Health Conference

Well, Health Conference was a lovely week. I always enjoy spending time with other activists and conferences are a great opportunity to meet new people and get to know activists from your branch better.

This years health conference came at a key time for the NHS. The Government is continuing its policies of privatisation and marketisation in the name of choice and diversity of supply, while insulting workers with a below inflation pay award (cut) which they have the gal to stage.

There was a great deal of anger expressed on these issues, not least when Government Ministers addressed the conference. It was great to here that UNISON has called a National Demonstration on the 13th October. I will certainly be going and will be working with my branch to mobilise as many people there as possible. I will also be bringing the issue to the West Midlands and National Young Members Forums to discuss what we can do to mobilise young members.

On pay, Conference passed a strong position for industrial action if negotiations with the government fails to deliver an above inflation pay increase for this year, rather than the appalling award equivalent to 1.9%.

Conference was a good opportunity to talk to members about my campaign, though not as many young members as I would like. I was able to speak to some young members at the conference and let them know about ways to get involved in our young members structures.