EXITING THE EU – GIVING RETIRED MEMBERS A VOICE

Back to all Motions

Conference
2016 National Retired Members Conference
Date
30 September 2016
Decision
Carried

On 23 June 2016 the “leave” result of the European Referendum was announced.

Conference notes that it is expected that the two year process of withdrawal from the EU will be painstakingly negotiated between the UK government and the EU. Currently very little content of the government’s negotiation strategy or timetable has been revealed or consulted upon.

Retired members have numerous concerns relating to the Brexit talks, including the need to protect the public services which so many older people depend on. Also, restrictions on freedom of movement could affect the recruitment of workers in social care.

Conference believes that it is critical that UNISON plays a part in both the UK – EU negotiations and in all relevant devolved EU matters in national assemblies and therefore welcomes the formation of the UNISON Exiting the EU Strategic Campaign Group. The aim of the Campaign Group is to enable the union to take a more strategic approach towards its role in influencing the government’s Exiting the EU negotiations and maximising the benefits for members and public services.

However, Conference believes that the views of all UNISON members including retired members must be considered by the Campaign Group.

Conference therefore calls on the National Retired Members’ Committee to liaise with UNISON’s NEC to provide for input by retired members into the development of the strategy and work of the UNISON Exiting the EU Strategic Campaign Group.