CONFERENCE VENUES

Conference notes that the present policy for venues is to have alternating venue in the North and South of the country. Conference considers, however, that this policy means that excellent venues in Central England are being overlooked in places as diverse as Birmingham, Derby, Gloucester, Nottingham and Oxford. Conference believes that venues in Central England […]

IMPROVING PROMOTION OF RETIRED MEMBERS’ ISSUES/CAMPAIGNS WITHIN UNISON

Conference whilst accepting UNISON needs to prioritise working members’ issues, regrets the minimal support given to retired members in UNISON publications as well as the failure of some branches to maximise the potential of their retired members. Conference instructs the National Retired Members’ Committee and calls on the National Executive Council to urgently address these […]

CHIROPODY

This conference calls upon the National Retired Members’ Committee and the National Executive Council to make representations to government on behalf of pensioners protesting against a reduction in the chiropody service through the closure of chiropody clinics.

SINGLE SEX WARDS

It has been more than ten years since we were promised that all hospital wards would be ‘single sex’. We are now advised that this will now not be possible and that hospitals will be encouraged to work towards providing ‘single bays’ We recognise that whilst everyone is concerned by this decision we consider that […]

Gun and Knife Crime

This Conference notes with concern that gang culture is widespread amongst some young people within some parts of the UK. Increasingly, young people are joining gangs, often carrying imitation or real firearms and knives, both for protection and as part of their image. Conference believes that the devastating consequences of gun and knife crime across […]

Defending and Promoting Multiculturalism

Conference notes that recent months have seen sections of the media and politicians attempt to discredit multiculturalism by holding it responsible for various social problems. Conference condemns in particular statements made by government ministers and media coverage designed to create a climate of Islamophobic hysteria and isolate, demonise and even criminalise Islamic religious practices, choice […]

Palestine

Conference welcomes the fact that UNISON has adopted comprehensive policy on Palestine at successive national delegate conferences in 2005, 2006 and 2007. Conference notes that 2007 marked the fortieth anniversary of the illegal Israeli occupation of the West Bank, Gaza, East Jerusalem and the Golan Heights. 2008 marks the sixtieth anniversary of the “Nakba” which […]

Basic State Pension

Conference notes the Government’s eventual recognition that the pensions-earnings link should be restored and that employers should no longer be able to evade taking some responsibility for their employees pensions. Conference does not, however, accept the Government’s proposals that: 1)the link will not be restored before 2012; 2)even then, restoration will only occur “subject to […]

Home Care Services

Conference notes: 1)composite E passed at 2007 National Delegate Conference of UNISON, regarding Home Care; 2)that despite the sentiments of this motion, the Employers and Government have accelerated the drive to privatise and destroy publicly provided health and social care services; 3)this has led to the undermining of conditions and pay for a predominately (and […]

Public Services

Conference welcomes the Make Public Services Count campaign in response to the Government’s continued reform agenda for public services. 1)the 2007 Comprehensive Spending Review means public bodies have to deliver at least 3% year on year efficiency savings; 2)the Government’s financial settlement for local government means many Councils will face major cuts over the next […]

Bill of Rights

This conference notes the proposal for the Prime Minister to bring forward a Bill of Rights for Great Britain. Conference expresses concern at Government hostility to the inclusion of socio-economic rights in such a Bill. Conference further notes that work has been underway in Northern Ireland to produce a Bill of Rights – including socio-economic […]

Rule P 11.2: Motions and Amendments not on the Agenda

Rule P.11 Add a new rule: ‘P11.3 For Service Group Conferences, the Service Group Regional Committee may submit ‘Emergency Motions’ in writing, signed by the Secretary and Chairperson and sent to the Standing Orders Committee at least five working days before the commencement of the Conference, except if it relates to events which take place […]

Rule D 3.5.8 Service Group Executive

Rule D3.5.8 Add new rule D.3.5.8 ‘No member who holds a seat on the National Executive Council as a service group representative under Rule D2.3 can hold any other seat on a service group executive at the same time.’ Renumber rest of Rule D3.5

Challenging Inequality – Enforcing Employment and Trade Union Rights

Conference notes the continuing advances in individual employment rights in the coming years but believes that there are three areas to prioritise in 2008 and 2009: the enforcement of employment rights, the collective rights of trade unions and the achievement of a single equality act. The legal right of agency workers to opt out of […]

Vulnerable Migrant Workers

Conference recognises that migration continues to be an important issue in all parts of the UK. Migrant workers make an essential contribution to the delivery of public services and to the overall economic wellbeing of the UK. Yet all too often this contribution is ignored and migrants are scapegoated for inadequate funding and provision of […]