Dave is under no illusions about the challenges ahead for UNISON members and the communities who rely on the services we provide. Writing in Public Finance webzine over the past few days he said:
“We’ll always be ready to talk. But we’ll also hold employers and political decision-makers to account. We’ve been training our workplace representatives to scrutinise council budgets, understand procurement processes, identify skills gaps, and monitor equality impacts. We’ll be looking for commitments to avoid compulsory redundancies, guarantee equal opportunities, look to in-house improvement before cut-price privatisation, and include all local stakeholders – staff and users – in full and open consultation over service changes.
And we’ll keep campaigning for quality public services and a fair society for all. We will not allow public service workers to be penalised, in their pay packets or their pension entitlements, while a blind eye is turned to the continued excesses of the financial sector.
We will never accept that throwing public service workers on to the dole queue is any kind of solution at a time when we need more people working, spending, and paying taxes. We won’t stand by while vital services are parcelled up and sold off to unaccountable multinationals who see a fiscal crisis as a lucrative opportunity.
And we’ll ensure that the dedicated and invaluable work of all our members is recognised and appreciated – from the scandalously low-paid women in vital caring roles to the much maligned ‘back-office’ workers, who keep things running but are too easily taken for granted. Like any progressive union, we will be willing and constructive partners in the search for fair solutions. But make no mistake – first and foremost we will be fierce defenders of our members and the vital services they provide.”
http://opinion.publicfinance.co.uk/2010/05/there-is-an-alternative-by-dave-prentis/
This is precisely the leadership approach required in the current tough economic and political environment. It stands in stark contrast to the marginal politics and the empty rhetoric of Dave’s ultra left opponents. Lacking in credibility, leadership experience and gravitas they owe their presence on the ballot paper solely to the dwindling networks of the Socialist Party and the Socialist Workers Party.
The candidate of the former has been caught out by the change of Government - the one trick pony of anti-Labour Party sectarianism will have little resonance with UNISON members as the Tories step up their attacks. The candidate on the latter organisation has no agenda other than cultivating a divisive, populist and tiresome ‘them and us’ attitude between UNISON activists and union full time staff.
Dave Prentis received overwhelming majority mandates in 2000 and 2005 General Secretary elections – now is the time for us to deliver a renewed mandate.
Unite to defend our jobs and services – Vote Dave Prentis