BLACK MEMBERS' SELF ORGANISED GROUP
Play a key role in winning equality in the workplace
Actively challenge racism wherever it is found
Are at the forefront of UNISON's organising work
Enjoy UNISON's support at local, regional and national level
As black members in UNISON we work together to win positive change in the workplace. The more of us that are actively involved the stronger we become. The stronger we are the more positive change we can achieve.
2011 Black Members Conference
The 2011 Conference was held in Glasgow 21st - 23rd January 2011. Below is a report from the Black memebrs officer, James Minto.
298 delegates attended this years conference in Glasgow compared to 318 delegates in 2010. Concerns were raised about the reduction in delegates and visitors that branches and regions were sending as a result of cost. It is however important that we as a branch continue to support S.O.G’s. conferences by sending delegates from the branch. The government cuts are here and it is believed that they will have a disproportionate effect on Black Workers, predominantly the lower paid and female, there will almost certainly be a lack of career progression and a reduction of opportunities for Black Staff seeking employment across public services.
This was my first time at conference so I attended the first time delegates get together and welcome. I found this very useful, reassuring and informative, we were also given the opportunity to go onto the rostrum and introduce ourselves on the P.A. system.
Bev Miller NBMC chair welcomed delegates to conference.
Guest Speakers were Angela Lynes, Unison president and Dave Prentis Unison General Secretary. He spoke about public services and how committed he was in fighting for equality and how UNISON was the most powerful voice fighting for society.
600,000 jobs to be lost in the next 3 years in public services.
500,000 job loses in the Private Sector. “Cameron does not have all the answers but will answer all the questions “
Black activists need to highlight all the issues, Recruit, Convince and Spread the Word. Unite to fight the cuts.If politicians are to be believed the worst is yet to come.
Roger Mckenzie Unison Assistant General Secretary stressed the importance of empowering members and staff to organise in the workplace and the community, there are no boundaries.
Delroy Cleary stated that All Black members are under attack from the cuts and need to fight back. Never be afraid to take action and take up the challenge of the union. Black members need to work together now or suffer later.
These addresses set the tone of the 2011 conference, a united battle, everyone facing the same issues.
There were 34 motions all 34 motions were carried by the Conference. Motion 1 by the East Midlands Region was opposed by the NBMC. Election of a delegate to the National delegates Conference and the National Service Group conferences representing Unison Black Members from 2012 and thereafter. After a lengthy debate it went to the vote and the conference delegates carried the motion.
Two emergency motions were carried by the conference.
Three motions ruled out of order.
14 motions were linked to the Con-dem cuts, some of the other motions were, Black students and access to university, Race Discrimination claims protocol and Racism in the EU, Supporting Migrant workers, Pensions, Child rape in South Africa, Miami Five, Haiti.
4 x Fringe Meetings
Challenging Racism at Work
Encouraging Black Activists to be Active
Black Organ Donors
Fit for Work
4 x Workshops
Organising Black workers to defend public services.
Reach Project for young people
Black mental health
Black Carers How Black members can access the caring system.
The fringe meetings and workshops were very informative, the only negative time was limited on these important matters affecting the Black Community.
An excellent invaluable weekend networking, and now understanding that we are not alone and the work has only just begun.
James Minto
Branch Black Members Officer
A record of Conference decisions is available here
Further information is available via the Black Members Conference page on the National UNISON website click here