UNISON GENERAL SECRETARY ELECTION - NOMINATE ROGER BANNISTER

To: UNISON Branch Secretaries, Stewards & Members

31 January 2010

Dear Colleague

I have decided to canvas for nominations for the General Secretary election, to argue for radical change at the top of UNISON.

I fought this election in 2005, obtaining over 41,000 votes. Since then I have continued to campaign as an NEC member for the North West Region, for fighting policies to defend jobs and conditions of service. I am currently about to ballot members for strike action in defence of our 35 Hour Week Agreement, and against the imposition of a redeployment policy by the employer that will lead to compulsory redundancies. It is my belief that UNISON needs a General Secretary with this Hands On experience of dealing with the problems faced by ordinary members.

My election programme would be based on:

• A General Secretary on a Worker's Wage

• Fighting policies against spending cuts – defend all jobs – fight the pay freeze – not a penny off our pensions!

• UNISON members first - Break the link with New Labour, use our Political Fund to support candidates whose policies are best for UNISON members

• End low pay amongst UNISON members

• Oppose all privatisation

• Oppose the BNP & the Racist right

• Election of all officials

• For the right of all members to campaign under rule within the union without fear of attack

Yours sincerely


Roger Bannister (Membership Number 1318436)