Regional Council
(04/02/2012) At the NW Regional Council meeting on
Saturday, 4th February 2012, Tony Lloyd MP was guest speaker. He spoke of:-
• The Tories attempt to bring in a Bill designed to hit trade union facility
time;
• David Cameron’s failure to deal with bonus at a time when the economy is
struggling;
• The rise in unemployment and the alternative which the Labour Party had asked
for and which Barack Obama has done - investment in the economy;
• Looking to have a rally in Manchester and throughout the region against the
Health & Social Care Bill;
• the need to get back to local negotiation;
• Labour Party wants a Party that relates to trade union members; don’t like
what the Labour Party is doing? “Get stuck into them” locally, regionally and
nationally.
• We have to celebrate public services and keep talking to each other.
There then followed a questions and answer session.
Two motions were passed for submission to National Delegate Conference 2012 -
(1) Defending Employment Rights; and (2) Campaigning Against Government Pay
Policy.
Kevan Nelson, Regional Secretary, spoke of:
• The difficult times being experienced by trade unions as cuts spread across
public services in the UK and Europe;
• 2011 being UNISON’s record year for joiners;
• Organising and recruitment to be a top priority in 2012 for the union and the
Branch Assessment process to be key in delivering this and the need for Branches
and Region to work together.
• Up to 20 new Local Organisers to be appointed in the North West.
• In April the Region to launch three organising projects and targeting key
areas where we need to establish our presence as a union.
• Congratulations were extended to Bury LG Branch following the successful
conclusion to the 5 year battle to secure equal pay for our women members in
Bury MBC.
• Industrial action in MANWEB now concluded following acceptance by the members
of an improved offer by IBM.
• West Cheshire Branch about to embark on industrial action involving members
employed by Cheshire West & Chester City Local Authority. Branches were urged to
support the dispute. A financial appeal to support a strike fund to be launched.
• A National rally opposing the NHS Health & Social Care Bill to take place on
the 7th March 2012 outside the Houses of Parliament, London. A delegation from
the NW to be present. Need to step up our campaigning against this Bill and put
pressure on Tory and Lib Dem MPs to ensure this Bill is thrown out.
• The TUC are launching a community organising campaign against austerity-
initially focusing on East Lancashire.
• NW Treasurers Convention took place in January at which 55 branches attended.
The Region to roll out the Online Branch Accounting (OLBA) system during 2012.
Support will be provided from Regional Office for Branches to switch their
accounts to OBA within the next few months.
Bill Allen, Chair of Regional Retired Members Committee will be contacting all
NW Branches to determine branch activity with retired members etc.
Teresa Connally, Co-chair of Regional Women’s Forum, advised that International
Women’s Day was to take place on the 7th March 2012 and not the 8th March 2012
as previously advertised.
Labour Link constitution and guidance on good practice at Branch level to be
issued to all Branch Secretaries.
A raffle in support of the Welfare Fund raised a total of £100.
Next meeting of Regional Council will be the AGM on Tuesday, 8th May 2012 at the
People’s History Museum, Manchester commencing at 11.00 a.m.
