Received from: Unison
Congress believes poverty is a choice made by the rich and powerful. In the sixth richest country, 1.3 million people live in absolute poverty. They don’t have to.
Congress believes that the cost-of-living crisis is a low-pay crisis. The only way to end this is to give workers a pay rise.
Congress notes that more than a decade of government pay restraint and austerity has left workers vulnerable to this cost-of-living crisis.
High inflation means urgent steps must be taken to improve pay and rebuild a fairer economy.
Congress calls on the General Council to co-ordinate action between unions and campaign for:
i. pay increases at least in line with inflation
ii. governments to take seriously their responsibilities to fund public services properly and deliver a fair wage to those who provide them
iii. a £15 per hour minimum wage
iv. action on all those issues which impact on cost of living, such as:
- job security and proper sick pay
- a new welfare system to protect dignity and provide adequate income
- genuinely affordable, good quality childcare
- employers, not workers, to bear the costs of working, eg, hospital car-parking fees and mileage rates.
Workers are increasingly angry and willing to fight over low pay, as shown at the 18 June protest and the many successful ballots and strikes over pay.
Congress agrees to organise coordinated action where possible with all TUC unions, including further demonstrations, national and regional rallies, and coordinated industrial action where possible.
UNISON
Amendment
› Insert new fifth paragraph:
“Congress recognises that the British economy is not working for workers and their families. Britain is suffering from an epidemic of unfettered profiteering. It’s not hard-pressed workers who are driving inflation, it is whole swathes of corporate Britain who have lined their pockets.”
Unite
Amendment
› In final paragraph delete “agrees to” and insert: “calls on the General Council to establish, convene and provide resources for a special working group of willing unions which would”.
Public and Commercial Services Union