UNISONActive is an unofficial blog produced by UNISON activists for UNISON activists. Bringing news, briefings and events from a progressive left perspective.

Wednesday 23 September 2009

Health Service Group launches Million Voices for Change Campaign

UNISON’s health service group executive meeting on 23 September heard from the General Secretary about the union’s Million Voices for Change Campaign, taking our message into workplaces and communities.

The campaign builds on Unison’s response to the recession calling for astrong economy and a fairer society. The union is bringing activists,members, non-members and the public together in common cause to callfor quality public services, for social justice and decent jobs.

Although in its early stages we have already seen a fantastic response around the County, from Newcastle to Coventry to London. Recent polls show us that the public when asked do support public services delivered by the public sector, and we must get as many people involved in promoting our message in the current climate where the media has shifted its focus from those who caused the recession, to public service workers who did not.

All political parties are talking cuts, and it is not acceptable that we enter into a competition as to whose cuts are the least worse. Public services are essential at a time of recession to support those most vulnerable people at risk, to support those people who been made redundant, who have lost their home, young people struggling to find jobs.

Public services are also a vital driver in stimulating the economy providing jobs and incomes.

Our Million Voices Campaign will take our message into the politicalarena, taking our demands to all Political Parties, and forming the basis of a UNISON manifesto for the General Election.

We know our message is the right one, we know better than anyone thecrucial role public services play in society, and we know the devastating impact of the recession on ordinary working people.

We must take our message into our workplaces and communities and getthousands of people signing up.

We can build the union, and also achieve a better society, one based on the principles of fairness ande quality, not greed and inequality.

Join the campaign – go onto the UNISON website and add your name.www.unison.org.uk/million