UNISON black members gather in Gateshead‏

Today UNISON Black members gather in Gateshead for the annual conference of their self organised group.

On the agenda there are only 24 motions in total, with 7 of these coming from 4 Branches. 9 motions come from 5 regions with the remaining 8 coming from the national committee. This lack of engagement in the conference process is reflected in motions from the North West and the Manchester branch. Whilst the national committee are opposing the motions (3 and 4) from Manchester, this would appear to be on practical points as no one will argue against the sentiments that underpin a desire to see black members more active and “at least being an accredited workplace steward representing members on workplace issues”.

Other motions are inevitably focussed on the increase in racism and support in society for the BNP, especially during the recession, but it is surprising that the motion and amendments on this issue never specifically mention Searchlight.  Given the huge efforts they made in the North West, Yorkshire, Midlands and London, the Manchester Metropolitan University branch only talk about Unite Against Fascism as the focus for UNISON’s activities. However the national committee and Yorkshire region will try to amend the motion to reflect the need for a campaign involving all those, whose policies and aims, reflect UNISON’s in the fight against fascism.

A call by the national committee to organise, with the NEC, a national demonstration against the BNP will be an interesting debate, as Yorkshire are seeking to amend to “regional rallies”. Other rallies are called for by the North West against stop and search laws and anti-terror laws, although coincidentally the same region also recognises that the number of members attending black members conference is ‘significantly low’. Seeking to encourage more members to attend, encouraging young members to get involved and to be active are all highlighted on the agenda.

The Million Voices campaign, the Single Equality Bill and Equality Impact Assessments are also subject to debate.

International issues are covered by opposition to the war in Afghanistan, Malaria Control and the UN Durban World Conference Against Racism which took place in April 2009. Concern is expressed that UNISON did not send a delegation to this conference and seeks funding for future events. Concerns about decisions taken and then not actioned, either by the NEC or the NBMC will inevitably form part of the conference debate but it is hoped that what has been achieved over the last year as stated by the Chair,Bev Miller, in her introduction, that the overwhelming spirit of the conference will be one of “peace and respect”

Whilst there are only 24 motions, 10 fringes cover such topics as black people getting involved in public life, Public services and the economic crisis, forced marriages, health and employment, show racism the red card, collective bargaining, child poverty, black mental health, young offenders and the Million Voices campaign.

Guest speakers include Dave Prentis, General Secretary, Kemone Brown, a Jamaican LGBT activist, Greg Thomson, Migrant Workers project, Razia Karim, Equality and Human Rights Commission and UNISONs’ Vice President, Theatre Nurse and Branch Secretary Eleanor Smith.
http://www.unison.org.uk/blackmembers/index.asp