Secretary's Corner
February 2010
With the state of the economy as it is and as we enter an election year, I believe that we are in for a very rough ride. To the point that we may well look back on these dark times as “the good old days”
A recent article in the Guardian newspaper revealed the true nature of the Tories anti-trade union legislation, taking us much further than Margaret Thatcher ever dared to tread. Their proposals would shackle workers - effectively removing Unions' ability to take industrial action.
This threatens everything we've worked for, the report stated, and it shows how dangerous a Tory Government could be to each and everyone of us. We have to act now, and send the Tories a message loud and clear: no to Cameron's extreme attacks on our unions.
The Guardian goes on to say “the Conservatives are looking at introducing laws setting new minimum turnout thresholds." This means that a majority of people eligible to vote in a ballot would have to vote yes - not just those people actually taking part in the ballot.
The CWU's industrial action against the management at Royal Mail was backed by 76% of members in a ballot. But their action would be under threat by the Tories new scheme. As would the refuse collectors' strike in Leeds - removing the right for the GMB and Unison to fight for fair wages for their members - even though two-thirds of the workforce turned out and the workers voted to strike 2:1.
This law would fundamentally undermine every single union's ability to represent their members.
And all this comes from a Party where not one single Tory MP was elected by 50% of the voters eligible to vote in their constituency. Not one.
At UNISONS leadership seminar in January, Dave Prentis told senior UNISON activists and staff
"We are facing the most significant political moment in a decade, As we approach the general election, our members’ future is in the balance”.
“All the main political parties are talking about spending cuts. Local government employers are trying to impose a pay freeze, and thousands of jobs are being cut”.
“But rather than falling prey to fears about the future”, he said, “It is time to show our vision for the future”.
"Unions were created for difficult times and to deal with conflict," he declared. "I believe this is really our time. It is our time to be bold, to speak up for our people and for the public services they provide."
“Whoever wins the general election, UNISON must have the strength and flexibility to be a powerful voice for our members, we are up to the challenge," he concluded. "We have the vision. We have the people. We have the ideas. We will meet any challenge together."
So although we may not think too much of the current government, come polling day I think we have to ask the questions, in Tory hands, how safe is our NHS, our jobs and our Trades Union rights to represent members?
This is also the time for staff to join UNISON, a strong and powerful Union that is able to act united against the difficult and challenging times that lie ahead. 
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