Over a hundred UNISON health workers enjoyed live music, food and lively discussions at this year’s AGM. Teams of stewards were elected in every Trust as were health and safety reps and branch officers. Our elected Chair is Taiwo Rasaki, Secretary Ian McKendrick and Treasurer Corrine Jack – and a full listing will follow. (see Who'sWho)

Guest speakers Andrew Smith MP (Lab Oxford East) and Nigel Deaney, a former member and pensions officer stimulated a vigorous debate. 

Andrew called on union members to rally around the Labour Party in the coming election pointing out the following gains:

He also made it clear that he was in favour of a retrospective tax on the banking sector saying, to applause, that the public had bailed out the banks for their past greed – so why shouldn’t we tax their past profits.

Andrew also took a couple of rounds of questions and comments – speakers welcoming the government’s commitment that the NHS should be the ‘preferred provider’ of health services but calling on Andrew to press the government to enforce this strictly. The issue of the proposed quarter billion local NHS cuts was also raised and Andrew reported that following a meeting with senior UNISON stewards he had contacted the local NHS commissioners and the Department of Health and had required an explanation of the proposed cuts – and to cheers and applause from the meeting he welcomed the recent withdrawal of this threat by NHS bosses.

Union members also raised sharp concerns about the creation of a competitive market in healthcare, about PFI and about international issues particularly the war in Iraq and the huge loss of life caused by sanctions and the invasion and occupation of that country. In terms of the future policy of a Labour government Andrew pointed to the importance of Labour’s manifesto. Abdul Rahman, our Labour Link Officer will be organising UNISON members to support Labour’s campaign in Oxfordshire.

PENSIONS

Nigel Deaney spoke in some detail about the pension choice coming up for members over the next few months – key points being that this is a one off one way choice – if we think we may be able to retire before 65 we’ll need to stick to the current scheme (which allows retirement at 60). If we are aiming to retire at 65 the new scheme may have some advantages but people should take advice on their individual situation from an Independent Financial Provider – more detail on this issue here. 

The branch voted unanimously for the proposal for honoraria in recognition of the hard work that stewards and officers did last year. honoraria

The Branch AGM voted by a big majority to nominate Steve Bell to represent UNISON health workers in the South East for the Health Group Executive.

Following the imprisonment and deportation of one of our stewards last year the branch also supported a strong resolution to National Conference condemning the indefinite imprisonment of our colleagues and their children for the breech of immigration rules. motion

The meeting added the money that AGM visitors had contributed to our donation to the people of Haiti making our total donation £300.

Live music was provided by the Free West Papua Campaign.