Funding in the Community and Voluntary Sector Motion 1.02

Here is the short and to the point speech I made about the amendment.

Conference, President, John Gray London Region, Housing Association Branch speaking strongly in favour of the motion and the amendment with qualifications.

Conference, unfortunately the wording of the amendment, while taken from UNISON's policy position, can be seen as insulting to our members in the voluntary and private sector and the work that they do. While we do believe that these jobs should remain in the public sector, when members are, through no fault of theirs, transferred it does not mean that they do not still do a good job. Rather it means that they often have to do that job in even more difficult circumstances. I was transferred from Tower Hamlets Council into a Housing association and so have direct experience of this.

While I support the formal policy decision I do not want to feel like a “second class” UNISON member because I have been transferred. Please support this amendment with this very important qualification.