The reaction to the success of Reform at recent local and mayoral elections in England together with UNISON’s response to the Westminster government’s proposed changes to disability payments dominated the union’s NEC meeting this week.
In her report to the committee, general secretary Christina McAnea reflected on Reform gaining control of 10 councils in England on 1 May: “The significant gains made by Reform UK are deeply concerning. The results aren’t a triumph for democracy. They are a wake-up call for anyone who cares about public services, equal rights, and responsible government.
“UNISON will be watching every step taken by these new Reform administrations. We will challenge every illegal act, every threat to hard-won rights, and every attempt to undermine public services. And we will support every worker who feels under attack.”
Noting that the union had already seen a growth in membership in council branches where Reform had gained seats, she said: “We are developing a strategy to support each of the branches in councils run by Reform.”
The general secretary also highlighted that challenging the government’s changes to Personal Independent Payments (PIPs) is also currently a major issue for the union.
The meeting heard distressing testimony about the effect the changes will have on some of the union’s 200,000 disabled members. The union is organising a parliamentary event to lobby MPs and currently has a live survey asking for views and feedback from members.
Christina also highlighted the ongoing progress of the Employment Rights Bill (ERB) and the work the union was doing behind the scenes on the fair pay agreement for care workers and the school support staff negotiating body (SSSNB).
The NEC also discussed the fallout of the recent Supreme court case on trans rights with Christina saying that the union was already looking at how members have been affected.
In other business, the NEC:
- Made final arrangements for national delegate conference in Liverpool in June
- Urged the government to be stronger in support of Gaza
- Heard positive recruitment news particularly in the care sector
- Encouraged members to take part in the People’s Assembly ‘No to Austerity 2.0 demonstration in London on 7 June
- Discussed the “incredibly disappointing” Immigration Bill and the impact it would have on the care sector
- Thanked everyone for their contributions over the past two years before a new NEC is elected in the summer.
The article NEC makes plans for Nigel first appeared on the UNISON National site.
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