The NEC understands the Conference decisions contained in Motions 9, 10 and 11 presents serious issues which must be addressed. National Delegate Conference is the sovereign body of our union and as such its decisions must be respected.
There is though no provision in the Rule book to deal with the consequences of a vote of no confidence as passed in Motion 11.
The NEC believes that any reaction to Motion 11 taken during conference week must consider what is in the best interests of all our members.
We accept and agree the sovereignty of conference as the ultimate decision maker.
Conference, this week you have passed a number of motions calling on your NEC to deliver on your vitally important priorities. This NEC intends to do that and we need a functioning NEC for this. But we have listened. We have listened to the deep concerns about fair representation and have already begun to take action in response to concerns about equalities and proportionality on the NEC.
The NEC accepts serious mistakes have been made. We apologise to Conference.
The NEC reaffirms the need to work across UNISON’s structures, regions, self organised groups, service groups, young members, retired members, and branches.
The NEC needs time to reflect further on the motions passed and consider the correct response at its next meeting in July. But in response to the concerns raised by conference, we do commit to hold an urgent, full review of NEC practices and ensure a significant increase of a more representative make up of NEC elected roles such as committee chairs and vice chairs and other NEC elected roles.
This statement is an initial response, and other work will be developed in the weeks ahead. This will be considered in full at the next scheduled meeting of the NEC on 19 July (a meeting scheduled in addition to the usual cycle of NEC meetings) or earlier if it can be organised.
The NEC fully understands and accepts the role of our General Secretary, Christina McAnea, as set out in our Rule book, and is committed to working in partnership with her, to assess the whole of this conference week and all of its Motions and Rule Amendments passed.
The NEC remains committed to tackling the key issues for our members in the coming period:
- Cost of living crisis
- Pay, terms & conditions
- Defence of our public services
- Fairness and equality at work and in society
- Democracy and accountability in our union
These priorities are what our members need and deserve. We are tasked with delivering on them and we will be judged by members accordingly.
The NEC commits to using UNISON channels of communication to keep all members regularly updated on the actions we take.
We hope that this statement made in good faith demonstrates a commitment to address the issues raised.