Conference acknowledges the importance of well sourced pension schemes that provide reasonable returns so that members can live with dignity after retirement. Conference acknowledges the value of legislative changes that allow trade union representation on pension boards as a positive step. Conference recognises that the threat of global warming to our environment and to the […]
Conference motions
Jeremy Corbyn has inspired millions with his election campaign, and the fruit of that work was seen in the stunning election result which has stripped the Tories of any legitimacy to continue in government. It is a result that represents a massive rejection of austerity. Conference adds its congratulations to Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell […]
Conference notes the Conservative Government’s plans for Brexit which represent a significant risk for working people in the UK. The EU has played a key role in protecting workers from exploitation, inequality, hazards and discrimination, and in promoting good employment practices. The referendum result does make Brexit a reality and that democratic decision must be […]
Conference notes that across the UK there are a number of current initiatives seeking to bring about the integration or transformation of health and care services. The Welsh Government continues to recognise this agenda as being of national strategic importance. These include, but are not limited to, the Five Year Forward View and Sustainability and […]
This Community conference notes:- That a number of UK Housing Associations and Charities do not recognise trade unions for collective bargaining. Some of these employers are union busters and have de-recognised trade unions, attacked union representatives and blacklisted union and safety activists. The UN Charter of Human Rights, as well as International Labour Organisation (ILO) […]
Conference notes that increasing cuts to local authority budgets and dwindling funding sources has led to contracts and retenders becoming increasingly competitive. More and more often the community sector has to compete with private companies. Contracts and future funding are being cut to the bone but the work required is being increased and the demand […]
Conference notes that workplaces in the Community sector are wide and varied ranging from national charities with thousands of workers to small organisations with a handful of staff. UNISON’s organisation within the Community sector is similarly varied with members being attached to national branches, dedicated community and voluntary sector branches, housing association branches. In some […]
Over the past few years the Fragmentation of the Community and Voluntary Sector has seen the decline of a number of community and voluntary organisations. This has resulted in the loss of staff and job roles leaving a void within the sector, where resources are diminishing. Speaking at the 2016 community service group conference in […]
This Conference notes that the Black members caucus meeting at the Community Service Group Conference is the only opportunity for Black members in the Community Sector to come together to discuss their issues. The caucus meeting have been used to identify potential motions for future Conferences as well as look at workplace and Branch issues. […]
The National Black Member’s Committee welcomes the data it received from the UNISON RMS membership database in 2012. The data shows that there are fewer than average Black activists, but more white activists. The categories for Caribbean, African, Asian, Indian (UK other) needs to be updated and used to encourage Black members to become more […]
Conference notes the report “Staying Alive: The Impact of Austerity Cuts on the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Voluntary and Community Sector in England and Wales 2014, a report commissioned by the Trade Union Congress (TUC) which identified that reductions in funding from the public sector mean that LGBT community organisations are having to […]
Conference notes that while the community sector is expanding rapidly, it is under unprecedented pressure, with workers expected to meet ever growing and more complex needs with decreasing resources. This is well-illustrated by the August 2016 report by the Consortium of LGBT voluntary and community organisations. 86% of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community […]
Conference notes that in his 2015 Budget announcement the then Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, announced that the establishment of a “National Living Wage” for workers over the age of 25. The rate for this wage was established at £7.20 an hour from April 2016, rising to £9 an hour by 2020. Conference disputes […]
Conference believes it is fundamentally wrong that some workers in the charity sector, and other sectors covered by the Community Service Group, who are exposed to violent situations in the course of their work, sustaining injuries are then suffering doubly because their employer fail to pay sick pay, or pay inadequate statutory sick pay. The […]
Conference welcomes the national campaign Save Our Services and the national day of action which took place on November 16th 2016, which highlighted the need to retain Social Care services in-house and to encourage providers to adopt UNISON’s Ethical Care Charter. Conference notes that the North West Region in partnership initially with 35 branches across […]