DAVE ANDERSON - PRESIDENT'S SPEECH
Start building a future that is positive, pro-active and proud
 We
need to build positively for the future in our union or 'stagnate,
wither and die", president Dave Anderson warned Conference as business
began, writes Bernard Kamya.
"The collective power of all of us is what makes us strong and
working as a team is the only way to maintain that collectivity",
said Dave.
Dave's pride in chairing Conference was obvious enough without
having to state it. It was a pride born on 30 years as an activist,
as part of a community at home and work which has strengthened his
belief that there is such a thing as society and for that reason
we are all stronger.
"UNISON can deliver" was one of the main themes of the Dave's presidential
speech and nowhere was this more apparent than the work done in
the war against fascism and racism.
"I sometimes believe you have to step outside to appreciate what
we have achieved", said Dave. "Other unions would love to be in
our position. Political parties may not like us, but they know who
we are, what we stand for and that we will fight for our beliefs.
"And people all around the world recognise our union as being a
key campaigner for peace, equality and justice".
Dave rallied the conference to continue in their fight for the
things UNISON believes in, like:
- Equality
- Anti-discrimination
- Women's rights
- Black people's rights "
- Rights of people with disabilities
- Respecting the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender
people
Labour, impact on members
Although many members may feel some satisfaction at the sight of
New Labour and the Tories being given a kicking, Dave stressed it
was important that members take a hard look at the direct impact
on our members.
He doubted whether many UNISON members in local government would
be very happy with a Tory councillor or, after the honeymoon, with
a Liberal Democrat one.
Dave noted that the recent election results were a sad reflection
of the mess that this present Labour Government had got us into
"Prevarication, arrogance and an inability to listen have epitomised
the attitude at the highest level and the electorate has responded
by saying 'A curse on all your houses'"
Dave was adamant that UNISON was not frightened of reform but he
warned, "We don't want reform for reform's sake".
"We don't want half-baked ideas like Foundation Hospitals foisted
on us because some advisors think it makes good headlines and we
don't want any more reforms that attack our members wages, or holidays,
or sick pay, or job security, or their pensions".
UNISON had to make sure we don't miss every opportunity to make
our case. Therefore, it was vital that we give overwhelming support
in winning the political fund ballot.
Dave was very clear as to what he felt was important to make our
union stronger. Whatever ever one's politics, members should support
the appropriate rule change and motions in relations to the ballot
and when the ballot is won, UNISON should continue to participate
beyond the Labour Party Conference, elections and campaigning at
local level and encouraging activists full participation in the
Labour Party.
There was real opportunity to organise in the Labour party and
to make a real choice between a future with a national government
led by Labour or Tory.
Dave was saddened by the FBU's decision to disaffiliate and also
the position that the RMT finds itself. Although, they took democratic
decisions, in doing so, they have denied access to the very democratic
processes that can change the Labour Party from within. They have
also lost the opportunity to use the Party Conference and Policy
forum the process gives us.
Although, "they are not ideal, without the trade union input they
would be even less supportive of our members and more in hock to
big business".
Dave concluded by reinforcing that UNISON had laid a firm foundation
in the first decade and as the banner said, "The future We build",
it was the WE in that slogan who would decide what kind of legacy
we will pass on.
We can choose to ignore change, to reject innovation or to promote
the status quo. We can live in a world that pretends that our members
are straining at the leash to carry out the revolutionary will of
political extremists and we can continue to spend our valuable time,
waste our committed staffs and skills and, squander our members
hard earned subs in talking to ourselves instead of working for
our members.
However, Dave did not believe that this was the kind of future
that we want for this union.
"Comrades, that is the choice facing you this week", he said. "To
start building a future that is positive, pro-active and proud.
Or to stagnate, decline or wither".
"The choice is yours", Dave challenged Conference. "Our future
begins when I sit down in that chair. Make the right choice!".
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