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The General Secretary
The POA are involved with two direct motions and two amendments, as published. Privatisation of the Justice System Congress notes with concern the rise in the prison population and the use of anti social behaviour orders. Congress recognises that crime affects all social groups in society, but has the most severe effects on those who are least able to cope as victims of crime – the poor, the old and the socially vulnerable. Congress fully supports the justice unions in their efforts to work in partnership with Government and not for profit organisations to tackle re-offending. Congress further re-affirms its policies to; a) The establishment of a Justice Ministry and b) To use anti re-offending attendance centres. Congress believes that the foundation upon which the National Offender Management Service (NOMS) is constructed is fundamentally flawed. This introduction of a dangerous purchaser provider model into the Criminal Justice System will divert vital resources from front line service delivery. The Governments mis-guided intent to force a mixed provider model will inevitably create an increase level of bureaucracy and cost in implementing and monitoring a multitude of contracts. Congress recognises and reaffirms its policy that privatisation of prisons and probation is a distraction for the justice agencies, Prison and Probation Management and is used as a threat against staff at a time when prison workers are facing an overwhelming increase in prisoners, most of whom have severe mental and personality disorders. The use of the threat to privatise prisons will distract staff away from the task of tackling the needs, rehabilitation of offenders and prevent reoffending behaviour. Criminal Justice and The TUC Congress applauds the work carried out by Brendan Barber, General Secretary of the TUC and the support to the Justice Unions during recent times. Congress supports the attempts by the current Government to seek a wide consensus on Crime, Justice, Law and Order. Congress recognises that all "decent hard working people" whether, members of an affiliate union or those awaiting recruitment into unions have an overwhelming desire to see a fair, decent and civil society. Congress accepts that it is the voice of the working person that is important on all matters of social cohesion and that the TUC and Congress itself, provides a platform for this voice to be heard. Therefore, Congress accepts that crime and justice is a high priority in our society. Further, Congress agrees to have a section of the TUC Agenda and Annual Report identified, that will allow for prominent issues to be discussed relating to the stability and safety of our citizens. Accordingly, Congress recognises the need for the TUC to lead the way in reforming a decent and civil society. Subject: Trade Union Freedom Bill (P03) Paragraph 3 Congress reiterates its policy of repealing the anti-trade laws (insert) "or the re-introduction of laws to prevent any trade union from taking industrial action". National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers Subject: Pensions (P22) "Congress recognises that Governments view on life expectancy of public servants fails to take account of workers who life expectancy is shortened, whilst delivering essential services, due to physical and mental damage. Further, Government should recognise that many of these workers will not survive to their proposed retirement age". Public and Commercial Services Union Both of our Union’s motions deal with the work of our Members and how it should be recognised and acknowledged by the society which we seek to serve. Firstly, Privatisation and the Justice Systems and secondly Criminal Justice and the TUC. We, as a delegation, will be asking the question very clearly, that if Privatisation was the answer to the problems of crime or even a part of the answer – after 13 years shouldn't we be seeing some positive progress? The reality is we are not. Our prisons have been filled to capacity. We are seeing re-offending continuing to rise, deep frustrations from our Members who know that the fashionable gimmicks of using Christian names, being softer and more relaxed, particularly in juvenile establishments will do little to tackle what the Prime Minister called the "thug culture". We all know that the professional workers in Prisons and indeed the Justice Systems are the people who understand the current difficulties. The TUC needs to muster the knowledge on behalf of workers in the areas of social delivery and the Justice Systems, to ensure these voices are not only heard, but acted on in relation to establishing a Respect culture. The POA will be making submissions on Workers' Rights, Pensions and tackling racism. The delegation will seek to ensure our Members’ voice is heard on all relevant and significant issues. As with all TUC Congresses, the delegation will have an opportunity to engage with the remainder of the Trade Unions and Labour movement. I know that delegates will seize every opportunity to promote the POA and the work of its Members with whoever will take the opportunity to listen. The following letter has been sent to the American Ambassador to the UK expressing our condolences to all the people so cruelly affected by the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina. "Dear Ambassador HURRICANE KATRINA Following the recent devastating events in Louisiana and surrounding states, we would like to extend our sincere condolences to the American people on behalf of POA. We hope that the process of rebuilding and restoring the lives and livelihoods of the many ordinary people are restored quickly. This is particularly in New Orleans who have had everything taken from them by the devastating force of nature. Our thoughts are with you all at this time. Yours sincerely BRIAN CATON Our thoughts are with the people of the Gulf Coast State of the USA at this tragic time. In conclusion, the Union has always had its enemy. At times, these are external. Unfortunately, and rarely, they exist inside the POA. Those who do attack this Union, by mustering those forces lined up to destabilise trade unions, will realise that we will protect our Union, its rules and self determination and are not afraid to voice this fact. Unity is strength. Brian Caton
AUGUST 2005: The General Secretary JUNE 2005: The General Secretary |
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