I am honoured, as your Regional Convenor, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of our union and reflect on the progress we have made. This milestone not only allows us to celebrate our achievements but also presents an opportunity to anticipate the challenges that lie ahead.
This is also my first blog on this exciting new website that is designed to make things easier for our activists, members and potential members to engage with our region.
In the past, public-sector jobs were highly sought after due to their stability, good pensions, and the sense of providing valuable community services.
However, with the erosion of job security, pension cuts, and stagnant wages, the public sector has lost its appeal.
The government must acknowledge the significant contributions of public sector workers and address the issues they face. It is imperative to restore fair wages, decent pensions, and ensure reasonable retirement ages to support young people entering the workforce.
We must emphasise that local government and health services exist to benefit the community, not to serve private interests.
Our union has always and will always fight this battle.
I am particularly proud that over the last 30 years, UNISON has been at the forefront of promoting gender equality and empowering women within trade unions.
From the inception of our union, we recognised the need to overcome resistance and give women a stronger voice. By implementing rules of proportionality and fair representation, we ensured that the voices of many women are heard.
Today, UNISON stands as a beacon of inclusivity, with women leading the way in key leadership roles. Our union celebrates the diversity of its members, including black, disabled, LGBTQ+, young, and retired individuals. We must actively encourage all these groups to recognise their power, leadership potential, and ability to effect change.
As we celebrate 30 years of UNISON, we honour the legacy of those who have paved the way for progress in our union.
We must recognise the challenges faced by public sector workers and advocate for fair treatment, reflecting their invaluable contributions to our society. Simultaneously, we must continue to empower women within UNISON, fostering solidarity, and encouraging their active participation.