UNISON
We ’ ve achieved so much this past year … Let ’ s not lose that energy and momentum , let ’ s build on it .”
UNISON
Being a BAOT member means you also belong to UNISON and can access support and advice on workplace issues at any time
She also cited paid holiday for thousands of term-time workers , ‘ countless ’ successful insourcing campaigns , regrading for homecare workers and improvements to terms and conditions .
The General Secretary ’ s attacks on the Conservative Party government included its failure to provide a functioning care service and ‘ the scandal of so many care home residents dying needlessly of COVID-19 ’.
She noted UNISON ’ s launch during conference of its roadmap to a national care service , saying : ‘ One of our top priorities , our next task is to get a future Labour government to adopt it .’
Turning point
Commending the speakers in a debate on empowering low-paid women in UNISON , she said : ‘ These inspiring people are the real strength of our union .’
And on the Year of Black Workers in UNISON , she said : ‘ While it ’ s important to shine a light on key groups and issues , this is not just , “ do this for one year and move on ”. I don ’ t have lived experience of racism . But my job is to do everything possible to make space for our Black members to speak up for themselves . To make sure their voices are heard loud and clear .
‘ We will build a legacy – one that grows our Black activists and increases Black representation in our union ’ s democracy .’
Referring to the government ’ s continued attacks on trade unions , she commented : ‘[ They ] are looking nervously over their shoulder at us . And we know they are rattled by our movement ’ s recent show of strength , because they ’ ve brought in even more repressive anti-union legislation , legislation that would make the UK one of the most difficult places to strike in the democratic world .’
She added : ‘ But we remain strong and defiant .’
Ms McAnea reminded delegates that this could be the last conference before the next general election . ‘ This is our chance to shape the future ,’ she said . ‘ After all we ’ ve been through – COVID-19 , the cost of living crisis – this feels like a turning point for us .
‘ In the past two years , our service groups , our bargaining groups , you as branches , have really stepped up to the mark . You ’ ve shown leadership , you ’ ve looked outwards and taken on employers and governments .
‘ We ’ ve now got a new NEC , and these next two years will be critical . We must all work together , all parts of our union , we all have a part to play . We ’ ve achieved so much this past year … Let ’ s not lose that energy and momentum , let ’ s build on it .’
Concluding to a standing ovation , Ms McAnea noted that in July , UNISON will be celebrating its 30th anniversary – and the 30th anniversary of our partnership with RCOT .
She concluded : ‘ When this government is finally thrown out , we will still be here . We will still be strong and defiant .’
UNISON ’ s National Delegate Conference
UNISON ’ s National Delegate for the year ahead , as well as take Conference takes place every year , stock of the challenges and victories with delegates attending from every the union has faced . branch in the country to shape your As members of UNISON through union . your membership of BAOT / RCOT ,
This year ’ s conference took place you are welcome to speak to your on 13-16 June in Liverpool . Motions branch and apply to become a are debated to outline the priorities delegate in 2024 .
Protecting you at work
For help and advice at work – or to find out more about UNISON services – please contact your local BAOT / UNISON branch – https :// branches . unison . org . uk / – or go to www . unison . org . uk / get-help /.
If you need help at work 0800 0857 857 or www . unison . org . uk
We ’ ve achieved so much this past year … Let ’ s not lose that energy and momentum , let ’ s build on it .”
July 2023 OTnews 53