Conference Q & A- Unite the Union
Roger Jeary, director of research at Unite the Union, talks leadership elections and fringe events with ePolitix.com.
ePolitix.com: Ed Miliband was elected party leader with strong union support. What are your hopes for the influence of trade unions under Miliband's leadership?
Roger Jeary: It's the same as with all Labour party leaders- we want to have a voice, have access to the leader and to express our opinions. We expect to be able to do that with Ed Miliband, as with previous Labour leaders.
We nominated Ed as our favourite candidate and were fairly significant in getting him elected. We are aware that does not buy us anything, but we think that demonstrates that we believe he has the right objectives and values- values that Unite shares with him. We are looking forward to working with Ed.
What were your views on Ed Miliband’s keynote speech-with particular reference to trade unions?
Overall the speech was excellent. He touched on a wide range of issues, as you would expect.
In terms of trade union issues, it was good to hear a politican say that unions have a valid and proper place in society. Ed does feel that way and he recognises the values that we bring.
Leader's speeches are not a time for making promises, but the way he made his points was encouraging. The whole issue of creating fairness and justice for workers and their communities was something that we were very pleased about. The issue of working hours and people spending more time with their families was also well received.
His mention of agency workers is something that we have been focusing on for many years. Ed thinks that there is more to be done in that regard and we are inclined to agree with him.
The speech was about fairness, justice and equality, which are all important trade union issues.
The recognition that the national minimum wage is just that, a minimum, was also vital. Employers have the responsibility not to exploit workers, but to treat them fairly.
What activity have Unite the Union been involved in at Labour party conference? Could you tell us a little about your fringe events?
At the conference we have put forward a motion for debate on an alternative industrial and economic strategy. This is fundamental to the country's recovery. Derek Simpson, our joint general secretary, moved the motion, which was seconded by a delegate from Sheffield south-east in a very passionate speech.
We have had a number of other speakers on issues such as the health service and a speaker in the education and skills debate.
One of our main fringe meetings was on Tuesday night on employment and human rights. Derek Simpson shared the platform with Liberty's director Shami Chakrabarti, because there is a natural cohesion with employment rights and human rights, which Liberty represents. On a UK level our employment rights fall short of international employment rights.
We have also been involved in international fringes with colleagues from Colombia and Venezuela. Unite may be focused on the UK, but we remain very concerned with international human and employment rights.
We additionally have a speaker at the Defend Council Housing fringe, which is also a big issue for us.
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