By Ed Whitby, delegate, Newcastle City Unison
Unison conference (17-20 June) was more about promises than policies. General Secretary Dave Prentis spent the run up to conference talking about “reclaiming the Labour Party” and working with others in the “awkward squad” of union leaders.
Prentis is under pressure from members in local government, angry that Unison uncritically gives support to Labour councils who attack jobs and members in the NHS, and that PFI and Foundation Hospitals are supported by many Unison-backed MPs. So when two months ago at Affiliated Political Fund conference (which decides Unison’s policy in relation to the Labour Party) Prentis criticised New Labour, it was to let the members know he was “listening”.
A major debate at Conference was about the relationship with Labour (and the strange two fund situation in Unison — one affiliated to Labour and one not — neither accountable directly to national conference). Another was on action over pay and conditions. On both issues Prentis promised a turn to action.
The political fund debate was disappointing. The leadership exploited the ridiculous three-fund position of the Socialist Party (i.e., don’t question the accountability of giving money to New Labour as long as the fund gives money to us as well), and this allowed the discussion to centre on disaffiliation from Labour and fragmenting the influence of trade unionists. Such a policy would make no sense and the leadership rightly attacked a position which could end up with us supporting two candidates in one election.
The wasted debate meant that when the amendment that the rest of the left (including Labour left) were uniting around was discussed, Prentis had already convinced the delegates that he was to be trusted.
Although Prentis stated agreement with the contents (i.e., pay no more than basic affiliation and don’t support MPs who are in favour of PFI, etc.), he managed to win conference to vote against it and trust him to act on the issue.
In his opening speech to conference Prentis stated that if the government doesn’t deliver on Agenda for Change (NHS pay) and on School Assistants (pay and grading) we will take action. On these issues we need to ensure that the members hold him to his word. Policies passed on united action on pay, and non-cooperation on remodelling the school workforce will help in this.
Other policies passed show a step forward. Setting up a national strike fund with just under £1 million a year going in was opposed by the leadership, but delegates supported it. A motion on disciplinary rules was passed with a fairer procedure in union and fewer possibilities for witchhunts.
Conference put some trust in Prentis, but at the same time said we want the option to take strike action and an end to witchhunts. The important work now begins back in the branches.
