- Conference
- 2023 National Delegate Conference
- Date
- 10 February 2023
- Decision
- Carried
Conference notes that we are in a cost of living crisis with inflation and energy prices soaring, outstripping pay deals in every sector.
The increases in interest rates and the impact on mortgages, and therefore also private renting, as a result of the Truss government’s failed economic policies have only heightened pressures on households.
In 2022 we are seeing many public sector workers, not just those on low income, facing the very real reality of having to decide between food or heating, missing meals to feed or cloth their children or relying on food banks or pay day loans.
Conference notes that the impact of the crisis is impacting all workers but is disproportionately impacting those that already face disadvantage, including our women, Black, Disabled, LGBT+ and young members.
Conference notes the union’s cost of living campaign ‘Together We Rise’ and the London Region’s campaign ‘Better off in UNISON’ which aims to put the cost of living crisis at the heart of all of our work for 2023.
UNISON must continue to fight for a properly funded public sector that puts workers at the heart of it and highlight the mounting financial pressure faced by public sector workers.
Conference calls on the National Executive Council to:
1)Continue to develop and promote cost of living campaigns as a key priority;
2)Collate information and good practice on successful bargaining initiatives around the cost of living such as one off cost of living allowance, increased mileage rates and subsidised hot drinks/meals;
3)Produce information and training for branches, such as those in the community and voluntary sector, that negotiate pay locally on how to submit and win above inflation pay claims;
4)Ensure training and support is available for all Branch Welfare Officers on their role and the range of welfare services the union provides;
5)Work with the Self-Organised Groups to continue to highlight the disproportionate impact on Women, Black, LGBT+, Disabled and Young members;
6)Produce a cost of living toolkit for branches and activists to include bargaining guides and services available from UNISON There For You.