Conference calls for unity to expose the Tory lies and to protect public services

#uNDC15 UNISON's National Delegate Conference, held in Glasgow from 16-19 June 2015 was all about unity this year as delegates faced up to the fight of our lives - against a Tory government hell-bent on slashing public services and cutting benefits to our most vulnerable, whilst doing nothing to ensure the richest pay their fair share in tax.

General Secretary, Dave Prentis gave an inspirational speech and got a standing ovation as he condemned a vicious and vindictive Tory government and called for unity to fight for a better future for our members. He pledged to stand shoulder to shoulder with members on strike and warned employers "if you come after our activists we will take you on. An injury to one is an injury to all.

STUC Congress 2015 - Branch activists again take key role at STUC

Branch Chair, Kate Ramsden and Assistant Branch Secretary, Susan Kennedy were both elected as UNISON delegates to this year's STUC Congress in Ayr from 20-22 April and both spoke in the debate.


All reports of UNISON speakers in the debate can be seen on the UNISON Scotland website and blog.



Susan Kennedy

House building and living rent to fix housing crisis
UNISON Scotland’s Susan Kennedy, backing the USDAW, UCATT and North Lanarkshire and Aberdeen trade union councils’ motion, said Scotland has a ‘housing crisis’.

Susan also spoke on the importance of additional support for learning in tackling disadvantage and the report will be made available as soon as possible.

Kate Ramsden

End 1 in 5 children living in poverty in Scotland
UNISON Scotland's Kate Ramsden supporting an USDAW motion said that that the STUC had highlighted as far back as 2010 that cuts and austerity would lead to a rise in the numbers of children in poverty.

Kate, in her role as member of the Scottish Communications and Campaigns Committee, also wrote many on the STUC reports on the UNISON Scotland website and blog.