‘ Call to arms’ – Dave Prentis addresses Conference
In a speech to delegates at UNISON’s National Conference, the union’s General Secretary, Dave Prentis, said:
March 26th, what a day it was. We marched together, But this week we march on. Because this is our week, together not beaten. Here to experience the unique solidarity of our conference. To share, to learn, to inspire. And be inspired by the struggles of others. To show the world that we’re strong, determined, united.
They’ve declared war on our public services. With Tory donors, City firms, hedge funders back in the heart of government. Financiers like John Nash whose private equity firm, sovereign capital, buys and flogs care homes for the fun of it.
Conference, A year ago, we could have been beaten, lost our way. But in this past year we’ve grown our membership for the 17th year running. We’ve strengthened organising, a new army of organisers. Our branches, fighting back where they can.
Mike Tucker, in Southampton, John Burgess, in Barnet – their necks on the line. 40 branches in dispute, 34,000 members, balloted or taking action. Conference, this union salutes them all and what they are doing to save our members jobs and services.
And we are told that there is no alternative. And as long as they keep preaching that mantra that there is no alternative, I will state on every platform that there are alternatives. Clegg and Cameron could have the guts to go back to the banks, the spivs, the speculators, and tell them on our behalf, “you created this mess – you clear it up.” And I’ll say it again; “If there’s money to bail out the banks, if there’s money to protect their bonuses. If there’s money for war and replacing Trident, there’s money available for our local services and our NHS. If there has to be a pay freeze, make it for the bankers, get them to do more for less.