President hails UNISON ’ s incredible growth and success

“Success after success. No other organisation in the UK is winning for their members like this union is. “It also means that we will become more of a target – for the right-wing media, for Tory politicians and for rogue employers. “But UNISON has never ducked a challenge – and we’re not going to start now.” That was the message at the heart of Gordon McKay’s speech on the opening morning of UNISON’s national delegate conference in Liverpool today. With his presidential year drawing to a close this week, Mr McKay had thanks for many, from his family to his branch, from activists to the union’s staff, from his two vice-presidents to the general secretary. Of the latter, he said that Dave Prentis had overseen the incredible growth and development of the union. But he also reserved particular comment for Lucia McKever, who is retiring from the national executive council at the end of this week. When first elected to the NEC, he described himself as being “in awe and scared of her”. And he added: “After 10 years, I’m absolutely terrified.” In case of any doubt, he continued by describing Ms McKeever as “a kind, generous, big-hearted and generous friend”. After the hors d’oeuvres came the meat. Mr McKay was damning in his coverage of the situation the country is in. He talked of “politicians who have presided over the worst fall in living standards for 200 years; 1.2 million public-sector workers still paid below the real living wage; m...
Source: UNISON Health care news - Category: UK Health Authors: Tags: Article 2019 National Delegate Conference Go for growth Gordon McKay presidential team Source Type: news