Fair Representation in Conference Delegations

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Conference
2003 National Delegate Conference
Date
20 February 2003
Decision
Remitted

Conference notes that this is the third year in which the National Executive Council exercising its powers under Rule D.1.3 has required that:

1)branches with three or more conference delegates send at least one low paid delegate and that

2)branches with four or more conference delegates send at least one young delegate.

Conference applauds the intention of the National Executive Council to apply the principle of fair representation, as defined in UNISON’s rules, to the scheme of representation of branches at National Delegate Conference. However, Conference also notes that the application of fair representation to the composition of a delegation is more complex than the application of proportionality.

The concept of fair representation addresses multiple dimensions of the diversity of UNISON’s membership. The significance of each of these dimensions of diversity is variable between UNISON branches. However, the current scheme of representation of branches at National Delegate Conference addresses only two of the dimensions of fair representation, and does so for all branches with at least 2,000 members, on a one size fits all basis. Conference believes that a more flexible approach, which took account of both the multiple dimensions of the diversity of our membership and the variable profile of the membership between branches would be closer to the spirit and intent of the rule book.

Conference therefore instructs the National Executive Council, in consultation with regions, self-organised groups and the Young Members’ Forum, to review the scheme of representation of branches from Conference 2004 onwards with a view to a more flexible approach which would enable branches, with the approval of regional committees, to identify the dimensions of fair representation which they should prioritise when electing third and fourth delegates to National Delegate Conference.