UNISON NEC debates upsurge in protest & strike action as whole union mobilises against austerity

The national industrial action ballot on pensions - involving 1.1 million UNISON members and over nine thousand employers - was the dominant issue at today's NEC meeting in London. General Secretary Dave Prentis gave a comprehensive report on negotiations and preparations for the industrial action, supplemented by reports from national officers responsible for communications, mobilising in regions and planning at UNISON Centre. http://www.unison.org.uk/news/news_view.asp?did=7264

More than 20 NEC members contributed to the debate during which the NEC agreed to suspend the requirement for general meetings to approve the setting up of branch industrial action funds. Branch committees are empowered to make that decision for the duration of the pensions dispute.

UNISON will not be supporting a continuation of the reduced format of TUC Congress in alternate years.

Industrial action in Northern Ireland (coinciding with the meeting) was commended by the NEC as was action at local level by over 20 branches notably in Southampton City Council.

UNISON is gearing up to resist the attacks on trade union facility time announced earlier in the week at the Tory party conference. Branches will be sent a critique of the Tax Dodger's Alliance generated Tory policies.

Finally, the NEC applauded the substantial UNISON presence at recent anti cuts demonstrations in Birmingham, Glasgow and Manchester.

JC