Unison Black Workers conference 2009

I would like to take this opportunity say hello to all my colleagues and thank you for clicking on to this report; I hope that you find it an interesting insight into Unisons National Black Members Conference 2009 and if you are interested in becoming active in the union or wanting to attend future conferences then please contact me elaine.bennett@barnardos.org.uk

This year's conference took pace in Bristol 16th-19th January 2009 under the banner of Achieving Dreams, Celebrating Success. The conference delegates gathered from the four corners of the UK to reflect on what had been achieved in the past year and feel proud on the promotion of those issues, and made gains on those priorities that we have determined as Unison Black Members.

My thanks to the colleagues that accompanied me to Bristol, Vince Barton, Betty Walker and Sariah Cameron, for there contribution to this report, their continued support and I look forward to working with them in the future

I would like to end by saying that each of us has a critical role to play in the struggle for racial equality and in local and international struggles for social justice for racial equality and in the local and international struggles for social justice. For many of us this starts in the workplace, so we have to organize and get active.

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I just wanted to say Happy New Year to you all, albeit belated.  The journey to Bristol was fraught with trivia, trains and the lack of signals.  Upon arriving late and totally disravelled, it was nice to be greeted by such a spectacular hotel, I felt like a princess or maybe a bride (who knows watch this space). The staff were friendly and welcoming to the extent I got a room upgrade with included slippers and robes, God I must have looked bad...........  Now all I needed was someone to feed me peeled grapes and give me a foot massage, if only.

The hotel was beautiful and the rooms were, well what can I say it felt like I was at home, the bed was so comfortable, and the bathroom was fully stocked. All in all a great choice (thank you Sharon).  It least it makes your time away from home pleasant and fun rather then a chore.

With a fabulous location next to Bristol Cathedral, the historic waterfront and Cabot Circus, the Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel offers some of England's south-western charm. From the moment you arrive, the Victorian-style hotel captivates you with polished marble, warm mahogany and gleaming brass. You could also visit the Roman-style leisure club for the perfect retreat - enjoy a refreshing swim, soothing sauna or invigorating workout.

Bristol Cathedral

Avon Valley Railway

Cheddar Caves

The conference took place in the Bristol Marriott City Centre Hotel and again was a pleasant hotel to be in.  The building was light and airy, which lots of UNSION stalls and garments for sale as well as poster, books, music similar to an indoor market, but it lighten the mood and gave you time to have a breather.

Sariah Cameron PA to Deputy Principal / UNISON steward

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Company was good i.e . . . . Barnardo's Delegates conference appeared to have the same theme throughout which l believe was getting Black Workers to join Unison or become active if already in Unison. .All of the motions were uncontested just amended except the name Black Worker, I feel BME coming to the forefront soon.

Basically it was boring there did not appear to be any real debate about what is happening in the workplace or the World which is the usual topics. I cannot believe that there are no real issues to debate such as current situation re Israel Palestine!!!!.

When a whole afternoon was dedicated to a debate about religion l gave up so did everybody else!!!!!!!!

The hotel was lovely the night out was good venue a bit small but the hosts tried their best. What can l say having been involved I Black Unison since Nalgo days this was possibly the worst conference l have been to.  

Betty Walker Steward North West.

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National Black Worker Conference - First Timer

I was fortunate to have been able to attend the recent NBWC Conference held in Bristol on the 16-18th January this year.  This was my 'first' ever conference and as such you are referred to as a 'first time delegate' Sounds simple but when you I met people and you were introduced in this way there seemed to be an excitement or appreciation for you in that everyone who you met was able to reflect would recall on their first ever conference and as such share in you experience.

The venue was good and refreshments adequate.  What struck me the most was the amount of people who had attended especially in their own time?  Trying to understand the conference jargon proved difficult, despite having read the conference report, the motions pack and then trying to decipher words and phases prior to attending.  It was still overwhelming to try and keep everything in my head so that I could understand the process.

I was lucky that I had three colleagues who were very adept /experienced in conference protocol.  Elaine, Betty and Sariah were my supporting angels and whenever I asked what might have seemed a silly question they were more than happy to answer giving me the opportunity to get more out of my experience than I would have done had they not been present.

Despite not as many motions as had previously been tabled in other conferences.  One or two motions were fiercely debated with each side putting forwards their case and defending their position.  There were two invited 'speaker' who were absolutely awesome.  Lionel Morrison (Chair NUJ Black Member's Council) & Luis Marron (Political Counselor, Cuban Embassy).  Lionel's piece was inspirational and although he overran on his time I could have listened to him all day.

I also focused my attention on the way the respective rotating 'Chairs' managed such a large group of delegates.  They were very good and had support from those strategically placed around them which I found interesting as this occurs on a smaller scale within our own branch.

In ending I would like to extend my gratitude and sincere thanks to Sharon for the accommodation that she was able to secure for our group and to Betty, Sariah & Elaine.  It was useful having time to get to know each other a little better and to share our points of views, experience within UNISON & explore our differences.  Thank you for being such good company.

Vince Barton  Interim Chair