Unison elections

Crucial elections are taking place in Unison for the national executive council. The current leadership under Dave Prentis, tied in with New Labour, are seeking to strengthen their grip on the union through witch-hunts and bureaucratic means.

Members are angry at how the union has handled Single Status – resulting in some members having their pay cut.

Last year’s two-day strike for a decent pay rise demonstrated the members’ determination to fight back but this was not matched by the leadership.

Members who challenge the leadership are threatened with expulsion; four Socialist Party members have been facing disciplinary action for almost two years.

It is for these reasons that the campaign for reclaiming the union involves winning seats from the current leadership, who are an absolute obstacle to the union being a fighting and democratic union.

The ‘Reclaim the Union’ campaign, initiated by the Socialist Party, is putting forward a left slate: see www.socialistparty.org.uk

The ballot runs from 14 April to 15 May.