GENERAL SECRETARY'S STATEMENT
TO THE MSF SECTION NEC – 12TH
JULY 2003
At the Special Rules Conference on 24th June the new Rules of AMICUS were overwhelmingly endorsed, and the provisions will now come progressively into effect. These Rules incorporate the amendments considered essential by the MSF Section, and which were agreed by the AMICUS Joint Executive on 9th May 2003. The new Rules guarantee sectoral autonomy as enjoyed by industrial and service sectors of the MSF Section, and also seen as attractive by potential merger partners such as UNIFI. AMICUS is now up and running.
As the MSF
Section becomes integrated fully as AMICUS, I believe it is important to record
the financial strength which MSF has achieved, with an operating surplus of
£1.5 million for 2003, even with subscriptions frozen for 2 years to allow for
harmonisation.
I equally wish to
record our achievement of 9 consecutive months (to June 2003) of record
recruitment for the MSF Section, confirming clearly the organising potential
for AMICUS, particularly across the new world of work where millions could
respond to the appeal of AMICUS.
The MSF Section
brings to AMICUS a proactive campaigning union, relevant to the members and
their agendas whether on Pensions, Equalities, Jobs, Outsourcing, Health &
Safety, Lifelong Learning or other major issues.
The MSF legacy is
a strong and democratic union, committed to defending and promoting the
industrial and service sector needs, whether in Manufacturing, the changes in
the NHS, restructuring of Financial Services, or funding for the
Voluntary/Not-for-Profit sector.
The MSF Section as an integrated part of AMICUS will be helping to develop and maintain a constructive political influence second-to-none with Ministers, Government Departments, 120 MPs in membership of AMICUS, plus positive involvement with devolved administrations, RDAs and local authorities.
As AMICUS we will
be establishing ourselves as a modern European union, in Ireland as the 2nd
largest union, at Brussels, and working with sister unions at European and
International levels in the face of increased globalisation. And we will be
maintaining a commitment to internationalism, with real solidarity with
colleagues around the world, struggling against repression, or racism at home
and abroad.
It's been my
privilege to work with every sector of the MSF Section as a Regional Officer,
National Officer, AGS, twice elected as GS, and now as JGS of AMICUS. At TUC
Congress this September I am to be nominated to become next President of the
TUC, followed by a year as Vice-President. There are many challenges facing the
movement, in the future of industrial relations, in tackling the agenda with
the Government, in winning over young people at work, and other issues which I
hope to play a part in and take forward, whilst continuing to share the lead in
the full integration of AMICUS through 2004.
With AMICUS
firmly established, and in the light of the above, I wish to implement the
contract endorsed by the September 2001 NEC, which enables me to retire from my
post as JGS as from January 2005. This would allow a DGS from the MSF Section
to be appointed in due course, and enable me to ensure that the new Executive
elected this autumn is fully aware of the successful contribution that the MSF
Section and its members bring to the new union. In my view AMICUS will develop
its own culture and democracy, taking fully into account our contribution and
our commitment to a progressive campaigning union, with guaranteed sectoral
autonomy, and democratic lay control at all levels. And the MSF experience
combined with AEEU experience will be a crucial contribution to the success of
the new union.
This kind of
union will attract and retain members. This new, well-resourced union will set
new standards. I have worked with you to help shape it's development, and I
believe it would be best if I now clarify my own position after 38 years
contribution as an FTO, and before I am nominated as next President of the TUC.
I thank you
and the membership for the trust and confidence you have shown in me, for the
team-work which has enabled us to put MSF in such a strong organisational and
financial position, and for the opportunities you have given me to play such an
exciting role in such an important radical agency of change over the past
years. Thank you most sincerely.
Joint General Secretary AMICUS 12.07.03
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