Securing the Legacy of the Year of Black Workers in Water, Environment and Transport Service

This conference notes that whilst 2023 is the Year of Black Workers, and its focus of ‘Establishing Legacy to Generate Change’, this year in and of itself is not the change we seek, it is merely the opportunity to generate change. Black Workers up and down our society often find themselves in low-paid, insecure work, […]

The Fat Cats are Still Smiling

Conference is only too aware of the ongoing mismanagement of water companies’ finances. Water companies need to be more transparent with how their organisations are being financed. A number of large Water & Sewage Companies have been with the begging bowl to OFWAT, the Government’s Water Regulator, for help yet are still taking out millions […]

Fuel Poverty and the need for a social tariff

Over the last couple of years, we have seen how the continued impacts of the energy crisis have affected ourselves, our members, and the customers we serve. Low wages, below inflation pay rises, substandard housing, to name a few, have seen us all struggling to make ends meet. We all know fuel poverty is on […]

Time to Shine a light on Dark Practices.

Conference notes that due to ever increasing expectations on our members more and more work is done out of normal working hours and in some cases routine inspections on wastewater treatment works is becoming the norm in hours of darkness. Of particular concern to our members are those sites with inadequate lighting, security or access […]

Supporting our Disabled Members During Sickness Absence Meetings.

Conference is only too aware that having trained reps to support and guide our members during sickness meetings is essential in obtaining a good outcome. Conference will further acknowledge that supporting our disabled members requires a further detailed knowledge of the Equality act 2010. Some managers in the water industry may be competent with day-to-day […]

Managing Difficult Customers/members of the Public.

This energy conference notes that, In the past year we have experienced a cost of living crisis which has placed many energy customers in increasingly difficult circumstances. Fuel poverty is on the rise and many households are having to choose between eating or heating. It is making people more stressed and anxious and at times […]

Integrated Care Systems

This conference notes that the Government’s new Health and Care Act has introduced Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) into 42 areas of England, which became fully operational in July 2022. Under the Health and Care Act, the former Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) have been absorbed into the ICSs – specifically into their Boards (ICBs). Each ICB […]

Rule D – Structure of the union at national level

Conference wishes the following to be considered for one of the two motions and/or amendments to Rule to be submitted by the Retired Members’ Organisation to National Delegate Conference 2023 in accordance with Rule D.1.10.4.: Rule D – Structure of the union at national level In Rule D.2 – National Executive Council In D,2.1, insert […]

Amendments to SO 10.1

Amendments to SO 10.1 Delete the whole of the first sentence and replace with: “If, at the end of the Conference the business of conference has not been concluded, all outstanding motions and amendments shall stand referred to the National Retired Members’ Committee. The National Retired Members’ Committee in turn shall report back to the […]

Older People Shouldn’t Have to Choose Whether to Heat or Eat

Conference notes that the cost of living crisis is having a severe impact on our older population. Conference agrees that making difficult decisions whether to heat or eat is not what our older population should be doing in a life of retirement, after paying their taxes all their working life. Conference notes that, at the […]

Retired Members’ representation on the National Executive Council

Retired Members’ representation on the National Executive Council Conference notes that, although retired members account for approximately 10% of UNISON membership, the only opportunity they have to vote for positions outside of the Retired Members’ Organisation is in the election of the General Secretary. Conference notes there is currently no provision in the UNISON Rulebook […]

We may be gone, but don’t let us be forgotten – U magazine, Lack of coverage of Retired Member Issues

Conference notes with disappointment the general lack of recognition for retired members and their issues in the national U magazine. Conference calls on the National Retired Members Committee to make representation within the wider union organisation to secure an improvement in this sorry situation.

New Amendment – 12

Add a new standing order as follows: Add a new standing order as follows: 12. AMENDMENT OF STANDING ORDERS 12.1 These standing orders may be amended by a resolution passed at a retired members’ conference by a two-thirds majority of those delegates voting in favour or, in the case of a card vote, at least […]

Public Transpot

Public Transport Many retired members rely on public transport for their day to day living, such as hospital and doctors appointments, shopping, visiting relatives and friends, attending social groups that may help with isolation and loneliness. However, recently retired members have seen a cut in bus services and less frequent services. This can mean they […]

Retired Members at Self-Organised Group Conferences – Six Years On

Conference recalls the resolution of the 2016 Retired Members’ Conference, motion 35 as amended, “Retired Members at Self-Organised Group Conferences” which instructed the National Retired Members’ Committee (NRMC) to: “seek the views of retired women members, retired Black members, retired disabled members and retired lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender members and, subject to gaining their […]