UNISON's second conference opens on June 12 in the context of possible industrial action in the NHS. further privatisation of council services, and the opening shots in the General Secretary election.
With mass dissatisfaction with cuthacks in schools, hospital closures and privatisation of cola cree mere has not been such an opportunity to organise industrial action for a long time. The national leadership has at last begun to respond to the growing mood in favour of action by planning a demonstration against cuts on October 14.
The demo should be used as a springboard for a one dav strike across the public services in defence of the welfare state before budget day.
The conference will be the first serious challenge for the Campaign for a Fighting Democratic UNISON. It must publicly put forward its strategy at conference and build a broad base of support. It must continue to struggle to unite the left. Conference meetings:
• SUNDAY 11. 2.30pm Metropole Hotel. The left's meeting to go through conference agenda and discuss the candidates for general secretary.
• MONDAY 12 7.30pm Metropole Hotel. CFDU rally - Tony Benn. Jennifer Davies (Newcastle UNISON). Geoff Martin (Health campaigner).
•THURSDAY 15 12.30pm Oak Hotel West Street. Socialist Outlook meeting: In the new world order what is the prospect for revolution -JANE KELLY