Women Conference report 2010
Thursday 18th February
- Opening remarks of the Conference Chair Karen Smales, from Yorkshire and Humberside region (Leeds PCT Branch).
Karen welcomed colleagues to Gateshead reminding all of the rules of conference including the ruling order of the business.
- Conference then welcomed this year President Gerry Gallager (Police)
Gerry talked about how he was proud to be one of the rare man invited to conference. He talked about the issues that women are facing on a day to day basis in the professional environment and at home and he re-iterated the importance for women to become involve and active in UNISON.
He explained why women are vulnerable during the recession as they are the first one to suffer loss of jobs.
Gerry presented the changes in the culture of how to tackle Domestic violence talking about his own experience as police officer. In the 70’s the police would have intervene by telling off the perpetrator or putting him in a cell for the night, however now the Police Force tackles things differently. The legislation has changed and help has been developed for victims and their children. The response of the Police has changed and the work force is better trained to handle issues such as Domestic violence and racism. This great achievement has been reach by campaigning and lobbying and he encouraged conference to carry on the good work.
The President addressed the issue of the pressure for the government to make cuts in the public service. Recession are hard time this is during this time that we need to expand the public service. This government has extended maternity right; introduce tax credit for single parents and flexible working, he insisted that conference remember these achievements by the Labour government. If a Tory government come in power all these achievement will be under threats and many more.
He reminded the conference the importance to take part in the vote in the General Secretary election.
The President Charity : Raising money for women hostel (Domestic Violence)
- The Standing order 1 was moved
- Annual report Sharon Forster the report will be available at Branch.
- Motion session (Please note that all the motion debated are available in the booklet in the Branch)
Friday 19th February
- Standing Order report moved
- Motion Session
- The National Women Committee has endorsed Dave Prentis as their candidate in the forthcoming General Secretary Election.
- Dave Prentis General Secretary speech.
Dave started by saying that he couldn’t believe that a year had passed since he had last addressed this conference and acknowledged that as Trade Unionist we face different and difficult times. One million workers lost their jobs during the last 12 months, that’s one million households affected. Those facing retirement now face the prospect of poverty as they watch their pensions fall. 42% of young black children coming out of education face unemployment – their dream career is no longer there.
There has never been a better time for us to organise and forge ahead to assist those affected. The politicians and that means all parties need to know that we will stand up and be counted, we will say no to public service cuts, we will say no to pay freezes, pension attacks, job cuts and yes if we need to we will take industrial action if our membership deem it necessary.
To the Tories – we will not be fooled by your ‘spin’ we remember the havoc that you caused during the 80’s. Under your proposals women will be the hardest hit, when the nursery places are gone, when the day centres, respite units are closed, then who will fill the gap?
WOMEN.
During periods of recession, job cuts etc then the statistics evidence that cases of domestic violence increase. Where will these women go when the Tories have closed the refuge centres? Dave reassured conference that UNISON will continue the fight. We are strong, well organised and ready to stand and fight.
Trade Unions were built out of a necessity to fight for those unable to do so on their own. One million women mould and form the heart of UNISON and to all those women a personal thank you from UNISON’s General Secretary. You juggle a day job, your family, your home and your trade union duties, you are the ‘ jewels in our crown.’
Let’s not forget our retired women members – you had a vision and remain loyal to the movement even after you have received your last pay packet. Thank you.
Our young members who continue to grow, you are organised, influential and you are the future of this movement. Thank you.
The Equal pay fight goes on Dave promised that whilst ever he is the General Secretary of our union we will fight on. No matter how long it takes, no matter how much it costs, we will continue the fight until every woman receives what she is entitled to.
To the Labour party, Gordon if you think our hate of the Tories means that you will get our vote then think again. You have to deliver on the things that are important to our members. If the bankers and billionaires threaten to leave the country because of proposed tax changes and they can’t have bonuses then let them. UNISON says “Good bye”.
Do you know that a hospital cleaner would have to work 227 years to earn the same amount of money as the RBS Chief Executive earns in 1 year!!! What’s fair about that?
Whatever the outcome of the election we have no need to be fearful, the Tories tried to crush us in the 80’s but note we are prepared for the fight. Our recruitment figures go from strength to strength. We will stand in your way you will see and hear us.
Enjoy the rest of conference and let’s celebrate all that unites us.
- Speaker Ceri Goddart from Fawcett Society
She began by asking what about women? This is the title of their campaign. She went on to ask: “is this question asked enough?” The answer is : “We don’t think so”
Ceri then went on to list the Fawcett Society Campaign Strategy.
The Inequality agenda for women is still a big issue. Fawcett vision is still for equal power and equal rights.
We need more women in power and women empowered to enable change.
We need equality in the law
Law needs to catch up with public opinion for example: flexible working condition for women.
We would like women to be bolder and stronger in the work place in relation in women issues.
First time delegate report Women Conference 2010
I attended the Women’s conference has a nominated visitor from the Bradford Local Government Branch. Having been a UNIS ON member for a decade or so I have seen many changes from NALGO to UNISON.
The beginning of conference started with a warm welcome from The Chair Karen Smales, Yorkshire and Humberside region. A minutes silence was held as respect for past members of the movement.
Karen outlined the timetable of the conference and explained the rules re motions, amendments, voting, whilst I was only a visitor I found this to be really useful.
I was very moved by UNISON’s President Gerry Gallagher as he spoke about both his role within UNISON and his substantive post as a police officer with Strathclyde Police Force. It was good to know that things have moved on since Gerry first started with the force. An exemplary of good practice can be found on the Strathclyde Police force website and I would urge others to have a look at this site.
Our General Secretary Dave Prentis gave a moving address to conference in which he personally thanked the women of UNISON for all their work.
Dave signed the agreement with the National Institute of Adult Education as a way of empowering Women and giving them the support and opportunity to return to learn.
Overall as a visitor I found conference a great experience and it has empowered me as a person, listening to a wide context of motions. Has a black female it is clear from conference that UNISON has come a long way and understand the issues facing others like myself on a day basis.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to participate.
Christine Gordon.