National Delegate Conference 15-18 June 2010

Young members are our future

Graham Smith

Lily McNaughton

Scotland's young and not so young came together to urge conference to support young people out of unemployment and into apprenticeships and higher and further education.

UNISON will press for high quality apprenticeships and will campaign to combat cuts in higher and further education and to recruit and organise students on public service courses.

Supporting the National Young Members' Forum motion, Graham Smith told conference that in Scotland we have seen youth unemployment figures soar by 90% over the last 2 years.

"We urgently need well-paid apprenticeships on the full national minimum wage and not the paltry £2.50 proposed," Graham said, warning however, that these jobs should not replace existing staff as a cheap option.

He told Conference that it was even more important to defend the rights of apprentices and students on public service courses in further and higher education as we face an ideological onslaught from the Tories.

"We need to show them now that their union will stand alongside them throughout their working life," said Graham.

Lily McNaughton, representing Scotland's retired members spoke up on behalf of young people, and received received warm applause when she paraphrased Whitney Houston:

"I believe young members are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way. Show them all the beauty they possess inside. Give them a sense of pride to make it easier."

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