 |
Network Journal 2005 Issue 2 |
 |
ADM 2005 - Politics matter as Brown captivates conference
Chancellor Gordon Brown paid special tribute to Usdaw for its support of the Labour Party as part of a wide ranging speech which energised conference.
The most successful chancellor ever made an impassioned plea to voters, just days before the election, to re-elect Labour so it could carry on its work on health, education, a stable economy and, most importantly, tackling world poverty.
"Eradicating global poverty is one of the greatest crusades of our time," he said. "Thousands are dying every day from avoidable disease and lack of affordable drugs. We share their pain they need our help."
Brown's address formed part of the politics debate which included seven propositions and the Executive Council statement Towards an Historic Third Term - Usdaw and Labour.
East Midlands ACC Distribution's Jean Innes won ADM support when she called for the union to do all it could to oppose the British National Party. She was backed up by divisional councillor Geoff Page, Michael Beall, Bucks Food Retail, Jane Rogers, North West Boots, and Liam Green, Northants Tesco.
Dawn Doughty, East Surrey, said the Government should abolish the law which requires trade unions to hold a ballot on their political funds every ten years "This is expensive and the money could be used to help fight injustice and campaign on our members' behalf," she said.
Local schools should not be used as polling stations because this penalises children and inconveniences working parents, Cheryl Watson, Scotland Woolworths, told ADM. "Many members have to take holidays or unpaid leave when this happens. I can't afford it," she said.
Introducing salaries for councillors sparked a lengthy debate with delegates both for and against the proposition. Stephen O'Connor, West Midlands Retail Food No.1, opened the debate. "Lay councillors don't have time to fulfill their duties," he said. "They can't afford to give up work but if they were paid in line with national earnings it would encourage wider participation."
Richard McDermid, Sata Regional West, seconding said unemployed councillors lose their benefits if they get paid for council work. "Giving councillors average earnings would give them a reasonable standard of living." While Hilda Sterry and Stephen Lloyd-Janes opposed it, Dennis Hart and Andy Bray were in support, the proposition was carried after a card vote.
Usdaw's parliamentary group was the subject of a proposition from Fallowfield. Cara Peattie said one of the group should come to ADM and give a yearly report on their activities.
Only the St Merryn's proposition on voting reform was lost.
 Printer Friendly Page  Email to a Friend
|
