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REPORT on UNE Speaker tour – 18th to 28th June 2012 (full version)

Contents:

1. Preamble2. Participants3. Meetings 4. Contacts5. Concluding remarks and follow up

1. PreambleThis report is information for everyone involved or interested in Nicaraguan trade unions and the speaker tour. It is intended as information useful both to those new to the subject as well as those with more knowledge. Above all I hope it will help in promoting support, networking, and links with Nicaraguan unions and other progressive groups. It is a record of all the meetings held and the key political information exchanged with the participants. Two of the meetings are recorded in detail because either someone else minuted the meeting, or someone else interpreted, allowing me to capture the content. As such it can be used for dissemination among union region and branch members, newsletters, twinning groups, websites etc. Please do use it!

Our grateful THANKS go to Unison International Department, as well as regions who hosted visits.

A concise version of this report has also been produced, but contains all the details that the Nicaraguan delegates presented.

2. ParticipantsAt Unison International Development Department’s invitation two delegates from UNE (Unión Nacional de Empleados), the Nicaraguan public sector union, participated in the National Delegates Conference in Bournemouth, before a speaker tour in England and Wales. Arelis López Salinas is the Secretary of the Nicaraguan public sector union (UNE) young members section, a member of the National Workers Front (FNT – equivalent of TUC) young members committee, a trade union leader at her work place, the Institute for Rural Development, and is currently leading the work of young members in the Mexico, Central America, Panamá y Dominican Republic sub-region of the Public Service International. In addition, Arelis is the UNE representative on a National Commission on the minimum salary in Nicaragua.

Emerson Silva Urbina is a lawyer working in Managua’s Town Hall and a member of the Leonel Rugama youth movement of the UNE section representing local government workers in Managua, the capital.

They were accompanied by Stephanie Henthorne, Trade Union Worker, Nicaragua Solidarity Campaign Action Group (NSCAG).

3. Meetings

BOURNEMOUTH – Unison National Delegates Conference

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Many thanks to Ruby Cox, Chair of NSC, for introductions and guidance.

18 JuneDue to the cancellation of their flight out of Managua, Emerson and Arelis were unfortunately unable to participate in the international rally on 18 June. We did however just about make it in time to be welcomed at an informal dinner with international staff and visitors.

19 June

Reception hosted by Venezuela Solidarity and Cuba Solidarity, “Another way is possible”. Presentations included speech by Samuel Moncada of the Venezuelan Embassy, and from wives of the Miami Five.

President’s Reception. Opportunity for short exchange with Eleanor Smith, outgoing President of Unison.

Young members’ fringeAbout 25 attended. The main focus was on encouragement of young people’s participation. Arelis and Emerson were invited to speak for a few minutes. No notes as I was interpreting, but from memory, included the following comments:

- Regarding the difficulties here in attracting young people, there is probably less incentive due to the relative affluence compared to Nicaragua. In that country young people very aware that the future is in their hands.

- Youth being sold out in UK, problem of connecting young people with politics because so disillusioned

- Parents warning their children about the future and the cuts in pensions and jobs- We can afford better care in UK but poor distribution of wealth- Credit led debt/consumer bubble

20 June

Meeting with Keith Sonnet, Deputy General Secretary of UnisonPresent: Arelis Lopez, Emerson Silva, Keith Sonnet, Ruby Cox, Steph Henthorne.We were fortunate to have this lunch meeting with Keith. The doors to this were definitely opened by Domingo Perez’ visit last year, as he had also met with Keith and clearly impressed him. Furthermore we had the facility of one of the conference interpreters which was a bonus because, a) having simultaneous interpreting allows double the time to discuss compared to consecutive, and b) it was a chance for Steph to make some notes. (Though unfortunately a lot of background noise meant I could not catch everything.)KS: Clearly the struggles have a lot of commonalities across the world. We don’t seem to have learned the lessons from the experiences of other countries.AL: Student movement very important in Latin America. Don’t seem to have heard much about it here.KS: Students have separate conference. Also very involved in the Occupy movement, which tends to be separate from TUs. AL: Before the Frente regained power we too had to take our struggle to the streets. The legal framework regarding labour laws in Nicaragua is broader. From what we have heard in Conference

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that of the UK seems very restricted. We in Nicaragua enjoy full provision of rights, including collective bargaining.KS: case of Wisconsin [re seeking to reduce public sector pay and remove collective bargaining]. Unison does have a presence in the private sector, mainly as a result of the privatisation of some services. But also people leave and new staff are not joining Unison in the same numbers.AL: It is similar in Nicaragua with outsourcing of some services, but the government is introducing new legislation. Also the FNT has a number of members who are also deputies in the National Assembly. 40% of our membership is young people, reflecting the fact that overall youth make up 60% of the population.KS: We have a real problem attracting young people. The average age of a Unison member is 56 years. 80% of Unison’s membership is female.AL: Nicaragua has a culture of organisation, a legacy of the Revolution. Even children have a movement named after a child leader killed in the revolution. It is easy to get young people to join unions, what is more difficult is getting them to develop leadership skills.KS: Unison has a pilot project with a union in USA, which involves knocking on people’s doors to encourage them to join. Unison has recruitment drives, blitzing a workplace with a core of activists.AL: Young members are involved in community work, demonstrating the practical benefits of solidarity by contributing to Nicaraguan society as a whole. We have also held focus days on matters such as sexual health, HIV/AIDS. We have organised and run stands in universities.

ES: The legal office funded by Unison has helped resolve over 300 cases in less than its first year of operating. This includes support both by phone and face to face. The most common cases are related to unfair dismissal, collective bargaining, health and safety. There is concern over future funding. The office has not been able to move as near to self-sufficiency as would be desired. People who receive advice cannot afford to pay for it. It was hoped that in addition to these cases the office could also advise people who are in a position to pay, thus making it more sustainable. ES: Before the existence of the legal office it was common for people to have to abandon their case because of lack of resources and inadequate support from the state system because of heavy case loads.

Emerson explained to Keith the difficult problem concerning the lawyer, who tragically suffered a traffic accident and has remained in a coma ever since. In accordance with its policies, UNE continues to pay his salary. [Note that Keith Sonnet has subsequently left his position of Deputy General Secretary]

There followed a discussion about future funding in which Keith Sonnet was very encouraging about the possibilities of further support from Unison.

Short discussion on the Public Service International - elections, candidates and bloc voting. Next Annual Congress is in Durban. It is possible that Arelis will go.

PlenaryIncluded international debates – Palestine, Tamil support. During the debate, the important point was made that the market is very crowded, meaning it is hard to bring new issues out of the shadows. Even Unison can only do so much, therefore depends on the branches to bring issues to light.

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Speech by Elizabeth Palmiero, representing Miami five wives. Conference resolved to lobby parliament on this issue.

Guest speaker Carmen Mayusa – Gen Secretary of ANTHOC, health workers’ union, Colombia. She began by saluting the workers and trade unionists in UK who are resisting attempts by the government to implement the neo-liberal policies that were so disastrous in Latin American countries. Carmen then spoke extremely movingly of the struggle in Colombia, the most dangerous country in the world to be a trade unionist. I lost count of how many close family members she has lost, in appalling circumstances, murdered and disappeared by extreme right wing forces. In Colombia:

- 57,000 disappeared- 8,500 in prison- 2,888 unionists killed between 1986 and the present.

Before receiving a standing ovation, Carmen made clear the importance of international solidarity, pointing out the she herself had been freed from jail as a result of international pressure by unions and MPs.

International reception, Hermitage HotelThis was an informal event attended by international visitors, senior Unison officials and members interested in international matters from the conference.

Due to having missed the International Rally because of flight problems, Unison International Department kindly extended an invite to the Nicaraguan visitors to make a short presentation at the reception. This provided further opportunities for informal discussion with Nick Sigler (Head of Unison International Dept), and also with Dave Prentis, General Secretary.

Also potential further networking opportunities, mostly notably on the subject of youth participation, met Mandy Richards from Hackney Youth Parliament. Arelis and Emerson were very interested in this initiative. Apparently all local authorities get some funding to encourage youth participation and each decides what form it will take. In Hackney it is the HYP. Worth following up for further exchange/info or something for future delegations?? www.younghackney.org for more detail.

22 June, Oxford

We were hosted by Doug Williamson, of MacMillan publishers, and who also represented Unite the union. Doug showed us some photos from International Book Day, which included giving out Spanish Education books, with a representative of the Venezuelan Embassy. We then had a meeting with several members of Unite at MacMillan, beginning with showing the video Young, Nicaraguan and Organised. Emerson and Arelis went on to talk about the importance of the youth in social changes. On the subject of education we heard about how the roots of the system began in 1979 with the Revolution, when students and other young people joined the literacy campaign and went out to the rural areas bringing literacy skills to peasants and farmers of all ages. From 1990, when the FSLN lost the elections, privatisation led to a deterioration of the education system and many were now unable to afford to send their children to school. Many ended up selling, in the streets, at traffic lights. This remains something of a problem to be resolved. With the FSLN once again in power, and Nicaragua a member of ALBA, financial help from Venezuela has enabled a massive strengthening of the state education system. As well as providing free schooling to all, it

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now addresses the material problems which have often kept children out of school: the Vaso de Leche (glass of milk) programme provides nutrition, as does the provision of school meals (prepared on the school premises by unemployed parents); the provision of essential school equipment and uniforms means children are able to stay in school. Brigades are organised to help with the distribution of these benefits.

At university level there is some support available for the poorest, in the form of bursaries, which allow students to meet the costs of living in the capital. The importance of higher education is seen as essential to the economy and protecting from hostile countries.

Cheyne Secondary SchoolWe had lunch with pupils from the school who are studying Spanish. Some of these hope to visit León next year. It was an opportunity for informal questions and exchanges about school life and the challenges of language learning.

Other contacts etcAt Oxford Town Hall we had the opportunity to meet Mark Ladbroke, Oxfordshire UNISON Health Branch Secretary and member of the Trades Council.

UNITE: Chris Davies is the International Officer. Daniel Mercier deputises for him. Daniel came to Oxford-León Association meeting. Daniel.mercier@oxfordhealth.nhs.ukThere is a national initiative within Unite interested in setting up a community membership programme. The idea is that unemployed/retired people can be active in their communities in the struggle against cuts and protecting services. This was raised in response to hearing about the type of community organisation that Arelis and Emerson spoke about. As yet, there is no clear vision or resource allocation for the Unite initiative.

Oxford León AssociationA good turnout and pleasant room on a sunny (!) evening. Participating in the meeting were union members as well as the Oxford León Association. Again, no notes as I was interpreting. But I can say that the meeting was characterised by participants knowledgeable and experienced on Nicaraguan issues. Unsurprisingly this meeting raised the subject of Nicaragua’s anti-abortion laws. More surprising perhaps is that this was the only meeting that did so. It is a thorny issue to say the least, and generated some heat. Very broadly, the delegates’ position was that therapeutic abortion is permitted, that Nicaragua is a very different culture to Europe, and that there is an obligation towards the rights of the unborn child.

23 June

NSC and NSCAG AGMsI was not present for the activities this day, but can report that Arelis and Emerson spoke on the benefits to unions under the Sandinista government, current challenges, participation of young people in politics. Guisell Morales of the Nicaraguan Embassy in London spoke on the current situation. There was also a tribute to Tomás Borge, a founder of the FSLN who died recently.

After these meetings the delegates participated in a Venezuelan Solidarity event at Unite House.

25 June

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Wolverhampton UnisonThe West Midlands visits were organised by Dave Auger, Unison Regional International Officer. After an exchange about the regional structures and a brief history of UNE, we briefly discussed the West Midlands twinning initiative – what stage is it at, and what could be done in practical terms.

Pat May, shop steward, showed us round the Gem Centre, a flagship of child and adolescent integrated health services, the only one of its kind in the UK. The Nicaraguan visitors found this truly impressive centre of great interest.

We had a very well attended lunch meeting with Unison members, including a member who was present at the Young Members Forum at Bournemouth Conference. It was also attended by Alan Dolphin of Thompsons Law. alandolphin@thompsons.law.co.uk.

26 JuneBirmingham, West Midlands Regional Office

We participated in the quarterly Regional International Forum. I am grateful to Tricia O’Connor for minuting this meeting, copied below.

Nicaragua has a population of 6 million and is the 2nd poorest country in Latin America due to capitalist system since colonial times and the civil war imposed by the USA. UNE was established in revolutionary times to organise workers in the city to support revolutionary efforts. Main focus of union work was to rid the country of the Somoza dictatorship of 50 years. When the revolution triumphed, workers were organised to rescue society, working alongside Sandinistas to counteract the war being waged by the USA who support the Contras (right wing), and imposed an economic blockade. As a result of years of Contra war and the devastating loss of life and continued poverty, the Sandinistas lost the 1990 elections. (The USA had made clear that if their chosen candidate won they would cease the war.) The country entered a period of ‘peace’. But three successive neo-liberal governments decimated the public sector and there was a huge increase in poverty. People took to the streets, protested privatisation and remained active despite high unemployment. Nicaraguan people are always seeking ways to make changes for the better. Following Daniel Ortega’s re-election as President in 2006 the Sandinistas have brought the country once again into a period of restructure and growth. There is strong sense that a new way forward can be found. Key aims at that time were to bring Nicaragua into ALBA, (a political and economic bloc of several leftwing Latin American and Caribbean nations which operates on a system of economic exchange based on fair trade, cultural interests, solidarity and sharing of resources), and work alongside unions to respect labour rights.

It is hoped is that by 2017 96% of Nicaragua’s energy will be from renewable sources, due in large part to a Brazilian funded initiatve, Tumarin. A Bill is in passage re the construction of an inter-ocean canal – hope that this would be a huge source of employment and economic improvement.

All this is possible due to the leadership’s appreciation of its people and solidarity among Latin American ALBA nations. Nicaragua now has greater labour stability and assurance of collective bargaining rights and has achieved free education and free health care. Key public policies are focused on women and youth (who make up the majority of the population) – the only government

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to have empowered these groups. One development programme is focused on independence for women in urban and rural areas by provision of credit.

Within UNE, there is considerable effort in encouraging the participation of women and young people who have now taken on positions of leadership in the union. The National Assembly has approved a law aimed at protecting women from violence, and femicide is now recognised as a specific crime. Women and young people now have a strong presence at the national negotiating table, including the State, employees and unions. The strengthening of women’s positions has contributed to the fact that Nicaragua has seen the most economic growth of any Central American country.

Solidarity is important from unions around the world and notably from UNISON. It is due to support from UNISON that this visit has been possible. Arelis Lopez joined UNE when very young and developed her leadership skills in training funded by UNISON – she is very grateful to UNISON and feels UNISON is part of UNE.

Emerson Silva:Key policies of new government:

50/50 law – aims to ensure equal numbers of female and male candidates in upcoming local elections

Programme of grants for young people to study at home or abroad Range of new laws in second period of Sandinista government re protecting workers’ rights

It is gratifying to see many young people joining UNE and ES expressed gratitude for UNISON’s help in assisting them train young people for future leadership.

There followed a Q & A session – key points: UNE structure – national and council levels among different institutions. UNE is a member

of the FNT (National Workers Front, similar to TUC) UNE’s legal office – set up with UNISON funding from International Development Fund.

Established 12 months ago to assist individuals with workplace issues. UNISON funding runs out soon and urgent need to seek new funding to enable extending

legal support from capital city to nationwide. Explanation of relationship with FSLN government. Some FNT members are National

Assembly deputies. This is seen as helpful in getting pro-worker legislation passed. UNE is one of the major forces fighting within the Sandinista movement but members can

express different ideology and not be affiliated to Sandinista party. Close relationship but organisationally autonomous.

Dave Auger: – part of visit was with a view to a formal twinning arrangement and what practical actions this may involve.

ACTION: ASK BRANCHES TO AFFILIATE TO NICARAGUAN SOLIDARITY ACTION GROUP, only £40 EACH. Dave WILL CIRCULATE FORM TO TRADES COUNCIL AND BRANCHES.

Dave Auger mentioned the possibility of perhaps involving other regions in order to combine monies to provide future support. Arelis spoke of the need to attend cases outside of the capital, but they have no transport which presents considerable limitations. Might transport be an area for future support?

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Meeting with Unison education officialsWe had an interesting meeting with Gurdeep Singh and Fred Cattle. The education programme within Unison is organised in two broad areas:

- training and education for union activists- an education programme for all members, within the framework of lifelong learning, of

particular benefit to those who left school with little or no qualifications and who are often on low pay meaning access to education is difficult.

Gurdeep and Fred are Unite members (but Unison staff). Gurdeep is the learning representative in Unite.

27 June – North WalesIn accordance with a decision to hold more UNISON meetings away from the capital, this visit was held in the Colwyn Bay office. It was explained that much of the reason for activities being centred on Cardiff is the accessibility to Assembly Members. Dave McKnight of NSC Wales and Unison coordinated the Wales meetings. Unison Wales is in the process of establishing a link with UNE on the Atlantic Coast of Nicaragua. An agreement was signed last year. Historically Wales NSC has strong links with the Coast based on shared visions of language and culture rights.

We had a lunch meeting with Unison staff and members. This was an opportunity for some to hear about Nicaragua for the first time, and for others to catch up on developments within the country.

Ben Gregory of NSC Wales recorded an interview in Welsh (with interpreting) with Arelis and Emerson to appear on Welsh language channel on Youtube.

Public meeting – NSC Wales and Clwyd Latin American Human Rights Group, MoldI am grateful to Apollo Santana for interpreting this meeting.

Why are we still supporting Nicaragua?In Latin America there are two routes you can go down – that of neo-liberalism experienced by most countries in recent times and which impoverishes the majority, or the route that Nicaragua is forging, in which the government is developing an alternative model. Young people comprise 60% of the population and are therefore critical to the future of the

country. Young people are organised in an array of institutions – work, schools, neighbourhoods. Being involved in social structures from a young age is seen as instrumental in bringing about positive social change.

The strengthening of trade unions is also pivotal in furthering the rights and well-being of workers and society in general. NSC and Unison have been invaluable in this regard.

Some basic facts about Nicaragua: since colonial times the country has struggled for its independence, something Wales has in common. We follow Sandino’s ideals, who fought against USA. The USA had a hand in his assassination. Following this the country entered a long period of the Somoza dictatorship against which the FSLN fought. It was in this context that UNE was formed, so that workers in the city could join forces and contribute to the Revolution.

Throughout the 1980s the USA waged war, supporting the Contras and introducing an economic blockade. This eventually brought the country to its knees, and together with a decade of so much loss of life and grinding poverty, led to the Sandinistas electoral defeat in 1990. (The USA made it clear that if their candidate won they would cease the war.) Instead of peace being a solution the situation became even worse. Mass privatisation meant growth of misery and

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poverty. The building of shopping centres and new highways looks good on the face of it but hides the fact that it benefitted only 5% of the population while the rest got poorer. During these 16 years of rampant capitalism unions almost disappeared, partly because of mass dismissal.

Thanks to social movements and FSLN maintaining the struggle, the Sandinistas were voted back into power in 2006. Poverty has not been left behind but we are developing a new model that benefits the needs of the majority not minority. That is why we became activists. There is a strong focus on youth and we are very conscious that the future is in our hands. Our population is recovering its dignity. For 16 years we felt as if we couldn’t do anything; now we feel empowered.

The Sandinista movement is structured in such a way that if you start at the bottom, you can make your voice heard to the top. It is not just representative but participatory.

Although Nicaragua is still the second poorest country in the western hemisphere (after Haiti), we have achieved the greatest economic growth, and have been less affected by the global economic crisis.

There are plans for new infrastructure developments such as the inter-oceanic canal linking the Pacific and Caribbean, and a deep water port at Bilwi (Puerto Cabezas) in the Northern Atlantic Autonomous region. Several countries have expressed their interest in investing in such projects.

By 2017 it is hoped that 96% of Nicaragua’s energy will be from renewable sources, 50% from hydroelectric from the Tumarin project funded by Brazil, the rest from wind and geothermal resources. Again, membership of ALBA plays an important contribution to this progress. Historically the country has had an ongoing energy crisis, with cuts being part of daily life, ruining businesses and domestic life. These initiatives will solve the crisis almost overnight.

ALBA goes beyond fair trade and solidarity. It is built on a common conceptualisation of Latin American development, that is not dependent on trade with USA. Fair exchange without interference.

In addition to ALBA, another regional organisation was established in 2010: CELAC, Community of Latin American and Caribbean States. It comprises 33 sovereign states, NOT including USA, Canada or Puerto Rico, and was founded as a countermeasure to the outdated OAS (Organisation of American States) which is Washington centred and was set up decades ago to defeat the ‘communist threat’ to the region. See Wikipedia for more on CELAC.

Both of us (Arelis and Emerson) benefitted from the leadership skills training for young people financed by Unison and CWU. In addition to our organising work it helps us communicate and raise awareness among young people. One of the things we do is to organise brigade days, working in for example, reforestation, literacy programmes, social housing construction, and giving out the materials for the Plan Techo programme (provision of essential building materials) in local neighbourhoods. Young people have also been active in the successful Disaster Prevention Committees.

Q: Are trade unions organised in all sectors? Also do you see the positive relationship with government continuing?A: Although we are from the public sector, UNE is part of the FNT (National Workers Federation), which has a common strategy across all sectors. We were born with the Sandinista Revolution; we are an intrinsic part of it. This is the only government that guarantees peace, stability and compliance with labour rights. You could say we are the labour arm of the FSLN. The FNT has leaders that are also National Assembly members, which is beneficial in getting legislation passed that improves benefits to workers.

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Q: Ideally trade union movements should be international. International laws are still to be written. Do you think Nicaragua could contribute to international law? Private companies legally enjoy the same rights as an individual.

A: Unfortunately the global system is still capitalist and based on wealth for the few. But fortunately those of who don’t have those riches are the majority. Sandino taught us that only organised workers will bring about improvement for the majority. This means we have to organise not just in Nicaragua but also with UK and the rest of the world. The international links that Unison has developed with unions around the world is an extremely important step.

Q: Who will carry out the engineering work on the canal and energy projects? Does Nicaragua have domestic industries capable of this?A: Obviously we are not an industrialised country; we’re still rural based. The canal project is still with the National Assembly. 51% of the shares would owned by the government and the rest would be investment from China, Russia and the ALBA countries.

Q: It’s good to hear that 51% will be in Nicaraguan hands. Where did the canal initiative come from – was it indigenous or from ALBA?A: A combination. The original idea predates the Panama canal, during the colonial era, when the USA wanted to build it in Nicaragua not Panama. But the USA wanted total control and the then president, Zelaya, would not allow that. He paid the price because the USA mounted a coup against him. US imperialism has prevented Nicaragua from developing. The government now is intolerant of any US bullying.

Q: It’s great to hear that Nicaragua is not turning to the usual western banks, but China and Russia have their own imperial designs. Russia is buying up properties all over the world.A: Nicaragua’s relationship is with China Taiwan, not mainland China. Since the Revolution we have traded with China Taiwan and Russia, on the basis of fair terms and conditions. We are a sovereign nation. China has put a lot of investment in schools, hospitals, roads, and supported financially agriculture, especially basic grains production. At no point have they tried to impose their politics on us. Of course it would desirable to have more ALBA involvement, but China and Russia do have the technical know-how.

Q: How do you see your relationship with USA in the light of your relationship with Russia, and with Iran, which has been a constant irritant to USA? Also the fact that in the 80s Nicaragua was more vulnerable, with no protection from ALBA.A: It is undoubtedly difficult because of a long history of economic dependence on USA. We are in their backyard. But with ALBA we know what we are getting: improved energy sector, reactivated free health and education services for all, transport subsidies, economic programmes for rural women, cataract operations – 1,000s have had their eyesight restored for free. We know that USA will never be happy to see us develop, even less that we have a relationship with Iran. We have collective and mutual support from within ALBA and CELAC. President Ortega has stated “We are not against US citizens, they are people just like us. What we don’t accept is White House interference.”

Q: Have you tried having meetings with unions in USA?

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A: Not directly, but as part of the Public Service International (PSI) we do. Although unions in USA don’t have much freedom they are organised. When we meet them in international conferences they always speak of how they are against the foreign policy of their Administration.

4. Contacts from the speaker tour

Gary Williams – UNISON Young Members Officer0207 121 541507961 903179G.Williams@unison.co.uk

Polly Jones – Unison International Officer020 7121 521407949 590 568p.jones@unison.co.uk

Nick Sigler – Head of UNISONInternational Dept.

020 7121 5392N.Sigler@unison.co.uk

Keith SonnetFormerly Deputy General Secretary Unison.USI

Unison International AssistantCatherine Barral020 7121 5767

c.barral@unison.co.uk

Doug WilliamsonUNITE & Oxford/León Associationd.williamson@macmillan.com01865 405759 – officeNo mobile

Chris DaviesUnite International Officer, Oxfordshire(no contact details)

Daniel Mercier – UniteDeputises for Chris Davies

Daniel.mercier@oxfordhealth.nhs.uk

Dave AugerRegional International Officer West Midlands.daveauger61@hotmail.comMob: 07931316743

Mandy Richards(youth participation)Hackney Youth ParliamentMandy.richards@hackney .gov.ukmandyrichards@blueyonder.co.uk

Glen WilliamsUnison, Sefton Local Government Branch0151 928 9966gwilliamsunison@btconnect.com

Lea Guzzo(interested in UNE youth training)Outreach and Participation ManagerLea.guzzo@eastbourne.gov.uk

Alan DolphinThompsons Solicitorsalandolphin@thompsons.law.co.uk

Gurdeep SinghWest MidlandsUnite MEMBER, Unison STAFF Regional Learning and Devt Organiser0121 685 3126g.singh@unison.co.uk

Fred CattleWest MidlandsUnite MEMBER, Unison STAFF0121 685 3153f.cattle@unison.co.uk

Dave McKnight - Unison and NSC WalesRegional Campaigns Organiser North WalesMob: 07592344890d.mcknight@unison.co.ukdewimcknight@gmail.com

Steve Belcher – Unison Cymru WalesRegional Organiser

029 2072 941307944 171 572

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5. Concluding remarks and follow up

There is a need for a strengthened, modern and coherent communications strategy, within which work with our trade union partners is an integral part.

An over-arching theme that came out of every meeting we had was the difficulties in UK of getting young people to join their unions, and to encourage their active participation. The experience of Nicaragua in this regard was inspiring, and there was great interest expressed in learning from this example. For example, the training in leadership skills for young people financed by Unison and CWU, that Arelis and Emerson had participated in, what was the content of that training?

At National Delegates Conference international visitors were horrified to learn of the route the current government is taking vis-à-vis neo liberal budget cuts. The message from all of them was “Don’t go where we have been. It doesn’t work!”

Need to capitalise on the enthusiasm generated by the speaker tour and ensure increase in affiliations, flow of information to unions, use of social media.

Make more use of Unison BIROs (Branch International Relations Officer) network.

Enthusiasm for strengthening/creating new regional union twinning relationships – how to help? Focus, logistics, financial aspects.

Make good use of Young, Nicaragua and Organised video for regional/branch work.

S. Henthorne, July 2012