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Milestone
as key leaders signal retirement
Three key leaders are retiring from UNISON's National Executive this
year. 2003 National President Nancy Coull, ex-President John McFadden
and long serving NEC member Chrissie Carmouche are all standing down
after outstanding service to the union. Here John Stevenson, SiU
editor, looks at the main issues they identified for the union.
Deliverers know best how to improve services
UNISON is not afraid of a review of public services but any review
must involve those who know public services best, the first line service
deliverers like you, National President Nancy Coull told last
week's Scottish Council meeting of UNISON branches.
She laid out the lessons of the past and the challenges ahead. "We
need to celebrate our successes but also assess what else needs to be
done", she said as she outlined the new national progress reports on
UNISON's priorities.
"We have been instrumental in setting Labour Party policy to review
PFI and in getting progress on a fair wages clause", said Nancy. But
she warned, "Private finance is unworkable and is not delivering the
services we all want".
As a low paid member herself, Nancy called for a continuing campaign
against low pay, giving evidence to the Low Pay Commission and pushing
for a better minimum wage.
"I have a 17 year old son who works 40 hours a week for £60 - that's
£1.80 an hour. He was ecstatic when he got a 50% rise in January but
that is still only £2.20 an hour", said Nancy, underlining the need
for low pay protection to be extended to 16 and 17 years olds as well
as to the under 21s.
Nancy singled out racism as the biggest challenge this year.
"Don't allow others to use public services for their own ends. The
BNP has of course only one policy - to stir up racist and fascist feelings",
said Nancy, urging members to attend the national rally in Manchester
on 26 April. We had to get the message out to all areas that we need
to challenge racism in local and national government elections.
"I cannot stress how important that is", said Nancy.
Nancy works with Fife meals on wheels service. She was elected to the
UNISON NEC in 1995 and has been chair of the union's political committee
since 1997. She was elected to the Labour Party national executive council
in October 2001.
Try to rebuild the international institutions
After 30 years trade union service - 25 of those on the National
Executive - John McFadden is standing down this year.
UNISON's ex-President has been a massive (if somewhat vertically challenged)
figure in policy and finance leadership in the union but it is his international
work that has been appreciated most.
"You can still go to places like South Africa and meet people who recognise
John for the work he has done", said Mike Kirby, Scottish Convenor.
That work extends from getting funds to the ANC way back when, to his
frequent trips to Palestine, and yes to Israel, building and working
for peace and justice.
"I have tried to put the international agenda before members for them
to decide. I believe it is relevant to this union. I hope you will take
away the idea that it is important", John told delegates in an inspiring
speech.
"GATS will directly affect every individual member. It is about privatising
public services, selling off the family silver", John warned as he urged
delegates to make members aware of the issues.
Turning to the war in Iraq, John was unequivocal, "War in Iraq, what
a tragedy. The fact that it is coming to an end does not make it right
- it was wrong.
"The main international institution, the United Nations, has been undermined.
What do we do if we have no UN - the US on its own telling everyone
what to do?" he asked.
"We all need to participate and try to rebuild the national institutions",
John urged.
Looking to UNISON's 10th birthday, John said he was "proud of my part
in building this significant union and proud of what it has achieved".
John was one of the original negotiators who worked for four years
to bring about the mergers that created UNISON. John made a point of
thanking Scottish activists for the support over the years and singled
out the full time officers for special praise.
"My experience of working with staff has been... of dedication to the
trade union movement and to its members."
John gave special thanks to his branch, Glasgow City and to the union
for giving him the 'honour' of serving it.
With a typical grin, John said that when asked why he was retiring,
he was telling people "I want to spend more time with my Celtic".
Chrissie singles equality as key development
Chrissie Carmouche told delegates she had been 'very privileged' to
serve on UNISON's NEC and reminded delegates... "You don't lose your
principles on the NEC", you just have to fight for them in different
ways.
Chrissie recalled how she became active in a Social Work dispute in
Glasgow when she was asked to stand as a steward at a meeting.
"I said I'd do it for a fortnight - that was 27 years ago. But I never
regretted going to that meeting".
Chrissie singled out Equality and Self Organisation as key developments
over the years. She also spoke of the "painful birth" of black self-organisation
in the early 80's.
When she first became active there were no child care arrangements.
The development in that and other areas had allowed her to take on her
leadership role, especially her much-praised work in developing organisation
in the new union.
"My family is important to me. My child is important", said Chrissie
and child care and other measures had allowed her to give time to that
as well as the union. And the 13 years of enjoying UNISON creches has
also had its spin-offs.
"It is great seeing my daughter being so alert to social justice",
said Chrissie.
Chrissie thanked fellow activists, and especially her branch for all
the support over the years.
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