“A modern and confident building for a modern and confident union” was how Angela Lynes, President described the new UNISON centre when she kicked off the annual Leadership Seminar in London today.
“It’s very fitting that our union – rooted in the fight for equality and defence of the NHS – will inhabit the building that used to be the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson hospital, which was founded to enable women to obtain medical help from qualified female staff – a very unusual thing back then in the nineteenth century”.
“UNISON - Respecting our history but looking forwards to grow and adapt as we face up to the massive challenges in workplaces and communities up and down the country” she said, before going on to describe the government’s horrific cuts and privatisation agenda. Congratulating the new Assistant General Secretary’s on their appointments, she welcomed the opportunity this gives to improve links between lay activist and staff structures.
“For those of us on the National Executive I hope it will make working across the different structures of the union easier to navigate and will firm up the partnership we need to strengthen the union for our members”. And that was her message of the day and the theme of the seminar – that the combined effect of moving into our new building and moving to a new organisational structure should make the links between staff and members easier, more strategic and more productive.“
For the thousands of members losing their jobs this is a devastating time but equally there is massive pressure on our activists – they are fighting cuts and attacks on terms and conditions, whilst trying to organise and recruit and build our strength for the future”
They can be positive about what they have achieved for the union she said but “the onus is on us all – whether staff or lay members – to up our game and make sure we are in the best possible position to stand up for our members – when they need us the most.”
