Pay Matters and Motion Sickness - NEC meeting 13/02/08

Afraid this is being posted over a week after the event but I've been busy with some workplace issues, sorry!

This was a slightly unusual meeting of the NEC, which started with a presentation on the environmental provisions of the design for our new head office building (which is in the planning process at the moment). Safe to say it will be VERY green!

We also had visitors from Southern African trade unions who addressed the NEC. They have been brought together by UNISON to look at the trade union responce to HIV/AIDS and help to help UNISON plan it's significant help for their efforts.

It was also the meeting where the NEC decides which motions we are submitting to National Delegate Conference, which come from the committees. Most of the motions had been developed by PDCC which I sit on so most weren't new to me. The motions agreed where on Education and Skills, Employment Rights, Green UNISON, NHS at 60, Housing, Local Services and Public Services. I very much hope that the Education and Skills motion gets prioritised as this is a debate we seldome get to and one which is vital. We also have an extra one on the economy, which I'm sure everyone agrees is vitally important to our members at the moment.

We had strong motions from International on Palestine (which was built on by amendments about working with palistinians and isrealis across the borders) and South Africa and the region (which I'm glad to say the NEC didn't accept amendments to critisise the ANC as we should take our lead from South African trade unionists). We also had motions from Development & Organising on Organising, and Equality through Learning.

We also heard updates from both Local Government and Heath on this years pay round. Both service groups were expecting details in March, though the barganing machinary is quite different between the two groups. The Pay Matters campaign is up and running with a large amount of information having gone out to members.

The union remains in a sound financial footing, with membership income having increased again last year. However there are significant financial risks which is why we have put in place the standstill budget for this year.

This meeting was interesting, but it has to be said very long. It was quite draining and lots of NEC members had to be off for their trains home before the meeting ended which was a shame and led to some members attempting some shenanigans!