Building on our organising success in 2014 – NW UNISON Organising Convention Manchester 7 March 2015
Building on our organising success in 2014 – NW UNISON Organising Convention Manchester 7 March 2015
Last year was an extremely challenging year for the union. However despite this, and thanks to the hard work and commitment of Branch and Workplace Activists, UNISON membership in the North West Region actually grew in 2014.
25,384 new members were recruited in the Region during 2014. That’s a 12% increase on 2013 levels, which was in turn a 30% increase on 2012 levels. Combined with a renewed focus on activist development and building stronger branch and workplace organisation we know that we are growing not just in size, but in strength too.
To mark this incredible achievement and to equip and inspire activists to build an even stronger UNISON NW we are pleased to announce that the Region will be holding an Organising Convention titled “Skills for Strength” at the Mechanics Institute, Manchester, 7th March 9.30 -1630. We are also planning on opening the weekend with a social event on the evening of Friday 6th March at Arena Point.
With space for 160 participants and an exciting range of speakers from unions and campaigns from the US, Europe, and the UK already confirmed, the Convention promises to be a major event in this year’s packed calendar of UNISON activity.
Confirmed speakers include:-
· Scott Schumaker, Former Director of Communications SEIU (America’s largest public sector union)
· Roger McKenzie, UNISON Assistant General Secretary
· Lisa Eldret, Former Campaign Co-ordinator, International Union of Foodworkers
· Dr. Richard Saundry, Plymouth University (Industrial Relations Dept)
· Lynn Collins, TUC Regional Secretary
· Nigel Flanagan, Organiser, UNI Global Union Confederation
· Mike Josling, Organise Consulting
· Carl Roper, TUC Organising Academy
· …and many more
Registration is now open and closes on February 13. Please sign up at http://www.unisonnw.org/