By Socialist Alternative members in UNISON
The results of UNISON’s NEC elections saw some unfortunate setbacks for the left. Time for Real Change, a campaign of branch activists standing for a more democratic and fighting union stood widely and gained 25 seats – down from 34 in the last elections. Taking into account the votes of non-aligned left-wingers, this will almost certainly mean the pro-Starmer right wing will claim a slim majority.
Over the last two years, the TFRC-led left-wing NEC was able to push through some important gains for UNISON members, including doubling strike pay. These are gains which the right wing will no doubt be seeking to reverse.
Under current General Secretary Christina McAnea, our union has failed time and time again to challenge the Labour government when their policies attack working people. From the Supreme Court ruling on trans rights, to the welfare cuts and Starmer’s continued support for the genocidal onslaught in Gaza, UNISON’s leadership has routinely tailed behind the government, only occasionally issuing mild criticisms when under pressure.
It is this lacklustre approach over years that has contributed to declining levels of turnout in NEC and GS elections. Socialist Alternative members in UNISON will continue being part of the fight to turn this around.
Stop the witch-hunt! Reinstate Steve North and Julia Mwaluke!
Fearing a challenge to their positions, the McAnea-led bureaucracy has increasingly turned to dirty methods and purges. This has included the undemocratic removal of two leading, committed activists from the Presidential team of our union. Steve North and Julia Mwaluke, formerly President and Vice-President of our union have both been suspended from their elected roles in a politically motivated attack.
The more recent attack on Julia – a low-paid migrant care worker – shows a complete disregard from the General Secretary for the precarious conditions that many of UNISON’s Black members work under.
The attacks on Steve and Julia are a desperate attempt to try and derail Time for Real Change’s election campaigns and slur supporters. We urge all UNISON members and activists to sign the petition from TFRC calling for Steve and Julia’s reinstatement.
Elect Andrea Egan and build a fighting UNISON
Although McAnea and the right think they can keep control of this union with underhanded methods, we should be clear: the fight is not over and can still be won. Socialist Alternative activists, alongside other TFRC supporters will now fight to elect Andrea Egan in the union’s General Secretary election. Andrea is running on a number of clear pledges: to challenge Labour when their policies attack workers, to clearly stand for trans rights and to continue taking her social workers’ wage.
A vote for Andrea will be an important step towards building the kind of fighting and democratic union which both members and the whole working class needs.
