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uniteWORKSUnite policy conference 2016

INSIDE: Conference highlights • Policies • Speakers

Unite policy conference opensA force to be reckoned with

Unite’s fourth policy conference –where Unite delegates formulated theunion’s key policies for the next twoyears – took place in Brighton in thesecond week of July.

In his opening remarks Unite’sexecutive committee chair, TonyWoodhouse (pictured), laid outUnite’s mission – to protect andimprove pay and conditions forworking people.

He noted that the landscape hadchanged since the union had met at theRules Conference last year – for one,the Tory government had now passedits “vindictive” trade union Act.

“That they need to resort to suchtactics shows that the trade unionmovement in this country – and Unite– remains a force to be reckonedwith,” Woodhouse noted.

“Despite the laws they try to strangleus with, Unite will make sure it carrieson using every lever we can to win forour members.”

He highlighted the plight of steelworkersand emphasised Unite’s commitment tothem.

Woodhouse also paid tribute to Unite’syoung members, who for the first timecame as full delegates, as well theconference’s many internationalspeakers, including two of the MiamiFivewho were wrongly imprisoned inAmerica and were freed thanks to a

global campaign led by Unite. “Ourunion has a proud history of beinginternational in our outlook,” he said.“And we will carry on doing so.”

Woodhouse closed by noting thatdelegates’ decisions made during theconference would “be taken toworkplaces and will make a difference tomillions of families, to their livelihoodsand their prospects in life.”

MIAMI FIVE

‘Miracle’ opportunityIn an historic appearance two of theMiami Five – anti-terrorismcampaigners who were wronglyaccused of espionage and spentnearly two decades in a US prison –received an emotional standingovation at policy conference.

Rene Gonzales and GerardoHernández, freed in 2011 and 2014respectively following a globalcampaign in which Unite played apivotal role, thanked Unite’s leadersand members for their tirelesssupport.

Unite general secretary LenMcCluskey, said he was “incrediblyproud” of Unite’s campaign, and hepaid tribute to Tony Woodley,former Unite joint-general secretary,who he said drove the campaign tothe free the Five with “incredibleenergy and determination” – as did

Hernández who gave special thanksfor Woodley’s many prison visits.

He also hailed the many Unitemembers who participated in thecampaign. Gonzales called theopportunity to come to speak at theUnite policy conference a “miracle”,considering not only the strugglethey faced in securing their freedombut also in securing visas to come tothe UK – their applications wereoriginally denied by the HomeOffice.

“Fighting against such hatred takes alot of strength,” Gonzales added. “Agreat deal of that strength camefrom British unions – which startedwith Unite. But Cuba still needs yoursupport to celebrate the day we winwith the end of the blockade andwhen the US gives back the territoryof Guantanamo Bay.”

2Policy Conference 2016

IN BRIEF STEEL

Save oursteel Delegates carried a series of motionsemphasising the need to work withvarious organisations, including steelunions, the Labour party andgrassroots organsations to save thebeleagured industry.

Conference heard about the dangers ofChina being granted market economystatus – a motion was carried callingon Unite to lobby governments toprotect key industries such as steelshould China achieve this status.

Delegates called for Unite to lobby thewider Labour party to adopt all theunion’s #SaveOurSteel campaignobjectives, including tackling Chinesedumping and ensuring governmentcontracts buy British steel, amongother aims.

MANUFACTURING

Strategy call A strategic plan for UK manufacturingis needed to tackle its steep decline,conference heard.

The need to ensure Labour developsthis strategic manufacturing plan – apossibility after a future Labour victoryunder the leadership of JeremyCorbyn, who has explicitly endorsedthe idea – was also highlighted.

Delegates supported the call for Uniteto lobby for government fundedresearch and development linked tohigh quality jobs and apprenticeships.

In the absence of Tory governmentsupport for manufacturing, conferenceresolved to instruct Unite to encourageand support members in taking directaction to save threatened industry.

POLICY CONFERENCE 2016

Thanks Unite – Rene Gonzalesmakes historic speech

DEFENCE DIVERSIFICATION AND TRIDENT

Defend our jobsIn the debate on defencediversification and Trident, Unitepolicy conference made it clear thatdefending and securing the jobs of

defence workers involved inthe successor submarineprogramme was itspriority.

But Unite alsocastigatedsuccessivegovernments fortheir failure todevelop a robustdefencediversificationstrategy that would

safeguard defence jobs.

Moving an executive statement Unitegeneral secretary Len McCluskey said,“We can and do, in this statement,reassert our broad principles regardingopposition to nuclear weapons and ourstrong support for defence diversification.

“But we know that we do not have agovernment in place that has anyinterest in either of those principles.Here in 2016, a vote against buildingthose submarines would have only oneimmediate effect – destruction of jobs.”

Linda Pollock (pictured left) fromScotland stood in staunch support ofthe executive statement. She argued thatunions must stand up for all jobs in allsectors.

“Our members expect us to defendtheir jobs,” she said. “That’s why theypay their dues. Jobs first; politicssecond.”

Ian Bestwick (pictured above) anaerospace worker from the EastMidlands said the debate was “actuallyabout the renewal of submarines[Successor programme] and not aboutre-newing Trident.”

Darren Reynolds, Wales said, “TheEC statement has made it clear theunion exists to defend jobs. We need toknow our union puts jobs abovepolitical ideals.” The executive statementwas carried.

GS KEYNOTE SPEECH

Remain united, remain strongIn a dynamic keynote address Unitegeneral secretary Len McCluskeyemphasised the importance of unity at atime in which, he said, “our country isriven by the EU referendum.”

“Our movement is divided – bitterly andunnecessarily,” he said. “Millions ofworking people are looking for urgentanswers to the crisis engulfing us.

He pointed to the “car factories and steelplants now under a shadow, our oil andgas industry being ravaged,” as well asour “threatened public service andfinance sectors,” among others whoneed the support of Unite more nowthan ever before.

McCluskey hailed the main victoriesUnite has had this year, includingsecuring millions in compensation forblacklisted workers, campaigning againstthe EU-US trade deal TTIP, andsuccessfully pressuring restaurants intochanging their tipping policies.

He pointed to Unite’s successfulleverage campaigns as well as its

political campaign against the tradeunion Bill which helped defeat someof the bill’s worst measures.

He paid tribute to assistant generalsecretary Steve Turner and officerLuke Primarolo and others involved inthe campaign against Sports Direct andits draconian work practices.

McCluskey closed by emphasising whatsets Unite apart – its ability to “reach outinto the community” and “bring thosepushed onto the margins of society intoour movement.

“We reach agreements where possibleand fight for our members,” he said.“We debate difference and we cherishunity. We stand proud in the British,Irish and international labourmovement. We have much still to do myfriends, and we will do it together.”

To cheers and a rousing standingovation, McCluskey concluded, “Whilewe remain united, we will remainstrong.”




TUC GS FRANCES O’GRADY

Hope over hateTUC general secretary FrancesO’Grady (pictured) addressedconference in a speech in whichshe lauded Unite’s work andoutlined what the trade movementwill need to fight today’s attackson working people.

“Unite reps and campaigns make areal difference,” she said. “Fromthe Fight for Five campaign to yourwonderful work on all strands ofequality, this union is a powerfulforce for good.”

After the recent vote to leave theEU, O’Grady laid out what shebelieved were three key prioritiesfor trade unions in “a post-Brexitworld”.

One goal was ensuring workersdon’t pay the price of Brexit,which “demands action to secureour economy, raise productivityand win investment.”

She also emphasised theimportance of “defending hard-won rights”. She noted how themovement had “already shownour mettle on the government’strade union Act”, including

winning key concessions onmeasures restricting check-off,facility time, picket lines andunions’ political funds.

But, she said, the campaign is “notover yet” and pledged to continuefighting the Act in its entirety.

A third key priority, she argued,was “winning a fair deal for youngpeople. They paid the heaviestprice for the crash, recession andliving standards crisis,” O’Gradysaid. “Trade unions need to bethere for them.”

She argued the road forwardwould be hard and urgedtrade unionists to “sticktogether”.

“Let’s stay trueto our tradeunion values,”O’Gradyconcluded.“Let’s standup for what webelieve in. Let’sensure hopetriumphs overhate.”

PUBLIC SECTOR PRIVATISATION

Fighting against privatisation ofpublic services was an importantdiscussion for delegates whosupported a call to raise awarenessand challenge commissioning bodieson transparency and publicaccountability.

Yorkshire ambulance workerDebbie Wilkinson (pictured) said,“Public services should beaccountable to the public theyservice. The NHS should not just be

the preferredprovider – itshould be the onlyprovider.”Health visitor SuzanneLowe expressed concerned onthe effects such privatisation has onchildren.

“Health shouldn’t be prioritiseddifferently based on where you live.We must demand our funding back– families deserve it.”

IN BRIEF HEALTH AND SAFETY

Tacklingthe issuesImproving health and safety was anissue close to many delegates’ hearts.Conference carried motionsincluding those on bullying andharassment, mental health,fibromyalgia and shift workingamong others.

Unite delegate Sarah Hackermovedon fibromyalgia, calling on Unite tocreate an awareness information packfor little understood, long-termcondition, whose sufferers are oftendiscriminated against in work.

Conference heard too of the impactof mental health problems such asstress. Delegates voted in favour ofUnite training and supporting reps intackling mental health issues in theworkplace.

Accountableservices call

AGENCY WORKERS

Organisenow planThe increase in agency workersprompted delegates at policyconference to debate strategies fororganising these workers.

Unite North West delegate RonnieEvans pointed to the fact that thenature of agency work has changeddramatically over the years. “Before people took on agency worka day here and there so they couldhave extra money,” he explained.“Now people are trying to scrapetogether a living exclusively fromagency work. “

The motion, overwhelmingly carried,called for Unite to develop anorganising strategy for agencyworkers.


JEREMY CORBYN

‘A force for good’To three separate standing ovations,Labour leader Jeremy Corbynaddressed delegates.

Corbyn confirmed his and Labour’scommitment to the trade unionmovement. “Strong and effective tradeunions make an enormous difference topeople’s lives,” he said. “Trade unionsare an intrinsic part of our society, aforce for good.”

He praised many of Unite’s recentvictories, including its Fair Tips campaignwhich may soon lead to a change in thelaw on tipping, and its work with SportsDirect workers who face shocking

exploitation. “We need stronger tradeunions not weaker,” he said.

“I want us to have positive rights at workrather than the imposition of theextremely draconian anti-trade unionlaws we have,” Corbyn noted.

He restated a pledge he’s maderepeatedly, to rousing applause – “Thenext Labour government will repeal thetrade union Act.”

Corbyn noted that Labour has offered “abold opposition”, one which has alreadysecured many victories including forcingthe government to turn back on cuts to

tax credits, cuts to disability benefit and theforced academisation of schools. Heoutlined Labour’s vision for the future,which included a robust industrialstrategy, public investment, and strongemployment rights.

“We can and will create a better societythrough our action together, throughour unity together, our principlestogether,” he said. Corbyn concluded toa standing ovation.

“That is what makes us different, that iswhat makes us strong. That’s what theunity between trade unions and theLabour Party is all about.”

LOCAL AUTHORITIES

Robust approach call Unite committed itself to a strategy tofight privatisation and outsourcing oflocal authority services. The carriedexecutive statement sought to mitigatethe impact of central government cutsthrough “redefining the definition ofadequate reserves, along with taking arobust approach to budget setting”.

The debate focused on how the unioncan best fight Tory cuts. Moving theexecutive statement, Unite ECmember Dick Banks said the

statement “sets out a fighting backstrategy.”

“This is one piece of the campaigngoing forward. Alongside this isdetailed guidance on local governmentfinance that sets out what measurescan be taken by councils – workingwith us not against us – to mitigate theimpact of the cuts.”

He hailed a new trade union / Labouragreement, recently endorsed by the

LGA Labour AGM, a step which hecalled “unprecedented.”

“Be proud that it’s Unite who broughtthe Labour Party to the table – theleadership of both the shadow cabinetand LGA – so that whenever andwherever possible we work together todefeat the Tories,” he said.

“At last we can stand side by side withLabour on a firm anti-austerityplatform.”

United – Jeremy Corbyn meets Unite steel workers



BREXIT

Seat attable callUnite policy conference delegatesbacked a statement on Europe fromthe union’s executive council, whichdemanded trade union input into ‘Brexit’ talks.

Warning that workers must not paythe price for Brexit the statementsaid Unite would, “Oppose a‘Brexit’ that reduces trade unionrights, excludes Britain from the EUsingle market and fails to deal fairlywith the difficult issue of the freemovement of labour, which

requires further debate in thetrade unionmovement.” In thecarried statement,delegatesfocused onthree keypriorities ofdefendingmembers’jobs,protectingemploymentrights and

opposing the racist

backlashunleashed after thereferendum.

Moving, Unite assistantgeneral secretary Steve Turner(pictured above) said, “We willdemand a seat at any ‘Brexit’ table.

During the debate many speakersexpressed disgust and concernabout racist attacks on EU workers.Conference heard from Londonand Eastern region’s AlexandraTomczak. She told delegates, “It’snot fine to blame immigration.Don’t let hate divide.”

Members facing the prospects ofborder controls being enforcedagain also expressed their concerns,including Wendy Clouter fromGibraltar and Liam Gallagherfrom Ireland.

Steve Turner replied, “We will neverallow the scapegoating of migrantsor refugees. We are incredibly proudof the diversity of our union.”

IN BRIEF INTERNATIONAL

SolidarityGlobal solidarity played a key role atconference, with delegates hearing aseries of carried motions oninternational campaigns, including onthe fight against international tradedeals such as TTIP and CETA, as wellas the importance of cross-Atlanticsolidarity in Workers Uniting and theneed to support the people andprogressive forces of Palestine, Syria,Turkey and Colombia.

A motion was also carried on support-ing BAEM workers internationally.

One key international speaker was theUnited Steelworkers’ Fred Redmondwho called on delegates to “fighttogether for a vision for the future” –one which is based on “solidarity,tolerance and freedom.”

WORK, VOICE, PAY

CornerstoneUnite organising executive officerSharon Graham (pictured) gave apresentation on Unite’s campaign,Work, Voice, Paywhich forms thecornerstone of the union’s industrialstrategy.

Delegates heard how the programmeinforms the direction of each ofUnite’s goals in delivering its workprotecting members – includingsecuring good jobs and decentwork, ensuring workers havea strong and effectivevoice, and gaining decentpay and conditions.

Sharon said Unite hasproduced a range ofWork, Voice, Pay guidesto assist reps inincluding guides formaking pay claims andgaining workplacerecognition.

SPORTS DIRECT

After watching an inspirational filmon Unite’s campaign at Sports Direct,conference debated and carried amotion calling for continued supportin the fight for decent and fairconditions.

In moving Sam Rosenthal, EastMidlands (pictured), explained whatworkers face at Sports Direct.He said, “There is a culture of fear.

“Take toolong in thetoilet, be offsick, chat too much– and you might getsacked. And all for pay below theminimum wage.

“This is the best campaign to emergefrom the union in a long time. Butthe fight still goes on.”

Justice fightmust go on


JOHN McDONNELL

Solidarity at the heart Shadow chancellor John McDonnell laidout the Labour party’s single-minded“ambition to radically transform society”at policy conference.

He explained the sweeping measures theparty has taken since he was appointedshadow chancellor after Labour leaderJeremy Corbyn’s election to “restoreeconomic credibility to the Labour Party.”

At the heart of Labour’s economic policy,McDonnell explained, is long-term stateinvestment that draws out privateinvestment and in so doing rebalances theeconomy and brings broad, sharedprosperity to all.

He credited Unite for contributing to a

central plank of Labour’s new economicpolicy. “This union for years now hasbeen arguing for what it is that we neednow – a long-term industrial strategy.”

Like Corbyn, McDonnell confirmed a keyLabour pledge – “In the first 100 days ingovernment we will scrap the trade unionAct. It will go.”

He warned that new prime ministerTheresa May’s “warm words” forworking people in a recent speech shouldnot be trusted. “She’s voted for every cutand supported policies that have turnedthe country into “food bank Britain. Thetime to get rid of the Tories is coming.”

Clarifying the Labour party’s position on

various policies, McDonnell answeredquestions from delegates.

When asked by delegate Mike Hedgeswhether the Labour party would rejectspending limits imposed by the Torygovernment, McDonnell said that it would.

“We have our own fiscal rule,” he said.“Yes we have to tackle the deficit but wedo that by growing the economy. We do itby investing in the economy.”

McDonnell closed by thanking Unite andits members, which he said has shown theCorbyn leadership such solidarity “in atime of real struggle. I know you’ll showthat solidarity,” he said. “That’s the heartof this union and always has been.”

TU Act pledge – John McDonnell with Tony Woodhouse and Len McCluskey

LABOUR PARTY

Uniting behind Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn,Unite delegates voted to call on Constituency LabourParties (CLPs) to urge their MPs to support the party’sdemocratically elected leader.

The carried motion urged all concerned to re-double theirefforts to ensure Jeremy Corbyn is elected as the UK’s nextprime minister.

Following a balanced debate the motion was carried by a largemajority, confirming Unite’s solid support for a united Labourparty under the leadership of Corbyn.

And in a related debate, delegates supported a motionsupporting the need for mandatory reselection of Labour MPsin each Parliament. This will mean Labour MPs will be heldaccountable to their Constituency Labour Party (CLP).

Support Corbyn call

LIVING WAGE

Across the boardUnite’s campaign was backed by motions calling for an across-the-board LivingWage – now £9.40 an hour in London and £8.25 an hour in the rest of the UK – as calculated by the independent Living Wage Foundation.

Currently, the government’s re-branded minimum wage – the so-called NationalLiving Wage – only applies to those over 25. Conference also backed ongoingexploration of the idea of Universal Basic Income – an unconditional, non-withdrawable income paid to everyone.

TRANSPORT

Re-nationaliseUnite reiterated its commitment to lobbying for full public ownership of rail and busnetworks, after delegates overwhelmingly called for the issue to be a key priority forthe union.

David Smith, East Midlands believed transport was an issue that was “vitallyimportant” to all members, both for workers who work in transport and those whouse transport. And London and Eastern’s Andrew Yeardley said, “Unite is proudto support renationalising of railway and buses.”

NHS

NHS fightThe NHS must be defended with greaterurgency and delegates carried motions tostep up Unite’s campaigns includingtaking coordinated industrial action,supporting junior doctors, and lobbyingthe Labour party to support the union’sNHS policies.

North East region’s Lee Gill Singh saiddefending the NHS requires fightingwith a “larger strategy.” “We must fightfor a transformation of society.”

FRACKING

SupportingmembersAfter a debate on fracking Uniteconfirmed it will stand by members’ jobsand continue to seek to organise andrepresent workers engaged in frackingrelated work. But the union would stillmaintain its opposition to the impactfracking has on the environment.

Conference backed a proposal callingon Unite to commit to both, ensuringrobust health and safety procedures arein place for industry workers andensuring that minimum standards forpay, terms and conditions are in placeas well.

IRELAND

Investment callAfter years of recession and austerity, the Republic of Ireland is back in growth, but it’slargely been a bosses’ recovery, conference heard.

That’s why delegates backed a plan resisting corporate-backed policies that havedepressed living standards in the Republic as well as in Northern Ireland – still in deeprecession. Unite called for a programme focused on investment, a revitalised publicsector, and a renewed emphasis on manufacturing.

“In our unity there is strength,” said Ireland secretary Jimmy Kelly. “We can deliver abetter tomorrow for all the working class on these islands.”

FIND OUT MOREWe’ve outlined just some of theconference highlights here. To find outmore members can visitwww.uniteconferences.org – you’ll gainaccess with your member login details.

VIDEO LINKSCheck out our filmed coverage Len McCluskey’s speechhttp://unitelive.org/yes-to-solidarity/ Jeremy Corbyn’s speech http://unitelive.org/what-makes-us-strong/ John McDonnell’s speech http://unitelive.org/courage-and-solidarity/ Frances O’Grady’s speech http://unitelive.org/stick-together-and-win/

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