Christina McAnea leads applause for successful UNISON strikers

There’s power in the union – particularly if that union is UNISON. That was the message at the heart of a speech this morning from general secretary Christina McAnea to UNISON’s national health service group conference in Brighton. “Look at all you’ve achieved in the past 12 months”, she told delegates. “Forty-two re-banding deals done across England and Scotland in our Pay Fair for Patient Care campaign. £70 million in back pay – and rising. “A huge strike in Northern Ireland that forced politicians back into the Northern Ireland Assembly to sort out public sector pay – that’s the power of UNISON.” Ms McAnea added that the union had live disputes in the South East, Eastern, East Midlands, Northern, North West, South West and London regions, together with live campaigns in Yorkshire and Humberside, West Midlands and Cymru/Wales. “Our demands and action get results. We are transforming lives … That’s the power of UNISON.” The big election year “The Tories can go into the general election with a proud record to stand on. Forty brand new hospitals, a valued and appreciated workforce, NHS pay rises beyond your wildest dreams,” the general secretary quipped, to laughter from delegates. More seriously, Ms McAnea stressed the need to get the Conservatives out of government and for Labour to replace them. “While the Tories break promises and let down our most vulnerable in our society, UNISON says we can do better.” Pointing out that UNISON...
Source: UNISON Health care news - Category: UK Health Authors: Tags: Article News 2024 National Health Conference General election 2024 Industrial action national care service NHS strikes Source Type: news