A quick report back on my first meeting of this regional lay committee. It took place on Monday at the Chancellors Room, Hughes Parry Hall, London WC1. Just around the corner from UNISON national HQ at Mabledon Place. I had been elected as a delegate from the London Regional Committee.I had been meaning to stand as a member of this committee for a while since I thought that it made sense since it compliments the work I am trying to do for the UNISON Capital stewardship programme (with member nominated representatives on funded pension schemes).
In fact several years ago this committee with help from the campaigning charity Oxfam helped kick off the “London UNISON Pension Network” (now London Capital Stewardship Forum) which I convene (next meeting to be confirmed but probably before the CWU meeting on 8 July) .
This was also the AGM, but there was a slight hick up since the previous secretary to the committee had retired and no-one could find a constitution. So national rules and guidance was adopted.
Ruby Cox from Tower Hamlets (Local Gov. Branch) was re-elected unopposed as Chair. There was an election for vice chair, which was comfortably won (hard luck this time to Jackie) by Ray Mouratsing (Health Committee).
The first real item was to register committee members “interests” in the topics/areas that the committee were concerned about (or to suggest new areas). This was a pretty vast field since we all had particular areas of interest. It was based on affiliation and budget headings agreed by the previous committee. I “expressed interest” (in being involved and informed) on Europe; Southern Africa (Zimbabwe); Iraq; Bangladesh; Trade/TU human rights/Core Labour standards; Burma and Cuba Solidarity.
A major item of business was the Greater London appeal to raise funds to rebuild the Havana (Cuba) City’s Ambulance Control Room. The campaign is to raise £50k. So far it is one of the regions most successful appeals. About £40k had been raised. Contributions from UNISON branches range from £25 to £6,000. This appeal has also been adopted by those who wish to remember former Unison activist and official, John Kelly-Chandler.
Next, was a depressing but topical debate on the decision by the new Nicaragua Sandinistas government (unbelievable) decision to support the law introduced by the previous conservative government that that all abortions are illegal. Regardless of the fact that they may have been necessary to save the life of the mother. Only 3 countries in the world adopt such a repressive policy.
Members of the committee were rightly absolutely furious at this decision. I think that it is fair to say that international support for progressive politics in Nicaragua has been dealt a really serious blow. Unless this measure is appealed then I think that Nicaragua will become a pariah state. Quite right too.
I had to go before the end of the meeting but listened to Nick Crook (UNISON International Officer) who gave a presentation which was a pretty convincing argument on the benefits to the union. from internationalism. Not only do we believe in solidarity but for example by promoting quality public services in the developing world and defending trade union rights we are actually also reinforcing the case for such services and rights in Britain.
