Unity in UNISON?

In the wake of last December's crucial decision by UNISON's supine National Executive Council to follow the lead of paid officials and accept legal advice that UNISON branches may not support organised campaigns within the union (such as the Campaign for a Fighting and Democratic UNISON -- CFDU), the union's faction-ridden left-wing might have been expected to ensure a united approach to the NEC elections taking place this spring.

In London one 'general' seat is held by Labour left-winger and key health service activist, Kevin O'Brien, a recent resounding victor of a by-election. Other left-wingers with disagreements with Kevin on a number of issues decided not to oppose him. The union's officials can, however, always count upon the Socialist Workers Party, whose 'leader' in UNISON, Brian Butterworth (or BB as he is affectionately known) is standing against Kevin. With this sort of "unity" on the left UNISON activists may even be able to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory in the vital debate on union democracy at UNISON National Conference in Bournemouth in June. Watch this space!

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