UNISON has undemocratically removed 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. This isn’t just an attack against Steve and Julia, but against all those seeking to transform UNISON into a fighting and democratic union.
By Socialist Alternative members in UNISON
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.
Steve and Julia have not only been very popular among members, but they have been clear supporters of Time for Real Change (TFRC). In contrast to the current General Secretary and her supporters, who are more concerned about not creating friction with Labour, they have been visible champions of the generally progressive policies of UNISON, standing up for members even if it meant challenging the government.
Their visible and public presence standing for trans rights, for Palestine, migrant care workers, and against attacks on disability benefits has amplified the feelings of many activists and members.
In Steve’s case, while the formal process is under way, the details of his case cannot be made public. But it is notable that during a two-year process, up to and including the appeal, he has not been made subject to any suspension or restriction. At the appeal, Steve was not allowed to ask questions, call witnesses or present his submission.
This is a crucial year for the future direction of UNISON. The NEC elections have recently concluded, and later this year there will be an election for General Secretary. Is it a mere coincidence that Steve North was debarred during the NEC elections, and Julia ahead of the General Secretary election? Clearly not.
UNISON members want a union that will not just fight but one that wins. TFRC candidate for General Secretary, Andrea Egan, would be a step toward the kind of union that members crave.
The attacks on Steve North and Julia Mwaluke are a desperate attempt by the right-wing, pro-Labour section of the union bureaucracy to try and derail Time for Real Change’s election campaigns and slur supporters.
Socialist Alternative activists, alongside other TFRC supporters will now fight to elect Andrea in the GS election, as part of transforming the union into a genuinely member-led, organising and campaigning union that is not afraid to challenge the Labour Party when it attacks working-class people.
