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ScotlandinUNISON NATIONAL DELEGATE CONFERENCE
LIVERPOOL 2019
Scotland delegates’ handbook
• Message from Scottish convener • Scotland policy guide on all the
main issues • Who’s who? Briefings service and other contacts
• What’s happening guide • Liverpool information • Fringe events
• Inserts with seating plans
PUBLIC
WORKS: www.unison-scotland.org/news/conf2019
PRODUCED BY SCOTTISH COMMUNICATIONS & CAMPAIGNS COMMITTEE IN CONJUNCTION WITH REGIONAL DELEGATES
HAVANA CLUB
RUM RECEPTION
Cuba: 60 years of revolution.
Solidarity against the blockade,
Trump and intervention
Tuesday 18 June, 5.15pm, Hall IB (Upper Level)
Speakers:
■ Dr Enmanuel Vigil Fonseca, Volunteer in Cuba’s emergency medical brigades
■ Report back from Tracey Delany and Lilian Macer on Unison’s 2018 Cuba delegation
■ Francisco Dominguez, National Secretary, Venezuela Solidarity Campaign
■ Rob Miller, director, Cuba Solidarity Campaign
■ Chair: Roger McKenzie, Assistant General Secretary
2019 marks the 60th anniversary of the Cuban
Revolution, an opportunity to celebrate the gains
made by the Cuban people in health, education,
social welfare and internationalism.
However, these gains are under threat from
the government of Donald Trump which
has ratcheted up sanctions against Cuba to
unprecedented levels with the express intention
of increasing suffering to the Cuban people.
This fringe will hear from Dr Vigil Fonseca, a
Cuban medical volunteer who has worked in
emergency situations in Haiti, Ecuador, Western
Sahara and Sierra Leone during the Ebola
outbreak in 2014. It will also give an insight
Dr Vigil with the
into the real threat of intervention in Cuba and
Cuban team in Haiti Latin America and how you can make a stand
against it.
Supported by
★ Havana Club Rum Cocktails provided ★
Front page photos clockwise from top left: Lanarkshire Health members demonstrating against
the ISS company’s payroll change that would see workers working for three weeks and only
getting paid for two; Glasgow equal pay strikers celebrate victory; Dundee home carers’ ballot
blocks council plans to enforce changes to contracts and shift patterns; West Dunbartonshire’s
‘Say No to Overwork’ campaign.
LIVERPOOL 2019 CONFERENCE BRIEFINGS ScotlandinUNISON 3
Welcome to National Conference
from UNISON Scotland convener Lilian Macer
elcome to all our
W delegates and visitors
to Liverpool for UNISON’s
26th National Delegate
Conference (NDC).
‘ High quality public services
are affordable and can be
funded through fair taxation.
This year, as we gather in This is the basis for decent
Liverpool to set UNISON policy, services provided by properly
we take the opportunity to reflect
rewarded staff.’
on the range of activity we have
progressed in defence of our pay round will be the most
members and the services they crucial since the
provide, and to celebrate the commencement of the British
achievements in 2018/19. and Scottish governments'
And one of those successes policies of capping public-
is of course the Glasgow sector pay, which have
Women's Equal Pay victory. impoverished our members Members accepted the pay
We can all agree it's been a since 2011. deal which saw 9% over 3
long road but we will finally see Over the past year in years and a removal of pay
money being rightly put back Scotland we have continued points for some members
into the pockets of Glasgow's our focus on pay which has increasing their overall pay
low-paid women. moved the pay agenda from package.
This represents compensation the 1% pay cap. Our Local Government
for the pay lost due to a In Health there was a huge members had the most
discriminatory pay and grading exercise of membership successful members'
system in place for over 12 engagement to conclude an e- engagement ever within the
years and will be one of the ballot (for period 16 July - 14 largest UNISON bargaining
largest redistributions of wealth August) on an A4C Refresh/Pay group.
in Glasgow's history. Uplift Package, concluded Continued on page 4
UNISON Scotland has been through the Scottish Terms and
standing side by side with Conditions Committee and Inside
these women who have been funded by the Barnett On the Fringe . . . . . . . . . . .2
truly an inspiration to all consequential of a parallel deal Welcome from Lilian . . . . . .3
members across Scotland. agreed and implemented for
England and Wales. Who’s who . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Last year I said that the 2018
Scotland policy guide to all the
main Conference debates . . .6
IMPORTANT EVENTS
What’s happening? A guide
Scottish Branches Meeting for new delegates and old ones
Monday 17 June 5.30-6.30pm - An essential meeting to get who were afraid to ask. . . .14
last minute news and updates. Conference Briefings
Hall 1C (upper level) ACC Liverpool and Website Team . . . . . .16
Kings Dock, Liverpool Waterfront, L3 4FP Handy hints for delegates . .16
Local Government Branches Meeting Gordon’s Malawi charity . .17
Saturday 15 June 5.15-6.15pm Liverpool info and map . . . .18
Hall 1C (upper level) ACC Liverpool Seating plans are enclosed on
Kings Dock, Liverpool Waterfront, L3 4FP separate sheets.
4 Scotland inUNISON L I V E R P O O L 2019 CONFERENCE BRIEFINGS
Welcome to Conference from Lilian Macer
From Page 3 affordable and can be funded through
In the best ever digital ballot in fair taxation. This is the basis for
UNISON, 91% voted in favour of the decent services provided by properly
deal and in record numbers with a rewarded staff.
41.9% return. Within our international agenda we
Five branches achieved a 50% plus continue through our campaigns to
return, one 60% plus. The pay offer raise the human rights violations and
will deliver a 9.5% cost of living the financial and social injustice
increase over three years. experienced by our sisters and
In addition it provides a brothers across the world.
commitment to fully
consolidating the living
wage, with an
established joint working
group to negotiate and
‘Our conference is the
opportunity for us to set
our union's policy that will
deliver benefits for our
implement.
This is the best pay members, the economy and
deal in Local our communities.’
Government in a
decade. In December 2018 I was very
In Further Education fortunate to join the UNISON
we achieved the fifth delegation to Cuba.
successive year where I was truly inspired by the Cuban
Lilian Macer is not renowned the pay rise was in people, their resilience, friendship and
for long tedious speeches excess of Scottish commitment to the values we hold
but, just in case, a platform Government Public close to our hearts.
delegate settles down to a Sector Pay Policy, with And as a health worker I recognise
nice cup of tea. the settlement of a three that, since the revolution, Cuba has
year pay deal with a set developed a world class health
of core conditions of service system that achieves developed
It was UNISON Scotland’s efforts country demographic indicators, on a
that changed the Scottish
fraction of the budget and despite
Government’s Public Sector Pay
suffering more than 50 years of
Policy and our campaign continues
blockade, something we in Scotland
until we see wage restoration for our
should look to learn from.
members.
Our conference is the opportunity for
Delivering high quality public
us to set our union's policy that will
services is what we do and through
our campaigning at every level we deliver benefits for our members, the
have mitigated the worst excesses of economy and our communities.
the impact of the government's social, I look forward to seeing you and
economic and political policy choices. listening to your contributions in the
At NDC this year, our message in debates and focussed discussions
UNISON Scotland continues to be that over the week of NDC. Enjoy
high quality public services are conference.
LIVERPOOL 2019 CONFERENCE BRIEFINGS ScotlandinUNISON 5
Who’s who, or handy folk to know
Lilian Macer and Elaine President
Duffy, Scotland Delegates This year’s president, who will
chair Conference, is Scotland’s
Lilian and Elaine are elected own Gordon McKay from
as Scotland’s reps to Ayrshire and Arran Health. A
Conference by the union’s mental health nurse for 30 years,
Scottish Council of branches. Gordon has been involved with
See page 6 for details of what the NEC since 2009.
they do at Conference and Senior vice-president is Josie
how they can help. Bird who is an administrative
Lilian is from Lanarkshire officer in Newcastle and secretary
Health Branch and is UNISON of the Newcastle city branch. She
Scotland convener. has chaired the NEC’s finance and
Elaine, from Scottish resource management committee.
Electricity Branch, is Scottish
treasurer. Junior vice-president is Sian
Stockham, a care support worker
from Abergavenny. She has been
a member of the NEC since 2005,
Mike Kirby, Scottish Secretary where she holds the seat
representing fellow low-paid
Mike Kirby is Scotland’s top
women members in Wales.
full time official. Mike took
over as Scottish Secretary in
December 2010 after serving Dave Prentis, General Secretary
as Scottish Convener - Dave Prentis was elected in
Scotland’s lead lay activist - 2000 and then re-elected in
since the merger that 2006, 2010 and 2015.
created UNISON in 1993. Born and brought up in Leeds,
Mike was also for many years one of he took a BA in history in
Scotland’s lay Regional reps to London, followed by an MA in
National Conference. He was 2011/12 industrial relations at the
STUC President. University of Warwick. Dave is
a member of the TUC General
Council and its executive committee.
Alison Mitchell, Standing
Orders Committee Rep Scotland’s NEC members
Alison Mitchell from South
Lanarkshire Branch is
Scotland’s rep on the Standing
Orders Committee which sets
out the business for the week.
Alison will be the source of
information on what’s going Maggie Cook, Jim McFarlane, Kate
on and whether your motion Ramsden, Stephen Smellie and
has any chance! Davena Rankin are Scotland’s elected
National Executive members.
6 ScotlandinUNISON L I V E R P O O L 2019 CONFERENCE BRIEFINGS
Scotland policy guide on all the main issues
ilian Macer and Elaine Duffy were elected re-prioritisation exercise. This will take place
L by the Scottish Council as UNISON
Scotland’s delegates to Conference.
on Wednesday evening/ Thursday morning,
for Friday afternoon’s agenda (see page
Branch delegates should use them as a 12). You can only re-prioritise motions on
source of information and they have a key the priority list.
organisational role. The Standing Orders Committee (SOC)
They can help you liaise with other has balloted regions, the NEC, self
branches and regions. They will know how organised groups, National Young Members’
debates are organised, who to speak to Forum and the National Retired Members’
and, more importantly, how to get to speak. Committee on what motions should be
They will advise on Scottish policy and will prioritised for debate.
speak for
UNISON Scotland motions and amendments
Scotland in The following motions and amendments
debates. involving Scotland have been prioritised.
Here, they 26. Menopause - UNISON has got this
preview the covered, Renfrewshire Part of Comp A,
main debates first on remaining order of business.
at Conference,
offering 62. UNISON De-recognition,
Aberdeenshire 46th on remaining order of
comments and
business.
advice from a
UNISON 70. Tackling the crisis in social care
Never try to move a point of order
Scotland policy UNISON Scotland amendment Part of
when Jane Aitchison is speaking.
perspective. Comp D on Friday morning.
The briefing
cannot mandate branches who may have 82. Colombia, West Dunbartonshire 24th on
different policies, however it may assist remaining order of business.
delegates in taking an overview of 84. Cuba 60, UNISON Scotland Part of
Conference. Comp F on Wednesday afternoon.
Conference 2019 has 131 motions (two
less than 2018) and 23 rule amendments 100. Make 2021 the Year of Disabled
(up by nine on 2018). Workers, South Lanarkshire 48th on
UNISON Scotland and Scottish branches remaining order of business.
have submitted 21 motions, seven of which
106. Jane Haining Memorial & Holocaust
have reached the priority list, along with two
Study Tour, Renfrewshire 36th on
amendments. Last year we had 14 motions on remaining order of business
the priority list.
Re-prioritising 110. Review of the Devolution Protocol,
UNISON Scotland 11th on remaining
The experience of recent years is that order of business.
Conference will manage to discuss 30 to 35
or so of these motions. 111. Energy climate change a just
Therefore if your favourite is not discussed transition and jobs for a low carbon
below, it is unlikely to be debated first time economy, UNISON Scotland amendment
around and the only alternative will be in the 21st on remaining order of business.
LIVERPOOL 2019 CONFERENCE BRIEFINGS ScotlandinUNISON 7
Scotland priorities
As a reminder for delegates the priorities for debate agreed at Scottish Council
on 13 April were...
10. Cuba 60 - Scotland
12. Review of the Devolution Protocol Scotland Region - Scotland
70. Tackling the Crisis in Social Care - Scotland amendment
111. Energy climate change a just transition and jobs for low
carbon economy - Scotland amendment
23. Menopause in the Workplace - National Women’s
Committee
62. UNISON De-recognition - Aberdeenshire
26. Menopause - South Lanarkshire
27. Rebuilding Collective Bargaining - North West
106. Jane Haining Memorial and Holocaust Study Tour -
Renfrewshire
81. Brazil - NEC
22. Smash the Gender Pay Gap - NEC A disappointed Scott Donohoe is
defeated by Conference at the
Organising and Recruitment: Motions 1 - 23 Stone Scissors Paper game.
Facility time for activists is a
‘fundamental right’
otions in this section of the agenda
M will focus on the union’s organising
strategy ensuring we are fit to cope with
Motion 2
Growing the
Union from
the onslaught of savage cuts to public Northern
services. This section includes motions Region follows Frustration sets in as he loses
and amendments from 1 through to 21 on Wednesday.
again.
and is supportable from a UNISON This motion is
focused on a
Scotland perspective.
sustainable organising initiatives such as
Motion 1 Developing Organising Grovember to be planned and become
Resources in Branches and Regions regular events, sharing good practice and
from the NEC is up on Wednesday. This to explore the establishment of an
motion believes that to meet these organising academy to train and support
challenges, the union needs to promote our activists.
improved cooperation between branches Motion 18 Young Workers Facility Time
and between regions to ensure that from the National Young Workers Forum -
UNISON is more visible to the members up on Tuesday afternoon - highlights that
and non-members. facility time is a fundamental right of trade
unionists in the workplace.
In addition it also congratulates those
branches and regions that have pioneered It ensures we support our members at
initiatives to foster closer working and to disciplinaries, and that policies of the
increase the visibility of the union through organisations our members work for are
resource centres, shop fronts, organising scrutinised and negotiated effectively.
centres and mobile units. continued on page 8
8 ScotlandinUNISON L I V E R P O O L 2019 CONFERENCE BRIEFINGS
From Page 7
The motion calls for the development of young worker focused programme of
clear guidance, working with the National properly resourced recruitment, organising,
Young Members’ Forum to advocate the and campaigning.
negotiating of facility time for Young It calls for a programme of events and
Members Officers, sending this to every campaigns involving the whole union, not
branch upon completion. just Young Members, and supported by the
It calls on the union to explore ways of necessary organisation and financial
ensuring facility time is distributed in ways resources.
that allow young members and Black, It also recognises that Year of the Young
women and LGBT members to participate Worker represents the start of a renewed
fully in the union and develop an longer-term commitment to developing
organising strategy for 2020. young worker representation in UNISON.
Motion 19 Year of The undoubted progress being made will
the Young Worker
be lost unless we embed our commitments
– Creating a
in future work plans thereby creating a
legacy for the
legacy that will ensure we have a vibrant
future is from
union now and in the future.
Eastern Region and
is on the agenda for Motion 21 Towards a more inclusive
Wednesday. The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
motion recognises (LGBT) Self-organised group, from
the Year of the Imperial College, is on Thursday. This
motion is in line with the regional policy
‘Steven Larkin panics when he Young Worker
provides the ideal position and should be supported. It puts in
realises that page 2 of his
place the policy adopted at the Scottish
speech is last night's bar order. opportunity to
deliver an intensive Council in April.
Comp A: Menopause Charter to highlight
and advise on good workplace practices
Motion 23: Menopause and the Workplace regions to ensure members have full
from the National Women’s Committee will access to all the employer support.
be in Comp A where Scotland will have an
Motion 29: Apprenticeships from Yorkshire
interest through motion 26 from
and Humberside is on Tuesday afternoon.
Renfrewshire and, being first on the
The motion calls for the NEC to continue to
remaining order of business or ‘the snake’, it
develop a strategic approach on
should be heard early in the week, possibly
apprenticeships to ensure that they deliver
on the first day.
positive outcomes for all and continue the
UNISON has continually argued that campaign to get employers providing Public
employers have a responsibility to take into Services to sign up to the UNISON
account difficulties women may experience Apprenticeship Charter Campaign to ensure
during the menopause, not least under health that candidates for Apprenticeships are
and safety legislation, and to take account of recruited from a wider range of under-
these in sickness absence policies.
represented or disadvantaged groups, such
This debate will call for a charter to be as those from Black and minority
established to support branches and backgrounds and older workers.
LIVERPOOL 2019 CONFERENCE BRIEFINGS ScotlandinUNISON 9
62: Call to condemn Cornerstone
‘union-busting’ derecognition
Motion 62 UNISON De-recognition force Cornerstone to
from Aberdeenshire condemns the sit down at ACAS
deplorable action of Cornerstone and resolve this
Community Care in de-recognising matter - and to name
UNISON for standing up for members and shame all those
over pay, although it is unlikely to be employers/ agencies
heard unless reprioritised. that are supporting
It calls on the union to support efforts to union busting tactics.
68: Nelson Mandela’s life and values Gordon McKay refuses
Conference demands for a card
inspiring future generations vote during his speech.
Motion 68 Nelson Mandela: inspiring movement and that
future generations is from Liverpool Nelson Mandela is an honorary
City. This motion, up on Friday, notes UNISON president
that 2020 will be the 30 year It calls for support for other projects
anniversary of the release of Nelson and events that aim to celebrate the life
Mandela from captivity and that his life and values of Nelson Mandela and
and values are inspirational to us today delegates may wish to donate to the
in our struggle for justice and equality. Scottish campaign, already backed by
It further recognises with pride the role UNISON Scotland, at
of trade unionists in the Anti-Apartheid www.mandelascottishmemorial.org
Comp D: Tackling the crisis in Social Care
Motions 70 and 71 on the crisis in The Scottish amendment recognises
social care, with amendments, are the work of the Scottish Fair Work
likely to form Composite D on Friday Convention on the social care inquiry
including the Scottish amendment. highlighting the precarious work within
The motion recognises that the social care the sector.
sector faces a perfect storm in which the The composite will call on the NEC to
impact of years of chronic underfunding progress a number of campaign
has been worsened by increasing demand priorities including proper funding to
and the knock-on impact of cuts to other ensure longer term planning within the
key public services. sector.
80: Curbing Corporate Power
Motion 80 Curbing Corporate Power A draft Binding Treaty on Transnational
from the NEC, is on Wednesday. This Corporations (opposed by the UK) will
motion recognises that the revenues of be negotiated in October by the United
the three largest corporations in the Nations.
world, including Wal-mart, were higher The motion calls on the NEC to work with
than the gross domestic product of 110 Public Services International to monitor
countries, 55% of all nation states, and the progress of the treaty and campaign
that 66 individual people own as much with UK civil society to raise public
wealth as 3.6 billion people.
continued on page 10
10 ScotlandinUNISON LIVERPOOL 2019 CONFERENCE BRIEFINGS
From Page 9
awareness of, and action in support of, the Councils in Scotland, Wales and Northern
treaty. It looks to build support for the Ireland to win backing for the treaty within
treaty within Parliament and pressurise the the devolved administrations and to
UK Government to change its position. It advocate for the United Nations
calls for support for the UNISON Regional negotiations to make progress.
84: Celebrating achievements of Cuban people
Motion 84, Cuba 60, from Scotland will achievements in health, education and
be in Comp F on Wednesday. culture in the face of massive oppression
The motion by powerful northern neighbour the USA
applauds the and other reactionary forces. It calls for an
achievement end to the cruel and illegal blockade.
by the people It also encourages regions and branches
of Cuba in to visit Cuba in solidarity with the Cuban
liberating people and Cuban trade unions and
their country encourage branches, regions and nations
and of UNISON to affiliate to the Cuba
sustaining it Solidarity Campaign and the Scottish
as a beacon Cuba Solidarity Campaign.
of socialism UNISON Scotland is co-hosting a fringe
Tony Slaven begs conference to over the last meeting on Cuba 60 on Tuesday at 5.15.
support the 25 years review 60 years. See page 2 for details.
composite now that he's bought It recognises See reports from the UNISON Scotland
the t-shirt remarkable Cuba visit at unison-scotland.org/cuba
96 and 97: EU Exit: Protecting the peace
process and putting public services at core
Motion 96. EU Exit and Protecting the Any attempts to remove or weaken the
Peace Process, submitted by Northern backstop must be resisted.
Ireland, is on Wednesday along with Motion It calls on the NEC to continue to seek a
97. At the time of writing the motion, the UK future relationship between the UK and EU
was still set to leave the EU on 29 March that builds upon and strengthens the
but the terms of its exit and whether it will protections set out within the backstop
exit at all remains very unclear. which protects the Good Friday Agreement
The motion calls for the NEC, in conjunction in all its parts and prevents a hard border
with the Northern Ireland membership in between the Republic of Ireland and
particular, to continue to campaign against a Northern Ireland.
‘no deal’ exit from the EU if Article 50 has It also calls for the establishment of an
been extended. independent international body to monitor
It calls for a deal that protects the rights of the implementation of the peace agreement
British and Irish citizens across these and to ensure future decisions of both
islands as part of the Common Travel Area guarantor governments align with the
and for the highest standards of equality of provisions and intention of the Good Friday
treatment for citizens in Northern Ireland Agreement.
regardless of their chosen identity. continued on page 11LIVERPOOL 2019 CONFERENCE BRIEFINGS ScotlandinUNISON 11
From Page 10
Motion 97 Public services and EU exit employment rights at its core.
from East Midland, highlights that we, as The NEC has not, at the time of writing
public service workers, are horrified at the briefing, submitted an emergency
how the UK Government has conducted motion or statement in relation to the EU
EU exit negotiations so far. Exit however the likelihood is that there
The turmoil in the Westminster will be a motion
Parliament does not give workers any or statement from
confidence that their best interests are the NEC on this
being served whatever deal is ahead. issue which will
It calls for a campaign for an EU exit deal be debated on
that puts the protection and future growth Thursday
of UK public services, equality and morning.
100: 2021 Year of Disabled Workers
Motion 100 Make 2021 the Year of with the National
Disabled Workers is from South Disabled
Lanarkshire. The motion believes that Members
one of UNISON’s strengths lies in its Committee to Sam Macartney pleads with
recognition of the value and unique deliver a range of Conference to help him find his
experiences disabled people bring to the actions to glasses.
workplace and to our union. UNISON achieve the 2021
recognises that people are disabled by Year of the
societal and environmental barriers rather Disabled Worker.
than their medical condition. The motion is
It calls on the National Executive Council 48th on the
to make 2021 the Year of Disabled remaining order
Workers in UNISON and to ask the TUC of business so is
and other unions to support the initiative. unlikely to be
heard unless re-
As part of that Year the NEC should work prioritised
Comp H: Justice for the Mark Ferguson's bedtime story
technique for his kids works for
platform delegates too.
Windrush generation
Motions 103 and 104 on Justice for the invitation of the then government, came
Windrush Generation form Comp H, the generation named the ‘Windrush
and rightly the first motion on the agenda Generation’.
on Tuesday. The name came from the MV Empire
The motions highlight the injustice Windrush which arrived at Tilbury Docks,
suffered by this generation from the Essex, on 22 June 1948 bringing workers
current government. It is difficult to from Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and
imagine anything more demoralising than other islands, as a response to post-war
the experience the ‘Windrush Generation’ labour shortages in the UK.
has undergone at the hands of the British The entry in to the UK ended with the
Government in the past few years. 1971 Immigration Act, when
Arriving in the UK between 1942 and
1971 from the Caribbean islands, at the continued on page 1212 ScotlandinUNISON L I V E R P O O L 2 0 1 9 C O N F E R E N C E B R I E F I N G S
Justice for Windrush generation (continued)
From Page 11
Commonwealth citizens already living in the It was also not clear that citizens needed to
UK were given indefinite leave to remain change their Caribbean passport to a
and, after this, a British passport-holder British one.
born overseas could only settle in the UK if The composite calls for a co-ordinated
they firstly had a work permit and, secondly, approach to ensuring this never happens
could prove that a parent or grandparent again and to ensure that they receive the
had been born in the UK. recognition they deserve
110: Review of UNISON’s Devolution Protocol
Motion 110. Review of the Devolution kingdom” of growing civic nationalism and
Protocol is submitted by Scotland and at regionalisation, the unsettled will for political
11th on the remaining order of business, change, and the growing plurality of politics,
has a chance of which will have further implications for
being heard. government and governance.
The motion In turn, these are issues of plurality and
recognises and diversification for the trade union to address
celebrates 20 years in policy, organisation and resourcing, such
of the Scottish as the more diverse models of procurement
Parliament however and contracting, leading to more private/not
it also recognises the for profit/community employers to organise
need for UNISON to and service, and to redefine local and
reflect the changing sectoral bargaining.
landscape within the The Scottish Parliament and other devolved
devolved nations. administrations have enhanced powers
The post Brexit since UNISON Conference 2004 approved
political scene merely the Devolution Protocol. The motion calls
heightens the for a review of the Devolution Protocol
Irrefutable proof that Maggie
constitutional debate which recognises the changing environment
Cook is a bag fetishist
in a “disunited we all operate within.
111: Just transition and jobs for a low carbon economy
Motion 111 Energy climate change, a and energy workers stranded without hope as
Just Transition and jobs for a low carbon the collapse of coal and manufacturing jobs
economy is from the NEC and amended by and industries did in the 1980s.
Scotland but at 21 on the ‘snake’ it may not The Scottish amendment 111.3 says the
get heard unless re-prioritised. Scottish Just Transition Commission, which
The motion notes the growing concern in includes trade union representatives, must
the UK and worldwide about the ability of give a voice to energy and other workers in
governments to regulate and slow the high carbon industries and should ensure
growth of carbon emissions, climate change that all Scottish Government policy
and global warming. contributes to developing the energy,
As an energy, environment and public industrial and education policies needed for
service union, our members and their a Just Transition to a low carbon economy.
families are directly affected. That must secure a future for energy
workers through creating new low carbon
When our economy shifts it must be a just and industries and technology, training current
fair change that does not leave communities and future workers in the necessary skillsLIVERPOOL 2019 CONFERENCE BRIEFINGS ScotlandinUNISON 13
121: Stop Universal Credit until fundamental
changes are made
Motion 121 Stopping Social Insecurity, These should include campaigning to see
from the NEC, is on Friday and calls on the ending the five week wait for the first
the National Executive Council to payment, making the first payment within
campaign for the implementation of seven days of the claim so claimants
Universal Credit to be stopped and for have no need to take an advance and get
fundamental changes to be made. into debt.
126: Key decisions on branch funding
Motion 126 Resourcing our branches – review to be completed within two years.
A UNISON Priority is submitted by the There will however be an immediate and
National Executive Council and is first up amended funding scheme which will
on Wednesday morning. commence on the 1st January 2020.
This motion recognises the key work and Look out for a fuller briefing on this
contribution of branches on behalf of our important - and overdue - issue, along
members. with the amendments, in the briefings at
The motion calls for a lay-member led Conference.
Amendments to Rules
The Briefings Team will distribute a separate Scottish briefing on Rule Amendments to
delegates on the Wednesday of Conference.
onference is a serious business
Keep up with the Conference theme C but that doesn’t mean we can’t
have a bit of fun too.
The Briefings Team has run a theme
over recent conferences including
‘The Conference of the Rings’, ‘Star
Trek the Conference Generation’,
‘Conference Royale’, ‘Lili Potter and
the Conference of Secrets’,’Glescalot’,
‘Mike - The Greatest Fairy Tale never
Told’, ‘Avengers, the age of UNISON’
and last year’s ‘Lili Pan, A Scottish
Fairy Tale’. All have been praised for
their literary merit (we think).
This year’s eagerly awaited theme
remains a closely guarded secret.14 ScotlandinUNISON L I V E R P O O L 2019 CONFERENCE BRIEFINGS
What’s happening?
GUIDE FOR NEW DELEGATES (AND OLD ONES WHO WERE AFRAID TO ASK)
ith up to 3,000 delegates and visitors, Rostrum Control will help.
W Conference can be a daunting prospect,
especially if you don’t know what’s happening.
In any case it is best to tell them you want to
speak because they will have a list - and with
But now you will, thanks to SiU’s handy guide. amendments it is not always clear which seat you
should be in. It also helps to speak to the
Scotland Meeting Scottish Regional delegates first.
Monday’s Scotland delegates’ meeting gives last
minute information and discusses Scottish input. It is Speakers can speak only once in a debate
also your chance to push your issues (see p3). (except for the right of reply). Movers get five
minutes. However, Conference sometimes
Seating Plan reduces this. You will get warning to chainsaw all
There should those bits you loved dearly out of your speech.
be a seating Subsequent speakers get three minutes.
plan in this Always start your speech by giving your
pack. We name and your branch.
traditionally get HANDY HINT: Have a brief closing remark ready
at least one in case you run out of time.
seat wrong - so
if you find Right of Reply
yourself sitting The mover of a motion is allowed a Right of Reply at
on someone’s the end of the debate or before voting on an
knee, it’s likely amendment (but not both). This is a reply to points
Katrina Murray isn't too proud to to be a mistake. raised in the debate and cannot be abused by
seek more enthusiastic applause introducing new stuff (although many try it).
Credentials
in the usual way Bar Code Voting
No this is not a Normally votes are taken by holding up brightly
secret sign to coloured cards and the president will decide
get a drink. whether a count is needed.
Your credential
card has a bar If it is close, or a major issue is involved, the
code which will chair can call for a branch card vote. Delegates
scan you in. can also call for a card vote but only if 10% of us
You must wear shout out with voting cards up immediately. If this
the card at all is on an amendment, the debate is suspended
times. Wearing until the result is known.
it at your waist Branch card votes are stamped with the voting
And is well chuffed when she
is not helpful to entitlement of your branch and with either FOR or
gets it!
the stewards, AGAINST.
will lead to delays and may end up with more The correct number must be used for the
than you expected being scanned! particular vote. Get a colleague to check it.
Conference Guide Procedure
This prints all motions submitted. It also has more Like any other formal meeting, Conference is run
detailed useful information. You will also get a by a series of rules. This often seems very
booklet with composite motions, listed by letters bureaucratic but the system ensures some
of the alphabet (usually with the numbers of the semblance of order is kept.
motions in brackets).
The president chairs Conference and their ruling
Speaking, speakers lists, timings on any issue is final.
Seats for speakers FOR and AGAINST are See page 16 for rostrum lights, points of
labelled at the front. If in doubt, staff at the order and handy hints...LIVERPOOL 2019 CONFERENCE BRIEFINGS ScotlandinUNISON 15
Rough Guide to Conference
A fter years of being caught out by jargon and
sneaky procedural wheezes, your SiU
scoop brings you a rough guide to help you out.
succeed in combining areas of agreement
through negotiation. You will get a
composites booklet before Conference and
new ones issued throughout the week.
Standing Orders Committee (SOC)
Comprises reps elected by each Region (ours Suspending Standing Orders
is Alison Mitchell) and three from the NEC who A super wheeze (needing a two thirds
organise the order of business, composites and majority) to do something that’s not on the
so on. A report will be issued each morning on agenda. To be avoided in most cases
the day’s business and probably future because it cuts across agreed priorities and
business. This is really important to of course stops Conference making
understanding what is going on. Sometimes decisions.
their rulings are challenged but it rarely makes
Grouped
sense to do so since the committee reflects
Debates
regions’ priorities.
Where a pile of
NEC Positions similar motions and
Most motions haven’t got a chance of being amendments are all
heard and will be referred to the NEC, or moved one after the
somewhere. So it is worth looking to see what other, there is an
position the NEC has taken on your motion. all-in debate and we
vote on them one
Agenda and Priorities after the other at
The running order (you’ll get one at the end.
Conference) is set after consultation with
regions on priorities. Motions are grouped Reference Back
into ‘themes’ to avoid duplication and the risk Reports, such as the We suggest being a bit
of voting against what we’d voted for earlier annual report or more prepared than Arthur
(yes we’ve done that before!). standing orders Nicol and pulling your
report, are presented trousers up before you get
Friday priorities to conference for to the podium.
Come Friday (oh, come, come Friday), there is approval. If someone
a chance to re-prioritise your pet motion that is unhappy with part
was not reached. On Wednesday we will of the report they can ask for ‘reference back’,
circulate branches with a form to pick their meaning the committee or working group that
priorities for Friday afternoon. These will be prepared the report should reconsider that
collated and go to the SOC which will set out a section.
Friday pm agenda that reflects Conference’s
wishes. That can be an eye-opener! Remittance
When the NEC asks for a motion to be
Emergency motions referred to them for further clarification,
Conference has to vote to hear emergency
elaboration, or investigation.
motions in the first place (after the SOC has
decided it is an emergency and is relevant Scottish delegates
and competent). To qualify for an emergency, Lilian Macer and Elaine Duffy are this year’s
it must have been impossible to submit the
Scottish Regional delegates. They are there to
motion’s subject matter before the deadline.
help, especially if you want to get into a
Composite debate - they’ll tell you how, who to see, and
An amalgam of similar motions drawn together if you’re not careful (or lucky), what to say!
into one motion that nobody likes! Not fair Sincerely folks, they are an essential source of
really, because many composites do advice, information and help.16 ScotlandinUNISON LIVERPOOL 2019 CONFERENCE BRIEFINGS
Conference briefings and website service
he Scottish Communications and Campaigns promote motions within Scottish policy. In
T Committee, along with the Regional
Delegates, will issue daily
exceptional circumstances we can help from our
own resources with typing and communications
briefings during Conference with branches, media etc back home.
week. Your contact is Jane Aitchison along with Kate
It is not a ‘News’ service after Ramsden, recently promoted to Scotland in
the event (after all you were UNISON editor after John Stevenson’s prolonged
there), it is for briefing retirement. John will also be here on the fringes, in
Jane Aitchison and Kate delegates before the event. the background and behind the scenes and
Ramsden revel in being However, we will issue some incognito to offer transitional criticism assistance.
freed from the chains of Other committee members will be helping out too.
special reports as a basis for
John Stevenson’s
grumpiness.
branch reports back home. It would be really helpful if speakers could let
We will also be updating the the team know when they are speaking (so
website with most of what goes out in print. we can get a photo) and let us have a copy
The service is also there to be used by branches to of their speech for reports.
PLEASE ADVISE US IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO BE PHOTOGRAPHED OR NAMED IN REPORTS
Blinkin’ lights and points of order
Timing for speeches is shown by
Handy Hints
lights on the rostrum... Card Votes
... but even if you don’t notice the light, there is l If you split your vote, make sure
always some bright spark who will shout ‘time’, the figures add up. Get someone
usually when they’re not agreeing with you. to check.
It can be useful to have an l make sure you’ve SIGNED it.
‘escape clause’ in your
l and make sure the branch name is
speech to cut to so you can
finish on a good note. on it.
The lights mean... Get your photo in advance
Yellow: means the speaker
l If you haven’t done it online, get
has a minute to go.
your credential photo in advance.
Red: means ‘zip the lip’ now,
Photo booths are few and far
not after you’ve made ten
between. If in dire straits the
Pointing at the lights and more points.
telling them not to go red just Green: means a point of
Conference Information Desk may
won't work as a desperate be able to help.
order has been raised and
Elaine Duffy found. will be heard before the Consideration
next speaker.
l We hope the briefings will be of
Points of Order
some use to you. But for safety, do
You can move ‘next business’, ‘adjournment’ or ‘private not leave papers on the floor.
session’ but the most used is ‘that the question be put’.
The president must put this to Conference and, if l Don’t leave mobile phone ringers
carried, we go straight to the right of reply, and the on.
vote on the motion or amendment. (The chair can l Don’t walk in front of the signers.
caution there has not been enough debate.)
l Lots of people will be pushing
This move is especially helpful when there are a papers at you as you come to
host of speakers for a motion and none against. Conference. Not taking one does
You can only move most points of order if you haven’t not make you a bad person!
already spoken in the debate.LIVERPOOL 2019 CONFERENCE BRIEFINGS ScotlandinUNISON 17
Support Gordon’s presidential charity
to help Malawi mother and baby clinic
NISON President Gordon sitting with his daughter watching
U McKay has chosen a
mother and baby clinic in
a programme on TV on the issue.
She reminded him that as
Manchinjiri, Malawi, as his president of UNISON he can help
Presidential Charity this year people on the breadline in sub-
and is asking branches across Saharan Africa and those working
the country to contribute. like himself in vital public services
Gordon was elected UNISON in the UK.
president at the end of June’s Depending on how much money
national delegate conference. It’s we raise this is what can we help
traditional for presidents to with:
nominate a charity and use their • New, bigger maternity wing
profile to raise some funds for where they can carry out more
their chosen cause. ante and post-natal checks and do
Already that generosity of more to prevent mother to child
Scottish branches has shone
through as a race night in
November in Glasgow raised
£4,000 - almost half of the cost of
‘What makes it even
more special for me is
knowing UK health
workers support us.
transmission of HIV
• Testing room to do more HIV
testing, with privacy.
• Shelter for patients’ family who
a new wing to the centre. cook for the patients.
It was followed by another fund- Because you know • Ambulance so women with
raiser in April and later that month what it is like’ complications can be transported
Gordon and Fife Health’s Wilma to the main hospital, 24km away
Brown visited the clinic.
BERTHA MASANGALE • Patients’ shelter while they are
This government funded clinic has miles away UNISON members have waiting for medicines from the
a two bed labour ward where staff heard of our clinic and care about pharmacy.
deliver babies, carry out pre and my work. • A nursing station/rest room so
post-natal checks and take “Thank you from the bottom of staff can get some rest
measures to prevent mother to child my heart. And what makes it even • Solar panels or generator. The
transmission of HIV. more special for me is knowing clinic does not have electricity. It is
Bertha Masangale, a midwife at UK health workers support us. on a list for electrification, but
the hospital said: “I love my job. Because you know what it is like” noone knows when that will
Helping women give birth is Gordon said: “As a healthcare happen.
wonderful. But we struggle to help all worker I wanted to choose a Cheques payable to UNISON.
the women who need us. presidential project that supported Send to Joan Walker UNISON,
“We know we could do so much my health colleagues in Africa who 130 Euston Road London NW1
more for our families, which is why provide health care in difficult 2AY Quote reference 0090137 or
we are so pleased you are helping circumstances.” email j.walker@unison.co.uk to
us. It’s amazing that thousands of His idea started when he was get details for a BACS payment.
Get the Morning Star at conference
he Morning Star is the only and pensions for our members.
T newspaper that reports daily on
the debates at conference and
If you make a speech at
conference there is a chance you’ll
reports them favourably. see your wit and wisdom reported
Other daily newspapers are more in the paper next day.
likely to attack the delegates who The Morning Star will be on sale
demand an end to austerity and each day at a stall in the exhibitions
argue for decent pay, conditions area.18 ScotlandinUNISON LIVERPOOL 2019 CONFERENCE BRIEFINGS
Liverpool: A history of struggle
n 1323 Liverpool built a Liverpool fans to fight the
I castle. It was used by
Edward III as a staging
23 year insult to working
class people of
post for his war on establishment lies and
Scotland. demonisation following
In 1327 it all backfired the deaths of 96 innocent
and the castle was used Liverpool supporters in
to give shelter for people the Hillsborough tragedy.
fleeing from the Scots. Eating out
It was knocked down to In recent years Liverpool
build a church in 1715 at has seen a huge
the same time as Bonnie transformation, especially
Prince Charlie’s dad was in the docks area where
on a bit of an adventure to
take over Scotland again. major role in the 1926 the venture imploded is a the Conference will be
Anyway, we won’t hold it general strike. longer story than we have held.
against them, other than The North West also saw room for here - other than Bars and restaurants are
to mention that Edinburgh great injustice in the to say that the union all nearby but venture
(unlike Glasgow) has still building workers strike of faced enormous and inland for a wider variety.
got its castle. 1972 that still leaves bitter challenges. We’ll be seeking some
actor Ricky Tomlinson And of course, iconic recommendations from our
Global city fighting to clear his name trade union leader Jack North West colleagues.
The city grew from global from the conspiracy that Jones hailed from these Scouse
trade, and sadly also unjustly jailed workers parts. A man who, as the
from the profits of slavery like him at the time. And you can’t go without
city’s youngest councillor,
just like Scotland’s At the end of April the tasting Scouse - the dish
went off to Spain in 1937
trading cities. Criminal Cases Review the Scousers are named
to fight for his socialism in
It became famous in Commission finally after - or vice versa.
the civil war and spent his
modern times the world agreed to reconsider the long life fighting injustice. Many variations are to be
over for the Beatles and case. found of this warming
the other Merseybeat stew. No further comment
phenomena. is wise from a nation that
But it also grew as hotbed has sheep’s innards and
of working class struggle. turnips as its national
A struggle with dish.
international roots as the Liverpool is also famous
port became a melting for Steve Gray from the
pot for English, Irish, Aberdeenshire Branch.
Scots and new After many years in the
Liverpudlians from Sadly, the 1980s brought
unrest in Toxteth bred out land of the North East, he
around the world.
of poverty, racism and has kept the strongest
Its Chinatown is the Football
marginalisation. Merseyside accent you’ll
oldest in Britain and the Liverpool is also the home
Then there was the hear at Conference.
black community can of two iconic football teams
trace its roots back to the controversial period from So much so that some
that rose out of one.
18th century. 1983-87 when the Militant Weegies hearing him
dominated Labour council Everton and Liverpool live
The famous dock strikes announce himself as
across a park from each
set an illegal budget ‘Steve Gray,
of 1911 and 1995-98 are other and the rivalry is
well documented. against cuts. Nalgo Aberdeenshire Branch’ at
intense. But so is the
member Derek Hatton Scottish Council think that
Liverpool saw a police working class solidarity.
was the leader and how Scouse is the Doric.
strike in 1919 and had a Everton fans stood withLIVERPOOL 2019 CONFERENCE BRIEFINGS ScotlandinUNISON 19
Hotels & Serviced Apartments Places of Interest
A B C D E F
1 30 James Street and Carpathia
1 Albert Dock B3
Champagne Bar & Restaurant B2
2 ACC Liverpool B4 49
2 62 Castle Street B2 3 Athenaeum C2
3 Adagio Apart Hotel D2 4 The Beatles Story B3 and A2
44 30
5 Beatles Legacy Statue A2 63
4 Aloft Hotel and NYL Restaurant & Bar B1 43
5 Base Serviced Apartments - Duke St D3 6 Blackburne House E3
50
50 66 15 Liverpool Hope University
7 Black-E Community Centre D4
6 Base Serviced Apart’s - Cumberland St B1 46 21 (Creative Campus).
8 The Bluecoat C2 Everton FC.
7 Base Serviced Apart’s - Sir Thomas St C1 Aintree Racecourse. Isla Gladstone Conservatory.
9 The British Music Experience A2 59 16
Southport. Liverpool FC.
8 Base Serviced Apart’s - The Dock C5 37 32
10 Camp & Furnace C5 Another Place (Cast Iron
9 The Block B4
11 Cains Brewery Village D5
Human Sculptures).
1 16 15
1
10 BridgeStreet Liverpool ONE C2 12 Cavern Club B2 57 34
30 38 36
11 Britannia Adelphi D2 13 Cavern Walks C2 6
51
Croxteth Hall &
52
12 Campanile C4 14 Chinese Arch D3 7
Country Park.
39 64 4 54 Knowsley Hall.
15 Central Library D1 49
13 Crowne Plaza Liverpool City Centre A1 48 Knowsley Safari.
63
14 Days Inn B2 16 Empire Theatre D1 13 33 35 St Helens.
17 Epstein Theatre C2
15 Doubletree by Hilton & Spa Liverpool B1
40
18 Everyman Theatre E3 27 53 54 28
16 Dream Apartments B1 61 46
19 Exhibition Centre Liverpool B4
17 EPIC Apart Hotel - Seel Street C3
20 FACT D3
23 12 13 53 20 62
18 EPIC Apart Hotel - Duke Street C3
21 The Gateway Centre D1
25
19 EPIC Apart Hotel - Campbell Street C3 22 Gustaf Adolf Kyrka (Nordic Church) C4
2 29 61
20 Euro Hostel C2 23 The Hardmans’ House D3 14 11 60
58
21 Hallmark Inn Liverpool E2 24 International Slavery Museum B3 2 9 2
25 LIPA E3 5
22 Hampton by Hilton C4 4 3 3
1
26 Liverpool Cathedral E4 38 48
23 Hard Days Night Hotel B2 17
27 Liverpool Cruise Terminal A2
24 Hatters Hostel D2 43 60 32
28 Liverpool Cycle Tours C5 8
25 Heywood House Hotel B2 51
29 Liverpool International Language Academy B2 45 21
26 Hilton Liverpool City Centre B3 10 24
30 Liverpool John Moores University B1
41
27 Holiday Inn Express - Albert Dock B4 SW AY
31 Liverpool Medical Institution E3 42 THOM
AS STEER
28 Holiday Inn - Liverpool City Centre D2 32 Liverpool ONE C2 31
17
CUSTUSE PL
HO
29 Hope Street Hotel & 33 Liverpool Parish Church A1 AY 40
OM
RS W
MAS
STEE 41 19 52 18
The London Carriage Works E3 34 Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine E1 THO 42 LL
ST 33
E
PB
30 Hotel Indigo A1 35 Liverpool Town Hall B1 CA
M 20
55
31 Ibis Liverpool Albert Dock B3 36 Liverpool Wake Park B5 26 34
Belfast Ferries. 56 18
32 Ibis Styles - Dale Street B1 37 Mattel Play ! B3 Lady Lever Art Gallery. 24 8
33 International Inn / Cocoon E3 38 Mersey Ferries A2 Ness Gardens.
Spaceport. 39
39 Merseyside Maritime Museum B3 3 U Boat Story 3
34 International Inn Serviced Apartments E3
45
40 Metquarter C2
35 Jurys Inn B4 56 59 29
41 Metropolitan Cathedral E2
36 The Liner Hotel D1 1
42 Museum of Liverpool A2
37 Malmaison A1
43 Open Eye Gallery A2
31
38 Liverpool Marriott Hotel City Centre C1 44 Passport Office A1
44 5
39 Mercure Liverpool Atlantic Tower Hotel A1 45 Philharmonic Hall E3 6
37 23
4 14
40 The Nadler Liverpool C3 46 Playhouse Theatre C2 25
41 Novotel Liverpool Centre C3 47 Princes Road Synagogue F4
22
48 Quakers Meeting House/ Tourist Information 27 57
42 Posh Pads C3 7
Prayer Room C2
Merseyrail Stations 65 22
43 Premier Suites B1
49 Royal Court Theatre C1
44 Premier Inn, Albert Dock B3 Merseytravel Information 35
50 Royal Liverpool University Hospital F1
45 Premier Inn, Hanover Street C2 51 RIBA North A2 Bus Stations 55 62
46 Premier Inn, Vernon Street B1 52 St George’s Hall D1 2 BALTIC TRIANGLE
Lime Street National Rail
47 Pullman Hotel B4 53 St John’s Beacon Viewing Gallery C2
4 Hospital 4
48 Racquet Club A1 54 St John’s Market C2 26
55 St Lukes Church D3 NHS Walk-In Centre
49 Radisson Blu A1
56 Tate Liverpool A3
Parking
50 The Richmond Hotel C1
9
57 The Adventure Dock Co B4
51 The Shankly Hotel & Parking Disabled 47
Bastion Bar and Restaurant C1 58 The Three Graces - 47 12
Royal Liver Building (inc The Venue),
Shopmobility
52 Signature Living, Bold Street D3 Cunard and Port of Liverpool Buildings A2
19
53 Signature Living, Mathew Street C2 59 Unity Theatre E3 City Bike Stations
54 Signature Living, Victoria Street C1 60 University of Liverpool - Foundation Bld F2 Tour Bus Stop Liverpool Hope University
61 University of Liverpool Guild of Students F2 28 (Hope Park Campus).
55 Staybridge Suites B4 Taxi Rank 20 Forthlin Road. Al-Rahma Mosque.
62 Victoria Gallery and Museum F2
56 Staycity Serviced Apartments C3 Mendips. Penny Lane. Princes Park.
63 Walker Art Gallery D1 The information contained within this map is correct at the time of 10 Sefton Park Palm House.
57 Travelodge, Exchange St East B1 going to print. All locations are approximate. All liability for loss or Strawberry Field. Sudley House.
64 Western Approaches B1 5 damage caused by any act or ommission committed in reliance on 5
58 Travelodge, Liverpool Docks C5
65 Wheel of Liverpool B4 the information in these maps is hereby excluded. March 2017
59 Travelodge, Old Haymarket C1 66 World Museum C1 11
Front cover Photograph by Quintin Lake taken during
60 Travelodge, The Strand B2 a 6,000 mile walk along entire coastline of Britain 58
«
Further information Tourist Information at Central www.theperimeter.uk 8
61 Tune Hotel B2
«
Library, Map ref D1 or at the BME, Map Ref A2
62 YHA C4
@moreliverpool
63 Z Hotel B1 visitliverpool.com I cultureliverpool.com
A B 36 C D E F
Liverpool Arena and Convention Centre (ACC)
Kings Dock, Liverpool Waterfront, L3 4FPScotlandinUNISON NATIONAL DELEGATE CONFERENCE 2019 Published by UNISON Scotland 14 West Campbell Street, Glasgow G2 6RX www.unison-scotland.org
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