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UNISON Conference 2009
16th -19th June - The Brighton Centre
http://www.unison.org.uk/conference2009
DAY 2
By Matthew Pink
Workplace Steward at Rustat House, Cambridge
Monday morning. Began
with a presentation from Professor John Benington. I thought this
was really helpful. Prof. Benington was able to present a really
wide-ranging discussion of a whole range of issues connected to
economics, social policy and the environment. Not possible here
to describe much of what he discussed but here's a few points. Firstly,
he was suggesting that the current economic crisis is not simply
a credit crunch but part of a massive revolution, akin to the end
of the Roman Empire. This is being caused by the meeting of a number
of problems and will result in a significant restructuring of society.
Prof.B said that current predictions are that oil will run out in
10 to 50 years time, and local authorities should be planning now
for how to deal with this. He ended by presenting a possible model
of a future society ordered around networks and partnerships. Good
stuff, look him up on Google and read more.
First motion of the day
was Emergency Motion 2, generated by concern around exploitation
of support staff in schools following the policy of 'rarely cover'
for teaching staff. Lots of concern that support staff are being
pressurised to cover for teaching staff. Motion called for renegotiation
of advice and guidance from WAMG, to which UNISON is a signatory
and contributor. I was slightly puzzled by the Service Groups support
for this motion since I presumed they had been part of the negotiation
to produce the advice - but this was not the only thing conference
left me wondering about. This debate had a lot of speakers supporting
the motion 'with qualifications'. Not a notion I'm very familiar
with but it seems like a popular method at conference. (Some speeches
in support of motions 'with qualifications' sounded more like speeches
against to me!). Anyway, motion carried (I voted for).
The debate on Composite
C was pretty interesting and lively. The motion called on branches
to prioritise recruitment and for the LGSG to support this. Not
the most controversial issue, but a proposed amendment to add a
sentence including a point that 'one well built strike is more important
for recruitment than propaganda' caused all sorts of debate. Those
for drew on recent examples like the RMT tube strike which had the
effect of enthusing members. Those against argued that the amendment
was a distraction and strikes should not be a recruitment tool and
challenged the idea that strikes increased recruitment. There was
a lot of feeling in this debate - I wondered if some of it came
from some people's dissatisfaction with recent UNISON strike action,
but I might be wrong. The amendment was carried in the end (I voted
against) and the main motion itself was also carried (I voted for).
Dave Prentis addressed
the conference in what was a preview of his speech to national conference,
but without the interesting bits to do with Labour Link. I'll say
no more as that will be reported by someone else!
Motion 14 followed, calling
for a Human Rights approach to equality issues. This issue came
up a number of times at conference and will be worth thinking about
in the branch - the need to use Human Rights legislation to deal
with issues of bullying, equal treatment etc, and the need to look
at training on this. This debate included a stirring speech from
Doncaster Branch describing the new Doncaster Mayor's attack on
their Gay Pride event and withdrawal of funding for it. Doncaster
Branch have committed to replacing any funds withdrawn by the Mayor.
Motion carried (I voted for).
Immediately after lunch
we had a 'Personalisation Panel', a 'Question Time' style piece
with four expert panel members who gave short presentations followed
by questions and answers on the personalisation agenda in social
care. All very interesting, but since following the panel we debated
similar issues in Motion 13 I think I would have preferred to get
on with conference business.
Composite A was a monstrously
long motion entitled 'Growing Crisis in Social Work'. Happily the
title says it all and I don't need to describe the detail. In general
the motion called for a campaign for better pay and conditions for
social workers, a review of the inspection processes, everything
in UNISON's 10 point plan, and joint work with BASW and SWAN. Most
of the debate however was about the need for a 1 day social care
conference this year. Strong speeches in favour of this and motion
carried so watch out for the conference.
That's about it. There
were a number of other motions but I've just described the ones
I found most interesting. Overall attending conference is an experience
I'd recommend to anyone - just take a cushion as there's lots of
sitting down!
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