The race is on for UNISON’s General Secretary

The NEC today decided to instigate an election for General Secretary. Not because we’ve lost faith in Dave Prentis. But because rather than press his right to stay on as GS until he reaches 65 (as he’s within 5 years of 65 that is his right under law and UNISON’s rule book) Dave has decided to ensure the union has maximum strength by seeking to renew his mandate for another 5 years.

Now first of all I want to put to bed these roomers flying around that I will be the candidate. I’d like to thank all those why have said they would support me but I’m just loving being a Nurse in the NHS too much to leave it!

No, on a serious note. This is the start of a 5 month process for electing our General Secretary which starts with Branches, Regional Councils and the NEC deciding who to nominate. Nominations open on the 4th February and close on 1st April. Please ensure that your Branch has a meeting between those dates and that nominations are on the agenda. Nominations are a really vital part of the democracy of UNISON’s elections especially for General Secretary so I encourage ALL Branches to get involve and nominate.

Full details including the nomination forms will be coming out very soon.