Conference comes to sunny Glasgow

by John Stevenson

Over 2,000 UNISON delegates, staff and visitors from all over the UK will descend on Glasgow's SECC in June for the union's national conference.

Normally held in Brighton or Bournemouth, the annual conference is UNISON's supreme policy-making body.

Each branch can send delegates, based on membership, and can put motions to the Conference which will run from 21-24 June. Local Government, Transport, Water, Energy and Police will hold their own service group conferences on the days immediately preceding the main conference.

"It is almost 15 years since one of the partners which formed UNISON had their main conference in Glasgow", said UNISON Scottish Convenor Mike Kirby.

"We know many delegates will already have been here for service group and self organised group conferences and we now look forward to welcoming them all to the main conference".

First Minister Jack McConnell will formally welcome delegates and Cathie Jamieson, Minister for Justice and Labour Deputy Leader will speak on the Scottish parliament agenda.

As usual, Scotland will be co-hosting the International Rally on Monday night, giving delegates a chance to hear trade union and labour movement guests from around the world and discuss issues with them. During the week, honorary membership will be given to Aung San Suu Kyi, the elected president of Burma, following an Edinburgh motion last year.

The main issues

Scotland always plays a major part in debates and organisation at Conference and this year is no exception with several issues from Scottish branches being prioritised for debate.

"A lot of what we expect from a third term New Labour Government was included in the Warwick Agreement between Labour and the unions and this will be underlined throughout the week", explained Mike Kirby.

"The challenge will be to secure delivery and engage to influence the debate on the future of public services, as determined by the UK government, devolved administrations and Europe."

Organising and Recruitment is a top priority, with plans for organising for growth around key campaigns. The vital job of encouraging members to become shop stewards is developed by Edinburgh City Branch. A motion from Greater London on organising migrant workers would build on the work pioneered in Scotland with the Overseas Nurses Network.

Pensions provide the largest single raft of motions. Scotland seeks greater worker participation and control of pension funds. There will also be a presentation on the American trade union experience.

Improved representation: The challenge of responding to the changing shape of public services includes Scottish Water's call for a transportable membership.

Bargaining Motions tackling discriminatory pay systems, of gender, race and age are addressed with the Scottish cities calling for increases in National Minimum Wage targets (although this was consulted on prior to a submission to the Low Pay Commission) and an increase in paternity leave pay.

West Dunbartonshire has a motion on Human Rights and Glasgow Health, Highland LG and others have amendments on the agenda.

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