Annual Report - Labour Link Group - 2005

I attended all meetings of the UNISON Regional Labour Link Committee in 2005, putting the views of Devon County Branch Labour Party members and the view of the branch on National & Regional matters and policies.

At these meetings I spoke on a number of issues, motions and matters affecting the branch members, such as Pensions, PFI, Best Value and the privatisation of public services.

As a branch Labour Link group we are represented on both Exeter and North Devon Labour Parties by three very good branch UNISON members. Again where possible we strive to put over our branch view to the constituency members.

I attended the National UNISON Labour Link forum in Birmingham where we meet MPs, MEPs and one or two labour Ministers who speak and report to us on present and future Government Policy and thinking. We as delegates have the chance to question and challenge MPs and Ministers on how their policies are affecting UNISON members, this we did on Pensions, PFI, Foundation Hospitals & Trusts and the Privatisation of Public Services. We made it quite clear that UNISON Labour Link was not happy and wanted changes in the present policies on Pensions and Privatisation.

I attended the Labour Party Spring Conference in Newcastle where again UNISON. Labour Link delegates made it quite clear the Labour Government was facing major industrial action if they continued as they were with Public sector Pensions. I personally lobbied the Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott on our Pensions and I like to think it was me who he listen too and later agreed to a deal with UNISON that protected our pension rights.

I believe that being in the Labour Party as UNISON members does give us the edge in persuading Labour MPs and Labour Ministers to listen and sometimes except our arguments on the needs & wishes of UNISON members. Over 50 Labour Party MPs are linked to UNISON is some way, so we do have leverage in getting UNISON policy and aims over to the Labour Government. I hope to continue campaigning for UNISON Devon County Branch in 2006 and Global warming will be one major campaign for us to give a high profile as this a major concern for members.

G Parkhouse