Join us today!
Printable version
Link to this page: https://secure.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/940/25025
From The Socialist newspaper, 15 March 2017
Unison HE conference: Delegates give the bureaucracy a lesson in democracy
A Unison member (right) striking alongside a UCU member at the University of East London 31.10.13, photo P Mason (Click to enlarge)
Socialist Party delegates
Unison delegates to the higher education conference on 2 March reminded the service group executive (SGE) who's in charge by defeating them on a number of questions.
The overwhelming mood of conference was one of defiance, with many still visibly angry about the leadership overturning a 55% vote for strike action in the summer of 2016, using low turnout as an excuse to derail any chance of a fightback.
This decision not only meant that members were forced to accept a further derisory (1.1%) pay rise but demoralised activists who had confidently campaigned to win the vote for action.
One delegate explained that he was the only person from his branch at the conference as others had given up, but that he'd be back next year to continue fighting.
Delegates lined up to condemn the lack of a fighting strategy and demand more accountability, passing a motion which committed the SGE to publish voting information on all important decisions.
One motion calling for an independent inquiry into the lack of effective action over pay was opposed by the SGE, but by the time it was heard they couldn't find anyone to speak against it! It was passed with a handful of votes against.
Socialist Party delegates argued for a strategy to win a meaningful victory on pay in 2017 and were instrumental in conference passing a motion committing the SGE to support the £10 an hour minimum wage demand.
Unison members who want a fightback against privatisation, outsourcing and casualisation of higher education services should support and campaign for Unison Action candidates Kath Owen and Sandy Nicoll.
Donate to the Socialist Party
Finance appeal
The coronavirus crisis has laid bare the class character of society in numerous ways. It is making clear to many that it is the working class that keeps society running, not the CEOs of major corporations.
The results of austerity have been graphically demonstrated as public services strain to cope with the crisis.
- The Socialist Party's material is more vital than ever, so we can continue to report from workers who are fighting for better health and safety measures, against layoffs, for adequate staffing levels, etc.
- We must be ready for the stormy events ahead and the need to arm workers' movements with a socialist programme - one which puts the health and needs of humanity before the profits of a few.
Inevitably, during the crisis we have not been able to sell the Socialist and raise funds in the ways we normally would.
We therefore urgently appeal to all our viewers to donate to our Fighting Fund.
In The Socialist 15 March 2017:
Socialist Party news and analysis
Scotland 'indyref2' for socialist independence not the capitalist EU
State surveillance of unions: PCS assistant head demands inquiry
TUSC: SWP suspends participation in England/Wales
Save our NHS!
NHS: strikes and protests can stop cuts
Glenfield heart unit: "Children will die" angry parents tell NHS England
Socialist Party congress 2017
Socialist Party Congress 2017 reports
Socialist Party workplace news
2,000 workers on three rail networks strike against driver-only operated trains
Derby teaching assistants' all-out strike against Labour council
Unison HE conference: Delegates give the bureaucracy a lesson in democracy
Fighting racism
International Women's Day
International Women's Day: taking action against capitalist oppression
Socialist Party comments and reviews
Disabled workers deserve a living wage
'Nurses are angry and we are ready for action'
Women's struggles reduced to perfume sales and career ladder
Home | The Socialist 15 March 2017 | Join the Socialist Party
Subscribe | Donate | Audio | PDF | ebook
2021