[2018] ** Motion 48 Public sector

Composited motion

Received from:

Merged into composite 08

The public sector is facing unprecedented challenges after years of austerity and cuts. The ability of public services to deliver the quality provision our citizens
deserve is seriously undermined. Leaders and managers in the public sector are in the unenviable position of implementing this government’s agenda whilst trying to protect their services and their staff. The blame for job losses, inferior terms and conditions of employment and job insecurity rest with government, not on the shoulders of leaders and managers (many of whom are union members) in public service who face an impossible task. We should not allow government to divert attention away from itself by blaming fellow trade unionists for its policy failure.

Congress calls on the government to:
i. recognise the damage to society that has resulted from cuts to public services
ii. reinvest in our critical public services.

Congress calls on the General Council to:
a. lobby government to invest in the public services that this nation needs
b. recognise that responsibility for austerity measures lies with government
c. reject any attempts to divide our members as workers and leaders in the public sector.

National Association of Head Teachers

AMENDMENT

  • In paragraph 1, at end of sentence 3, after “and their staff.” insert new sentence:
    “Effective, ethical leadership relies upon fairness, transparency and collaborative cultures.”
  • In paragraph 1, at end of existing sentence 4, after “impossible task.” insert new sentence: “Leaders stand with Congress in actively opposing austerity cuts.”
  • At end of paragraph 1, delete full stop, add colon and insert “it must not seek to pressurise leaders into damaging, morally compromising decisions that harm outcomes for service users.”
  • In paragraph 2, add new sub-paragraph iii.:
    “iii. incentivise better training for aspiring leaders, including the principles of ethical leadership.”

National Education Union

AMENDMENT

  • In paragraph 1, final sentence, after “unionists” insert “or public servants”
  • In final paragraph add new sub-paragraph d.:
    “d. publicly resist attacks designed to undermine the impartiality and professionalism of civil servants and other public sector workers.”

FDA