Conference 2011
Welcome to your South West Conference 2011 Special
UNISON’s National Delegate Conference is the most important event in the union’s calendar, when delegates from every branch around the country are invited to come together to debate and set our union’s policy. Never has this been more important than at the current time with threats to all our jobs and to our terms and conditions, and the spectres of privatisation, outsourcing, hits on services, and pensions cuts hanging over us all.
Every day we produce updates for our delegates, visitors, and all interested parties in the form of a Newssheet called WestWords. And as we produce them we will also post all the articles below as a continuous blog with the most recent posts at the top.
Enjoy!
Working 'til 6: A danger to Ambulance Crews & Patients
Ambulance workers in the South West are warning that raising the retirement age to 66 would be a danger to them and their patients.
Frontline Ambulance staff already work longer than the other emergency services (police, fire and military) who currently retire at 55. Many ambulance staff are forced to take early retirement because of ill health.
The proposal to work ambulance staff past 60 will see this trend increase, said the union.
UNISON Branch Secretary and Paramedic, Alan Lofthouse, said:
I don’t think it is practical to ask a 66 year old paramedic to lift a patient into the back of an ambulance - it is a danger to them and to their patient. Work in the ambulance service is mentally and physically demanding and involves dealing with very stressful and dangerous situations. Disabilities and long term health problems are already common among older ambulance staff - which places financial pressures on them and their families, as well as on the welfare system.
The government should review the pensionable age increase for ambulance staff and make us comparable with the other emergency services. Ambulance crew do a difficult job and deserve to retire with a reasonable pension at an age when they are still fit to see their retirement.
The union believes that Government cuts are increasing the workload of those in the service to breaking point.
It’s all about the money!
The Fringe Finance meeting was so well attended Wednesday that people had to be turned away. It would have been even better attended if it had not clashed with the South West re-prioritisation meeting.
The biggest issue appeared to be the investment part of the new scheme with people concerned about how this will work. It appeared that they were concerned about branch funds being taken away from them somehow. It was explained that this section of the schedule would be taken away and dealt with in a year’s time. People taking on the job of treasurer don’t tend to be accountants and need all the help that they can get as it can be quite daunting. Many are happy that the new package will make things easier for these hard working people.
Those not already banking with Unity Trust also feel loyal to those that they already bank with - for example, Britannia, another of our service providers.
HMRC are looking carefully at the trade union and will be trying to recoup money that they feel should be paid to them. An example would be in terms of past honoraria or expenses.
All in all the meeting was well worth attending, and at least one delegate felt more enlightened as a result!
Audrey Allen
Bournemouth Higher and Further Education
Competition
Swindon Branch is kindly donating a £10 book voucher for the winner of the poetry competition. Your mission, should you wish to accept it, is to write a poem entitled either:
Save our pensions or NHS our Future.
One potential way is to write an acrostic poem. Here is an example
U united together
N nationally
I informing and
S supporting
O organising for members
N needs
Entries need to be handed to the regional delegates by 10 am Friday morning.
Care? What Care?
I am in Manchester at the UNISON conference fighting for those providing and those receiving Public Services.
Late yesterday morning a care worker in an Elderly People’s Home posted a press release from Bristol City on Facebook, highlighting plans to close Elderly People’s Homes and Day Care Centre provision. Last week the in-house Homecare workers were told they could be redeployed into the empty posts in these care homes ... which now the Council have announced could be closed.
What the press release didn’t way was the way the Council has sat on the Commissioning Teams and the Social Work Teams over the last few weeks to ensure that all packages of care have been allocated to private providers. This is not about service user choice, but the back door privatisation of the public services that service users rely upon. It is about driving down costs, and reducing the wages of those performing these complex jobs to the minimum wage. It has nothing to do with quality, and everything to do with cost. And
remember, the Council has done this at a time when Bristol has been put on the map due to the dreadful practices the private sector allowed in the Care hospital in Winterbourne in Bristol; scenes that when they were broadcast on Panorama made the entire country sick.
Southern Cross is failing the 30,000 older people in their care.
The latest reports on the predominately private sector now delivering Homecare show they are failing older people in their own homes. Now is the time for those who provide public services, and for those receiving them, to say enough is enough.
When the bill for the war in Libya has cost £250 million; when we have big business again making huge bonuses that would pay for nurses and carers for our most vulnerable; this is when we must tell the ConDem Government enough is enough. If we collect the unpaid billions of taxes from the rich, the poor can be adequately cared for and those that provide that care can be given the decency at work they deserve for the important work they do.
I hope the 1700 workers in Bristol that this announcement today affects join forces, and together we will take on the Council to rethink this madness.
Jackie Fleming
Bristol Branch
Anti Cuts
With Dave urging us to link in with the Anti Cuts groups here are some for you to join in the South West.
- Torbay & District Anti Cuts Alliance: find us on Facebook and torbayanticuts@g.mail.com
- Exeter Anti Cuts Alliance, Mark McSheehey (chair) on face book.
- North Devon Anti Cuts Alliance
- Cornwall Anti Cuts Alliance.
- Plymouth Against Cuts.
Let’s all work together to say NO to these cuts.
Michelle Goodman (SWAMB)
Torbay Anti Cuts Secretary
The quiz starts here:
Firstly ... an anagram for SWORD REACH
T R A D E U N I O N G
E R C E H A N D C U F
L O A V E H U I A X Y
L S R E B M E M S Y W
E N D L G B T G E O I
R I V O E K X A R U N
S C O P E R I G K N W
H O T E L T A Y C G N
K Z E A E N N F A L E
G A F R I Z Z E L L M
F F I S H A R E B E O
Z D E L B A S I D G W
Welcoming our International Guests
On Wednesday the newssheet team managed to interview several international visitors, which included the following:
- Portugal : Jose Manuel Marques, executive committee members from STAL
- Denmark : Peter Kvist Jorgenson, office of FOA Fag of Arbejde
- Ireland : Shay Cody, the general secretary of IMPACT
- Swaziland : Quinton Dlamini, president of NAPSAWU
- Swaziland : Phumzile Ndlangamandla Nxumalo, deputy president of NAPSAWU
- France : Frederique Landas, member of the international collective CGT public services
- France : Dominique Pognon, member of the international collective CGT public services
Everyone introduced themselves and spoke briefly about the situation in their countries and within their unions. The guests then allowed those present to ask questions.
The first question that was asked was about the support offered to disabled employees to achieve work within their countries. This ranged from education not being offered to anyone over primary school age who was disabled, consequently impeding their chances of employment to laws to empower disabled workers to achieve their full potential, treated with dignity, respect and appreciating diversity.
It was agreed by everyone that the latter was the ultimate goal to be achieved.
A certain amount of tolerance was lacking in some areas, namely Denmark, in relation to those not native to their country. This was particularly true in the more rural areas. Their constitution and law has been changed to give a hard line position on non Danish nationals.
The French delegation agreed that although there were laws and conventions in place to protect people in the workforce, many employers would, in fact, rather pay the fine than comply with the legislation.
The whole group were very eloquent and more than happy to debate issues in their countries with honesty.
EWE, EWE and EWE
I’m scared of ewe. Those of you lucky enough to see page 3 of yesterday’s Metro paper may have read of a sheep dog called Ci. The article covers the topic of a flock of sheep who have had enough of being ‘bullied’ by sheep dogs and are getting their own back by uniting.
In a reversal of roles the sheep chase the dogs when they enter the field.
The shepherd stated that sheep can be quite aggressive if they think that they have the upper hand. They stamp their feet, gang up in numbers and act like an army.
Though this collie is called Ci, it could easily be called Cameron, Clark or Clegg. Remember – stick together and “ewe can win”.
Go to metro.co.uk/sheepdog to see the full article.
Ian Whittern
Great Western Ambulance
Final Words from the Incomparable Steve Warwick
Despite a couple of real debates which should be welcomed, this has been a united conference, united around the campaigns to protect jobs and services. I am not going home straight after conference; no I am attending the Labour Party National Policy Forum in Wrexham on Saturday. I think it is important to take the message that we not only want but expect some reaction from the Labour Party, and we expect them to do their job as the opposition to oppose the Con-Dem policies on public pensions. After all, it was only a few years ago that they made an agreement with the public sector unions on pensions, which they described THEN as affordable and sustainable. It would be good if they came and said that NOW. I fully understand conference delegates’ frustrations with the Labour Party.
Hope to see you all soon. Please have a safe journey home.
Name the Day
In the face of the coalition government’s draconian programme of cuts and attacks on our pensions there is tremendous unity of purpose among delegates in the conference hall. Dave Prentis’ media statements have been widely welcomed and echoed as delegate after delegate have queued to speak from the rostrum. This reflects the near unanimous view confirmed by Treasury Secretary Danny Alexander last week, that negotiations are going nowhere, and meaningful concessions will not be secured without sustained and co-ordinated industrial action.
The challenge now is to convert all that rhetoric into successful action.
The lead time required to go through all the hoops and procedures contained in the anti trade union laws shamefully left in place after thirteen years of Labour Government mean the date needs to be set as soon as possible. Ideally delegates should return from this conference with the target set.
On Tuesday, when welcoming us to Manchester, the local branch invited us to return to their city on the 18th October to protest outside the Tory Party Conference. They expressed the hope that we will be on strike with public services closed down to coincide with this gathering. This seems as good a target as any to aim for.
The second aspect is to ensure that industrial action is effective. There is widespread agreement that to force a government u-turn on pensions will require more than a gesture such as the two day action taken in the previous pensions’ dispute three years ago.
Members must believe that we are serious about winning. This means we need to be honest with ourselves, acknowledging that in some places Unison density and organisation is not as good as it should be. A rolling program of regional or selective strikes is less likely to deliver victory than a national strike coordinated with other unions.
I hope delegates across the South West are inspired by the strength and unity shown here. I also hope that the leadership will take strength from the unity shown in the hall, and not listen to the timid voices of Ed Balls and others in the Labour Party who are attempting to stifle expressions of working class anger and sell us out over pensions.
Jeremy Guise
City of Plymouth
South West Regional Priorities
Order of Priority
Motion 81 – Defending Our Right to Industrial Action.
Motion 62 – Social Enterprise and the NHS.
Motion 56 – Housing Emergency.
Motion 30 – Public Services.
Motion 43 – Libraries and Library Workers are Communities Glue.
Motion 64 – Education.
Democracy & UNISON
It’s been a reasonably busy week. Indeed, sometimes it seemed there were too many speakers, on non-contentious motions; but branch delegates have a right to speak and to be heard. Thursday afternoon’s debate shows that delegates do listen to the arguments and weigh the pros and cons up; in my opinion proposed rules should be specific,
watertight and not open ended.
As one delegate said, the proposed rule changes could have been used or interpreted in a number of ways. After all Unison does have access to its own legal team!
Earlier in the week we had been advised that there were ‘no enemies in the room’; the main issues now are preparing for action back at the ranch.
We have had the theory! Now, let’s do the practice as shown by the Southampton Strikers. I hope we can get to the libraries’ motion on the snake this afternoon.
Hope to see you all back in the South West – I am going to nnnnnnnn now!
Nigel Behan
Somerset County
Domingo Francisco Perez
We were lucky enough to have an interview with Domingo from Nicaragua who was in our Region last week as Bristol was one of his official visits. While there he inspired our young members’ groups to become more active and they have already requested his videos to disseminate across the Region. They were shocked to find out that 80% of the population of his homeland live in poverty, and that even though they have a left wing government there are still huge issues which impact upon the young people of Nicaragua.
Confessions of a new delegate at conference.
I confess: I had little expectation; never having attended a national Unison conference.
I confess: I thought very little about attending before I arrived in Manchester.
I confess: To being totally bewildered by the business of conference.
I confess: To being ignorant of the magnitude of many of the motions – though not ignorant of the substance, being a politically motivated person.
I confess: I have been moved to tears and laughter in equal measure and learned more than I could ever have anticipated.
I confess: To being completely enthused and motivated to share my experience.
I confess: I am Cathie, I am addicted ...to the thought of returning next year!
Cathie Haines
Plymouth City Branch
Message from the BATCAVE
It’s the end of another Conference, and we need to say farewell. Manchester has been very hospitable, if damp.We feel the time has flown by,(NOT) and there has been a lot of work achieved on all levels.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all members for their valuable input and views.
We would also like to thank the Regional bods for their support. But we can’t be asked (Cornish don’t you know).
We must have done something wrong as this is the first year that Dave Prentis has not begged to be on our team....so what can we say....we are upset and distraught, but maybe not so surprised.. We have turned him down for many years.
WE MAY BE BACK IN BOURNEMOUTH NEXT YEAR.
May your god go with you and safe journey home.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANNE
xxx 60 xxx
FROM EVERYONE
An addition to Thursday pm from Pam Stone
In a parallel universe a government is saying ...................................................................................... ....................................................................career”
Pam Stone
Torbay Council
Saving the NHS
This morning Pat Barrett spoke on composite D on behalf of retired members, pointing out the particular interest pensioners have in keeping the NHS as they tend to be the biggest users.
A lot of retired members can remember when you had to pay before seeing a doctor. This meant many who could not afford it would have to suffer, sometimes with fatal consequences.
The NHS is too precious to be slashed by the fat cats who can afford to pay, while the likes of all the Pensioners, delegates and visitors who provide our public services would be made to suffer.
The amendment from the retired members committee was to urge branches to make full use of their retired members as they are a valuable resource. Many have been branch officers and stewards. They have a wealth of experience to offer!!!
The fight goes on!
We have to fight!
- Save our libraries
- Save our NHS and Keep our NHS public
- Defend Council Housing
- Oppose Academies with the Anti Academies Alliance
- Stop the BNP, working with organisations like Unite Against Fascism
- Abolish tuition fees working with colleague unions including UCU
- Campaign for proper taxation on financial transactions and increase corporation tax, working with the PCS who are running a campaign in this area.
In many areas in the South-West the cuts in the transport subsidy has meant people cannot use public transport to get to work.
Various different service delivery models were introduced by the Tories; then expanded by New Labour: Private Finance Initiatives (PFI), Strategic Service Delivery Partnerships (South West One being a prime example), Easy Council (Barnet) and Jon Lewis (Lambeth). Commissioning in social care, outsourcing, privatisation and mobilisation are now social enterprises, mutuals and trusts being accelerated again by the Tory Lib Dem government.
Should we fight to save our pensions? Trade unions and progressive organisations helped to fight for the NHS and pensions. If we don’t fight, then who will?
Interestingly, Tony Blair’s biggest regret was introducing the Freedom of Information Act (FOI) Please don’t redact this monologue or I will appeal against the nnnnn decision.
Nigel Behan
Somerset County
Manchester - the Beginning
This is my first time in Manchester and I wasn’t sure what to expect. I expected it to be lousy and noisy and have big Victorian buildings but was not prepared for the huge skyscrapers in between! It’s always a bit scary coming away to a big city you don’t know but having had a bit of time to walk around about in the evenings it’s been great to chat to people and they have been very friendly.
Although they all seem to think I come from London and when I say ‘No, Somerset’ they all go a bit blank and don’t know what to say. I don’t think they know where Somerset is....
It is really good to be somewhere where historically workers rights are celebrated and trade unions respected but the West Country is starting to make a bit of history too.
There was a bigger turn out from the South West to the march in London than ever before. I know people in Somerset feel totally sold out by the Lib Dems, and are feeling angry which is making them more politically motivated. I know this from my work as secretary of Taunton Trades Council. Taking trade unionism out into the community and engaging the public about key issues.
As we build towards the autumn we will need to engage the public to our side of the story and Trades Councils can help with this.
I am speaking on Trades Councils for Somerset count tomorrow amendment 40.4 please support!!!!!!!
Belinda Burton
Somerset County
Boxes
There has been much concern over the recent days due to the lack of boxes within the newssheet. These issues and worries have been brought to us by numerous delegates. In reply to these concerns we hope that the plethora of boxes in this issue will satisfy the cravings of the ‘box loving delegates’ amongst you.
Rule Amendment 9
We hope Sharon Foster from Bristol Branch will be speaking in the debate on the rule change to make sure that we can expel anyone involved in the activities of far right organisations. Please make sure you support this long overdue rule change.
In a parallel universe a government is saying
WE ARE A WONDERFUL EMPLOYER, WE WANT FANTASTIC TALENTED EMPLOYEES TO KEEP THE COUNTRY AND SOCIETY MOVING ALONG. COME AND JOIN US – HERE ARE THE GREAT JOBS AND PENSIONS PACKAGES. COME AND BE A PART OF A CARING SOCIETY OF WORKERS AND HAVE A TRULY SATISFYING JOB
Oh Deep Joy....
Pam Stone
Torbay Council
Rule Amendments – Disciplinary action - two points of view ...
Firstly, can I say that returning to the stage that 25 years ago I saw Spandau Ballet live is an honour and a pleasure? As Tony Hadley said at the time everything I say is “True” – honest!
Apologies to Nick but I feel the proposed rule changes by the NEC are undemocratic and give free reign to increasing attacks on activists. Due to ill health I have not been around for a couple of years but at my previous conference the NEC proposed a similar rule change and proposed that if conference rejected it. After my sabbatical and looking on amendment 9 with fresh eyes, still, all I see is a witch hunter’s charter. In respect of members being found guilty of disciplinary offences I believe Birmingham and Bolton have suggested a more measured approach than the NEC.
Oppose rule amendments 9, 10 and 13. Support rule amendments 11, 12 and 14.
Finally, see you tonight at the social and hope they play some Spandau Ballet!
Berny Parkes
Dorset Branch
I will be proud to support this amendment long overdue and essential if we are serious about tackling the far right and racism. Those who claim concern by attaches on activists should be more worried about attaches on black members who are the targets of BMP and EDL hatred.
Sharon Foster
Bristol Branch
Reprioritisation - Some thoughts on Re-Priorities!
This was written in advance of the delegation meeting - but in case we end up talking about Schedule F, or for those branches that don't make it, here are some thoughts on prioritisation.
From our own prioritisation list:-
- 62 - Social Enterprises and the NHS. In our view this must have our top slot if we are to have a chance of debating this.
- 81 - Defending our Right to Industrial action
- 43 - Libraries and Library workers are Community Glue
- 56 - Housing Emergency
Other thoughts
- 30 - Public Services - especially as Tony Gravier has been patiently waiting to speak!
- 103 - Oppose the Far Right. Always a good debate to end the week and leave people feeling inspired.
- 64 - Education. Apparently the only Education motion on the agenda and when we have seen huge numbers of academies being created in the South West, a good opportunity to debate the present situation in schools.
Branches can vote using the attached form (only applicable to those with hard copies of the newsletter). Vote for up to 6 motions.
BALLOT FORMS MUST BE BACK TO THE REGIONAL DELEGATES BY 11.00AM.
Online joining trebled on Monday when Dave was doing the rounds of the media making our case for decent public sector pensions. This shows that when we speak up, people listen.
RULES r RULES: Rules debates - the event of the week
After a week of unity and solidarity, with virtually no contested debates, Thursday afternoon can be the time for delegates who like a bit of a scrap to get their 'kicks' in the rules debate. This might seem fun at the time, but our rules are incredibly important and we need to get them right. Make sure you are in the hall for this debate which really can change our union at a stroke.
South West Region prioritised the following Rule Amendments:
Rule amendment 6: branch officers
- This rule change separates the roles of branch secretary and branch treasurer. It is about protecting the union from fraud. Often where fraud has been detected, it has been where one person is in both positions. The NEC has listened to last year’s concerns about how this would affect very small branches or those where a treasurer steps down, so the new rule change allows the NEC discretion to agree a short-term arrangement. The proposed rule change is a common-sense solution that protects our branches and our union. This has been an issue in branches in the South West and needs to be resolved.
- Vote to SUPPORT rule amendment 6.
Rule amendments 10 and 13: Disciplinary suspension from holding office.
- No-one likes the idea of taking disciplinary action against UNISON members, but we need to protect our union. Everyone agrees that there are disciplinary offences so serious that members have to be expelled – cases of theft, embezzlement or membership of the BNP, for example.
- There are also cases where people have abused their positions but disciplinary panels agree that they don’t deserve expulsion. In this case members can be barred from holding office for an agreed period of time. Rule amendment 10 proposes a five year limit. Panels could choose to suspend someone for one year, two or up to a maximum of five. Rule amendment 11 proposes two years as the top limit. The danger of setting the limit too low is that panels will feel their only option is to expel members who have seriously abused their positions.
- Some people have argued that employers can only suspend for one year so this means UNISON should not be able to suspend for longer, but that’s a false comparison – employers use suspension pending an investigation, and that shouldn’t take longer than a year. This isn't suspension. It is BARRING from office as a penalty following a hearing.
- Nick will be urging conference to Vote to SUPPORT rule amendment 10 and rule amendment 13.
Rule Amendment 9
- We hope Sharon Foster from Bristol Branch will be speaking in the debate on the rule change to make sure that we can expel anyone involved in the activities of far right organisations. Please make sure you support this long overdue rule change.
Young Members - Needed more than Ever
Looking across the conference hall, it is heartening to see so many familiar faces that have turned up yet again at conference to listen and participate in the daily debates. However take a closer look and you will see that younger members are somewhat of a rarity. Indeed one forty plus delegate was heard to remark that the best part of coming to conference was that he felt like he was amongst the youngest people there!
We have heard from young delegates at Conference and also at Local Government earlier in the week. Indeed several took to the podium and spoke brilliantly. Young members are the future of UNISON – without them we will wither away which would lead to potential future Tory governments (God Forbid) getting away with even more.
We need to go back to our branches and make a concerted effort to get our message across to young workers; tell them that they need UNISON as much as UNISON needs them. Pensions may seem like a long way away for the younger elements of the workforce but bitter experience has taught many of us it is never too early to start thinking about and looking after our future.
IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO JOIN UNISON!
Pensions – don’t forget the armed forces!!
It seems to have escaped most people’s attention in the great pensions’ debate that armed services pensions are under attack too.
UNISON has many members who were formerly connected to the services. The change to CPI affects not only local government, pensioners, prison officers, the police etc but also war widows, armed forces pensions, war disability pensions and service pensions. These pensions are not ‘gold plated’. For example a war disability pension awarded in 1988 was £85 per month – in 2011 it is £127 per month. If the recipient goes abroad, goes into hospital, receives income support or, in some instances, receives housing benefit, this pension is reduced or stopped.
Many ex-services personnel go into local government. Again, their pensions are hit. In the south-west, lots of us know someone who has served or is serving in the forces. UNISON is fighting to protect ALL pensions across all schemes.
You may remember the recent story in the press about serving personnel who were told via email - whilst in the field – that they were to be made redundant. This particularly affected 52 Warrant Officers who were given redundancy notices two years short of their 22 years service. That had a hugely detrimental effect on their pensions leading to losses of thousands of pounds.
Again, many of these people – both men and women – will have their pensions reduced should they gain employment within local government. Add to this the change to CPI from RPI and these people who served their country – even if they did not agree with what they were being asked to do – are being penalised by the uncaring ConDem government.
First time delegates share their thoughts
Lesley Fear and Lynn Parfitt from Bristol, and Luke Rowe from Cornwall, came to chat with the newssheet team on Wednesday to give their views on the Conference.
They had all felt apprehensive to begin with, BUT reported that they had been well supported by branches and other delegates. They also found the pre-meeting to be helpful as they recognised other delegates during conference. As the newssheet team we were also very pleased when they said they had found it most helpful as it answered the questions and answers that they feel too shy to ask.
Already feeling totally tired they reported that maintaining their level of concentration is difficult, and they need to be reminded to take a break every now and again. However, the fringe meetings have been very enjoyable, informative and lively, especially the ‘Spirit Level’ which was held Wednesday lunchtime. Above all they were united that they would love to come to next year’s Conference in Bournemouth and felt that they would be more relaxed and have more understanding of Conference procedures.
First Time Delegate – First Time Speaker
Tonnie Mayo, the subject of the above title, made a most emotive speech to conference which left delegates in tears.
The cuts to Sure Start are part of the ConDems ideological attack on the welfare state. We need to be inspired by the strikes on June 30th, when public sector workers will be striking in defence of jobs, services and pensions. The revolutions in the Middle East show that working people can control their governments and their lives. If they can win, so can we.
Tonnie Mayo,
First Time delegate and speaker from North Somerset Branch
The Importance of Cleansing—Insights from our Regional Convenor
I was going to speak on Composite B – Defending our Pensions – to reflect on the recent experiences in the South West with cleansing and organising our Replacement Membership System records. Now I know just what a popular topic the RMS is, but somewhere in amongst all the vital tasks we will need to carry out to campaign with our members to get a YES vote with a high turnout, we must not neglect this vital task. Two branches in the South West have already done just that process in local industrial action ballots, and it took them at least 8 weeks. It is a travesty that we need to spend so much of our scarce and valuable time on such tasks but if we are to avoid a myriad of legal challenges – and we know there will be challenges – we could end up with gaps being torn in our action. If we don’t do the groundwork with our members we won’t get the resounding result we need, similarly if we don’t sort our RMS out we won’t deliver the watertight vote we need. We owe it to our members to get this right. We don’t want to march our members up the hill, to simply have the courts tell us to march them down again! We can and will organise our logistics and be doing so we WILL deliver our results – unchallengeable to take to take this fight forward.
A call to arms ... And a call to Action
No-one will have come to Conference anything other than angry at the threats to our pensions. This morning that anger made itself clear, with impassioned, rousing and demanding speeches, and above all calls to ensure we go far beyond rhetoric to ensure not only action but successful action, driven through every branch, every region, and every service group.
This campaign unites us with our sisters and brothers throughout the country. Rather than a race to the bottom, forcing everyone to level down, we need to unite with our comrades in different sectors and different roles in fighting for fair pensions for all, and fighting against the cuts (such as the RPI to CPI cut) hitting everyone across the country.
In the South West we have been building for this campaign already - recruiting pensions champions, spreading awareness, recruiting new members. We must up that game. And if we do end up having no choice, we must be ready to take action:
- We need a pensions' champion in every workplace, in every department, ward and care home, in every school and on every site.
- We need to get our data up to date.
- We need to ensure every single member understands the magnitude of the attacks on our pensions.
- We need to ensure every colleague working in public services has been asked - with passion and with care - to join our union, and that every member - new or long-standing - has been encourage to get active.
- And above all we need to fight back - fight the rhetoric, fight the media onslaught, fight the lies.
To do all this we all need to do our bit. Speaker after speaker said today that we need to go back to our branches and workplaces and prepare for action.
Even better, though, if you are here today ...
- Fill in the form in your Westwords and sign up as a pensions' champion - hand them into the newssheet team before you go.
- Take the spare form back with you get a colleague to fill it in, and send that back as well.
- Pick up as much information as you can from the Protect our Pensions stall in the Unizone
- Get in an order for leaflets and materials to support our campaign before you leave the Conference.
If you're back at work reading this in your lunchbreak or while eating your tea ... make it your priority too! Sign up to be a Pensions' Champion here
Let's take the passion, and the fire, and make our fightback start today.
A view from Salisbury Health on Motion 119
When I first became a branch membership officer some 10 years ago branches did very little direct processing of membership information. But when RMS was introduced we witnessed more branches doing the system inputting and updating and this work is often done by branch employees. Despite this work being passed from region to branches there hasn’t been any transfer of union resources to support this. I think this mirrors many other trends in UNISON and branches are being expected to do so much more work but we only get 24% of total subs income. That’s why I support motion 119. I think branches need more of a proportion of union income and I’ll support any motion that aims to address this alongside the proposals to ensure branches use funding appropriately.
Yes there is an issue with big reserves in some branches and I hope the general review of branch funding looks at this and makes sure those branches have plans to use that money productively. But more income is needed at ground level and at the member “coalface”.
I am proposing an amendment to motion 119 to seek to make sure that, if passed, the extra funding also applies to branches that pay extra income on administrative resources to maintain RMS. That is what we do in Dorset & Salisbury where we pay a resource centre 4% of our income and part of the service agreement refers to maintenance of RMS.
I hope you can all support this motion and amendment.
Mark Wareham
Salisbury Branch
And a response from the NEC: why we're opposing Motion 119
The NEC are asking branches to oppose Motion 119, which calls for an additional 2% retention for those branches that adopt RMS. Superficially this looks attractive - who wouldn't want extra money, but there are a number of real problems with this proposal.
The cost of implementation is £3.5 million. Each year. Our budgets set for the centre and regions this year used up all our available income, so this money would have to come from somewhere. It might mean posts not being filled (this equates to the staffing bill for our region plus half of Wales) it would almost certainly mean an end to finding money for a Fighting Fund.
It would act as no incentive whatsoever for smaller branches, whose income would rarely increase sufficiently to allow them to employ someone. Larger branches would obviously benefit more and it would disproportionately affect larger branches, who already receive on average a higher retention figure. Motion 116 calls for a review of funding - a thorough examination of ALL the pressures on branches in a timescale not squeezed by Conference debating time, or open to being curtailed by a point of order. So much of the debate at Conference is fuelled by our passion for what we do, by our instincts and strong feelings. When it comes to Finance though, we need to use our head not our heart and make sure we get a funding regime which suits all branches across our union.
Please oppose motion 119—and vote for 116, a full review of all branches’ funding.
Your Questions on Schedule F Answered ...
Mark Wareham, Salisbury Health, put in a question which we know has been discussed elsewhere as well ...:
Can someone explain exactly what paragraph 4 of this proposed Schedule means? This “branch investment scheme” is most confusing and does not appear to guarantee what returns branches will receive or how it will be distributed. It is also confusing about how branches will be enforced a certain level of reserves in the scheme or what “day to day” means. Even the proposed amendment doesn’t appear to help as it talks about “proper surplus” whatever that is?
The rest of the schedule is useful but this section seriously undermines the rest of it.
And a response from the NEC
The idea of an investment scheme came from branches in the road shows held last year across all regions. Branches earn a low rate of return on investments and by pooling excess money, better interest could be earned and branches would keep every penny.
Most importantly funds will be instantly available.
Feedback from the roadshows was clear that while there was a lot of support, more work was needed on the detail. This work will be done in consultation with all regions and brought back to Conference next year.
The scheme will be entirely voluntary in terms of whether branches commit funds to it and how much. An amendment from Edinburgh will also make clear that branches need to keep a 'prudent surplus'.
Further detail on this will be available at our delegates meeting tonight.
All Delegates, a Reminder:
South West Delegates’ Meeting
Tonight, Wednesday 22nd June, Ramada Hotel
5.30—6.30 pm
Welcome to Wednesday: Day Two
After a build up in the media for the last month, today we will debate Defending our Pensions. Composite B is made up of motions from the NEC, Scotland, National Women’s Committee and seven branches. It sets out our stall on our campaign, including our negotiating stance and our plans for action in the Autumn. Hopefully we will hear lots of speakers from across our branches and service groups about the effect the pensions attacks will have on them and how branches are campaigning and getting ready for action.
We also have motions on the challenges presented by mutual and social enterprise organisation – a huge issue for us in the South West. Motions 36 and 37 will focus on defeating the ConDems attacks on public services. Even more excitingly, tomorrow should be the day we get to move Motion 79 from the South West on Rights at Work, after several false starts today!
This afternoon sees the International Debate and guest speakers from Swaziland and Ireland, a debate on Palestine and Composite F, made up of motions from Somerset and South East Region.
Remember too the delegation meeting at 5.30. Details in the Branch Delegate Handbook.
A Few Words of Welcome from your NDC Delegate
Welcome to Conference, especially to first time delegates.
Firstly, I would like to thank the region for re-nominating me to the NEC for a further two years. Having now been on the NEC for six years I am beginning to understand how things work and how to find my way through the paperwork.
So far, everyone seems to be on the same side, against cuts against the attack on our pensions, but there have been some really good speakers.
As I have already learned to my detriment, Manchester is wet! So don’t forget your raincoat when you venture out!
I am a member of the finance committee and have been involved in the work on schedule F which I hope you will support. If you have any concerns or questions about Schedule F, I am happy to talk to you about this. Indeed, if I can assist any delegates in any way, please contact me. Tel 07957 505927 or email l.discombe@unison.co.uk
Lesley Discombe
NEC member
A Merry Guide to Tweeting
Did you know that this is the first year that the South West region has had its own Twitter account, and that we’ve been tweeting throughout Conference? And we’re not the only ones either – there are all sorts of people and groups sharing their thoughts throughout the hall and across Manchester – and thereby even helping to spread the word beyond the city boundaries.
I’m sure some of you will be nodding knowledgeably, and others sighing wearily! But for those of you who are wondering about what’s involved and would like to know more, it really isn’t as complicated as it sounds – so please find below our first edition of ...
The @UNISONSW Brief Guide to Twitter
Let’s start at the beginning: what is Twitter?
- Twitter is a communication tool – anyone can join in, find out what other people are talking about, and perhaps even join the fray.
- Although there are all sorts of clever extras, in its basic form Twitter is a website through which people can share short messages - “tweets” – of up to 140 characters. Although it’s only a short space, it’s amazing how much people can communicate, and how in fact having to be concise can actually help people make their messages funnier, or smarter, or higher impact.
So tweets can be funny?
- Tweets can be on anything you like! Some people tweet all about their breakfast – and yes, sometimes it’s witty and sometimes really, much like any other communication channel you have to wonder why – while others tackle high politics or an update on their latest sporting achievement. Twitter is often also used to spread news and gossip – no surprise there! – and to pass on links to all and sundry.
How do I look at the Tweets from @UNISONSW?
- A string of tweets is called a stream or a “feed”
- To look at the @UNISONSW feed you don’t in fact even need to join Twitter, you can just visit http://twitter.com/unisonsw - similarly to visit the main Unison twitter stream, which is under the account @unisontweets you can visit http://twitter.com/unisontweets
- See the box below for an example of the @UNISONSW feed from yesterday.
I’ve heard there are things called “hashtags”?
- A hashtag is a way of labelling a tweet. For this conference, as you may know, there is a hashtag already being used: #uNDC11. As well as looking at an account stream you can also look at a stream for hashtag – just visit www.twitter.com and type #undc11 into the search box.
So ... have we sparked your interest? Like to join the party?
See our Five Step Twitter SetUp Guide and get involved yourself. It’s really not too scary, so why not have a go and enter that whole new realm of the Twitterverse!
The @UNISONSW Five Step Twitter SetUp Guide
- Visit http://twitter.com/
- Find the boxes labelled “New to Twitter” and fill them in – you’ll need an email address. Don’t worry, the information you reveal about yourself publicly can be set up to meet your personal preferences later.
- They will validate your email address to check it hasn’t been used already, and then suggest a username for you (usually based on your real name or your email address).
- You can change the username they suggest at this point or later though. Sometimes you might need to be creative if your first choice has already been taken!
- Press the button to create your account and ... you’re on Twitter!
That’s absolutely all you have to do! But you probably do want to go a little further:
The @UNISONSW Twitter Next Five Steps
- Click on one of the links under “Set up your profile”
- If you have a photo or a graphic you can load it up now to personalise your account – this could be a picture of you, or of your organisation, or just a picture of a tree ... in fact as long as you don’t use trademark you’re not entitled to use or breach copyright you can choose almost anything!
- Enter any other data about yourself you are happy to share, and click on the other options to update other information too (eg account information, password information, whether you want to receive notifications to your mobile and so on)
- Go to “Who to Follow”, search for @UNISONSW and then click on FOLLOW
- And finally, if you’re feeling brave ... send your very first Tweet!
Good luck, happy tweeting, and see you soon in the Twitterverse!
Conference Seating—Myth & Mystery
The majority of you (those with seats) will no doubt think the conference seating arrangements are the result of months of careful thought and cutting edge technical planning. The minority of you (those without seats!) will no doubt have a slightly different view (or not one at all).
Firstly can I say ‘sorry’ for the difficulties experienced by some of you and I do hope that the initial problems will be solved by Wednesday. Lastly I am advised by security that those delegates who have asked for early admission to the hall tomorrow to put towels on their seats have had that request refused.
Nick Olgard
Regional Convenor
Dave Prentis – Our Members are fired (up)
Following a brief film celebrating the March 26th rally, our General Secretary took to the podium in front of a packed conference hall – not an empty seat in sight. Dave made acerbic attacks on the ConDem government to rapturous applause from the delegates and visitors. With flashbulbs popping and cameramen jostling for position, Dave ploughed on, ripping into the clegless Danny Alexander and leaving a certain Mr E Milliband with a bloody nose (figuratively speaking of course).
With the call for sustained strike action – one day would never be enough – that gave the assembled press the headlines for the evening news and tomorrow’s papers. Indeed, within seconds, messages of support and praise for Dave’s speech were appearing on Twitter and within minutes Dave’s inspiring speech and his ‘call to arms’ was on the BBC website.
The message is clear, the intentions clear,; branches need to go back next week and make preparations for sustained industrial action.
Pat Barrett – Saving on her fuel bills at conference
Pat has attended conference for many years but it wasn’t until she retired in 2008 that she visited the podium and spoke for the first time. Since then, you cannot keep her away. Indeed, today Pat saw that Motion 85 ‘Improvements to The State Pension’ had been spoken to by the Chair of Retired Members, Dave Kippest , and she saw no-one was there to speak for it.
Pat jumped into the breach, strode to the front and prepared to speak – only to be told that there was also a platform speaker. Undaunted, Pat took her position and sallied forth.
Pat informed conference that thousands of pensioners live well below the poverty line and the government bragging about how it has raised the pension, this is nonsense. “There may well have been a £6 a week rise, but my rent has just gone up and has completely swallowed that” fumed Pat. She adds: Twenty Five thousand pensioners died from cold related illnesses last year and with the government planning to cut the winter fuel allowance, up to 40,000 could die this year. It would be quicker and less painful to put a bullet in our heads”. (Pat also said that on Birmingham local radio, leaving thousands of midlanders choking on their cornflakes).
Pat concludes: “The public have to understand that the reality of state pensions – it is a crime against humanity. I have to come to conference every year to save ion my fuel bills. I was in Blackpool last week and I wonder where I will be next week. I think that we should arrange conference in winter so we oaps would save even more.”
Look out for Pat later on again this week when she will be speaking again......
Fringe meeting - KILL BILL 2 or more accurately, working to defend the NHS
It quickly became apparent that ‘Kill Bill 2’ was a better heading for this fringe meeting. MP Tony Lloyd, Chair of the Parliamentary Labour Party opened the meeting, stating that the revamped Health and Social Care bill is due before the Lords in autumn but the Health and Social CARE Bill does stop the pressure to turn the NHS into a market led NHS.
We were reminded that most of us see 1948 as a historical date, that of the creation of the NHS. 25,000BMA doctors voted against its creation and in essence the removal of their power’. Today, many doctors recognise they have neither the skill or experience to be involved in the commissioning process. Even following years of Labour £1 in every £20 spent in the NHS goes towards a private provider. The planned bill could see this raise to £5 in every £20 going to private companies.
Debbie Turner, Chair of UNISON North West Regional Health and Safety Committee, suggested some of the hospital closures in the northwest are not because of the poor performance – in actuality some of those affected are some of the best performing hospitals. It is because the PFU costs used for development are now too high and are seen as unsustainable costs.
In fairness, it was Debbie who suggested the ‘Kill Bill’ title. Unfortunately, the bill changes create a smoke screen in a hall of mirrors and when the wording is stripped down, the changes mean very little and allow the principles of the original bill to be followed.
In summary – Kill Bill 2 is an apt response and it was a most informative fringe meeting.
Ian Whittern
GT Western Ambulance Branch
Fringe Meetings Wednesday June 22nd
‘The Spirit Level’ – Fairness for vulnerable workers helps us all 12.45pm – 1.45pm
- Charter 7
- Refreshments available.
Save Our Buses 12.45pm-1.45pm
- Charter 6
- Refreshments available
Fighting Unfair Cuts – Resisting Unfair Laws 12.45pm-1.45pm
- Charter 8
- Refreshments available.
When Hate Comes To The Workplace 5.15pm-6.15pm
Branch Finance 5.15pm-6.15pm
Show Racism The Red Card 5.15pm-6.15pm
Defending Public Services; promoting democracy – Swaziland, South Africa and the UK
The UNISONSW Communication and Campaigns Committee are meeting at 13:00 today in the area of the newssheet Team.
Pensions
You may have seen the General Secretary on the TV this morning talking about rolling action to protect pensions in the public sector.
The NEC will put out a statement on pensions during the week. You may have also heard on the news broadcasts that the first stage in increasing the state retirement age to 66 was passed by Parliament yesterday. It is disappointing to hear some of the reactions from some workers in the private sector who criticise public sector workers for protecting their pensions on the grounds that they do not enjoy the same pension benefits.
I would make the following points:
- There are plenty of workers who do enjoy good pensions in the private sector especially in the board rooms.
- Secondly, we should not allow this to become a public versus private issue – it should be about dignity in retirement for all workers.
- The final thing I would say is that I would like to hear the Labour party defend the deal it did with the public sector unions only a couple of years ago.
Steve Warwick
NEC
The People’s Museum
If you get a chance at lunchtime – presuming you are not attending a fringe meeting – take a look around the People’s History Museum at the Left bank, Spinning fields.
This museum is not far from the Town hall along Bridge Street. The exhibition is over two floors and celebrates the reformers, workers and citizens who fought so hard for the rights of workers and the battle for the ballot.
The exhibition covers two centuries from the massacre of citizens on peaceful protest here in Manchester to the Jarrow March, The Tolpuddle Martyrs and the miners’ strike.
This is a fascinating exhibition; entrance is free and is open daily from 10am-5pm.
A rant from the Floor!
Again, welcome to Manchester, a pivotal hub of the North West which the BBC seems to recognise as it is bringing its main studios here, if not all of the presenters. I wonder what their relocation allowance is like?
It’s paid for from the licence fee, but do you hear the press banging on about how we, the tax payers, are paying for this and how grossly unfair that our money is paying for BBC staff to relocate? Of course not! But mention a Teaching Assistant’s “gold plated” pension and the Daily Mail and the rest of the right wing press howl like The Spanish Inquisition.
BBC Breakfast this morning (Sian, you will be missed) showed the massive job that this union has on its hands to explode myths that the public has about our pensions; myths exacerbated by the media. Text messages flooded in from the public (allegedly) saying that the public sector should wake up to reality, go and work in the private sector if they don’t like it, take the pain with the rest of us ad nauseum.
Local Government Conference was awash with motions to protect our pensions. No doubt we will hear over the next few days yet more impassioned speeches on this emotive issue.
It is easy to dismiss rhetoric – but the reality is it is all of us who need to go back to our branches next week and start to organise for action in the autumn. Conference should not be seen as a debating society, or a forum where trade unionists vent their collective spleen. It is a launch pad for collective action, a tool to galvanise members in every workplace, and our chance to show this government that we are not going to take this kicking any more.
South West Welcome Meeting
Yesterday evening saw the first South West Delegates’ meeting. Despite the very best attempts by the hotel to defeat delegates’ attempts to attend by hosting the event on the 4th floor with confusing lifts and endless corridors, the room was packed out.
Nick Olgard, as our Convenor and one of our two Regional Delegates, kicked the meeting off by welcoming everyone and commenting on not only the lifts but also the wonderful air conditioning (which seemed to be only available for those on the top table, interestingly!). Always important to start with the crucial stuff!
But then we rapidly got down to business, explaining the joys of reprioritisation, and exploring exactly why the Schedule F rule change – on Branch Finance – is so important. We’ve already covered some of the questions being asked on this, but do keep them coming through as it manages to combine complexity and obscurity with being very important – never something that is easy to engage with!
Anyone who is in a delegation of one was reminded you are NOT alone – please do contact colleagues around you, or let someone like Nick or our other Regional Rep, Ann Price, know, because no-one is a stranger, just a friend you haven’t met yet!
Finally everyone was reminded to buy their tickets for our big event on Thursday ... only £5 each but you do need to make sure you get yours as well as start thinking about what to wear and no doubt your requests too! Nick and Anne closed the meeting wishing us all an excellent Conference ... and we echo that from your Newssheet team as well!
NDC – A NOVICE’S GUIDE: The Order of Business and Prioritisation
Newcomers to Conference can find it confusing – especially if a lone delegate without other more experienced delegates for support. One of the first explanations needed is how the numerically listed motions in the Conference Guide are ordered for debate at Conference.
After the Preliminary Agenda is published, listing all the motions, each region and national committee is asked to ‘prioritise’ motions, that is, identify up to twelve motions and six rule amendments that the region feels are important and must be debated. Our priorities in the South West were decided by a Branch Ballot and are listed at Page 11 of the delegates booklet for the South West.
The Standing Orders Committee look at these votes and determine an Order of Business – which will be part of the second Standing Orders Report issued on the first morning of Conference. The most important motions according to the votes, are scheduled for debate, that is, given a special slot on the timetable. Other motions prioritised are ranked on the ‘Remaining Order of Business’ list, and their order is based on the prioritisation votes. This list is taken in order at the end of scheduled items in each session. So, this morning, once Conference has voted on motion 33, we will then move to Motion 28, amendments, then 85 etc… The remaining order of business is also referred to as ‘the snake’, as if there wasn’t enough confusion already!
Motions that receive no prioritisation votes are listed as non-prioritised items and will be heard once all the prioritised motions have been heard. In reality this never happens, as Conference generally doesn’t get through all the prioritised motions.
On Friday afternoon, to mix things up a bit, the Conference session is blank and regions vote on Thursday on which motions should be re-prioritised. This means that there is an opportunity to vote for the prioritised motion delegates believe should be heard, but might not be due to time. We will be issuing further details and a ballot form later in the week.
The South West Welfare Raffle Sunday19th June 2011: Winners are:
- 1st PRIZE: Ticket 360 Robin Lomas. East Devon. L.G.
- 2nd PRIZE: Ticket 375 Berny Parkes. Dorset.
THANK YOU for the money raised for welfare from this draw alone.
From your Regional Delegates
Welcome to National Delegate Conference 2011
We’re off! After months of preparation and anticipation, planning and possibly even plotting, Conference 2011 is about to begin. A warm welcome to all South West delegates – hopefully you’ve found your seat and are sitting in it comfortably. However, Tuesday morning is often a bit of a kerfuffle as branches find the right seats, make sure they have any access requirements, gather together endless pieces of paper (including this!) and settle in for the week. We were tipped off that the seats in Manchester are far more comfortable than other conference venues – only time will tell. Remember, you’re in these seats for the week, now is the time to make friends with neighbours and hopefully everyone will have a great week. We’re here to sort out any problems – come and find us.
The opening session of conference can be slow to start – first the President, Angela Lynes will address us, then our very own Clytus Williams moves the Standing Orders report which will determine the Order of Business for the week. This will also be the opportunity for branches who are aggrieved their motions have been ruled out to get up and challenge standing orders. Only the SOC can change its decision, but they might be asked to think again if Conference believe the delegates have made a convincing case.
The Annual Report and Financial statements are then moved – and hopefully we should be in position to start debating motions. Up this morning are motions on the Big Society from Northern Ireland, a motion which seeks to expose the con trick that is the Big Society (also called BS, an unconfirmed source tells us). Then we’ll move on to the Remaining Order of Business.
This afternoon, we will see our General Secretary, Dave Prentis speak – Dave has been challenging the ConDems on pensions in the media — especially since Danny Alexander’s inflammatory and ill-timed speech on Friday. Expect tough words – and a call for all of us to follow through with tough actions. Afterwards, we’ll be debating Composite E ‘Cuts are not the Cure’ and in particular our economic alternative, as well as the impact on Women and the Cuts.
If Conference makes good time, we may even see our Motion 79 on Rights at work being debated as well.
SCHEDULE F DETAILS – Questions & Answers
What is Schedule F?
Our Rulebook has sections detailing all our rules and also separate ‘schedules’, currently A to E. These schedules have the force of rule but are used to set out processes and procedures as well as defining benefits. Schedule F will define our financial procedures.
Why do we need it?
Currently our rules on finance come from a variety of sources. Some are scattered around the rulebook, others are issued by the NEC, in the form of guidance on honoraria for example, or in the Code of Good Branch Practice or the Branch Finance Handbook. Underpinning all these rules is a legislative framework, from the Certification Officer, Acts of Parliament, accounting legislation and the HMRC. Schedule F is an attempt to put all our rules under the governance of Conference and within the Rulebook, on the same basis as our rules on structures, elections and membership benefits etc.
Schedule F reflects the comments and views captured during the consultation whilst reflecting policy positions that branches have been crying out for and is long overdue. These changes are integral to the future well being of a forward looking union such as ours.
What is the Branch Finance Handbook?
This handbook was the subject of extensive consultation across the regions and the union last year. It is a one stop shop for all financial information.
Why is it being proposed that all branches bank with Unity Trust?
Unity Trust Bank is OUR bank. Set up by trade unions, for trade unions and run by trade unions, it ensures the resources of the union are under our control and not in the hands of other institutions who do not share our values.
We don’t have a branch of Unity Trust – how can we bank with them?
Unity does not have a system of local branches. You nominate the branch of a local bank or post office to use, whichever is the most convenient.
What is the Proposed Investment Fund in Section 4?
Currently around £48 million is held in branch reserves across the country. However these reserves are spread across many branches and as such the interest earned is small. During the road shows in each region, one idea that emerged was to offer branches access to a single investment account in which the funds would be retained by the branch, including the interest earned, but due to branches pooling resources, would attract a higher return.
However, this option is not yet being pursued as branches understandably wanted more detail of how this would work and thus this is still work in progress. The detail on the investment fund will be the subject of further consultation
Our branch already has a scheme of expenses – why do we need the NEC to issue a new one?
Branches have numerous different ways of paying expenses – which often are decided by branches without any knowledge of how this will impact in tax liability. These are some real examples:
- Branches paying mileage rates of up to 85 p per mile, but not allowing subsistence to be claimed
- Branches paying in excess of £40 per day conference expenses
- Branches paying fixed sums to branch officers or retired members to do case work, or to carry out RMS work
All of these breach HMRC rules – and as a result the whole amount can be taxed. The really bad news is that it is not the individual who is liable, but us, the union. On top of paying the due tax, we will also have to pay interest and penalties too. In one extreme case, a branch of UNISON in the South West had to pay £43k in unpaid taxes, interest and penalties.
A common set of expenses will ensure consistency across all branches and compliance with HMRC rules too.
What do the rules on Industrial Action Funds (IAF) mean?
Firstly, they set out the existing rules on the establishment of Industrial Action funds, including the process of setting up a levy and how much can be transferred each year.
As Industrial Action Funds are excluded from General Funds for branch funding purposes industrial action funds do not count towards any restrictions that would apply to Branches that have high reserves. Thus Branches with high reserves could transfer enough of their reserves into Industrial action to avoid their funding entitlement being restricted.
The 5% annual transfer limit restricts the ability to do this. This will ensure branch funding stays within the overall 23.5% of national funds that the scheme requires, whilst ensuring uniformity among branches regardless of reserves.
The £3 per member figure applies to monies held in the Industrial action fund. When the accumulated money in that fund exceeds £3 per member any monies on top of that net figure will be, for calculation of Branch Funding purposes included as general fund. This may be varied if money is raised by a levy as this will be disregarded and any branch with a historical balance existing when the current funding formula was introduced will also have this disregarded. This ensures branches again do not build up such funds purely to escape restrictions on funding and again ensures uniformity among branches.
An Example
Branch A has 1000 members and an IAF of £250k. The IAF, which was made up of 175k from a levy, £25k transferred from General funds and £50k inherited at the point of merger.
The 175k would be disregarded as it is raised by a levy. The 50k would be disregarded assuming it was existing at the point of the introduction of the current funding formula so the only balance that would be considered for adding back to general fund would be the £25k coming from general funds.
At £3 per member the amount for a branch of 1000 would be £3000 so a sum of £22k would be notionally added back to general fund balances for branch funding purposes.
If the branch was to spend on Industrial action then the amount spent would be deemed to be from the amount transferred hence reducing the £25k first.
This is a complex rule change – but good financial governance is vital if our members’ subscriptions are to be protected and used wisely.
Don't forget you too can contribute to your newssheet!
Whether you are a first time delegate or a seasoned, experienced delegate PLEASE come forward with your articles. Your newssheet team are Jo Mace-Butler, Steve Ryles and Paul Hamill. They will be happy to help, and will be grateful for your input and points of view.
(Disclaimer: The views represented in the newssheet may not be the views held by the team.)
Your first reminder ... South West and South East DISCO Thursday 23rd June 2011,
- £5.00 per ticket.
- Piccadilly Suite, Macdonalds Manchester Hotel and Spa
- Please contact Anne Price or Nick Olgard for tickets.