UPDATE: Solidarity at UNISON National Delegate Conference 2006

UNISON National Delegate Conference held on 20-23 June 2006 Bournemouth International Conference Centre (BICC) discussed Venezuela and agreed to support solidarity groups and the UNT in Venezuela.

In a debate which captivated the conference, delegates voted to continue the disussion further when it was moved that a vote be taken vote after four speakers. Conference listened to the remainder of the speakers and gave unanimous support.

This is the culmination of 3 years work in Britain by the solidarity groups with UNISONs International work in a range of areas considered of primary importance.

With the recognition by Conference of VSC amongst others, our work to raise awareness, undertake tours and build solidarity is continuing to grow.

We reproduce the motion which recognises the work of the Venezuela Solidarity Campaign.

Conference recognises that the nine electoral victories won by Hugo Chavez since 1998, provides the Revolution with an overwhelming mandate. This reflects the overwhelming support for the social programs carried out by the government in relation to education, literacy, healthcare, land reform and subsidised food.

Conference recognises that to make socialand economic progress, Venezuela:

1) is employing 10,000s of both Cuban and Venezuelan doctors to provide free Health care for the poorest 80%, for the first time ever;

2) is encouraging independent trade unions and worker co-operatives;

3) is undertaking a massive house-building project aimed at ridding the existence of the slums that millions live in;

4) has success in eliminating illiteracy;

5) has outlawed all discrimination;

6) Is investing in developing universal free health and education;

7) is redistributing land.

Conference views with alarm the bellicose threats from the United States Administration and its imperialist puppets, including the Venezuela oligarchy and the Colombian Government, which pose a real threat to the life of Chavez as well as the Revolution itself. Conference therefore opposes all outside interference in the affairs of Venezuela. Conference deplores the attempts of the United Sates Administration to intervene in the internal life of Venezuela and agrees to raise these concerns with the British government.

Conference notes that the anti-democratic and illegal actions of the opposition, whilst little carried in the mainstream media, is shown dramatically in the award winning DVD the Revolution Will Not be Televised. Conference notes the distribution difficulties and encourages the widest possible publicity of this and Venezuela solidarity in general.

Conference expresses its support for the National Union of workers (UNT) as the legitimate voice of the organised working class and calls upon our union to build links with its Venezuelan counterpart.Furthermore, conference pledges its support for the initiatives of the labour movement backed campaigns that further the above aims. Conference notes that three organisations have been created in Britain to promote solidarity. These are the global HoV campaign, Venezuela Solidarity Campaign and the Venezuela Information Centre (VIC). Conference notes that each of these have addressed different aspect of solidarity, worked positively on a range of initiatives and are all continuing to build solidarity and raise the profile of Venezuela in a range of areas. These include delegations, literature, public meetings, DVD distribution, press campaigns, web sites, supporter databases, meetings with MP's, Mayor of London and so on.

Conference notes that many regional and national trade unions have affiliated and supported the campaign groups. Conference further notes that the Trade Union Congress of September 2005 agreed unanimously to promote solidarity.

Therefore Conference agrees to:

a) promote solidarity with the trade unionists of Venezuela to work wherever possible and practicable with trade union backed Venezuela solidarity campaigns.

b) promote wherever appropriate, campaign material to branches and activists;

c)discuss with Venezuela counterparts UNT and investigate a delegation, as well as inviting trade unionists from Venezuela to Britain

d) publicise campaigns to branches and encourage affiliation and support.

Conference instructs the National Executive Council to work with broad-based organisations working for solidarity with Venezuelan workers providing these organisations comply with UNISON's criteria for affiliations.

129 Cymru/Wales Region

129.1 City of Edinburgh

129.2 National Executive Council

132 Wolverhampton General

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