| Message of support to the new North West Amicus Unity Gazette Website, from John Boardman, Chair of the Amicus, North West Regional Council. I welcome the initiative of supporters of Amicus Unity Gazette in the North West of England in launching a website. Amicus is a new union forged from the various component unions including GMPU, UNIFI, MSF & AEEU. It is very much a different union to most of its predecessors being more progressive in its leadership, policy making and campaigning. I attended this year’s conference and it was pleasing to see decisions being taken by the lay delegates free of interference from the influence of paid officials; a much needed breath of fresh air. Progressive elements within the former unions that now constitute Amicus have previously had an uphill battle in trying to make the respective unions democratic and responsive to its own members, always guided by the view that democracy is the key that opens up the union to its members needs. Amicus is now recognised for maximising its efforts in supporting its own members in adversity and striving to improve working conditions, rather than seeking patronage from politicians and employers. Congratulations to the National Executive Council and the General Secretary for the way in which you are leading our union forward. Supporters of Amicus Unity Gazette in the North West of England are now pleased to be in the position of being able to support the general direction in which the union is being steered. I welcome the discussions that are currently taking place with TGWU and GMB that may lead to a merger with these unions. Whilst this will need another vast adjustment for officials, activists and members, it should result in an enlarged and united membership pulling together in the workplaces and within other organisations where we will have an unprecedented position of influence that should enable us to persuade political and economic reform. Obviously we will need to keep our hands upon that ‘democratic key’ within the proposed new union if we are going to be able to continue to focus ‘hearts and minds’ with the desire to address members needs and change all of our lives for the better. I am sure that supporters of Amicus Unity Gazette
in the North West of England will continue to keep both the existing
union and any new union that may be formed, moving ever onward;
offering encouragement to the leadership and the occasional word
of constructive criticism when needed. |