Unite policy conference 2010

Conference updates

Thursday 3 June 2010 16:55: And that’s it, Unite’s first policy conference is over and delegates are heading home.

Thursday 3 June 2010 15:30: Cleansing the membership of old data and integrating the membership are crucial and the process is moving along - but this will take time. Debate on freezing contributions and increasing benefits (motion 252). Tony Woodley argues the only way you can take a serious view on these if to know the full picture – Unite has expenditure of £160 million, so Tony appeals to conference to reject motion 252.

Thursday 3 June 2010 15:15: Unite’s Executive Council has agreed a review of Unite conferences to ensure accountability and encourage greater member engagement. Composite 49 calls on Unite to publish debates for branches and members – Tony Woodley hopes Unite can achieve that pretty quickly.

Thursday 3 June 2010 14:55: On the Labour leadership - in the last election Unite worked hard to try and make sure we did have an actual election, not a coronation, we worked very hard to get MPs to nominate another candidate because we wanted to ensure wider voices were heard.  But having tried once before and failed, with 33 nominations needed to get on the slate, Tony is not hopeful.

Thursday 3 June 2010 14:30: There is now a conference question and answer session for Unite’s joint general secretaries, although Derek Simpson is currently dealing with BA matters, so Tony Woodley is flying solo. Debate in Executive Council on appropriate way to compensate members losing wages for doing union work. Minimum payment for loss of earnings has been agreed by the Executive Council. Tony Woodley also says no excuse for not having common branch funding across the union but need to look at how we even things out. It may be time for some "off the wall" thinking - combined branch funding could boost the cash for organising to some £40 million.

Thursday 3 June 2010 12:30: "If you leave things better than you found them, you've done a good job. I have, I think."  Derek Simpson’s parting words to conference.  A standing ovation closes conference for the morning.

Thursday 3 June 2010 12:10: Derek Simpson says creating a world union first needed Unite to be formed. If you need to be able to fight the employer on a multi-national field, you need a multi-national union. USW had the very same view, and so Workers Uniting was formed. UK's failure to implement the social partnership models which thrive in the EU means the market is left to rule here - just as it does in the US.

Thursday 3 June 2010 12:00: Derek Simpson recalls conferences past. Some memories are not happy ones - like the AEEU's crippling central control and the lengths that union went to to prevent Derek Simpson from standing for general secretary. Eight and a half years have now passed - and now, mergers later, we have Unite, and members are back at the heart of the union.

Thursday 3 June 2010 11:45: Tony Woodley pays warm tribute to Derek Simpson who is about to give his last speech to conference.

Thursday 3 June 2010 10:30: Harriet Harman says "the Labour leadership campaign will give time to reflect, renew and re engage with the people of Britain." She said  that the 81 Labour women MPs should not be 'kept in the shadows' and spoke of her desire for the shadow cabinet to have a 50/50 split between men and women. She also paid fulsome tribute to the Unite joint general secretaries, Tony Woodley and Derek Simpson, for all they had done for working people.

Thursday 3 June 2010 10:20: Harriet Harman said that although she was 'bitterly disappointed' at the general election result, the campaign, which had been greatly assisted by Unite, had denied the Tories the overall majority of 40 seats they were expecting “as their right”. She pledged that the Labour party will be 'an effective opposition' and 'won't pull our punches' in speaking up for public services and being 'vigilant' in protecting jobs and businesses.

Thursday 3 June 2010 10:10: Acting Labour leader, Harriet Harman gave the Unite policy conference in Manchester today an upbeat defence of the Labour government's achievements. Delegates applauded as Ms Harman outlined examples of where Labour had helped people - from the children cooped up in a 13th floor tower block who could now attend a children's centre to the African villager who had benefited from Third World debt cancellation.

Thursday 3 June 2010 08:30: It’s the final day of Unite’s conference and today will see debate on politics and public services as well as a speech from acting leader of the Labour party Harriet Harman. Derek Simpson will also make an address to the conference floor.

Wednesday 2 June 2010 17:00: Lawrence Long, Wales, from the chemicals, pharmaceuticals, process and textiles sector, urges Unite to campaign robustly against hate crime. All equality reps need to be fully trained in order to deal with the profound problems associated with hate crimes. The motion is carried.

Wednesday 2 June 2010 16:45: Anne Farrell, Scotland, local authorities - speaking to conference on the sexualisation of children and the responsibility of the advertising industry to send out the right messages. She says the corporate world treats kids like consumers and commodities - something to make a quick buck out of. Argues media and advertising must be properly vetted before they reach the public arena.

Wednesday 2 June 2010 16:00: Zohra Victor, a Moroccan Unite member, is telling conference about the limited rights and isolation they must endure living and working in Gibraltar. Moroccan workers cannot cross the border between Gibraltar and Spain. It is a life without rights - no rights to housing, healthcare or a political voice. It is an intolerable situation – the UK government must do more to ensure Moroccan workers in Gibraltar get the rights of any other EU worker.  They pay taxes - they should be treated with fairness and respect.

Wednesday 2 June 2010 15:45: Vicky Grandon, Scotland not for profit sector - praises Unite for the work it is doing to organise migrant workers and protect all workers against gangmasters. She followed Kwasi Agyemaing-Prempeh of London and Eastern region who speaks about Unite’s Justice for Cleaners campaign.  

Wednesday 2 June 2010 15:15: Brendan Barber says it is just plain wrong that public sector workers are expected to pay for the mistakes for the banks. He says there is an alternative to the scorched earth programme facing Greece - and that is to crackdown on tax evaders and also introduce a Robin Hood tax on obscene profits and bonuses.

Wednesday 2 June 2010 15:10: Brendan Barber, TUC general secretary, is now speaking. On the BA dispute he praises the huge determination of cabin crew in preserving premium service and applauds Unite in challenging BA in the high court and safeguarding the right to strike.

Wednesday 2 June 2010 15:00: The motions on Trident remitted. The executive council motion stands.

Wednesday 2 June 2010 15:00: Tony Woodley says there is nothing more important than world peace. The executive council statement spells out Unite's total commitment to peace and disarmament.

Wednesday 2 June 2010 14:40: Trident debate - delegates want more time to debate the issue.

Wednesday 2 June 2010 14:30: Norma Dudley, health visitor from London, calls for rejection of EC statement. Says there are difficult moral choices to make - this is about members' jobs and human life - but EC statement will water it down.

Wednesday 2 June 2010 14:10: Nick Miller, north west aerospace and shipbuilding, says protecting members' jobs is key. He warns cancelling the nuclear deterrent now won't alter mindset of rogue states in possession of nuclear arms.

Wednesday 2 June 2010 14:00: Trident debate underway. Joe Davis, London and Eastern, construction sector, urges backing for the motion and not the EC composite.

Wednesday 2 June 2010 12:30: Adrianna addresses conference.  She asks delegates for their help to get the true story of their husbands' imprisonment out, and to help them secure the basic human right of visitation rights.

Wednesday 2 June 2010 12:20: Miami 5 wives receive standing ovation from conference. Tony Woodley addressing conference on their cases and how their families have been ripped apart by the "unfair" imprisonment of their husbands in jails thousands of miles away in the US. Tony tells conference about Adrianna's answer to the question, what is it you find hardest about being separated from your husband? It was that when she gets up in the morning and goes into the kitchen she sees the table and chairs which should be occupied by the children she will never have. 

Wednesday 2 June 2010 12:15: International debate continues, delegates applaud speaker's plea to ensure we stay part of the EU - it's the only way to protect workers' rights.

Wednesday 2 June 2010 11:30: Composite 37 on global unions is being discussed - lots of support from the floor for deepening links with other unions. Jerry Fernandez, international relations director from the United Steelworkers union is now addressing the conference. He condemns the Israeli assault on the aid flotilla, to loud applause from delegates. Jerry also warning about attacks on Mexican trade union mimicking fascist states and adds international financiers have been reckless with the world economy - and with workers' jobs.

Wednesday 2 June 2010 10:30: Picture gallery of some of the events and highlights at yesterday's conference.

Wednesday 2 June 2010 10:00: Dave Mathieson, Unite executive council member, opens today's debate on pensions.  He warns that proposed Con-Dem changes risk stripping out value from defined benefit schemes.  He also makes a plea for the Pension Protection Fund to be under-pinned. In the public sector, he says we must anticipate an attack on pensions.  They're funded and paid for by members - attacking them would be unjustified, but Dave says there should be no division between the private and public sector in defending pensions.

Wednesday 2 June 2010 09:30: Today’s agenda includes the pensions’ debates, discussion of international issues including Palestine, Morocco and global unions including Workers Uniting. The afternoon sees debate on transport and health and safety as well as an address from TUC general secretary Brendan Barber.

Tuesday 1st June 2010 17:55: Justice for the Miami Five and their families, fringe event at Trafford Suite, Midland Hotel. Speakers include Adriana Pérez, the wife of Gerardo Hernández, and Olga Salanueva, wife of René González. Delegates are listening to how Unite is campaigning to bring visiting rights to the families.

Tuesday 1 June 2010 17:00: Philip Docherty, Scotland, local authorities, says that Glasgow city council is now targeting trade union convenors, ripping up agreements.  He asks "is management now looking to pick our reps?" Union convenor has been removed from the site until he signs a compromise agreement, he is now living off strike pay and donations from members.

Tuesday 1 June 2010 16:20: Kieran Campbell, London & Eastern, construction says 38 years on it is time for justice for the Shrewsbury pickets.

Tuesday 1 June 2010 15:50: Richard Harris, GPM section, south east, leads the calls to stop victimisation at work. He condemns bully Walsh for victimising trade union members - and warns if he gets away with it, the wider movement will suffer and balance in the workplace will be disrupted.  Richard argues unions save companies time and upset by dealing with issues before they get to management level and warns all bosses planning to target their activists - "more fool you."

Tuesday 1 June 2010 15:00: Delegate after delegate getting to their feet to condemn BA's attack on trade union members. Kevin Terry, chair RTC south west, was among those pointing out that UK workers are easiest and cheapest to sack in Europe.

Tuesday 1 June 2010 14:15: Building a union for the future. This afternoon sees debate on how Unite is bringing trade unionism to a whole new generation. With a 10th wave of organisers being recruited Unite is building a stronger and larger union by reaching out to millions of unorganised workers.

Tuesday 1 June 2010 12:45: Fringe event: Colombia – trade unionists in the firing line. Colombia is the most dangerous country in the world to be a trade union member, join this fringe meeting to help make a difference for Colombian trade unionists.

Tuesday 1 June 2010 12:30: Talks between Unite and BA over the long running dispute are due to start this afternoon. Tony Woodley has left conference and is on his way to Acas talks.

Tuesday 1 June 2010 10:00: Today’s agenda includes detailed debate on employment rights including the repeal of anti-trade union laws, adopting the Peoples’ Charter, the Trade Union Freedom bill and on hostile takeovers. The afternoon sees Unite debate the union’s organising strategy and recruitment before discussing all aspects of equalities.

Tuesday 1 June 2010 08:30: Picture gallery – highlights of Monday’s conference in pictures including the chair’s address, Tony Woodley’s speech and more.

Monday 31 May 2010 15:35: Read the full text of Tony Woodley’s speech to conference.

Monday 31 May 2010 14:30: Tony Woodley says that Walsh’s punishment of crew is systematic and in no way proportionate to the crime.  He also asks why BA is failing to pursue the authors of poisonous comments posted on other sites - yet sacks eight crew? Tony also pays tribute to the USW for $100,000 donation to help crew fight for justice. Unite has so far paid out £1million in strike pay.

Monday 31 May 2010 13:30: Jim Sheridan MP brings support for crew - says support is strong in Glasgow. And warns that this is a fight for future of trade unionism in this country.

Monday 31 May 2010 12:50: Derek Simpson says an agreement is do-able - but must be agreed by the people working under the agreement, cabin crew. Willie Walsh is preventing Unite from getting to a point where the union  can put a deal to members. And all because of a no-cost item to BA, travel allowances.

Monday 31 May 2010 12:40: BA cabin crew and Unite members pack out Trafford suite in Midland Hotel to hear about the climate of fear at BA. One third of cabin crew commute to work - Willie Walsh's vindictive removal of travel assistance hitting them hard.

Monday 31 May 2010 12:30: 'Brutish Airways' fringe meeting at Trafford Room, Midland Hotel. Hear Tony, Derek and BA strikers on the dispute.

Monday 31 May 2010 11:00: In his address to conference joint general secretary Tony Woodley says Unite will stand up to BA bullies.

Monday 31 May 2010 10:15: A message from a premium class passenger on the BA dispute - Walsh should listen to BA passengers and crew and keep BA a premium airline.

Monday 31 May 2010 09:30: Today at conference starts with the chair's address and includes debates on manufacturing and the economy as well as Tony Woodley's main speech.

Sunday 30 May 2010 12:00: Unite joint general secretary Derek Simpson on the BA strike on the Andrew Marr show as the second wave of five day strikes began (Available until:9:59am Sunday 6th June 2010).

Friday 28th May 2010 16:30: Working for Working People: Update of details of speakers at Unite's first  policy conference including Tony Woodley, Derek Simpson, Brendan Barber and Harriet Harman.

Thursday 27th May 2010 12:50: UPDATE FOR VISITORS: Visitors credentials can be picked up at the conference venue from Monday 31st May.  Unite members who wish to attend the conference but who have not already applied for visitor tickets may do so at the registration desk at the conference venue from Monday 31st May (please ensure you bring your membership card with you).