrived in Brighton after 17:00. The first item on the
agenda was the Greater London region meeting was held at the Holiday inn from
18:00 hrs. This meeting provided
delegates the opportunity to meet with other delegates from the region and for
the regional reps to be identified. These were Yvonne Green, the regional
convenor, of Greater London and Mandy Berger. They welcomed delegates to
conference and Brighton. Help and support were offered to any individual
throughout the conference especially to new delegates.
Tuesday
NDC
officially began with delegates being welcomed to conference, this was followed
by housekeeping – no fire alarm due etc. Next was tribute in remembrance to all
those UNISON members who had lost their lives within 2016/ 2017 – a slide show
was presented to conference with their names. This included Eric Roberts,
President former Branch Secretary of the London Ambulance Branch and a friend
to many in UNISON.
The chair reminded conference that the collection for his
charity, Mind the Blue Light Programme was still continuing and encouraged individuals
to support it. This charity helps men and women working in the emergency
service with mental health problems, helping workers stay well for work. Additionally it was announcement that T
shirts in remembrance of Eric were on sale at the cost of £10.00 each. Conference
delegates were encouraged to visit the stand and purchase these in support of
his charity.
Yvonne Green, Regional Convenor informed all in the "London
Calling" regional newsletter how Eric would ‘have been chairing our conference with a smile, joke
and great professionalism’.
There were no words in hearing the pain and
suffering of those who lost their lives in the Manchester arcana, London
Bridge/Borough Market and the tragedy of the Grenfell Tower furnace and the
Finsbury Park attack. Thoughts and prayers to all those affected, with mention of how the bravery of the
emergency services, public services and
local community worked together and supported many victims and their
families.
Sending a message of solidarity
to all, where branches and regions were encouraged to consider making donations
to the Grenfell Tower "just giving"
appeal
– there was a minute’s silence.
This was followed by the First and Second Report of
Standing orders committee (SOC) being presented to delegates. Three branches
asked for their motion to be returned to the SOC as they wanted it to be
returned to the agenda. Delegates voted with these branches for the motions to
be reconsidered.
The Annual Report of Unison Accounts which focused: Developing
an organising branch, Organising and growing our membership in private
contractors etc., was them put forward to conference and individuals were able
to ask questions which were answers before being accepted. As a result of this the first day seemed to
go slowly only allowing a few motions on the agenda to be debated.
The first Motion 18 ‘Stepping up the campaign against
bullying and harassment’ had many supporters who shared their horrific stories
of how many workers on low pay were facing harassment and bullying.
Additionally the successful cases won by the help of UNISON have prevented unscrupulous
Managers getting away with such behaviour. Discussion was then started on the
remaining order of business which was Motion 20 and it first amendment before
breaking for lunch.
Afternoon session started with the continuation of debate
on Motion 20 Amendment 20.2 ‘Tackling Work Poverty’ hearing the horrific
stories of how delegates and members are struggling to pay rents and using food
banks to eat.
The second discussion was on Motion 55 ‘UNISON and the WASPI
campaign’ was shocking leaving Doreen interested in attending the Fringe
Meeting on Thursday. SOC report 3 was
given verbally to conference.
The first speaker to conference was Dave Prentis, General Secretary
who paid tribute to Eric Roberts reporting on the work Eric had done for UNISON
and how he was missed encouraging others to fight for what is right in
life. Dave thanked everyone who
played their part in campaigning for the Labour Party, helping shift the debate
onto public services. Dave also stated he was proud the part UNISON made on working closely with the Labour
government, stating that this work has helped many Labour MP’s be elected. He promised that UNISON will continue
to support the Labour government to be in power and stand up for the public
services of this country and how he would continue to fight the Tories and support UNISON
members who are suffering under the hands of the Conservative Party, who Doreen
call the CON party, Conned Liberals and will CON the DUP in their coalition,
with Teresa Mayhem.
It
was announced that the Crisis in the Health and Social care would be composited
followed by the remaining Order of Business. At the end of this session our
delegates attended the first Black members’ caucus meeting which was hosted by
Kim Johnson National vice chair of Black members, Tania McGee national rep and
supported by Margaret Greer and Unison staff. The second was held on Thursday
during lunch time.
Wednesday
Conference began with housekeeping (fire notices etc.). SOC
Report 4 was then discussed. This includes the report that 21Emergency Motions had
been submitted, of which 9 were accepted. The questions and answers session
followed, with responses and voting as questions on the Same Emergency Motions
which were not accepted. This was followed by votes, this meant the Order of
Business for the day contained more discussion on bring motions back to the
list which had not been accepted.
Conference started with the Young Members Awards being
awarded by Carol Sewell, Senior Vice President, followed with a short film
showing the works and support of the Young Members, delegates stood in UNISON
for the young Members. Our Scottish
young members won this year’s UNISON young members award, they also won the TUC
campaign award. Their work focused on
bullying and harassment of young workers.
Discussion on motion commenced with
motion 103 ‘Activity-Based Budgeting, motion 1 ‘Developing An Organising
Branch’, motion 2 ‘Organising and growing our membership and private
contractors then motion 3, ‘An Organising Strategy for the Social Care
Workforce’.
Our delegate Lola
and her daughter Funmi spoke on both motion 2 and 3. Fummi spoke about the
challenges facing her sector’s workers and how she had to work three jobs on a
zero hour’s contract. She spoke with
confidence, as a first time delegate and first speaker; the floor clapped and
stood up for what she stood for her fight and commitment to UNISON.
At the start of the afternoon session an oral SOC report 5
was given. Conference then returned to motions discussion with Motion 30 ‘Getting
the public on our side – public services campaigning’ and it’s amendment was
the first on the list. There were not many opportunities for speaking and
sharing stories because many got up to ask that ‘The question be put’. However those who spoke talked about the
General Election achievements of Jeremy Corbyn on 8 June, with 45 seats being gained
in 4 Tory strong areas including Kensington.
Mention of Brighton Green Party Caroline Lucas held Brighton Pavilion
and Lloyd Russell-Moyle won Brighton Kempton from the Tories with a majority of
more than 10,000. Additionally that the
Tory government were being forced into a doing a deal with DUP at any cost –
let us see what the future brings!!
Motions on the remaining order of business continued with
motion 87 ‘Challenging Racism and Xenophobia’ and the 2 amendments being
discussed and voted. Motion 87 and the first amendment past whilst the second
amendment fell. Other motion debated were motion 86 ‘Race Inequality in the
workplace’ where pieces of the MacGragor Smith report was given and delegates
voted to accept. Only two other motions were debated motion 19 ‘Tackling
stress’ which also informed conference about the upcoming workshop on Stress in
November – Birmingham and encourage participation, and motion 17 ‘Dying to work
campaign’.
The day seemed long but and not many motions or stories
went through, however , Hazel Satenay,
Treasurer, Labour Link/Asset Branch Secretary Brent UNISON talked about how she received a whatsapp
message and video at 2.38 am about the Glenfell Tower and how she and her
daughter volunteered to help. She describes
her feelings on what she saw of the burnt out building and heard a choir
singing in the background near Latimer Community Centre, which was very
touching. Both Hazel and her daughter
were packing food and items until 11.30 pm with no idea of where it was going
or nobody giving her support or guidance.
She saw people writing on the memorial wall – Hazel finished by stating
she prays that she never experiences another disaster such as this.
London
delegates, friends and family all meet at the Weatherspoon at the end of the
days’ session to continue discussion whilst having dinner. We met other delegates from other regions and
were invited for a beach party but tiredness prevailed and this was refused –
too much work.
Thursday
Conference
started with the normal housekeeping (Turning off or silencing of phone etc.),
SOC Report 6 was given followed by the second speaker to conference: Stephen
Lewis. He is the co-founder and
co-director of International advocacy organisation of AIDS Free World. He was formerly the UN Secretary General’s
special envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa and deputy executive director of UNICEF
and leader of the Ontario New Democratic Party. Stephen Lewis has been campaigning to
abolish and for others to recognise chid marriage as amongst the worst forms of
child labour. Stephen Lewis wants Child
Marriage to be highlighted as a harmful traditional practise and a crime. Stephen Lewis was given recognition from the
conference floor for all his support and work done on Child Marriage is Child
labour.
This
was followed by Motion 59 ‘Child Marriage and child Labour’. This motion was supported by all many speaking
on the issue including Lola and her daughter. There were tearful stories of
reality, one delegate cried as she shared how after her marriage break up, she
feared that her 6 year old daughter, who has she been threatened by the family
will be prepared for a marriage.
There was another woman, who stated that she
had a good childhood until her family tried to arrange a marriage at a young
age to one of her cousins. Another spoke
of how many women are forced at an early age of 13 to marry, some even younger
abroad.
The mood of the conference
turned with the Glenfell Tower and listening to how even in England, child
marriages were being arranged and should be seen as child labour. There were many tears on the conference
floor; this motion needs to be top on the political agenda.
Conference continued with discussion on
motion 61 ‘Working globally for LGBT rights’ which was supported and carried with
UNISON always included on the international agenda. Many stories about how many people had to
hide their identity at work, which not only affected their performance but also
their health. Listening on how many have
to suffer every day across the world, and many being attacked and hate they face. There were concerns raised around Theresa May
not supporting LGBT rights and who is attempting to deal with the DUP –
blocking same sex marriage in Northern Ireland. Support and the fight needs to continue with
the motion being passed for LGBT rights at home and abroad.
This was followed by a video with a message from Colombia –
Solidarity with Colombia of jailed Colombian trade union leader Hubar
Ballesteros and delegates taking part in an action calling for his
release. He was held in prison without
trail for three and half years. In 2015 UNISON
delegate to visit Huber at La Picata prison in Bogota. Huber will be speaking
at the TUC congress as a guest in September, released at the end of last year,
as part of the peace agreement between Columbian government and FARC guerrillas. The video showed his thanks.
The agenda returned to the remaining order or business and
the first motion was our Motion 36 ‘Why we need to build a new housing
consensus for affordable and decent homes for all’. This also had 4 amendments
that were supported and carried. The motion was amended, John spoke in support of
the motion on behalf of the head table and Mitsy from our branch. Lola and Doreen
were unable to speak because the question was put. Motion
42 ‘Media Portrayal
of Older people’ was also supported and carried.
The afternoon session was packed; verbal SOC Report 7 was
presented. Then conference continued with the commencement of changes to the Rules book,
with Rule C ‘Becoming a Member’, Rule M ‘Data Protection Act Policy’ and Rule D
‘Structure of the Union at National Level’ before returning to the debate on
motions which were supported and carried.
These included: Motion 84 ‘EU Exit –
Protecting the Northern Ireland Peace Process’ and its amendment with part of
the discussion being on the Good Friday agreement. Motion 74 ‘The Great repeal
Bill – Protecting Devolution’ with 2 amendment, then motion 73 ‘Exiting the EU
– A Fair Deal For Working and Public Services’ this motion had 5 amendments.
Composite F ‘EU Exit and Workers’ Rights’, and motion 75 ‘Immigration and the
effects of the EU Referendum and the Brexit Vote’.
Conference then returned to
the order of business only Composite B ‘Pensions and Climate change’ was
discussion before end of session
There were many fringe meetings: on Thursday: Fighting for
fair pensions for women, Equality in our time and Challenging racism in the
workplace and beyond. Our delegation split up and attended different meetings.
Doreen attended the WASPI caucus meeting which she reports “what
an eye opener - money women born in their 50’s cannot claim their pension until
they are 67 and it is estimated that those born in 60’s may be 70 years old – what an outrage". Their study revealed that only
52% women of compared to 60% men save for their retired pension and 23% are not
saving at all. To qualify for state
pension you need to be working for 10 years, the following applies:
October 2020 SPA will be 66 (DOB 5 April 1954)
April 2028 SPA will be 67 (DOB after 5 March 1961)
April 2046 SPA will be 68 (DOB after 5 March 1978
Gloria Mills, UNISON National Secretary, Equalities came to talk about the partnership work
around Communication and legislation on finding out how many women were
affected and ways to fight for fair transition to the new state pension
age. Gloria states that you can:
1: share a photo of you signing the pledge with UNISON
members on social media
2: Publish press release on website
3: Write to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
4; Table Parliamentary questions
5: Support an application for a backbench business debate
6: Get the word out about WASPI.
I was informed that Gloria’s presentation should be on the
WASPI’s website.”
Friday
Conference commenced with housing keeping, the SOC provided
their report 8 with the view that Motions 101 and 102 fell because Motion 103
was passed on Wednesday but was referenced back to SOC on Thursday. Debate
continues on motion 13 and 14 ‘Mental Health champions’. Mitsy spoken on motion
13 she stated that Black members were at a higher risk of developing mental
health issues however they did not report or waited until the late stage before
seeking help.
Everyone was waiting patiently for Jeremy Corbyn, we knew
he was in the building but could not get him to the auditorium – we were
informed there were so many delegates wanting to speak and get pictures with
him. Conference began to chant waiting
for his entry – when he entered all raised, shouted and clapped welcomingly.
Jeremy
spoke about how UNISON helped Labour and how he was going to work alongside and
with the issues around the concerns on health, housing, education, public
services and concentrate on young voters.
The results could only mean No 10 will be sooner than later “
Labour is
not merely an opposition, we are a government in waiting’ Tories OUT, Labour IN
despite Labour's stance on staying in Brexit but Labour had to work with what
the nation voted to do. Jeremy promised
to give back Unions thier powers which the Conservative want and have to dismantled.
Following Mr. Corbyn speech, Emergency composite 1 was
discussed, supported and carried. Conference returned to the remaining order of
business with debate and discussion on the remaining motions this included the
reprioritised motions. Most of the reprioritised motions had been submitted by
the self-organised committees. These included motion 5 ‘recruiting and
organising Black members in the fragmented workforce’ with the amendment,
motion 16 ‘Invisible or Non-Apparent Disabilities’, motion 85 ‘Standing together
for LGBT equality’ and motion 100 ‘Abortion rights (50th anniversary
of the 1967 Act)’ this motion had lively debate as an individual went forward
to speak against, however some of his comments caused issue with some people and
in the end was not able to complete his speech. The remaining motion were
unable to be discussed or debated and have been referred back to the head
table.
Before
closing conference thanks was given to Carol vice chair for the great job and
the junior vice chair had done filling in for Eric. Carol family was given and
flowers and presents as she was not going to be the next president. She thanked
conference, her family and members for their support during the year.
Conference was then closed and delegates returned home.
Report by branch delegate Doreen Davies and Mitsy
Harmon-Russell
