Government faces united fight on pay.
The prospect of nurses, dinner ladies, teachers, police and posties all sharing a picket line moved a step closer today.
Delegates at the union’s national conference in Brighton this morning voted unanimously for a motion demanding the government abandon its 2% public sector pay freeze.
The move commits UNISON to mounting a vigorous campaign for fair pay across the public sector, which could involve lawful strike action.
Action will be coordinated with other public sector unions.
“Our members have been insulted,” said NEC member Jane Carolan, introducing the debate. “If this government truly wants 21st century public services, then it will have to pay 21st century pay rates.
“But unions cannot fight these battles alone,” she added. “This composite commits us to a united front, to work with the PCS, the GMB, NUT, UCU, CWU, Unite and other trade unions.”
The government had not treated workers with respect, said UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis, stressing that it is important to unite to co-ordinate the fight back.
“This year, the government and the employers have miscalculated,” he said. “They have rewarded the delivery of first-class public services with a kick in the teeth.
“We won’t have it. We will work with our sister unions. We are prepared to fight. We are prepared to strike. We will coordinate action locally and nationally, and we will win.”
Merv Butler, for South Tyneside local government branch, said branches would gain strength in seeing us coordinate action across other unions.
Public-sector workers were angry, conference said. A united campaign would harness that anger. “This provides us with an opportunity to unite on a scale that we have not seen for years. Grab that opportunity.”
“This motion is absolutely crucial,” said Northern region rep Claire Williams. “It’s about what we put into action in our branches when we go away from here. Let’s be clear, regions have a key role to play in organising action, bringing health and local government workers together with police workers and through other trade unions. This is about defending our pay but also our public services.”
Jane Carolan stressed delegates should return to their branches and talk to members to prepare for a ballot on strike action. “You are this union’s leaders – take the lead,” she urged them. “Go back to your branches and prepare them for the battle ahead.
“It’s time to use our trade union principles: educate, agitate, organise and mobilise. Our cause is just, we can win.”
UNISON news.
http://www.unison.org.uk/news/news_view.asp?did=3440
