National Black Members’ Conference 2018

Rakiya Suleiman
Rakiya Suleiman, Chair UNISON Scotland Black Members

BT Convention Centre, Liverpool: 19 -21 January 2018. Report Summary of Conference for Scottish Region by Ego Olori.

This year conference event was well attended by UNISON visitors, serving members, guest speakers and delegates around UK. It was a great event, delivered to a high standard and designed to meet the needs of unison members both present and absentials from around various regions in the UK. 629 black members registered for conference 2018.

Regional meetings
A good number of Scottish black delegates attended Scottish regional meeting where our chairperson and the deputy welcomed Scottish delegates especially the first time delegates. It was pointed out that the motions submitted by Scottish regions this year were unfortunately amongst other motions that did not make it past the selection process this year however that this is not personal and that Scottish region likewise other regions will be able to submit motions for next conference to be debated.

The Chairperson, Rakiya Suleiman encouraged the delegates to get involved as well as to prepare and speak in favour or against any of the motions as identified in this year conference pack. The process of conference was explained to new delegates and names of those who wished to speak were noted by the deputy chairperson Abubakar. Successful motions were moved and debated.

Conference events included service group and fringe meetings as well as workshops. Attendances to this variety of meetings were by choice. UNISON secretary Dave Prentis and Eleanor Smith Labour MP were among guest speakers that address the conference this year. Their speeches were motivational and empowering, and at the end, conference was urged to remain together because when we are together our voices will be heard. The Conference ended in good note with farewell wishes from the NBMC Chairperson Mr Aish Doby.

The Scottish region wishes to use this platform to congratulate our education officer Pricilla Maramba for being a recipient for the STUC Scottish Learner of the year Award 2017! Bravo Pricilla we are proud of you.

Ego Olori
Scottish regional rep
NBMC 2018