TUC: Public and private sector workers - a fight to unite us

First on the agenda this morning was the debate on the General Council statement on the Economy and composite 10 on the cuts, both previewed here yesterday. Dave Prentis had congress on its feet (or at least the UNISON delegation) for a standing ovation after a speech in which his passion for the defence of public services was evident.
He emphasised that this was not about pitching public sector workers against the private-it is a fight that needs to unite us. Speaker after speaker (unfortunately usually chap after chap) outlined the threats that the welfare state in its broadest sense is facing. There was considerable agreement that the role of the banks in causing the crisis has been brushed aside in favour of blaming and dismantling public services.

Congress was in agreement about the need for unity, for a community based fight back and about the role of industrial action. One lone voice dissented.

Se Dave's speech in full here http://www.unison.org.uk/asppresspack/pressrelease_view.asp?id=1976