Today we attended the third of three days of the National Special Delegate Conference in a very different way, as a virtual conference run by UNISON attended by the branch. this was all done online with voting taking place virtually. and your Delegates all attended and actively participated in this event.
First we had a welcome from Josie Bird, introducing us to the conference and the order of business and the rules around it.
Todays order of business was the remaining order of business and the continuation debating of the motions the detail of these can be found in the following documents. click on the documents to read more detail.
The first motion to be discussed is Motion 66 – LGBT+ people; hidden figures in the pandemic was carried
LGBT+ people should not be hidden figures in this Inquiry
@Unisonderbycity@UNISONEastMids#undc21 Motion 66 LGBT+ people; hidden figures in the pandemic The pandemic reduced support for our LGBT+ members, 🏳️🌈 public inquiry should include all the protected characteristics! 🏳️🌈 NO-ONE should be hidden in the inquiry! pic.twitter.com/T07gcaCiX3
Composite A (Motions 7 and 8) – Creating Fairer Workplaces for the Post Lockdown World is carried It’s crucial we lead the fight for a fairer workplace. We know who the Covid hero’s are this needs reflecting in pay! Read more on the composite here https://www.unison.org.uk/content/uploads/2021/03/SOC-Report-SDC-2021-Final_.pdf
@Unisonderbycity@UNISONEastMids#usdc21 Composite A (Motions 7&8) Creating Fairer Workplaces for the post lockdown world. As we look forward to life after Covid. It’s crucial we lead the fight for a fairer workplace. We know who are the Covid hero’s this needs reflecting in pay pic.twitter.com/OkZdPITyxZ
Josie then went on to talk about the following video campaign. Impossible choices could soon define our local communities. But we can #SaveOurServices. Write to your MP to #DemandThe10Billion
Motion 64 – No Going Backwards on Gender Equality is carried The gender pay gap is real! Women DO hold vital jobs within our public service. #bridgethegap
Motion 23 – Organise to Defend Workers’ Rights post Brexit, post Covid this is carried #FireAndRehire must stop!
@Unisonderbycity@UNISONEastMids#usdc21 Motion 23 Organiae to defend workers rights post Brexit, post Covid. Our workers rights are not safe / UNISON must resource and coordinate campaigns to resist any move by the Torys to dilute our rights! We must stop fire and rehire! pic.twitter.com/BG9Qydeg3r
Motion 45 – Coronavirus Pandemic – the Case for Public Services this was carried
@Unisonderbycity@UNISONEastMids#usdc21 Motion 45 Coronavirus Pandemic – the case for public services. The cost to life means a very different thing to the Tory leaders as it does to you and I. Most of us will know of a life lost to Covid. There has to be an inquiry! pic.twitter.com/focqb2DtC9
Motion 20 – Learning the Lessons from the Pandemic for Safer Workplaces this was carried as amended 20.1
@Unisonderbycity@UNISONEastMids#usdc21 Motion 20 Learning the lessons from the pandemic for safer workplaces – everyone has the right for a safe work place. We need more H&S reps – contact your branch to discuss becoming a H&S rep. Workplaces are safer with a UNISON H&S rep. pic.twitter.com/SFN7VHPgxb
Motion 43 – Organising to End the Crisis in Social Care – this was carried Social care remains in crisis. Low paid carers worked all through the pandemic, PPE was in short supply, the risks faced & anxiety of Covid was real!
@Unisonderbycity@UNISONEastMids#usdc21 Motion 43 Organising to ensure the crisis in social Care. Our social care remains in crisis. Our low paid carers worked all through the pandemic as PPE was in short supply, the risks they faced and anxiety of developing Covid was real! pic.twitter.com/UhDyade0SI
All motions that could be moved have been completed for this years conference any motions not moved will be passed to the NEC (National Executive Council)
Today we attended the second of three days of the National Special Delegate Conference in a very different way, as a virtual conference run by UNISON attended by the branch. this was all done online with voting taking place virtually. and your Delegates all attended and actively participated in this event.
First we had a welcome from Josie Bird, introducing us to the conference and the order of business and the rules around it.
Josie went onto introduce Christina McAnea to give her first speech as General Secretary on the virtual conference floor. Thanks all the efforts members and the hard work they have done in response to the pandemic and kept the country going in extreme circumstances.
Extremely powerful words form Christina and a clear direction for the future of and inspirational with exciting things to come.
@Unisonderbycity@UNISONEastMids#Usdc21 We welcome Christina McAnea as our General Secretary to address Conference. UNISON went into emergency action mode in March 2020 – We have all been affected by this pandemic! Our members have kept this county going throughout! pic.twitter.com/PM1Nv4k0h5
@Unisonderbycity@UNISONEastMids#usdc21 Christina wants to give members the chance to be heard. She wants to understand Y women don’t vote, Y as women we don’t get involved. Women standing together WILL make a difference! Get in touch with us at branch to make a difference! 💜💚 pic.twitter.com/VvbQmXZvHI
Had been a bit nervous about my first speech to conference #USDC21 and strange to do it virtually but I enjoyed it and meant every word. So proud of our union. @unisontheunion
Then we moved to the debating of the motions the detail of these can be found in the following documents. click on the documents to read more detail.
First up is Motion 25 – Securing an Equal and Sustainable Post Pandemic Settlement now continues from yesterday’s business.
@Unisonderbycity@UNISONEastMids#Usdc21 straight back into Motion 25 – Securing an Equal and Sustainable post a pandemic Settlement. We need to protect members pay, Terms and conditions. Clapping does not pay the bills – increased wages do! We need to be strong! Solidarity!! pic.twitter.com/TtGPPTM6Mp
Motion 25 – Securing an Equal and Sustainable Post Pandemic Settlement this was carried as amended 25.3 We need to protect members pay, Terms and conditions. Clapping does not pay the bills – increased wages do! We need to be strong! Solidarity!
Motion 59 – Tackling Climate Change and COP 26 this was carried as amended 59.1
@Unisonderbycity@UNISONEastMids#usdc21 Motion 59 Tackling Climate Change and COP 26 – we need new skills to ensure the new economy survives post Covid in the new norm. Our planet is deteriorating in front of us. How can we make a difference? What can we do? 💚💜 pic.twitter.com/L2yUyJeS2P
Motion 2 – Facilities and Expectations for Workplace Representatives This motion was carried
@Unisonderbycity@UNISONEastMids#usdc21 Motion 2 Facilities and Expectations for workplace Reps. Workplace reps know the work place better than any one else, include them in all negotiations. Our Branch officers and regional teams should be allowing growth within our activists. pic.twitter.com/gt0jeqA3dw
Motion 27 – No back to Normal for Disabled Workers – this was carried
A useful guide mentioned by Kathleen can be read here
@Unisonderbycity@UNISONEastMids#usdc21 continuing with Motion 27 we must work harder to ensure our disabled members who need and want reasonable adjustments in the form of working from home be allowed!
@Unisonderbycity@UNISONEastMids#usdc21 Motion 27 No back to normal for disabled workers. Our disabled workers must have access needs assessed if they are to continue workin from home. If reasonable adjustment are needed at work THEY ARE needed at home. Work at home must be safe pic.twitter.com/wCWEk6vumX
Motion 55 – The NHS After the Pandemic watch the following video from Michael Rosen explaining the hard work the NHS did for him
@Unisonderbycity@UNISONEastMids#usdc21 Motion 55 The NHS after the pandemic. It’s important we hear what NHS employees have gone through since March 2020 – the NHS are now faced with the longest waiting lists – staff are exhausted / suffering with PTSD stress and anxiety! pic.twitter.com/C2AQlH7Dh5
Motion 55 – The NHS After the Pandemic – this motion was carried The NHS are now faced with the longest waiting lists – staff are exhausted / suffering with PTSD stress and anxiety! we hear & stand in solidarity
Motion 42 – Health and Social Care Provision for Older People Post Covid – this was carried
Motion 5 – Burned Out: Young Workers and Mentally Healthy Workplaces – this was carried as amended 5.1 Read the No Going Back to Normal Campaign & Mental health Matters Campaign by clicking on the below images.
Motion 12 – Post Covid 19 Syndrome & Disability Employment Protection – carried as amended 12.1 We must do more to protect the employment of our disabled workers facing effects of Covid-19 Long Covid advice
Motion 65 – No Going Backwards on Equality – carried We must continue to challenge discrimination! Equality must be at the heart of everything we do in the Workplace, Local Branches, Regional & National office Equality for all!
Motion 6 – Trade Union recognition for outsourced workers delivering public services – carried Our public service workers wherever they work should be protected, supported and treated Fairly.
That concludes todays session of the Conference Second day has gone well, quite a lot of business got through and inspirational speech from Christina McAnea, & the speakers, see you tomorrow for more updates and the final day Hope you all have a great evening