In reality today’s decision all NEC members will still be able to put forward their point of view in committee. All NEC members will still be asked to endorse any actions taken in committees, and hold members to account for the decisions they have taken. UNISON is the most democratic and inclusive trade union in the UK. It is disingenuous to suggest that democracy and debate is being stifled.
This decision will also enable more members to participate in debate and discussion at the NEC on major issues of concern to our members, rather than being bogged down in internal minority issues. Hard working committees elected by the NEC to carry out detailed decision making and make recommendations to the NEC will not be undermined by members of the committee in question.
UNISON structures allow for full and healthy debate on issues and decisions. But it is time that we understood we are not a debating society but a trade union which needs to carry out actions on behalf of and with the membership. This decision today will take the union forward in a positive way, allowing the NEC to focus on the real issues of the day, rather than distractions and futile contributions.
The reality is that UNSION is facing massive challenges ahead and we need the leadership body of the union to be able to make decisions and enact them, not spend its time discussing the same issues over and over.
A full official report of the other main issues considered at the NEC meeting is available on the UNISON website
http://www.unison.org.uk/news/news_view.asp?did=5687