The conference started continuing discussions about the debate on poverty. And then moved onto a debate on the motion surrounding attacks on democracy. Then a speech from Dave Prentis, General Secretary of UNISON. Dave made a tribute to Jo Cox and the mass murder in Orlando, he also made a special mention to the School Support Staff on strike in Derby and Durham. Then debates took place on the motions for Living Standards, pay justice and the living wage, and Funding for National Minimum Wage.
Category: Conferences
Wendy Nichols – UNISON President delivered a opening address and welcomed everyone to the National Delegate Conference. Wendy then payed tribute to members who have sadly passed away over the last year and a moment of silence was held with special mention of MP Jo Cox.
Mark Rayner introduced the Standing orders Comitte report 1 & 2 and gave an overview of the conference and talked through the order of business. He also said that the collection on Wednesday for the delegates chosen cause will be for the Jo Cox Fund. (https://www.gofundme.com/jocox) and this will be split between The Royal Voluntary Service, HOPE Not Hate, and The White Helmets.
Questions are being raised to Mark Rayner over Standing Orders Comittee Report 2.
Now moving onto the presentation of the Annual Report 2015/16 and a the Financial Statement Report. The first motion to be debated and passed today was covering Challenging Poverty in the Uk. There has been very emotional accounts of people’s lives which are affected by poverty every day of their lives.
More information about the National Delegate Conference can be found here…
Ok so final part of the Local Government Conference discussions surrounding Devolution of Combined Authorities, Local Government Trading Companies, Local Government members and the Housing
Bill, also amendments from Local Government Service Group Executive, and Southwark, & organising Pay and Grading in Academies.
Now discussions are being held regarding opposing Proposals in the May 2016 Queens Speech to force maintained schools to become academies.