Unison Conference calls for support for Nicaraguan public service union and NSCAG
NSCAG News |
on: Thursday, 27 June 2013
Motion approved by Unison National Delegates Conference 20 June 2013
UNISON notes the long standing friendship between UNISON and UNE, the Nicaraguan Public Service Trade Union, and the strengthening of that relationship in recent years. It also applauds the progress made by the Sandinista government since being elected in 2007 towards social and economic justice in Nicaragua. In the present harsh climate for trade unions in the UK, it is heartening to hear of advances such as an increase in the minimum wage and new laws to protect Nicaraguan workers’ rights including collective bargaining.
In particular we note the signing of a twinning agreement between Greater London region UNISON and UNE Managua in 2009, the successful visit of Domingo Perez, the General Secretary of UNE to UNISON’s local government conference in 2010, and the attendance of two young Nicaraguan trade unionists at the National Delegate Conference 2011. We also note the support given by the Trade Union International Development Fund to the opening of a Legal Office specialising in employment law in Managua, which has helped many workers to overcome difficulties in the workplace and have their rights recognised by their employers.
We consider that these advances provide golden opportunities for UNISON and UNE to continue working together to their mutual benefit at a time when trade unions in the UK are under constant attack whilst in Nicaragua, trade union membership, particularly amongst young people, is flourishing.
We also recognise the pivotal role that the Nicaragua Solidarity Campaign Action Group has played in maintaining an awareness of Nicaragua’s progress both amongst trade unions and the general public, and in facilitating the deepening of the relationship between UNISON and UNE.
With this in mind, Conference calls for the following:
- Encourage all branches and regions to affiliate to the Nicaragua Solidarity Campaign Action Group and promote NSCAG events and campaigns.
- All UNISON regions to develop twinning agreements with UNE regions in Nicaragua.
