LES BAYLISS: "We must build mass support for public sector battle ahead". Workers Uniting Group - Durham Miners Gala Meeting

A meeting of over 70 Workers Uniting Group supporters took place at the Durham Miners Gala on July 9th.

Supporters heard Les Bayliss, Workers Uniting Group candidate for Unite General Secretary initially report on his campaign.

Les said that support for the campaign continued to grow with more shop stewards, union reps, branches, chapels and workplaces pledging their support - from many sectors including manufacturing, the public services, transport, local authorities, construction, energy, civil air transport, print and paper, aerospace and the finance sector as well as retired comrades. This was reflected in the turnout the meeting with reps from many of these sectors.

In his address to the meeting Les announced the successful settlement of the year long Vale Inco dispute in Canada where 3500 USW-Workers Uniting nickel miners had voted by 75% to accept a deal negotiated by the USW. This announcement was met with cheers and loud applause and it was agreed to send a message of congratulations to the USW comrades in Canada.

Les spoke about the forthcoming battle on public services. Expressing support for our members in defending jobs and pensions he said Unite and other unions had to "plan to win" the dispute.

Calling or threatening strikes without building mass support was "leading with our chin" and would result in eventual failure.

There was a need to build support from Unite reps and members working in public services at local and branch level and also a need to build a broad alliance with TUC affiliated unions in public services - and in the private sector - as well as local support and community groups.

We must explain to the public that it was a fallacy that "we were all in this together" as the ConDem Government we stating. The fact is that the well off would not feel the cuts in the same way as many of our members.

Losing the battle was not an option, as the Tories would also then find ways to attack private sector workers.

Turing to organisiation Les explained that we must ensure the Unite organising programmes were a success. However he argued that if elected he would ensure that organising campaigns involved the union's industrial sectors and that organisers would be allocated to specific sectors with good potential for membership growth as well supporting as campaigns already earmarked for resources.

Les outlined the development of a strategic campaigning unit that would link the three pillars of Unite - organising, political and international, which would be available to help Unite branches and workplaces in all campaigns and disputes.

Answering a question on future branch structure he explained that he was in favour of strong workplace or sector branches where they were or could be established. He argued that smaller workplaces or workplaces with low membership could be formed into geographical branches and assistance provided through the strategic unit.

Further questions and discussion from the floor related to the finance industry, the global union, Labour leadership, education and retired members concluded a highly successful meeting.