National Delegate Conference 15-18 June 2010

Angela and the union are up for the fight

Angela Lynes

Angela Lynes, UNISON Vice President and later confirmed as 2011 National President, highlighted UNISON's campaigning work over the last year, defending cuts to jobs and services, against a political climate of confusion.

Angela vowed that the union is up for the fight as we face massive changes, and have to combat a Government that has only one idea - cutting public services.

Angela, a Glaswegian, got her trade union values from her grandfather. "Never show your fear, but always show your fight", was one of her grandfather's sayings and reminds her what trade unions are here for.

"So I don't fear what is ahead of us.", said Angela, "Because I am up for the fight. They talk about protecting "frontline" service. But what is a frontline service without the back office team who support them? Can nurses provide proper care without cleaners keeping their wards safe and clean? Can teachers and teaching assistants support our kids if there;s no-one to cook teh meals or fix the computers.

"Can councils keep communities safe and coheasive without the staff who provide hosuing sdvice process ebenefits collect council tax, provide home care, run our museums and libraries, answer emergency calls, look after environmental health. The list goes on.

"All of them providing one part of the network of public services which supports the most vulnerable people in our communities, the young, the old, the sick, the poor and the needy. You cannot remove part of a safety net ands still keep poeple safe. You cannot cut without causing pain. You cannot cut without causing damage. You cannot cut without doing harm."

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