Eve Miller, Unison rep, personal capacity

Public sector union Unison’s National Delegates Conference took place from 18-21 June, just weeks before the general election and an expected Keir Starmer-led Labour government.

Socialist Party members participated from start to finish to pose our ideas on preparing for that new government, within Unison, as well as throughout the wider labour movement.

The mood of the conference was indicative of the struggles that workers in the public sector have faced over the last 14 years of Tory austerity cuts, decimating the services that Unison members work in. Delegates from across the country took to the stage during debates, detailing the fractures in local government, the exploitation of migrant and Black workers, the crisis in the care sector and many more issues – for all of which, the cause is devastating cuts and profit-creaming private companies.

Labour

General secretary Christina McAnea, along with some members of the National Executive Council (NEC), pleaded with delegates to vote Labour, with one NEC member saying that ‘a vote for any other party is a vote for the Tories’. But even she had to address the elephant in the room: that delegates were critical of Labour. It shows that she is feeling the pressure from the 1.3 million disillusioned members beneath her, with many delegates pointing out the need to prepare and organise for Starmer’s government failing workers.

The right-wing dominated Standing Orders Committee (SOC) spent most mornings being scrutinised by conference on their blocking of many important motions, citing arbitrary reasons such as “this can be dealt with in other ways”, as they attempted to suppress discussion on issues such as trade union victimisation and strategies against council cuts (see ‘Unison local government: Real debate shakes leadership’ at socialistparty.org.uk).

In many debates, Socialist Party delegates led the discussions on the need for union demands to go further.

‘Personal capacity’

In one motion, right-wingers attempted to prevent Unison members from “speaking in a personal capacity”, claiming that could be used to promote right-wing propaganda or hate speech. A Socialist Party member pointed out that this would be a rare occurrence; that such instances would be down to Unison to deal with procedurally; and that members have the right to express and campaign for their views. Previous victimisation of Socialist Party members was raised on the conference podium. The motion was defeated by a large majority.

Three Socialist Party members spoke on the cuts and funding motion, posing the need for local governments to set needs-led, no-cuts budgets, and for Unison to respond with national campaigning and strike action if funding is not immediately restored to pre-2010 levels by the incoming Labour government.

There was a section of the conference, for the first time in many memories, dedicated to thanking all striking workers – encouraging those involved in disputes over the previous twelve months to march with flags across the front of the conference hall. This again was a real reflection of the pressure even right-wing union leaders are already under even before Starmer takes power, and ignited a real spark in the mood of delegates.

Right to strike

On the right to strike motion, four out of six speakers were Socialist Party members, calling for the repeal of not only the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023 (MSL) and the Trade Union Act 2016, but all anti-trade union laws from the days of Thatcher and Major. As well as this, a clear strategy was outlined for trade union action – including if needed a 24-hour general strike – if the promised repeal of MSL was not followed through. This strategy was met with applause and agreement from delegates.

Socialist Party members also raised a socialist programme in many more debates, including Palestine, devolution, the Windrush scandal, LGBT+ rights and community safety. After almost ten years, Surrey Unison branch, supported by the South East region, won unanimous support for the Truth About Zane and Zane’s Law. 

Socialist Party fringe

The Socialist Party fringe meeting on Wednesday night was well attended, with many members coming straight from conference to discuss with us. April Ashley, a Socialist Party member elected to the NEC in the female Black members’ seat, spoke alongside Socialist Party general secretary Hannah Sell. The discussion included the need for trade unions to take steps to build a new workers’ party, and workers’ candidates standing in the general election as part of the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC). Discussion also included the need to organise in the union so that the mood of members to fight is brought to bear on the leadership of the union.

A first-time delegate reports: ‘Socialist Party members leading the charge’

Sam Church, Surrey Unison young members’ officer, personal capacity

Unison local government and national conferences were the first I have ever attended. As a young member this can be quite daunting, but thanks to the support of Socialist Party members, I never felt alone or unprepared.

The party had a fantastic showing, with a number of speeches swinging the mood of the room, especially over the push for councils to adopt no-cuts budgets. It was really inspiring to see party members leading the charge, especially as no other groups seemed to be suggesting any solid plans. I don’t think there was another group at conference that came close to having such an impact.

Meeting other young members was also rewarding. They seemed to also be very impressed with the party taking a lead on issues, with many feeling let down by the lack of action proposed by those in power at Unison. The Socialist Party left a strong impression as the party fighting for the working class.

The lack of enthusiasm for a Starmer-led Labour government was clear and any indication of Unison allowing the watering-down of promises was swiftly countered by the strong mood for change in the room, especially among young members. Labour appeasement from the union right wing risks disillusioning the young membership. But the prevalence of Socialist Party members making strong speeches and offering solid alternative plans shows there is a group within Unison that is fighting.

The most intimidating part of my first conference was also the most rewarding: getting up in front of conference to speak. But one thing I was never short of was support. Being alongside party members was truly an honour.