by Chris Bartter

Early in 2005 all UNISON members will be balloted on whether they want to keep our unique political fund. UNISON is legally bound to do this every 10 years and we will be arguing strongly that members should vote YES.

UNISON's Political Fund is unique in the British Trade Union movement and is the resource behind many successful and very public campaigns on behalf of UNISON members.

Scottish Secretary Matt Smith said, "The Political fund gives UNISON a voice. It allows us to speak up for UNISON members during election campaigns and in the political discussions when decisions are being made. "Here in Scotland it has allowed us to fight against the correctional agency and for better protection for members at risk from violent attack.

"It has continually resourced work exposing the economic madness that is PFI and allowed us to campaign to stop the evil of racism at election time."

Many members may be under the mistaken impression that this is all about Labour Party affiliation, but UNISON's unique arrangement makes sure that this isn't the case. Mike Kirby, UNISON's Scottish Convenor, explains: "UNISON's twin funds give every member a choice. Members can pay into either the General Fund or to Labour Link - or indeed into neither or both," he said "To continue giving members that choice, members should vote YES. A no vote would fatally undermine the ability of UNISON to fight for issues like defending decent pensions.

"As an activist who is independent of any political party, I urge activists to use the materials provided by UNISON to start the campaign for a YES vote."

Dave Watson, UNISON's Scottish Organiser for Policy and Information also points out the value of the twin-track funds to allow UNISON to argue members' case in a variety of fora.

"Issues like the recent victory against the single correctional agency, for example were financed from both funds." "The public material and political campaigning at party conferences was financed from the GPF, whilst the briefings and lobbying of Labour MSPs and ministers was backed by the Labour Link. The best of both worlds in putting across UNISON members' views."

Ballot papers will start being sent out early in February and all the evidence shows that people vote in the first week of receiving the paper. That is why we must make sure all members know what the campaign is about before they get their ballot.

Materials already produced include an activists guide (stock no 2361) and educational materials. A powerpoint presentation with additional Scottish arguments is on the web www.unison-scotland.org.uk/polfund

A DVD is being sent out to all activists with this SiU, and the New Year will see posters, members leaflets, and stickers, and a downloadable newsletter template that branches can customise to their own branch material.

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