The cream of UNISON Eastern’s young activists are just back from Cardiff where they’ve been enthused by the first ever UNISON young members conference.
Eastern was unmissable at conference, with our 11-strong delegation being the largest of any region. And our delegates weren’t just there to fill the room, with six of the 11 contributing to the debates.
Amber McDonald moved our motion on apprenticeships, pointing out that despite there being close to a million apprentices in the country — many of them in public services — who endure a much lower minimum wage than other workers, union membership remains low.
Jasper Bailey
“As the young member’s officer, I am often asked how we can get young people interested in joining the union. And the truth is that younger members want the same things as those over the age of 27 within the union. Equality and freedom.
“Whether that is fighting against oppression or for fair pay. When I stood alongside my fellow delegates I felt that positive change within our society is actually tangible.”
More delegates got up to speak in favour of the motion than any other, sharing their own experiences of apprenticeship with conference, and we look forward to the National Young Members Forum working with the National Executive Council to make organising apprentices a priority.
Cici Carey-Stewart and Lilly Martin, Eastern-based delegates on behalf of the national LGBT+ group jointly moved a motion on the climate crisis and its effect on marginalised communities. This also passed after some lively debate.
Conference was also treated to some interesting guest speakers, including Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner, Wales TUC general secretary Shavanah Taj and UNISON assistant general secretary Jon Richards, who brought a message of solidarity from general secretary Christina McAnea.
Belinda Bradley
Unison’s first ever Young Members Conference was incredibly powerful and I was honoured to be a part of it.
The conference turned out to be extremely positive and insightful particularly thanks to the hard work of UNISON’s staff and to the wonderful chair Jess McGuire and vice-chair Isla Watson. Everything was set up to be as smooth, transparent and enjoyable as possible.
I look forward to the possibility of attending more conferences and working on the motions we’ve now passed.
All in all, it was a fantastic first conference for UNISON’s young workers that shows how important under-27s are in our union.
As Belinda reports: “Conference turned out to about be more than just passing motions however. As young people, we were given a clear chance to be heard and feel empowered.”
You can read a full report on UNISON’s national website.
The Eastern region young workers’ committee AGM will be held online on Wednesday 2 February at 6pm where we will decide on our campaigning priorities for 2022. If anyone is interested in attending or would like more information please email John Lawrence.