End the Victimisation of Trade Union Workers: UWU Model Motion

As an independent trade union, UWU has no other agenda than improving the terms, conditions and safety of our members at work and to re-balance the power between trade union employers, non-independent trade unions and trade union professionals.

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We unapologetically organise, campaign and bargain for UWU members and hold trade union employers to the same standards as trade unions demand on behalf of our members—as well as showing our solidarity with union workers in dispute. Use our model motion below to show your support to end the victimisation of trade union workers.

This branch notes:

1. A number of long-standing industrial disputes involving staff employed within the trade union movement
2. The unacceptable victimisation of trade union representatives by some trade union employers
3. The recent announcements of industrial action by Unite ITF and Unite UCU Staff branches. Despite the foundational principles of our movement, these workers have been forced to ballot for action following the unacceptable behaviour of their trade union employers.

This Branch believes that:

1. The victimisation of workplace representatives by trade union employers is an affront to our core values and undermines the security of every worker in every workplace.
2. Such behaviour is a betrayal of what we stand for as union members.
3. Victimisation of union representatives by trade union employers brings the entire labour movement into disrepute and weakens our credibility and ability to hold employers to account.
4. Speaking truth to power is not a selective action. It must apply equally to all employers. Including, but especially, Trade Union employers.
5. "Solidarity” is not a selective concept; it must apply equally to us all. Including those who work for trade unions.

This Branch further believes that allowing these disputes to descend into a war of attrition causes long-term damage to the movement's integrity.

We must move beyond silence and apply direct pressure on trade union employers to cease the victimisation of representatives and uphold the very standards they demand of external employers.

This branch resolves to:

1. Write to the General Secretaries and Executive Committees of both trade unions cc'ing the TUC requesting:
   1. a swift resolution to staff disputes;
   2. an immediate end to victimisation of trade union representatives;
2. Support both branches by:
    

   1. Donating to their strike funds;

   2. Sending messages of support;

   3. Invite speakers to branch meetings;

   4. Sending branch delegations to support picket lines;

3. Publicise branch support for the disputes with members and on public platforms.

4. Asking members to write to their local MPs, calling on them to intervene in the disputes and encourage resolution.

Contacts:

https://www.itfstaffunion.org

https://uniteucu.wordpress.com/