Combatting Racism in Local Communities

This Conference believes that the civil disturbances that took place in a number of towns in the summer of 2001 are a result of the economic and political exclusion of the working class communities in those areas. The exclusion has been exacerbated by structural unemployment that has resulted form the demise off manufacturing, social deprivation […]

Accountability of Regional National Executive Council Members

This Conference confirms that regional National Executive Council members need to be fully involved in the activities of their regional councils in order to maintain lay democracy in UNISON. Whilst recognising that regional National Executive Council members are elected by, and accountable to, the wider electorate of UNISON members throughout their region, Conference nevertheless believes […]

Organising for Recognition Across the Public Services

Conference applauds the contribution made by branches, regions and service groups in organising and supporting members employed in the community and voluntary sector and by private companies. Conference notes that an increasing number of UNISON members work in these sectors and for other non-public sector employers providing public services. Often these members are not covered […]

Care for the Elderly

This Conference welcomes the statements made by the main political parties during the general election campaign and hopes that, in office, the Government will make evident its practical support for pensioners. However, Conference expresses its grave concern that the Government continues to refuse to implement the central recommendation of the Royal Commission on Long Term […]

Public Services

The future health of our public services is at a critical point, with a government committed to improving them after years of under investment, but increasingly choosing the private sector, not existing staff, as the solution to problems. Conference deplores the fact that the Government has responded to the need for better services by creating […]

Discrimination in Pension Schemes

This Conference welcomes the support of employers’ bodies for amendments to the Local Government Pension Scheme to the purpose of removing/amending those regulations which discriminate against non-married partners including same sex. Conference notes this matter now lies with the Government and that they have failed to progress the necessary changes to date as they are […]

Rule G.4.1.1 Branch Officers

After “International Officer” insert “Membership Officer”

Counselling Service for Lay Members

Exploratory work has been undertaken to meet the requirements of Motion 162 from National Delegate Conference 2001. This has involved a review of research into the causes of stress and consultation with regions and activists on the effects on those lay members dealing with stressful situations arising from their trade union duties. Conference notes that […]

Putting the Member at the Centre of UNISON

Conference welcomes the priority given to improving member participation and particularly that this has been agreed as a key objective for the union. Improving membership participation is vital to ensuring that UNISON remains a member-led Union. However, it is with concern that Conference notes the loss of activists at local level and the increasing age […]

Anti-Terrorism Legislation

Conference recognises the distress and horror felt across the world at the terrorist attacks in September 2001. Conference appreciates that the UK Government is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of our citizens, and is entitled to pass appropriate legislation, but tough legislation must always be balanced by appropriate safeguards to protect civil liberties. […]

Chhokar Family Justice Campaign

This Conference is concerned that, since Surjit Singh Chhokar was murdered in November 1998, no-one has been convicted of his murder, despite two trials at which it was demonstrated beyond all doubt that three men were either present, or attacked Surjit Singh Chhokar when he was battered and then stabbed to death. Conference believes that […]

Positively Public – International Perspective

Conference affirms its opposition to the General Agreement on Trade and Services as agreed at last year’s Conference. Privatisation of public services and promotion of free trade is an international agenda promoted by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the interests of multi-national corporations and finance capital. UNISON’s Positively Public […]

United Campaign for the Repeal of Anti-Trade Union Laws

This Conference believes that the right to take effective industrial action in defence of decent wages and service conditions, and without the threat of dismissal, has been steadily eroded over the last two decades, and that recent changes to the law made by the Labour Government have done little to improve that situation. This Conference […]

Care for the Elderly

This Conference notes with concern the ever-increasing privatisation of elderly care, which has a disproportionate effect on women. This is as a direct result of the Government’s policy on funding a mixed economy, Best Value and the proposed new standards for residential establishments. All local councils are reducing the number of care beds they provide, […]

Equal Pay

Conference welcomes the decision to make the campaign for equal pay a top priority for UNISON this year. Surveys by UNISON and other organisations show that equal pay is a key concern to working women. Raising the profile of UNISON’s work on equal pay should encourage recruitment and retention of members. Conference notes that, as […]