About conference - UNISON National · Web viewTimetable Sunday 16th June Time Event Room 9.30am –...

UNISON National Delegate Conference • 18-21 June 2019 and Service Group Conferences • 16-17

June 2019ACC Liverpool

About Conference2019

Follow us on @ unisontweetsTo be part of the conversation, use the conference hash tags#uwet19 – for WET Conference#uenergy19 – for Energy Conference #ulgc19 – for Local Government Conference #undc19 – for National Delegate Conferencehttps://conferences.unison.org.uk

Checklist

Please remember to bring the following documents with you when you come to Liverpool.

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This bookletNational executive council annual report Financial accountsCredential card with photographConference document with motions and amendments Composite bookletAccomodation confirmation

About conference 2019

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ContentsFloor plans of the ACC LiverpoolTimetableInformation on the ACC LiverpoolEssential information for delegatesSocial MediaHealth and safety informationUNIZONEFringe eventsCaucus meetings

Welcome to UNISON National Delegate Conference 2019

Welcome to About Conference 2019 which contains information for delegates attending the UNISON National Delegate Conference in Liverpool on 18-21 June 2019 and the service group conferences held on 16 and 17 June 2019. This guide contains notes for delegates about the venue and information on fringe meetings and UNIZONE activities. It is designed to enhance your experience of conference, and get the most out of what’s on offer.Whether you are a first time delegate or have been before, this is the guide for you.Enjoy the conference.

Dave Prentis

UNISON General Secretary

Upper Level

UNISON National Delegate Conference

Lower Level

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1 Floor plans of the ACC Liverpool


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2 Timetable

Sunday 16th June

Time Event Room

9.30am – 12.30pm

Local Government Conference Arena, lower level

10am – 12.30pm Water, Environment and Transport Conference Hall 2P, lower level12.45pm – 1.15pm

Local Government caucus meeting: Disabled members Hall 2L, lower level

12.45 – 1.45pm Local Government fringe meeting See fringe events2pm – 5pm Local Government Conference Arena2pm – 5pm Water, Environment and Transport Conference Hall 2P, lower level5.15pm – 5.45pm Local Government caucus meeting: LGBT members Hall 2L, lower level5.15pm – 6.15pm Local Government fringe meeting See fringe events

Monday 17th June

Time Event Room

9.30am – 12.30pm

Local Government Conference Arena, lower level

10am – 12.30pm Energy Conference Hall 2P, lower level12.45pm – 1.15pm

Local Government caucus meeting: Black members Hall 2L, lower level

12.45pm – 1.45pm

Local Government fringe meeting See fringe events

2pm – 5pm Local Government Conference Arena2pm – 5pm Energy Conference Hall 2P, lower level

Tuesday 18th June

Time Event Room

10am – 12.30pm National Delegate Conference Arena, lower level12.45pm – 1.45pm

Caucus meetings: Disabled membersWomen members

Hall 2L, lower level Hall 1B, upper level

12.45pm – 1.45pm

Young members meeting Hall 2N, lower level

12.45pm – 1.45pm

Fringe meetings See fringe events

2pm – 5pm National Delegate Conference Arena, lower level5.15pm – 6.15pm Caucus meetings: LGBT members

Black membersRoom 4A, upper level Hall 2L, lower level


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5.15pm – 6.15pm Fringe meetings See fringe events


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Wednesday 19th JuneTime Event Room9.30am – 12.30pm

National Delegate Conference Arena, lower level

12.45pm – 1.45pm

Caucus meeting:Black members Hall 2L, lower level

12.45pm – 1.45pm


2pm – 5pm National Delegate Conference Arena, lower level5.15pm – 6.15pm Fringe meetings See fringe events

Thursday 20th JuneTime Event Room9.30am – 12.30pm


12.45pm – 1.45pm


2pm – 5pm National Delegate Conference Arena, lower level5.15pm – 6.15pm Caucus meetings:

Disabled members LGBT members

Hall 2L, lower level Room 4A, upper level

5.15pm – 6.15pm Fringe meetings See fringe events

Friday 21st MarchTime Event Room9.30am – 12.30pm


2pm – 4.15pm National Delegate Conference Arena, lower level


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3 Information on the ACC Liverpool

Conference venueACC LiverpoolKings Dock, Liverpool Waterfront Merseyside L3 4FPEnquiries: 0151 475 8888 Email: [email protected] Web: www.accliverpool.com

How to get thereBy AirLiverpool John Lennon Airport features low-cost scheduled flights to a range of domestic destinations. Airlines at JLA include two of Europe’s largest low cost airlines, easyJet and Ryanair, both of whom have large bases at JLA. A taxi from the airport to the city centre will take approximately 20 minutes or the express bus service Route 500 will take approximately 25 minutes, dropping you off within a five-minute walk of ACC Liverpool.

By RailVirgin Trains operates hourly, direct services from London Euston to Liverpool Lime Street (with a journey time of just over two hours). Other long-distance rail services also operate into Liverpool Lime Street station.The ACC Liverpool is a 20 minute walk from Lime Street Station or a short taxi or bus ride.For details of train services please refer to www.nationalrail.co.uk.

By CoachACC Liverpool is just five minutes’ walk from the Liverpool ONE retail development bus station, which also has long distance coach services.For information about local bus services please visit www.merseytravel.gov.uk.

By RoadLess than 20 minutes from the UK motorway network and adjacent to Liverpool’s main through road, ACC Liverpool is perfectly placed if arriving by car.• From the South

Approaching from the south, leave the M6 at junction 21A and take the M62 to Liverpool.At the end of the M62 follow signs for Liverpool City Centre along Edge Lane, picking up and following signs for The Waterfront. The temporary Liverpool Waterfront Car Park is sign-posted “Waterfront” on the “available spaces” signs that are found across the city.

• From the NorthApproaching from the north, leave the M6 at junction 26 and follow signs for M58 Liverpool.Follow to the end of the M58 and then take signs for A59 Liverpool. Continue to follow Liverpool City Centre until picking up signs for the Waterfront. Thetemporary Liverpool Waterfront Car Park is sign-posted “Waterfront” on the “available spaces” signs that are found across the city.

Car parkingPay and display onsite car parking is available at the temporary Liverpool Waterfront Car Park off Queen’s Wharf, with accessible spaces and open 24 hours a day. Parking is limited and available on a first come first served basis. Other car parks are just five minutes’ walk away.

TaxisLocal taxi companies who on request can provide wheelchair accessible vehicles are:


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Davy Liver Ltd

0151 709 4646

E2A Cabs 0151 229 1066

Comcab 0151 298 2222


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Venue informationYou will enter the ACC Liverpool on the Galleria level. Most of conference is located on the lower level with a few rooms on the upper level. Both levels are accessed by escalators and lifts.

Conference Information Desk – Lower Galleria, lower levelThis is where you should go if you have any queries concerning the administration of conference or if you lose your conference credentials. The desk will be open:-• Saturday

12pm – 5.30pm• Sunday

8.30am – 5.30pm• Monday

8.30am – 7pm

• Tuesday – Thursday 8.30am – 5.30pm

• Friday8.30am – 4.30pm

Local Government/NDC Conference Hall – Arena, lower levelThe main conference hall for Local Government Conference and NDC will be in the Arena which is accessed via the Lower Galleria to the left.

Wet and Energy Conference Hall – Hall 2P, lower levelThe main conference hall for WET and Energy Conferences will be in Hall 2P which is accessed via the Lower Galleria to the right and then through the exhibition area.The conference halls are laid out with the platform and rostrum control at the front of the hall, seating for delegates in their regions towards the front and with seating for visitors, sharer 2’s and guests at the back.

Standing orders committees• WET and Energy meeting

room – Room 10, upper level• Local Government meeting

room – Room 13, upper level

• National Delegate meeting room – Room 11B, upper level


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UNIZONE – Hall 2Q, lower levelThe UNIZONE is an interactive exhibition of UNISON’s key campaigning, bargaining and organising work. UNIZONE 2019 will feature a changing programme of displays and interactive events. A full programme is highlighted in section 7 of this guide.

Exhibition area – Hall 2Q, lower levelThe exhibition area contains a range of stands representing UNISON Living services to members plus a range of stalls on behalf of campaigning and voluntary organisations. The UNISON Living exhibitors’ stands will close on Thursday evening.

Catering – Hall 2Q, lower levelThe main conference catering area will be located in Hall 2Q.

Cloakroom – Galleria, ground floorA free cloakroom service will be available. The cloakroom will be open:-• Sunday to

Thursday 8.30am – 6.30pm

• Friday8.30am – 4.30pm

Cash machineThere is a cash machine in the convention centre at the Lower Riverside entrance next to the toilets.

Wi-fiFree wi-fi is available throughout the ACC Liverpool.

PhotographsIf you require a photograph for your credentials please go the conference information desk.

Prayer roomsThere are prayer rooms available for the use of delegates on request. Please contact the conference information desk for further details.

First aidIf you require first aid assistance please speak to a member of the ACC Liverpool team or the conference information desk. The first aid rooms are located on the Arena side of the building and stewards will be able to escort you to these rooms. Alternatively, first aidassistance can be called to your location in the building.


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Card votes – Galleria, ground floorCard votes can be collected from the card vote collection point in the Galleria.Opening times:• Sunday

8.30am – 5pm Local Government• Monday

8.30am – to close of conference Local Government• Monday

4pm – 6pm – NDC• Tuesday

8.30am – 5pm NDC• Wednesday

8.30am – 12.30pm NDCIf you do not collect your card votes during these times, please go to the finance office in room 15 on the upper level. Please note if a card vote is called and you have not collected your card votes, you will not be able to collect them until after the count.Card votes for WET and Energy conference will be available from outside of Hall 2P from 9.15am on the day of conference.

Access and facilitationUNISON staff member, Sam Barlow, is the conference access officer. Questions about access and facilitation should be addressed to her via the conferenceinformation desk.UNISON recognises the importance of, and accepts responsibility for, making conference as accessible as possible. All delegates have had the opportunity toregister for provision of services to make the conference accessible to them.The ACC Liverpool access guide can be viewed on UNISON’s website: https://www.unison.org.uk/accliverpool-accessibility-guide-for-conference-delegates


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3 Essential information for delegates

Key figures at conferenceThe president of the union presides over conference and chairs all the debates. The two vice-presidents may deputise for the president.With the co-operation of delegates, conference business is processed quickly and without great formality. There are occasions, however, when the president will need to exercise their authority including the right to make a ruling on a question of standing orders or a point of order. The president’s ruling is final.The president also has the authority to take action in respect of any delegate in response to any behaviour which is deemed to be inappropriate or unacceptable (for example causing a disturbance and refusing to obey the call to order, interrupting a speaker, engaging in behaviour which is insulting or otherwise disrespectful either atthe conference, or at any official event connecting with conference or on social media). The president may delegate the exercise of this authority. This authority includes issuing the delegate with an informal warning, preventing them from speaking in any debate or motion, a temporary removal of credentials for all or part of the conference, or otherwise expulsion from conference.Where appropriate, consultation and discussions will take place with the relevant regional delegates. Such behaviour may also be dealt with under the union’s disciplinary procedures.National Executive Council members sit on the platform together with the general secretary and the assistant general secretaries. They are called on to move reports, statements, motions, amendments to rule and amendments in the name of the National Executive Council. They will also speak for the National Executive Council in reply to some of the debates.Standing orders committee chairperson, vice-chairperson and secretary come to the platform on a daily basis to give reports on behalf of the standing orders committee.

Conference proceduresDetails of conference procedures can be found in the conference documents 2019 booklet together with texts of the motions, amendments and amendments to rule.

Delegates’ credentials

Each delegate has been issued with a delegate’s credential and this should be visible at all times while you are in the conference venue. Delegates who have their credentials do not need to register at the conference information desk before entering conference.


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Credentials include a unique bar code which can be read by a hand-held scanning system. This assists withverifying attendance and monitoring fair representation and proportionality among delegates speaking at the rostrum.

Shared delegationsShared delegations help to meet the criteria of fair representation and proportionality. Shared delegations mean that a branch can elect two delegates who will share the delegate place on a ‘job share’ basis.Sharer 1 will receive the delegate badge in their conference pack and Sharer 2 will receive the visitor badge.It is important that you know who you are sharing a seat with as you will need to arrange to meet at conference in order to swap badges at least once.Both Sharer 1 and Sharer 2 badges must have the names and photographs of both sharers on them. If there is a photograph missing, both sharers should come to the conference information desk on arrival where a photo can be taken and replacement badges issued.The Sharer 1 badge is the delegate badge and allows access to the conference floor to sit in the delegate seat and vote on the motions. The Sharer 2 badge is thevisitor badge and allows access only to the visitor gallery to watch the proceedings. Sharers cannot be on the conference floor together at any time.Both Sharer 1 and Sharer 2 badges will allow access into the conference venue but only Sharer 1 badge will allow access onto the conference floor.Sharers should contact each other and decide which sessions to attend as the delegate. Sharers should then arrange to meet to ensure the delegate has the correct colour badge.If you have the Sharer 1 delegate badge but you are leaving the conference early, you must hand this badge to the other sharer or leave it at the conference information desk on your departure so the other sharer can pick it up and use it for the remaining sessions.

Access to the conference hallThe UNISON stewards on the doors are volunteers and adhere to a strict brief to assist the smooth running of conference. If you are not wearing proper credentials with a photograph you will not gain access to any part of the conference hall. These stewards will also operate the scanning system on the badge bar codes each time a delegate enters the hall.


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Reducing our impact on the environmentAs a trade union with strong environmental policies we need to keep paperwork to a minimum. We provide delegates with the opportunity, via the online conference system,to opt out of being sent paper copies of our conference materials. All these documents are available online via the conference app or the conference website. We will only print the minimum number of documents required. Once these documents have been distributed no further replacements will be available. Please make sure you retain your documents for the duration of conference. Recycling bins are situated at the back of the conference hall.

Conduct of delegatesAll delegates, visitors, staff and facilitators are expected to behave in a courteous manner. Aggressive, offensive, intimidatory, disrespectful or unacceptable behaviour will not be tolerated. This applies to all aspects of communication, at or in connection with the conference, including postings on social media. Complaints will be treated seriously.The president has authority to take action in response to any complaint received or of their own initiative in respect of any delegate whose behaviour is deemed to be inappropriate. This authority includes issuing thedelegate with an informal warning, preventing them from speaking in any debate or motion, excluding a delegate from all or part of the conference, or otherwise expulsion from conference. The exercise of the president’s authority is separate from any decision to deal with the behaviour under the union’s disciplinary procedures.As trade unionists we do not expect any of these problems to arise. However, your regional secretary and regional representatives are available in the first instance for advice and support at this conference. Issues of unsatisfactory conduct by anyone attending conference can also be raised with the conference information desk.

Filming and photography at UNISON conferences UNISON’s conferences are a key part of our democracy. Delegates are able to make their voices heard and to vote on the policies which will govern our union’s policy and

campaigns.As such, we want all our members to know about conferences and how important our democratic systems are – we believe this is an important part of being an open, democratic organisation. However, we also value the privacy of our members.


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National Delegate Conference and Local Government Conference are filmed on behalf of UNISON. This footage provides a vital record of conference for internal use; and some footage may be used on our website to promoteUNISON and our democratic processes.UNISON accredited photographers may be taking pictures of the main debates, fringe meetings and other public areas at all UNISON conferences. These photographs may be used in the union’s publications for members or on our website, social media sites eg.Facebook and Twitter, to promote the union. If you do not wish to be filmed or photographed:• refuse if you are approached for an

individual photograph or video interview

• sit in the identified ‘no filming zone’ whilst in the conference hall

• if you speak in a debate inform Rostrum Control you do not wish to be filmed.

If you are planning to use a camera at conference (with or without voice recording) for the purposes of using the images and/or sound on behalf of the union, whether employed by UNISON or as an activist who may be using the image in a branch, regional or sector newsletter:• always ask an individual for their consent

and explain the use of the picture e.g. these images may be used by UNISON in our own publications or on our website to illustrate conference

• when it involves a large group – images of a delegation or the whole of the conference floor etc – you clearly cannot seek individual permissions. Instead, a statement will be posted at conference explaining that the event will be photographed/filmed and individuals who object to being included in this will be told who to speak to in order to resolve their concerns.

Flash photographyThe national disabled members’ committee has indicated that flash photography can cause visualimpairment and disorientation and interferes with signed communications. Therefore the national executive council has decided that there will be no flash photography at National Delegate Conference.

No smokingA no smoking policy exists within the ACC Liverpool. This includes e-cigarettes.


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4 Social Media

UNISON Conference AppEnhance your experience of conference and have the information you need at your fingertips.It couldn’t be easier with the smartphone app for android phones and iPhones. There is also a web version containing the agenda and online version of the conference guide. And you can use it on tablets too.Get the full conference agenda and standing orders, use the floorplans of the ACC Liverpool to find your meeting or event and connect with other delegates by viewing their posts and pictures or posting your own.Search for the UNISON Conferences app on Google play or in the App Store.To access UNISON conference on the app you need to use the code ulgc19 or undc19 depending on the conference. To use the app on either iOS or androidphones you need to create a profile first (you don’t have to use real names if you don’t want to).• Open the app and click the menu icon (three

horizontal lines in the top left hand corner). Click ‘Sign up’.

• Enter an email and password, or use Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter or Google+ to log in automatically.

• Review and approve your profile information. Be aware that some parts of this information (name, position) will be shown to other users of the app so don’t use full names if you’re not comfortable with that.

• Select UNISON conference from the list of events.

• Click to check in and enter the event code when prompted: ulgc19 or undc19 depending on the event.

• Confirm your profile again and you’re in the app.

The small printAll posting and usage of the app must be in line with the UNISON Rule Book and the Terms of Service of theApp developer. Everyone should use social media safely and responsibly and follow the guide to conduct in the ‘Working Together’ menu of the app. Any attendee at the conference will be able to view photos and comments put up via the app,

so be careful what you post and don’t name or post photos of people without their permission.If you see content that you don’t think is appropriate, report it and it will be referred to UNISON staff acting as moderators. UNISON staff reserve the right to remove any content from the app or to ban any app user not following UNISON rules or otherwise misusing the app and their rights within it.


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Send us your feedbackTell us about your experience of using the app – you can email us with feedback or any questions at digital@ unison.co.uk

TwitterUNISON will be using social media to update delegates, members and others on what’s going on at conference. Follow us on @unisontweets. To be part of the conversation, use the conference hash tag:• #uwet19 – for WET Conference• #uenergy19 – for Energy Conference• #ulgc19 – for Local Government Conference• #undc19 – for National Delegate Conference

WI-FIThere is free wi-fi throughout the ACC Liverpool. To connect to wi-fi:-• enable the wireless function on your device• connect to the Free_WifiSSID (wireless network)• browse to a website of your choice• you will be re-directed to the ACC landing page• click on the ‘FREE WI-FI ACCESS’ button• the page of your choice will be loaded

Charging lockersIf you need to charge your smart phone or device during conference, you can get a key for our charging lockers from the conference information desk.


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5 Health and safety information

Making UNISON conferences a healthy and safe environmentUNISON has in place a health and safety policy which applies to all the activities that it undertakes, including the organisation and administration of all its conferences.UNISON is committed to its responsibility to provide delegates, sharers, visitors, and staff to conferences with a healthy and safe environment. UNISON will comply with all health and safety statutory requirements and codes of practice, as well as our own policies and procedures.To fulfil its commitment to ensuring that our conferences are healthy and safe environments UNISON works closely with representatives of its staff, venue management, contractors and all service providers. In the event of any health and safety issues and problems arising, these should be directed immediately to a member of staff or raised direct with the conference information desk.Throughout conference UNISON continually monitors the venue and its environs, often in conjunction with a staff health and safety representative, to maintain and ensure a healthy and safe environment.

Accidents/injuries/near missesPlease report any accidents/injuries/near misses to the conference information desk, where they will be recorded on an incident record and investigation form. Where appropriate, these will be investigated, and the necessary remedial action will be undertaken.

Evacuation proceduresA pre-recorded message will be played before the start of conference each day, with a summary of the evacuation procedures detailed on a large screen. Please take time to familiarise yourself with this information.

ACC Liverpool emergency procedures• in the event of an emergency the

following announcement will be made:

• “Attention please – Attention please! We have an emergency within the building. Please leave by the nearest available exit! Do not use the lifts!”

• please leave the building – follow all instructions given by ACC Liverpool staff

• do not wait to collect personal belongings (e.g. coats, handbags) and do not wait around for others

• do not run or panic move swiftly but calmly• close the door if you are the last to leave the

room you are in• proceed to the assembly point on the piazza

outside the restaurant near Jury’s Inn – this is necessary so everyone can be advised to return to the building when the emergency is over

• delegates with access requirements will be guided to the nearest refuge point by a venue steward, where they will receive further assistance

• no one is to return to the building until official announcements have been made by ACC Liverpool.


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6 UNIZONE

Conference is much more than just speeches in the main hall. It’s also a great opportunity to share ideas about campaigning and organising and to find out more about key issues in depth. If this is what you’ve cometo conference for, then UNIZONE is the place for you. Located in Hall 2Q, on the lower level, the UNIZONE is open each morning from Monday at 8.45am and closes each day at 5.30pm.UNIZONE offers a great range of interactive sessions, exhibitions, talks, specialist advice and fun.This year UNIZONE will be showcasing the following:

Sunday 16 June

Local Service ChampionsEnter our prize draw and show your support for UNISON’s Local Service Champions Day on 17 October!For far too long local government workers have been overlooked and don’t get the recognition that they deserve. UNISON’s Local Service Champions campaign aims to change this by raising the profile of local government workers across the UK, reminding the public, media and politicians of the vital work that they do and the services they deliver.

Care Workers for ChangeHave you got what it takes to keep the social care sector from tumbling down?Come along and join Care Workers for Change for a game of social care Jenga, where you’ll learn what the building blocks to a strong social care system are – and how desperately the sector needs support!We will show you what we have learnt on our deep organising campaign in social care in the North West, and give you some take home points to inspire you to begin your social care organising project in your own branches.

Bargaining around NJC pay and conditions Branches have been engaging with employers on local assimilations to the new NJC pay spine. During these discussions, some employers have given notice they want to change pay and

grading structures and/or cut conditions to make savings. Additionally, multi academy trusts are signalling they want to undertake a pay and grading review to harmonise the multitude of pay and conditions they have inherited.


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This lunchtime surgery is for delegates seeking advice on bargaining around NJC pay and conditions including:• outstanding local assimilations to the new NJC

pay spine,• our strategy for bringing multi academy

trusts onto the NJC pay spine• undertaking pay and grading reviews• resisting cuts to jobs, pay and conditions

including the use of equality impact assessments.

Monday 17 June

Local cutsCouncils across the UK are desperately short of money and our members and public services are suffering the consequences. Come along and find out more about the impact of local government funding cuts and what you and your branches can do to ensure that councils get more urgently needed money from the Spending Review at the end of the year.

Let’s talk about apprenticeships in local government Visit us and find out what UNISON is doing around apprenticeships and test your own knowledge by completing our short quiz. Take away UNISON materials that will equip you with the tools and expertise to build your role in protecting and securing decent employment for apprentices through promotion of high qualitytraining and skills and ensuring that apprenticeships are accessible to all who want to do one.

PensionsFind out what has changed in the LGPS and what you can do to help defend it, and take part in our pensions quiz.We can also assist you in working out your own pension to see what kind of retirement you are heading for and what you can do about it.

Digital drop in – websites, social media and more Come and chat with Heather from UNISON digital about our branch websites project, find out about using social media, get advice about using email effectively and bring any other digital questions you may have.


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Further EducationCome over to further education and if you ‘Play Your Cards Right’ you could win a Brucie Bonus of a voucher worth £20.Further education is often referred to as the ‘Cinderella sector’ of education as it receives so little of the (already meagre) share of educational funding. Come and find out a bit more about the sector as we revive that old favourite TV show ‘Play Your Cards Right’ to give an overview of what’s happening.

The Great British Housing Rip-Off!Come and find out how long it would take you or other key public sector workers to save for a home in your area.Hear what UNISON is doing to tackle and raise awareness of the housing crisis.

PensionsVisit us and find out...• how to calculate your own pension and when

you can retire• about our campaign to save good pension

provision• about our campaign for better pensions for

women• how you can organise and recruit around

pensions• about the latest pension courses we can run• how much you really know about your

pension by taking part in our quiz.

EnergyIn the home town of the famous mop tops who energised many a teenager in the 60s, we provide our very own

UNISON tribute to the Beatles. This comes in the form ofTuesday 18 June

LAOSAs well as the usual information about free courses and how learning can support your recruitment and organising activities, there will be information about the new workshops that we will be rolling out later in the summer.Be Safe online; Supporting Cancer in the Workplace; Introduction to Family History & Study Skills workshops.We will also be launching the results of the member learning “skills for the future” survey at the LAOS fringe on Tuesday 18 June – to which over 38,000 members responded. Be the first to find out what our members say about training at work – and how UNISON learning can support them in the future.Come along to our stall, take part in our learning quiz and enter the prize draw to win one of five £20 book vouchers.

UNISON 2029 – Back to the Future #unisonorganising What will UNISON look like in the future, How will we organise in the new emerging workplaces?Come along to the Organising stall and talk about your role as a rep. What did your journey look like? Have you been a rep for years or just a few weeks we would like to hear about it.

Private contractorsCome and meet the Private Contractors Unit and find out how we’re working to support over

100,000 privatecontractor members within the union. You can learn more about our strategy for organising members in the private sector and find out about UNISON training and events specifically designed for private sector members. And why not have a go at our quiz? We look forward to seeing you!


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that timeless classic hook a duck. Except it’s not a duck you’re hooking but a Beatle, and you can take your pick. If you can hook John, Paul, Ringo or George and answer an energy themed question you could win a wonderful prize while at the same time testing your knowledge on the world in which our energy membership operate. As the largest staff union in the energy industry this world of work for UNISON members is a critically important public service, keeping the lights on and homes warm. Findout just a little more about the key challenges they face, expand your knowledge and have some fun at the same time. One stand not to be missed and remember – you don’t need a ‘ticket to ride’.

Digital drop in – websites, social media and more Come and chat with Heather from UNISON digital about our branch websites project, find out about using social media, get advice about using email effectively and bring any other digital questions you may have.

RMS OperationsCome along to the WARMS stall and meet the RMS Operations team. We’ll be demonstrating the new WARMS bulk email facility that includes new features so you can contact members more effectively whilst being GDPR compliant. We’ll also demonstrate a new membership contact tool that will be made available to branch activists enabling them to verify membership, escalate membership issues and record workplace organising activity.


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Wednesday 19 June

LAOSAs well as the usual information about free courses and how learning can support your recruitment and organising activities – there will be information about the new work shops that we will be rolling out later in the summerBe Safe on line; Supporting Cancer in the Workplace; Introduction to Family History & Study Skills workshops.We will also be launching results of the member learning “skills for the future” survey at the LAOS fringe on Tuesday 18 June – to which over 38,000 members responded. Be the first to find out what it is that our members say about training at work – and how UNISON learning can support them in the future.Come along to our stall, take part in our learning quiz and enter the prize draw to win one of five £20 book vouchers.

Gender pay gap‘Bridge the Gap’ campaign. Come and pick up a copy of our new bargaining guide to improving your employer’s pay gap. See some of the pitfalls and policies you can work on to bridge the gap.

CommunityThe UNISON ‘End Violence at Work Charter’ is a campaign which grew out of the community service group following concern among members that employers were asking staff to “put up with” violence at work becauseit’s “just part of the job.” The Charter sets minimum standards for employers to follow in dealing with violence at work. 41 community employers have signed up and several councils have made the charter part of their commissioning process. Come and find out more about the campaign at UNIZONE.

Workplace Equality Wheel of Fortune!Do you know your gender pay gap from your disability employment gap? Your trans inclusive policies from your race discrimination protocol? Give our wheel of fortune a twirl and test your knowledge of workplace equality. You’ll get the chance to enter a prize draw but more importantly you’ll find out all about UNISON’s priority workplace equality campaigns. Come and give it a spin!

Hospital foodUNISON is campaigning for good quality, nutritious and appealing meals for not only visitors and patients, but for hard working staff who work across hospitals and healthcare

establishments too! Come along and share your experiences of hospital food, including any issues around standards and availability, whilst learning more about our campaign in an interactive environment.


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Brexit – What Brexit?The date for the UK exiting the EU has stalled and the type of Brexit deal remains uncertain. The UK now has an extension of Article 50 until October 31st unless the government can pass its Withdrawal Agreement earlier.Throughout this uncertain period, UNISON has continued to re-state its position agreed by the NEC that any new deal that replaces the current EU membership must match the benefits and rights that we currently have.Come and have a chat about how we are protecting our public services, workers’ rights, equalities and human rights, health and safety standards, environmental and consumer rights and EU citizens’ rights. Chat, pick up information leaflets, play a game of giant Jenga and take our quiz to enter our exciting prize draw.

RMS OperationsCome along to the WARMS stall and meet the RMS Operations team. We’ll be demonstrating the new WARMS bulk email facility that includes new features so you can contact members more effectively whilst being GDPR compliant. We’ll also demonstrate a new membership contact tool that will be made available to Branch activists enabling them to verify membership, escalate membership issues and record workplace organising activity.

Thursday 20 June

Bargaining SupportFor practical advice to help you in negotiating with employers, visit the Bargaining Support stall and see the wide range of guides and model agreements available for achieving the best deal for members. Whether you’re putting together a pay claim, campaigning for the Living Wage, navigating through the process of transfers or reorganisations, defending reps’ facility time or facing challenges to unsocial hours payments, maternity pay or leave arrangements, our guides on these issues and many more seek to draw together concise summaries ofregulations, benchmarks across the economy and public services, best practice examples and key negotiating tips.

Health and safetyTell us about your pain. To mark UNISON’s 2019 campaign on musculoskeletal disorders UNISON Health & Safety is holding a body map session. Whateveryou do, whether it is lifting and carrying, driving, standing, bending, twisting or sat in front of a computer, we all can suffer from musculoskeletal injuries.


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Communications/Go for GrowthTogether we’re growing the biggest (and best) union in the UK – and it’s your hard work that makes it happen. What are your proudest recruitment moments? What else do you need to help you retain members? Come and share your experiences, feedback, comments, suggestions and top tips with the campaigns team so we can keep going for growth!

Labour LinkThe opt in has presented a huge challenge to Labour Link and the Campaign Fund. Come and learn about our latest research on what new members think about the political fund and how we can use that information to increase the opt-in rate.

The Great British Housing Rip-Off!Come and find out how long it would take you or other key public sector workers to save for a home in your area.Hear what UNISON is doing to tackle and raise awareness of the housing crisis.

Friday 21 June

Ice creams and The Great Get TogetherAcross the country this weekend people will be organising coffee mornings, community events and street parties.The Great Get Together is inspired by Jo Cox, an MP and UNISON member, who was killed on 16 June 2016. UNISON is proud to partner with the Great Get Together to reject divisive politics, bring communities together and celebrate all that unites us. So grab a cup of tea and join us in the UNIZONE on Friday lunch time, havea conversation with someone you have never spoken to before, and show that our country has more in common than that which divides us.Our legendary ice cream cart will be giving out ice creams throughout the day to entrants with fully stamped cards/ vouchers courtesy of UNISON Living.Come along and try your hand at winning one of our great prizes. Competitions games and much much more. Don’t leave conference without saying hello to us!


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7 Fringe events

Sunday 16 June

Why don’t we invest in skills in the UK?The world is changing and a world-class skills base is needed. The UK under-valued skills education fordecades and is falling behind other countries as a result. The skills problem is a social justice issue. The most disadvantaged in society pay the highest price for low skills and have the most to gain from investment in this area. In this session the UNISON Further Education and Sixth Form Committee will lead a discussion on how we got to this point and what needs to happen now.Speakers: Gavin Cartwright, South and City College, Birmingham; Karen Fisher, Greater Brighton Metropolitan College; Maxine Rowden, Tyne Coast College, Martin Clark, City of Glasgow College, Andy Rutherford, UNISON Regional Organiser.Chair: Leigh Powell, UNISON National Officer.When and where: 12:45 – 1:45; Hall 2F, Lower Level. Drinks and nibbles provided.

Monday 17 June

Social Work EnglandLater this year Social Work England (SWE) takes over from the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as the regulator for social workers in England. The fringe will hear from SWE about how the new regulator intends to operate and contribute to the social work profession and the role of professional regulation in how it supports standards in practice and care. Delegates will also hearabout UNISON’s response to SWE’s consultation on what its professional standards for social workers should be; its rules on registration and fitness to practice; its standards and rules for social worker education and training.Speakers: Jon Dillion, Executive Director, Fitness to Practise, Social Work England; Hannah Brown, Head of Quality Assurance, Social Work England; Gail Adams, Head of UNISON Professional Services Unit.Chair: Chris Tansley, Chair of UNISON Social Care Forum.When and where: 12:45 – 13:45; Hall 2F, Lower Level. Sandwich lunch provided.

Cuts to pastoral care and staff in schools Pastoral staff in schools supports children and young people struggling with issues ranging from bullying, parental separation and anxiety to abuse, self-harm and suicide. Inadequate government funding has led to huge cuts in schools, including to pastoral staff. These cuts lead to job losses, increase the workload of others, and hit the most vulnerable school children the hardest. This fringe will explore the findings of UNISON’s survey of pastoral staffin schools. It will discuss how we can work at a national and local level to highlight their hugely important role and defend them from further cuts and job losses.Speakers: Jon Richards, UNISON National Secretary; Angela Rayner MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Education; pastoral support worker (TBC).Chair: Pam Howard, Chair of UNISON’s National School Sector Committee.

When and where: 17:15 – 18:15; Hall 2F, Lower Level. Tea and coffee provided.


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UNISON International rally and receptionOn the eve of UNISON National Delegate Conference you are invited to come and hear from UNISON’s international guests.Guests have been invited from Brazil, Turkey and Zimbabwe. Prior to the rally, a reception will be held where you will have an opportunity to meet with the international guests and UNISON’s NEC International Committee.Speakers: guests have been invited from Brazil, Turkey and Zimbabwe. Dave Prentis, UNISON General Secretary.Chair: Paul Glover, Chair of UNISON NEC International Committee.When and where: drinks reception 17:30 – 18:00, Delegate Foyer, Upper Level; rally 18:00 – 20:00, Hall 1B, Upper Level.Evening food and drinks provided.


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Tuesday 18 June

Solidarity with Turkey: defending workers’ and human rights

Human and workers’ rights in Turkey have been rapidlyA case management system for branches – at last!We have teamed up with software designers Maxweb to provide a case management system for UNISON branches.Providing all you need to manage your casework, and with a live link to our membership database, the new web- based system is easy to use and works on any device – mobile, tablet or PC – and you can access it anywhere, on the move or in your office or home.Branches from all our regions are piloting the system over the summer, before it is made available to the whole of UNISON later this year.Speakers: UNISON and Maxweb staff will show a demo of the system and answer your questions.When and where: 12:45 – 13:45; Hall 2F, Lower Level. Sandwich lunch provided.

eroded since the attempted coup and the imposition of the state of emergency in July 2016. About 150,000 public service workers have been dismissed, strikes have been banned and many trade unionists arrested. Health, education and other public services have been seriously damaged. Hear how public service unions are responding to the crisis and how we are building solidarity with Turkish trade unions.The fringe session includes a report from the recent NEC international committee delegation to Turkey.Speakers: KESK/SES, Union of Employees in Public Health and Social Services; DISK/Genel-Is, Public Services Employees Union of Turkey; Arif Bektas, Solidarity with the People of Turkey; Angela Roberts, vice chair, UNISON NEC international committee.Chair: Paul Glover, Chair, UNISON International Committee.When and where: 12:45 – 13:45; Room 13, Upper Level.

Sandwich lunch provided.Empowering members for the changing workplaceOver 38,000 members responded to UNISON’s skills for the future survey, this is one of the largest skills surveys in Europe ever and will provide a detailed picture of UNISON members’ skills, their experience of work and feelings about the future. Hillary Stevens and Andrew Dean from Exeter University, who conducted the survey on behalf of UNISON, will present the initial findings of the survey at this fringe.Come along and join the discussion and help shape where UNISON learning will take us over the next 25 years – how might advancement in technology change the world of work for public sector workers. What does UNISON need to do to ensure that our learning and training programmes stay relevant and continue to support our members into the future and how we ensure that learning stays at the heart of our organising agenda in the workplace.From these findings we will be developing our learning strategy and improving our member learning programmes for the future, aiming to meet the skills and training needs of our members.Speakers: Hillary Stevens and Andrew Dean, University of Exeter; Roger McKenzie, UNISON Assistant General Secretary.

Chair: Chris Tansley, Chair, UNISON Development and Organising Committee.When and where: 12:45 – 13:45; Hall 1C, Upper Level. Refreshments provided.


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What next for social care?Social care workers are on the frontline delivering services to the most vulnerable citizens with resources that do not appear to meet the ever growing needs. What does a 21st century social care service look like in the UK? What model should be used to help deliver social care and how should it be funded?Whether in a residential or home care setting workers are being paid some of the lowest pay rates, have some of the worst terms and conditions and have no clear career pathway. The need to be unionised has never been more urgent.Care Workers are calling for change. UNISON campaigned for the national living wage to be the minimum for travel time payments and the minimum rate for staff on ‘sleep-in’ shifts. Legal challenges have been made. Workers have taken strike action to challenge employers that have tried to cut pay rates and we will hear how campaigns.This fringe will hear from UNISON’s Assistant General Secretary on the how UNISON will tackle the issues affecting us all calling upon parliaments across the UK to identify how they will tackle the growing crisis in social care.Speakers: Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester; Christina McAnea, UNISON Assistant General Secretary; David Rowlands and Vivek Kotecha, CHPI; Gavin Edwards, UNISON National Officer.Chair: TBCWhen and where: 17:15 – 18:15; Hall 2F, Lower Level.


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Cuba: 60 years of Revolution, 60 years of blockade– Solidarity against Trump sanctions and intervention2019 marks the 60th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution, an opportunity to celebrate the gains made by the Cuban people in health, education, social welfare and internationalism.However, these gains are under threat from the government of Donald Trump which has ratcheted up sanctions against Cuba to unprecedented levels with the express intentionof causing suffering to the Cuban people, and threatening foreign investors and supporters with fines.This fringe will hear from Dr Vigil Fonseca, a Cuban medical volunteer who has worked in emergency situations in Haiti, Ecuador, Peru and West Africa during the Ebola outbreak in 2014. It will also give an insight into the real threat of intervention and how you can make a stand against it.Speakers: Dr Enmanuel Vigil Fonseca, Volunteer in Cuba’s emergency medical brigades; Francisco Dominguez, Venezuela Solidarity Campaign; Rob Miller, Cuba Solidarity Campaign; a report back from Unison members, officers and EC members on the 2018 Cuba delegationChair: Roger McKenzie, UNISON Assistant General Secretary.When and where: 17:15 – 18:15; Hall 1B, Upper Level. Refreshments and Havana Club Rum cocktails provided.

UNISON’s Campaign for Women and PensionsJoin us for our Women and Pensions fringe where we will set out the pension issues in workplace pensions and the threats and challenges we are facing, as well as why and how UNISON must engage members and organise to push for decent retirement income. We will also how the decline of good work place pensions and inadequate employer contributions is putting many low paid workers at risk of inadequate retirement income. We will also explore how UNISON is fighting inequality in pensions including through UNISON’s Campaign for Women and Pensions.Speakers: Gloria Mills, UNISON National Secretary, Equalities; Glyn Jenkins, UNISON Head of Pensions; Emma Fairclough, Actuary, First Actuarial, UNISON National Women’s Committee.When and where: 17:15 – 18:15; Hall 2N, Lower Level. Refreshments provided.

Princess Alexandra Hospital domestics: fighting to stay in the NHSOur National Health Service has been under threat from privatisation for decades – and UNISON and its forerunners have been fighting it every step of the way. The latest front in this battle is the Princess AlexandraHospital in Essex, where bosses have announced plans to outsource domestic services. But the domestics arefighting back, with a 99% strike vote and six days of action in June. This fringe will hear from UNISON Eastern on how the domestics are taking on their employer and others standing up for outsourced NHS workers.Speakers: Dave Prentis, UNISON General Secretary (invited); Becky Tye, UNISON Regional Convenor,Eastern; Waida Forman, UNISON PAH branch secretary; Mandy Prince, PAH domestic; Laura Watson, UNISON Doncaster Bassetlaw Health branch (Sodexo dispute); Chris Jenkinson, UNISON Regional Secretary, Eastern.When and where: 17:15 – 18:15; Hall 2P, Lower Level. Evening drinks and refreshments provided

Wednesday 19 June

Trading away the NHSFree trade agreements aimed at liberalising services pose a direct threat to Britain’s public services andespecially the NHS. The Trump Administration has already said publicly that opening up the NHS to private US healthcare companies and ending the power of the NHS to bring down pharmaceutical costs would be central US objectives for any UK-US trade agreement after Brexit.UNISON joined with other organisations to from the Stop TTIP campaign and will need to be part of similar coalitions if we are to defend public services from thethreats of free trade agreements. UNISON is working with the Trade Justice Movement and Global Justice Now to raise public awareness of the threat to the NHS from a UK-US trade deal and other agreements.Speakers: Ruth Bergan, Trade Justice Movement; Heidi Chow, Global Justice Now; Nick Crook, UNISON Head of International.Chair: James Anthony, UNISON NEC (TBC).When and where: 12:45 – 13:45; Hall 2P, Lower


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Level. Sandwich lunch provided.


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Collective bargaining and trade unions’ role in reducing working hoursDo new technologies offer an opportunity to win reduced working time within our collective agreements? What are the different approaches to working time within our sectors?Join this lively session to hear three different perspectives on the issue of fighting for and winning the reduced working week.Contributions will include a UNISON summary of working hour issues across our bargaining sectors; a TUC overview on the past and future of collective campaigns on working time; and a live case study from a large bargaining sector.Session lead: Christina McAnea, UNISON Assistant General Secretary.When and where: 12:45 – 13:45; Room 13, Upper Level. Sandwich lunch provided.

Violence at workUNISON members across all sectors are experiencing increasing levels of abuse & violence. All such behaviour is unacceptable, but as services are cut, increasing numbers of people are, unfairly, taking out their frustration on hard pressed, dedicated public service workers, frustration that too often spills over into violent behaviour. The situation is made worse by the fragmentation and privatisation of services and the emergence of zero- hours contracts that have undermined the infrastructure, health & safety expertise and processes that helped keep members safe from attack.Employers sometimes appear ignorant of basic safety procedures such as robust reporting and training workers about what to do when confronted with violent behaviour. Similarly workers are kept ignorant of their basic rights.This workshop will hear how UNISON has responded to these challenges including getting employers in the community sector to sign up to UNISON’s violence at work charter.It will also hear from individual UNISON members and activists on how they have dealt with these issues and the support they have, and have not received from their employers.Speakers: Manjula Kumari, Chair, UNISON Woman’s Committee; Robert Baughan, UNISON National Officer, Health & Safety; Gavin Edwards, UNISON National Officer, Community Voluntary Sector.Chair: Pam Sian, Chair, UNISON National Health & Safety Committee.

When and where: 12:45 – 13:45; Room 4A, Upper Level. Refreshments provided.


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2019: UNISON’s Year of the Young WorkerUNISON has declared 2019 the Year of the Young Worker, a unique opportunity to make a strategic shift within UNISON in targeted recruitment, organising and campaigns around the key issues for young workers. This fringe meeting will highlight some of the successful campaigns and activity that have already taken place during the year of the young worker and give delegates the resources and tools to go back to their branches and regions and support and develop young workers.Speakers: Jay McKenna, TUC; Holly Lynch MP (invited); UNISON young members and activists.Chair: Kendal Bromley-Bewes, UNISON National Young Members Forum.When and where: 12:45 – 13:45; Hall 2N, Lower Level. Sandwich lunch provided.

Labour rights under a Labour governmentThe IER’s Manifesto for Labour Law places unionsat the centre of an industrial and economic revival by re-building collective bargaining at the enterprise andsectoral level and introducing a Ministry of Labour with a remit to plan a strong industrial base and a secure public sector. Under this plan, unions will not only negotiate terms and conditions of employment across whole sectors – including outsourced workers – but will agree strategies to inform government policies on skills and training gaps, the funding needed to provide efficient and effective services and more. Come along, hear our plans and feedback your thoughts.Speakers: Laura Pidcock MP, Shadow Minister for Labour; Professor Keith Ewing, IER President; John Hendy, IER Chair.Chair: James Anthony, Chair, UNISON NEC Policy Development and Campaigns Committee.When and where: 12:45 – 13:45; Hall 1B, Upper Level. Refreshments provided.


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Privatisation and Insourcing – new issues and developmentsThere is a renewed appetite for bringing services back in house. The Chief Inspector of Probation says that the government’s privatisation of the probation service Transforming Rehabilitation is ‘irredeemably flawed’. UNISON’s campaign in the NHS to stop the creation of subcos – wholly owned companies – has delivered results. The fringe will look at the how UNISON is influencing the ‘privatisation’ agenda in the NHS and probation and hear from APSE about their work on bringing council services back in-house.Speakers: Mo Baines, APSE; Ben Priestley, UNISON National Officer, Police and Justice; Health Service Group speaker (TBC).When and where: 12:45 – 13:45; Hall 2F, Lower Level. Refreshments provided.

The plus factorUNISON has earned the reputation as the leading union on LGBT equality. We use umbrella definitions of bisexual and transgender. Our bi network is for all members who feel attraction to more than one gender. Our trans network is for all types of self-identifying trans people, for people with trans backgrounds and members whose gender identity does not fit into the gender binary.But... not all members know this, and not all reps know this.This fringe meeting will give delegates the chance to find out why adding the plus will help increase recruitment, particularly of young members who increasingly do not identify in gender binaries or sexual orientation specifics, but do identify under an inclusive plus banner.Speakers: Christina McAnea, Assistant General Secretary, Dave Merchant, Co-Chair, UNISON National LGBT Committee.

When and where: 17:15 – 18:15; Room 4A, Upper Level.UNISON 2029 – Back to the Future #unisonorganisingWhat will UNISON look like in the future, How will we organise in the new emerging workplaces?Come along to the Organising Fringe and be inspired. We will explore new ideas and innovations, with examples from Branches who have tries new ways of organising.The fringe will look at examples of difficult situations where issues were overcome and the steps that were taken to have successful outcomes. We will also hear from members and reps on how to build strength and increase our visibility at work.Speakers: Roger McKenzie, UNISON Assistant General Secretary; UNISON reps working for OCS at Liverpool Women’s Hospital.Chair: Chris Tansley, Chair, UNISON Development and Organising Committee.When and where: 12:45 – 13:45; Hall 1C, Upper Level. Refreshments provided.

Refreshments provided.

Solidarity with Palestinian WorkersJoin us to hear about the situation of Palestinian workers under occupation, facing checkpoints, the apartheid wall, and an entrenched system of discrimination enforced by the Israeli state. Now more than ever, with Palestinians’ collective rights under attack by Trump’s looming ‘Deal of the century’ – we need to step up our solidarity work with Palestinian workers. Join us to hear how you can stand up for justice and equality for the Palestinian people.Speakers: Kamel Hawwash, Chair of Palestine Solidarity Campaign, British-Palestinian academic and author; Margaret McKee, UNISON NEC International Committee – recently returned from a women’s trade union delegation to Palestine.Chair: Josie Bird, Senior Vice-President, UNISON NEC. When and where: 17:15 – 18:15; Hall 2L, Lower Level. Refreshments provided.

Pay in Police and JusticeCome along to this fringe meeting to discuss the latest developments in pay in Police and Justice. We will cover police staff pay in England and Wales and in Scotland, and probation pay in the National Probation Service and the Community Rehabilitation Companies.Speakers: Ben Priestley, UNISON National Officer,


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Police and Justice; David Malcolm, Deputy Branch Secretary, UNISON Police Staff Scotland Branch.When and where: 17:15 – 18:15; Hall 2N, Lower Level. Refreshments provided.


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Thursday 20 June

Tackling modern slavery through the public purseThe public purse buys around £250 billion of goods each

year. Instead of contributing towards reducing povertyShow Racism the Red Card – challenging racism in the workplaceShow Racism the Red Card is the UK’s largest anti-racism educational charity.Working extensively to educate against racism in society, using the high profile of footballers to educate against racism, for the last 20+ yearsThe campaign’s Education Workers have delivered high quality educational workshops to hundreds of thousands of young people across the UK and now work with approximately 50,000 young people per year and approx 6,000 adults.SRtRC also work directly with teachers and educators to help support them to recognise and respond to racist incidents and to help embed equality in schools across the UK.Speakers: John Barnes, Former Liverpool FC footballer, England International and patron of Show Racism the Red

and inequality, procurement systems trap millions of workers around the world in modern slavery and other extreme working conditions. With your support, we can change this. During the fringe we’ll hear about ourwider plans; the challenges facing electronics workers in Vietnam; why affiliating public institutions to Electronics Watch leads to improvements in the electronics industry and how through taking action, however big or small, you can make a difference through your workplace. Sandwich lunch provided.Speakers: Huong Ngo, Director, Centre for Development and Integration Vietnam; Damien Egan (invited), Mayor of Lewisham Borough CouncilChair: Stephen Smellie, UNISON NEC International Committee.When and where: 12:45 – 13:45; Hall 2N, Lower Level. Sandwich lunch provided.

Card; Liz Snape, UNISON Assistant General Secretary; Roger McKenzie, UNISON Assistant General Secretary; Clare Williams, UNISON Regional Secretary (Northern); Elizabeth Cameron, UNISON Black Members’ Committee; Stephen Cavalier, Chief Executive, Thompsons Solicitors.Chair: Ged Grebby, Chief Executive, Show Racism the Red Card.When and where: 12:45 – 13:45; Hall 1B, Upper Level. Refreshments provided.

The Winter of Discontent 40 years on – lessons for todayThe Winter of Discontent has had a major impact on our politics. It continues to influence public attitudes to trade unions and is still frequently referred to by anti-union politicians. This meeting will help us to challenge some of the myths built up around the winter of 1978/9.Tara Martin López is a leading authority on the Winter of Discontent and has highlighted the central role of women and black people in the disputes. John Dempsey and Lord Tom Sawyer were both senior trade union officials in 1978/9 and have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share.Speakers: Professor Tara Martin López, Peninsula College, Seattle; John Dempsey, former Assistant

Divisional Officer, NUPE North West; Lord Tom Sawyer, former Deputy General Secretary, NUPE.Chair: Paula Barker, UNISON Regional Convenor, North West.When and where: 12:45 – 13:45; Hall 2F, Upper Level. Sandwich lunch provided.


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Tackling mental health inequalityBlack, LGBT and disabled workers are disproportionately impacted by mental health problems due to the impact of societal discrimination and stigma. Women workers often have to hide mental health problems for fear of being seen as over emotional or unable to cope.This fringe session creates a space to discuss unequal experiences of mental health problems and ways of addressing this in workplaces and in society.Speakers: Alison Lowe, Touchstone BAME; Speaker from Stonewall; Barbara Keeley MP, Shadow Mental Health Minister (invited); UNISON branch activist (TBC).Chair: TBCWhen and where: 12:45 – 13:45; Room 1C, Upper Level. Sandwich lunch provided.


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Brexit What Brexit?Brexit has stalled. In the last few months Article 50 was extended until 31st October 2019 and UK EU Parliament elections were held. Theresa May repackaged her failing Withdrawal Agreement for the fourth time in the Withdrawal Agreement Bill. Time is running out and without a significant shift in the government’s position it is hard to see how a cross party deal could now be reached in time, especially with a new Tory leader who may back a disastrous No Deal. Without a general election the parliamentary arithmetic remains highly challenging for the government to get a good deal through. The fringe will discuss how Labour and other political parties can help break the deadlock, what the latest EU election results tell us, is a confirmatory vote the way forward, why preserving peace in Northern Ireland mustbe central to any future agreement and the key priorities for UNISON protecting workers rights and public services in any future deal. Come and join the discussion:Is a compromise deal, an increased extension or no deal now likely?• Do we need a general election or a

confirmatory vote to resolve the deadlock?• What would be the best future UK-EU

economic partnership?• How can we protect peace in Northern

Ireland, employment rights and public services?

Speakers: Keir Starmer MP, Labour Shadow Secretary of State for Exiting the EU; Judith Kirton-Darling, MEP forNorth East England; Patricia McKeown, Regional Secretary, UNISON Northern Ireland; James Anthony, Chair, UNISON Policy Development Campaigns Committee.Chair: Davina Rankin, Vice Chair, UNISON Policy Development and Campaigns Committee.When and where: 12:45 – 13:45; Hall 2P, Lower Level. Sandwich lunch provided.

‘Call it out’ – challenging sexual harassment in the workplaceSexual harassment is pernicious. It affects ‘ordinary’ workers not just celebrities. In this session you will learn about the findings of UNISON’s survey of sexual harassment experienced by our members workingin Health. You’ll hear how UNISON is challenging harassment in the workplace and how we’re campaigning with MPs on calling it out. You will also hear from a senior police officer about the importance of top level leadership in combating harassment in the workplace. A Q&A will follow brief presentations. This fringe is organised with support from UNISON Labour Link.Speakers: Christina McAnea, UNISON Assistant General Secretary; Maura McKenna UNISON Health Executive; Senior police leader (TBC); Jess Phillips MP, Women and Equalities Select Committee.Chair: Manjula Kumari, Chair, UNISON Women’s Committee.When and where: 17:15 – 18:15; Hall 2P, Lower Level. Sandwich lunch provided.


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8 Caucus meetings

The self organised group caucus meetings provide an opportunity to network and discuss issues which appear on the conference agenda and are of interest to the group.

Disabled members’ caucus meetingsAll disabled delegates and disabled visitors are welcome to join the disabled members’ caucus meetings.Sunday 16th June 12.45pm – 1.15pm Hall 2L – Local Government ConferenceTuesday 18th June 12.45pm – 1.45pm Hall 2L – NDC Thursday 20th June 5.15pm – 6.15pm Hall 2L – NDC

LGBT members’ caucus meetingsAll lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender delegates and visitors are urged to attend.Sunday 16th June 5.15pm – 5.45pm – Hall 2L – Local Government ConferenceTuesday 18th June 5.15pm – 6.15pm Room 4A – NDC Thursday 20th June 5.15pm – 6.15pm Room 4A – NDC

Women members’ caucus meetingAll delegates and visitors who identify as women are welcome to attend the women’s caucus meeting.Tuesday 18th June 12.45pm – 1.45pm – Hall 1B – NDC

Black members’ caucus meetingAll delegates and visitors who identify as black are welcome to attend the Black members’ caucus meetings.Monday 17th June 12.45pm – 1.15pm – Hall 2L – Local Government ConferenceTuesday 18th June 5.15pm – 6.15pm – Hall 2L – NDC Wednesday 19th June 12.45pm – 1.45pm – Hall 2L – NDC


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Special privileges for delegates

Every ACC Liverpool visitor is a guest of our great city, and we want to make sure that they enjoy their time here and make the most of their visit. As part of this we have developed a Privilege Card, offering a range of exclusive incentives and discounts at some of the city's best places to stay, eat and explore.

The ACC Liverpool Privilege Card is available to every delegate attending a conference at ACC Liverpool, as well as other special guests to our venues. Pick up your complimentary copy from

Guest Relations, located in the galleria.

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£2.00

Published by UNISON, UNISON Centre, 130 Euston Road, London NW1 2AY CU/June 2019/25571/3,880www.unison.org.uk

About conference - UNISON National · Web viewTimetable Sunday 16th June Time Event Room 9.30am –...

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