Preliminary Agenda for 142nd Congress

Preliminary Agenda for 142nd Congress: Manchester 13-16 September 2010

Special notices

1 Amendments

All amendments to the motions must reach the General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress, Congress House, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3LS, not later than 12 noon on Monday, 16 August.

Amendments should be sent on the appropriate forms, must not exceed 50 words in length and must be signed by the President and Secretary of the affiliated organisation sending them. Organisations are allowed not more
than two amendments, apart from organisations with more than one million members, who are allowed one additional amendment for each 500,000 members or part thereof.

2 Movers

The affiliated organisation is responsible for a delegate being present at Congress to move any motion or amendment standing in its name or to attend any grouping committee to which the motion may be referred.

3 Grouping

Grouping committees will meet following publication of the Final Agenda. Organisations will be notified in advance if a representative is required to attend such a committee.

4 Nominations

Nominations for the General Council and General Purposes Committee are set out at the end of this booklet. Notice of withdrawal of any nomination must reach the General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress not later than 12 noon on Monday, 16 August.

5 Numbering of motions

Motions in this Preliminary Agenda are arranged in order according to
subject and are numbered consecutively. The Final Agenda will incorporate amendments submitted by affiliated organisations, and the order may be
re-arranged.

Please note that the numbers given to motions in this Preliminary Agenda will be changed for the Final Agenda and that all references to motions at Congress will be according to the numbers appearing in the Final Agenda.

Section one

Organising and rights at work

P01 Employment rights

Congress believes that the right to bargain collectively through a recognised trade union and the right to strike are fundamental human rights. Congress welcomes the recent decisions of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), which have supported the ILO's recognition that the right to strike is 'an indissociable element of the right to collective bargaining'.

Congress further welcomes the decision of the ECtHR to elevate the right to collective bargaining in status to that of an essential element of Article 11 of the European Charter of Human Rights.

Congress deplores the fact that British law imposes obligations on trade unions in relation to strike ballots that are unprecedented in Europe and that the law seeks to frustrate trade unions on technical grounds from their right to take collective action, rather than to provide a framework for assessing whether there is genuine worker support for the proposed action.

Congress calls upon the General Council to pursue, within its existing policy on employment rights established at the 2009 Congress, a campaign that uses the ECtHR's decisions to challenge existing UK laws, which are designed to undermine trade union democracy and rights of workers. The campaign should include:

the exclusion of companies employing less than 21 workers to statutory collective bargaining rights

the limited scope of protection against unfair labour practices during organising campaigns for recognition

the opportunities for employers to enter into agreements with non-independent trade unions to prevent access to statutory recognition procedures.

Unite

P02 Lawful Industrial Action Private Members Bill

Congress reiterates its support for the repeal of the anti-trade union laws.

Congress deplores the recent succession of court cases against affiliates whose members have voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action to defend safety, jobs and conditions only for the courts to rule out the action on minor technical grounds.

Congress is concerned that this wave of litigation by the employers and the increasing exploitation of technicalities in ballots is undermining the democratic decisions of workers and the already limited right to take action.

Congress fully supports the view of the TUC General Secretary that 'the right to take peaceful industrial action goes far wider than any particular dispute and is a hallmark of a free society. All fair minded people should now see... fundamental freedoms are now being eroded.'

Congress therefore welcomes the Lawful Industrial Action (Minor Errors) Private Members Bill introduced by John McDonnell MP, which if enacted will prevent employers from using minor technical errors to stop industrial action.

Congress resolves to fully support the Bill and requests that the General Council:

supports the lobby of Parliament called for 13 October 2010

ask MPs to attend the Second Reading of the Bill on 22 October 2010.

Finally Congress agrees to consider supporting affiliates in taking challenges to the European Court of Human Rights, such as RMT's current challenge that the ability to organise industrial action is restricted by UK law in breach of Article 11 of the European Convention of Human Rights.

National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers

P03 Anti-trade union laws

Noting the sheer difficulty and complexity of conducting industrial action ballots under current legislation, Congress calls on the General Council to campaign vigorously for a review and repeal of the anti-union legislation introduced by the previous Conservative Government, including an active programme of public rallies and demonstrations.

Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematograph and Theatre Union

P04 Right to strike

Congress condemns the increasing use of the courts by employers to prevent legal industrial action by our members.

Congress congratulates Unite, PCS and RMT for their defence of their members' interests and defeat of ridiculous legal action based on technicalities of the anti-union laws.

However, Congress notes the success of the media company Johnston Press in securing an injunction against the NUJ on the basis that it 'employs no journalists'. This is despite the group's claims in its annual report, in company bulletins and external publications that it employs 1,900 journalists and more than 7,000 employees. Johnston Press made the claim despite group-wide decisions on a pay freeze, closure of the pension scheme, and terms and conditions.

Congress is concerned that the financial cost of defending legal actions such as that by Johnston Press could make it impossible for smaller unions to do so. Congress is therefore concerned that legal precedents could be established that affect all unions due to the lack of funds available to some.

Congress instructs the General Council to establish a legal defence fund and calls on all unions to contribute what they can, if necessary, to ensure that all unions can defend themselves against legal action designed to deny members their rights, where there is a good prospect of success.

Congress believes that, ultimately, the best way to defend our members' interests is to put an end to the UK's repressive anti-trade union laws and endeavours to support any legal action designed to do so.

National Union of Journalists

P05 Industrial legislation

Congress condemns the continuing use of anti-trade union legislation to prevent legitimate industrial action from taking place.

Congress notes the arsenal of legal measures used by employers and the increasing use by their lawyers of minor technical infringements in order to thwart the right to participate in legitimate industrial action, removing employees' democratic right to withdraw their labour. Congress further notes that employees working in the United Kingdom are subject to some of the worst trade union legislation in the whole of Europe, with much of it failing to respect basic civil rights and freedoms.

Congress therefore calls for the General Council to co-ordinate and organise a national lobby of Parliament in support of the 'Lawful Industrial Action (Minor Errors) Bill', which seeks to amend Section 232B of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (c. 52) to extend the circumstances in which industrial action is to be treated as protected by that section.

United Road Transport Union

P06 Anti-union laws

Congress reiterates its total opposition to the anti-union laws introduced by Tory Governments in the 1980s and '90s. Congress deplores and condemns the failure of three Labour governments to repeal these vicious laws.

All of this has caused great difficulty for unions considering industrial action.

Congress further condemns:

the increasing frequency of judges to oversee democratic trade union balloting procedures on spurious legal and moral grounds

the intention of the Tories to make these laws even more draconian.

Congress agrees that it is even more vital now for the General Council to:

campaign actively for the repeal of all anti-trade union laws

offer full support and solidarity to all workers in struggle, including those whose action is deemed 'unlawful' under this draconian and archaic legislation.

TUC Trades Union Councils' Conference (this motion is exempt from the 250-word limit)

P07 Blacklisting

In March 2009 it was revealed that the Consulting Association was operating a blacklist in the construction industry; over 40 major construction companies were using the blacklist, which contained the names of over 3,000 construction workers.

Congress notes that while construction workers have been worst affected by blacklisting, workers in many other professions have experienced the destructive effects of the blacklist.

Conference further notes that following the revelations about the Consulting Association, the then Labour Government undertook to introduce legislation to outlaw blacklisting.

Conference welcomes the UCATT-commissioned report Ruined Lives, which developed a detailed critique of why the draft regulations were entirely inadequate.

Congress notes with extreme regret that the Government refused to countenance any strengthening of the regulations, which are so weak that they will not prevent blacklisting.

Congress calls on the General Council to mount a campaign to ensure that new legislation is introduced to ensure that the disgusting practice of blacklisting is stamped out once and for all. New legislation should include:

blacklisting becoming a specific criminal offence

protection for workers undertaking unofficial industrial action

protection from blacklisting for workers undertaking 'activities associated with trade unions' and not the narrow definition of 'trade union activities'

an automatic right to basic compensation for any blacklisted worker

an automatic right for any worker to be informed, should a blacklist be discovered on which their name appears.

Union of Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians

P08 Public Interest Disclosure Act

Congress notes that the Public Interest Disclosure Act came into force in July 1999. It protects most workers against unfair dismissal or being subjected to any other detriment by their employer for making disclosures about wrongdoing, also known as 'whistle-blowing'.

Congress further notes that the Act covers all employees, trainees, agency staff, contractors and home-workers, regardless of length of service or age. However self-employed/freelance/short-term workers and volunteers are not protected. Their more vulnerable employment status makes it much less likely that they will report wrongdoing for fear of losing their employment or not being employed again.

The exploitation of these workers is common and particular problems exist with regard to employment status and non-payment of the National Minimum Wage.

These problems are made worse by the fact that the UK lacks legislation to enable third parties, including trade unions, to take an employer to an employment tribunal for breaches of employment and discrimination laws, on behalf of a worker, without the need to identify individual vulnerable workers.

Congress therefore reasserts its support for additional measures to support enforcement of employment/workers' rights and to tackle exploitation, and will campaign to extend protections to these workers, including the ability for trade unions to take cases against employers in principle, without the need to identify individual vulnerable workers.

Equity

Section two

Equal rights

P09 Trade union outreach

Congress recognises the importance of reaching out to diverse sections of the population to make the case for trade union membership. We acknowledge the importance of publicity and recruitment campaigns on issues that are important to the majority of trade unions, such as job losses, pensions and pay.

Congress also recognises that the majority of trade unionists are now women, and that the cuts will have a disproportionate impact on disabled people; lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people; people from black and minority ethnic communities; and young people.

Congress therefore calls on the TUC to continue to play a progressive role, in particular in its work on equality. Together with a campaign on these issues, a meeting should be sought with broadcasters who have a public service remit to seek greater recognition of the role that trade unions continue to play.

Communication Workers' Union

P10 Equality impact assessments (EIAs)

Congress believes that equality should be at the heart of all trade union collective bargaining and is an essential pre-requisite to protect rights to services within the public sector.

Congress notes that:

public sector employers have a statutory duty to conduct EIAs

EIAs have the potential to identify potential discriminatory effects of an employer's policies, procedures and practices

many higher education institutions and further education colleges have not rigorously carried out EIAs

use of EIAs across the public sector is not widespread.

Congress recognises the weakness of the Equality Act and the lack of any detail on the new equality duties.

Congress calls upon the General Council to:

continue to raise awareness among affiliated unions as to the importance of EIAs

encourage affiliates to gain official recognition for the role of equality officers in their collective bargaining with employers

organise a campaign through affiliates within the public sector to conduct comprehensive and effective EIAs, placing pressure on both the Government and employers

urge affiliates to campaign to ensure the new specific duties within the Equality Act are more advantageous and effective than previous provisions and mount a vigorous campaign to remedy the equality deficit in trade union collective bargaining.

University and College Union

P11 A workplace agenda for women

Congress welcomes achievements for working women over the last decade including:

family-friendly working - more than doubling maternity pay from £55.70 in 1997 to £123.06 in 2009

fair pay - National Minimum Wage from £0 in 1997 to £5.80 in 2009

part-time and flexible working; childcare and carer support

women and training, especially unionlearn and the opportunities it has brought to women in manufacturing

tackling domestic violence

gender duty and Equality Bill developments.

However, Congress recognises:

key issues from the Women's Charter agreed at TUC Women's Conference and the TUC Congress motions on ending women's poverty and women and pensions remain priorities

pressures from employers and others to cut back action for women's equality and oppose further progress

particular difficulties in paid time off for women reps.

Congress calls on the General Council and TUC Women's Committee and affiliates to:

remain continually vigilant, oppose attacks and support organising women, whilst campaigning and bargaining for women's equality at all levels

prepare a report of achievements on women's equality and to highlight outstanding issues for working women as a Trade Union Workplace Agenda for Women

be part of the International TUC Women's campaign for Decent Work for Women

defend unionlearn and the rights of union learning reps to champion skills in the workplace and develop innovative training for women at work.

Congress resolves to fight a Tory Party looking to make savage cuts to workplace rights and public services.

TUC Women's Conference (this motion is exempt from the 250-word limit)

P12 LGBT rights in the new political situation

Congress notes the new coalition Government's 'programme for government' and its positive commitment to improving hate crime recording and asylum rights, and to tackling homophobic bullying in schools. However, Congress is very concerned about the following:

the announced £6bn cut in public funding, with larger cuts yet to be announced, and in particular the impact on LGBT community organisations and LGBT users of public services

the lack of commitment to the full implementation of the Equality Act

the encouraging of greater 'freedom' within the state school system in terms of curriculum and governance, including the encouragement of more faith schools

the continuing religious exemptions to LGBT employment rights.

Congress reaffirms its commitment to full LGBT equality in society and positive action to achieve this aim. Congress deplores the proposed cuts in public funding that will disproportionately affect working class LGBT users of public services. Congress supports the TUC challenge to the European Commission on the legality of the current religious exemptions to LGBT employment rights in the UK.

TUC Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Conference (this motion is exempt from the 250-word limit)

P13 A workplace agenda for disabled workers

Congress welcomes achievements for disabled workers over the last decade, including extending the Disability Discrimination Act to all workplaces, the Disability Equality Duty, and funding for Access to Work.

However, Congress remains concerned that:

disability discrimination prevents disabled men and women getting and staying in work

fear and lack of information are still major factors preventing disabled people getting their reasonable adjustments

the current economic situation further worsens the position of disabled workers across workplaces.

Congress calls on the General Council, TUC Disability Committee and affiliates to:

campaign for redundancy matrices, sickness absence, health and safety, bonus, capability and other procedures explicitly to include protection from disability discrimination, while continuing to monitor the impact of the global economic crisis on disabled workers; and provide affiliates with a negotiating toolkit to assess workplace policies and procedures to identify disability discrimination and include examples of model agreements

identify specific industrial disability equality issues to be addressed - including industrial injuries to those who drive at work now wrongly classified as road traffic accidents - and support for agency workers on responsibility for reasonable adjustments

develop and support a positive trade union workplace agenda for disabled workers demonstrating the importance of trade union membership to disabled workers, backed up by monitoring, participation and trade union education.

TUC Disability Conference (this motion is exempt from the 250-word limit)

Section three

Economic and industrial affairs

P14 Tackling child poverty

Congress is deeply concerned at the direction of coalition Government decisions to make spending reductions by cutting back on the sources of vital financial support for working parents.

Congress values the universal reach of Child Benefit and resists any attempt to restrict this by means-testing. Congress condemns the Chancellor's decision to axe Child Trust Funds from 2011.

Congress recognises the vital role Child Benefit plays in any anti-poverty programme, and notes that restricting the reach of benefits for children or removing them altogether inevitably hits low income households hardest. Tackling low pay, addressing benefit withdrawal rates and protecting benefits that reduce in-work poverty are all necessary and effective measures of ending child poverty. Congress does not hesitate to remind the coalition of its commitment to eradicating child poverty by 2020 and will watch its progress towards this goal with keen interest.

The work unions are doing to increase members' incomes and to raise awareness of rights and support has now taken on a new urgency.

In view of this, Congress calls on the General Council to:

support the 'Claim It' campaigning work of affiliates

lobby the coalition to reaffirm its commitment to ending child poverty by 2020 and to publish impact assessments of all spending decisions in the light of this

support affiliates' campaigns against low-paid, insecure employment

co-ordinate a vigorous campaign against any proposals to end the universal reach of Child Benefit.

Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers

P15 Child poverty

Congress condemns policies such as the regressive Budget, abolition of the Child Trust Fund and the withdrawal of the extension of free school meals, recognising that the effects of benefit reductions will increase levels of child poverty after 2012. Congress condemns the Government for taking steps that will lead to an increase in child poverty so soon after reaffirming the commitment to its abolition by 2020.

Congress remains aware that poverty damages the social and educational prospects of almost four million children, depresses the national level of achievement, and perpetuates the unjust social class divide in achievement and subsequent life-chances. It condemns the hypocrisy of politicians who claim to support social justice at the same time as implementing policies that increase injustice.

Congress calls on the General Council to continue to lobby the Government to publish a detailed plan on how it will meet its stated 2020 target.

Association of Teachers and Lecturers

P16 Defence of the welfare state

Congress condemns the Government's emergency Budget, which announced cuts of £11bn in welfare, including measures to force more people off Disability Living Allowance; cap Housing Benefit; uprating benefits in future by consumer price index (CPI) rather than retail price index (RPI); a three-year freeze to Child Benefit; the abolition of maternity grants; and cuts to tax credits; while giving tax breaks to business worth over £24bn.

Congress believes that these cuts represent a fundamental undermining of the welfare state as a safety net to ensure a decent standard of living for those unable to work.

Congress recognises that the cuts will disproportionately affect women, black people and those with disabilities.

Congress notes that alongside these cuts the Government has announced that it will cut 8,000 staff from Jobcentre Plus, affecting workers delivering welfare services in central and local government.

Congress further notes that the delivery of the Government's Work Programme will be outsourced to the private sector, despite the DWP's own evidence that publicly-delivered welfare programmes are more effective at supporting people into work.

Congress reaffirms its beliefs that:

compulsory workfare schemes are in contradiction to the notion of welfare rights

welfare should be delivered by publicly-employed staff acting through publicly-accountable agencies.

Congress believes the Government is fundamentally attacking the welfare state and instructs the General Council to:

mobilise an ongoing broad-based campaign to defend the welfare state

campaign to increase the poverty-level of UK benefits

support the development of more unemployed workers' centres.

Public and Commercial Services Union

P17 Manufacturing

Congress asserts that the future recovery of the UK economy will depend upon the growth generated by the manufacturing sector. Manufacturing continues to be a major contributor to the wealth of the UK - worth over £160bn to the economy and generating 46 per cent of UK export earnings. In the current economic climate the Government cannot allow manufacturing to decline as the need for a more balanced economy in this country will enable us to compete with EU countries in a globalised market. Congress believes that the emergency Budget failed to address manufacturing needs.

Congress calls upon the General Council to work with affiliates to develop a strategic manufacturing campaign designed to pressurise the Government and based upon the following 10 pillars for manufacturing investment and jobs:

building a framework of policies to defend strategically important industries

continued financial support through interventionist policies

targeted support for small- and medium-sized enterprises

better use of government purchasing power to secure manufacturing jobs in the UK

maximising the opportunities that the low carbon revolution offers

delivery of an education and skills framework that meets all industry's needs

creating a university structure that builds on the science base so necessary to secure high-skilled jobs

creating the right investment environment for research and development

creating a level playing field to deliver security and fair pricing for energy

building a framework of legislation that promotes transparency and engagement for all stakeholders in the future of manufacturing.

Unite

P18 UK and EU industrial policy

Congress welcomes the belated interest in industrial policy by the previous Government. Congress condemns decisions by the coalition Government that have removed industrial support from manufacturing companies - most notably the loan to Sheffield Forgemasters.

Congress notes the continuing challenges faced by British manufacturing companies as they emerge from recession, including liquidity and credit availability, rising energy costs, skills retention and environmental targets.

Congress recognises that to meet these challenges and to continue to provide jobs to the UK's regions, active industrial policies are required.

Congress therefore calls on the General Council to develop and lobby for active industrial policies both in the UK and, through the ETUC, at a European level to ensure that manufacturing can play a strong part in a sustainable recovery and a low carbon economy.

Community

P19 Restoring ethical banking: ending the sales-commission culture

Congress welcomes the establishment of an Independent Commission on Banking and also welcomes the establishment of the new Consumer Protection and Markets Authority. Congress believes that these bodies have an opportunity to build upon the work to stabilise and support the UK banking system since the banking crisis of 2008 by ensuring that banks provide the services their retail and business customers need at fair prices instead of trying to maximise product sales and profits.

Congress notes that unions in the financial services sector are regularly informed of the pressure staff experience to sell products to customers. Congress also notes that some employees feel that they have no option but to succumb to this pressure because they rely upon bonuses to make salaries up to a decent wage.

Therefore Congress welcomes the work undertaken by the Which? Independent Commission on Banking and agrees with the Commission's analysis that 'the sales-based culture [is] disliked by customers and branch staff alike'.

Congress also welcomes the recommendation by the Commission that: 'Remuneration for frontline and branch staff should not be linked to sales and should reward customer satisfaction, the fair treatment of customers and the fair resolution of complaints. There should be no commission or bonuses received for selling to customers.'

Congress believes the Government must ensure that the there is no return to the short-term decision-making culture that did so much to precipitate the banking crisis, and that ending sales-based commission to top-up low pay is an important step in this direction.

Accord

P20 Pensions: challenging the Government's regressive attacks on pension saving

Congress deplores the short-sighted decisions taken by the coalition Government to take from workers, pensioners and taxpayers while insulating employers and the highest earners. Delaying the earnings link restoration, watering down the 'triple-lock', cutting the indexation of past and future service and reducing pension protection on outsourcing, combined with a faster increase in the state pension age, all form a devastating programme for generations of pensioner poverty.

Congress calls on the General Council to:

co-ordinate union resistance to arbitrary attacks on good quality occupational pension schemes

promote measured, informed and rational debate over public sector pension reform

assist affiliates in resisting moves by employers and industry regulators to level down pensions in the private sector

monitor and publicise government breaches of the coalition agreement

publish a report into the economic costs of inadequate pension provision in the private sector

highlight the financial and social costs to the UK of the Government's pension reforms

commission research into the true cost of living increases applying to pensioners and create a pensioners' cost of living index.

Congress calls on the Government to:

engage in meaningful negotiation with unions on any changes to public sector pension schemes

consider the case for reviewing each public sector pension on a scheme-specific basis

require the private sector to negotiate with unions over workforce and executive pension arrangements

be transparent about the true cost and impact of pension reforms on individuals and the public finances.

GMB

P21 In defence of all our pensions

Congress condemns the scale and pace of government cuts across the public services. Congress condemns the ideological nature of the cuts that, combined with changes to taxes and benefits, represent a real transfer of wealth from poor to rich, impoverishing women in particular.

Congress believes that such plans will further entrench poverty and inequality in our society leading to social divisiveness and must be strenuously opposed.

Further, Congress deplores the Hutton review of public sector pensions, based on propaganda about 'gold-plated' schemes and condemns the repeated offensive references to 'pensions apartheid' and CBI scaremongering about public schemes creating a 'black hole' in government finances.

Congress condemns those private sector employers who have abandoned their responsibility for decent provision but believes the answer is to rebuild occupational pension schemes.

Congress opposes government plans to switch the basis for public sector pension increases from the retail price index (RPI) measure of inflation to the consumer price index (CPI), which could lead to workers losing thousands of pounds.

Further, Congress opposes plans to raise the state pension age, which will disproportionately affect workers who cannot afford to retire early or those in physically demanding occupations, which could increase long-term costs to our NHS.

Congress calls upon the General Council to mount a unified campaign across all unions and civil society to robustly:

defend the welfare state

defend public sector pensions and campaign for decent private sector pensions

continue lobbying against current or future moves to raise the state pension age.

UNISON

P22 Public sector pensions

Congress resolves to defend public and private sector pensions against renewed attacks from the coalition Government.

Congress deplores the continuing misrepresentation of public sector 'pay-as-you-go' pension scheme costs, which ignores current and past contributions and pretends that costs will all fall due at once. Conference reaffirms that the changes already made (including higher retirement ages, higher contributions from employees and cost-capping for employers) are adequate to ensure their long-term sustainability.

Congress reminds the Government that in previous years, when contributions exceeded pensions in payment, it simply kept that money. The Government has had a cheap loan from public sector workers' pension contributions but now balks at paying the pensions that are due.

Congress rejects the need for an 'independent' Public Service Pensions Commission, which the Government intends to use to cut the living standards of millions of public sector workers in retirement. Congress also rejects the proposed pension indexation changes, which will reduce public and private sector occupational pensions and state second pensions for existing and future pensioners.

Congress reaffirms its view that the real pensions' problem lies in the private sector, where employers' abandonment of occupational pension schemes means that workers face poverty in retirement and taxpayers face higher welfare costs. Rather than extending this to public sector pensioners, we need decent pensions for all.

Congress therefore instructs the General Council to support and co-ordinate public sector unions in campaigns, including co-ordinated industrial action and a national demonstration in defence of pensions.

National Union of Teachers

P23 Pensions

Congress reaffirms its support for the provision of quality occupational pensions in the public and private sectors and opposes the sustained campaign seeking to undermine such provision.

Congress notes with alarm the continuing campaign against decent pension provision under the coalition Government. The shift to using the consumer price index (CPI) to upgrade pensions will adversely affect public and private sector pension provision.

Congress opposes attempts to create division between those working in the public and private sectors, which is merely an attempt to create a 'race to the bottom' in pension provision whereby each attack on pension rights is gradually extended to all groups of workers.

Congress agrees to:

develop research and publicity material to support the campaign to defend quality occupational pensions and demonstrate the value of these to working people as a whole

develop the case for extending the provision of quality final salary occupational pensions to those not currently covered by such schemes

fully support any workers forced to take industrial action in defence of pension rights.

Congress notes that statements from the coalition Government suggest that working people can expect significant attacks on pension rights over coming months. Congress agrees to support the closest possible collaboration between affiliates in defence of occupational and state pension rights. This should include:

the organisation of a major national demonstration in support of occupational and state pension rights

the closest possible co-ordination of campaigning between affiliates, including the co-ordination of industrial action where appropriate.

Fire Brigades' Union

P24 Public sector pensions

Congress condemns the ongoing campaign being conducted by some politicians and sections of the media to seek to divide private and public sector workers on the basis of the right to a decent pension at retirement. Congress deplores both the attacks on public sector pensions and the presumption of the coalition Government that public sector pension provision will have to be further diluted, involving an increase in retirement age, an increase in employee contributions, and a diminution in existing pension benefits.

Congress, therefore, instructs the General Council to:

engage fully with the Hutton Commission on public pensions

argue for the maintenance of the 2005 Public Sector Forum Agreement as the basis for continuing entitlements

seek to co-ordinate activity amongst affiliates against any future threat to the public sector pension scheme provisions and to campaign for high quality affordable final salary schemes in both the public and private sectors.

The Educational Institute of Scotland

P25 Pensions for senior public sector managers

Congress notes the appointment of John Hutton to undertake a review of public service pensions, and commends the TUC for its work so far in robustly defending public sector pensions and in co-ordinating union responses to Hutton. Congress rejects accusations that current public sector pensions are neither affordable nor sustainable, and notes the NAO report of March 2010 that demonstrates that public sector pensions will be no larger a share of GDP in 2060 than currently.

Congress notes that in the public sector all staff are equally members of common pension schemes, in contrast to some private sector employers where defined benefit arrangements are more prevalent for directors and the most senior staff.

Congress recognises that many public sector managers are paid significantly less than comparable private sector counterparts at a time when public accountability of managers has never been greater. It notes that senior civil servants and NHS managers already have an earnings cap applied to their pensions, and deplores the singling out of a tiny handful of cases in which this may not be the case. It recognises that attacks on the pension arrangements of senior public servants are part of a wider agenda to undermine all public sector pensions.

Congress rejects any suggestion that pensions for senior public servants should be cut and believes that this would be divisive and unfair, and would serve to undermine the TUC's defence of pension provision as a whole.

FDA

P26 Public sector pensions: BBC pensions robbery

Congress condemns corporate attacks on workers' pension provision in recent years, in particular the closure of final salary pension schemes.

Congress condemns the BBC's plans to attack future staff pension benefits and undermine the value of pensions already earned, effectively leading to the closure of the Corporation's defined benefit schemes.

Congress further notes the review of public sector pensions currently being undertaken by John Hutton and that, as one of the first national battles around public sector pensions in this parliamentary term, the success or failure of action to defend pension entitlements at the BBC will be crucial. Congress notes Robert Peston's comments that the plans could be a blueprint for the rest of the public sector.

Congress welcomes the strong stance, including the threat of industrial action, taken by the unions in response to the BBC's pensions robbery.

Congress calls on the General Council to co-ordinate action, including where possible industrial action, in defence of pension schemes under threat - public and private sector - and to organise an urgent high-profile, public campaign, to include:

a day of action in defence of public sector pensions, to be organised before the end of 2010

a series of regional rallies in defence of public sector pensions

a national lobby of Parliament to coincide with the release of the Government's review of public sector pensions

support for the ETUC day of action in September.

National Union of Journalists

P27 High Pay Commission

Congress notes that the coalition Government has asked Will Hutton of the Work Foundation to investigate high pay in the public sector. The examination leaves out an investigation of high pay in the private sector.

Congress therefore agrees to set up a shadow 'High Pay Commission' to investigate high pay across the whole of the economy, and in particular the difference between the highest pay and the lowest pay within the top FTSE 100 companies. It shall examine the history of high pay and current trends. The Commission will deliver its report with recommendations by no later than Congress 2011.

Communication Workers' Union

P28 National minimum wage and apprentices

Congress welcomes the fact that the coalition Government has agreed to maintain the National Minimum Wage, one of the most significant achievements of the Labour Government.

Congress further welcomes the fact that apprentices in the UK will receive the legally enforceable protection of a National Minimum Apprenticeship rate from October 2010.

However, Congress is concerned that measures will be taken that will undermine the National Minimum Wage, such as freezing all rates or cutting back on the enforcement budget.

Congress calls on the General Council to:

establish a campaign aimed at significantly increasing all rates of the Minimum Wage but with particular focus on the National Minimum Apprenticeship rate

organise a specific publicity and awareness campaign aimed at apprentices so that they are aware of their new statutory right and its enforcement process

monitor all issues and developments around the new National Minimum Apprenticeship rate, including possible abuse and lack of progression through apprenticeship levels 2, 3 and 4.

Congress further instructs the General Council to press the coalition to commit itself to:

an annual review and increase in all rates of the National Minimum Wage and the National Minimum Apprenticeship rate

increasing existing levels of expenditure on enforcement

stepping up the publicity and awareness campaign with particular reference to the new rights available to apprentices from October 2010.

Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers

P29 Internships

Congress supports internships as a way of helping young people to gain experience of the workplace and opportunities for permanent employment. Congress is concerned that some employers offer poor quality placements and effectively use interns as unpaid labour.

Congress congratulates the TUC on its website for interns and calls on the General Council and individual unions to oppose the exploitation of interns and work with employers to develop high quality placements with the appropriate remuneration.

The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists

P30 Housing

Congress agrees that the provision of decent and affordable housing is a hallmark of any civilised society. Not only does access to a secure home provide warmth and shelter, it is also:

fundamental to the achievement of important social goals, such as tackling poverty and improving health and educational inequalities

a driver of good jobs and skills.

Congress notes that following the general election, the coalition Government has abandoned planned increases in the number of affordable homes, scrapped plans to tighten regulation of the private rented sector, and caused untold misery and uncertainty through its vindictive attacks on Housing Benefit recipients.

Congress also notes that reforms to the planning system and prejudice against recipients of Housing Benefit and social housing tenants are being magnified by the coalition's ideological spending cuts. Nearly three-quarters of new housing starts in the 2009-10 financial year were part-funded by the public sector. As such, further cuts now will have major consequences for waiting lists, long-term affordability, new social housing and jobs.

Congress calls on the General Council to develop a campaign to oppose the coalition's housing policy and lobby for positive alternatives that highlight the social and economic benefits of building more social and council homes. Congress notes the importance of ensuring that such a campaign facilitates local activity, so that regional TUCs and affiliates can take part in planned referendums on new developments that threaten to give those who have homes a veto over homes for those who do not.

UNISON

P31 Climate change

Congress agrees that the overwhelming body of scientific opinion supports the conclusion that climate change is real and significantly attributable to human activity. The Copenhagen climate change summit made clear that a step change in policy is needed to deliver the necessary emissions reductions to curtail dangerous climate change.

As recognised by the Committee on Climate Change, 'a road map to decarbonise the power sector is key to wider economy decarbonisation'.

Congress is therefore disappointed that, although making supportive statements, the coalition Government has delayed key decisions that would ensure a secure and balanced low carbon energy supply for the UK. Urgent action is needed, including:

reforms to support a stable floor price for carbon

a regulatory framework that encourages investment in staff and skills as well as infrastructure renewal

strategic government support to stimulate innovation and UK supply chains.

Congress calls on the General Council to pursue these objectives as part of an active industrial strategy that also prioritises investment in high-quality green jobs and skills and provides transitional support for energy-intensive industries and regions that will be adversely affected.

Congress instructs the General Council to:

seek early meetings with Government ministers to emphasise the need for early progress to decarbonise energy production and to establish an ongoing basis for consultation with relevant unions

lobby for regulatory reform in order to support low carbon investment

press for a more pro-active approach to promote development of skills to support sustainable development.

Prospect

P32 Coal in a balanced energy policy

Congress reaffirms its commitment to a balanced energy policy as a necessary part of the solution to climate change. The commitment of the coalition Government to carbon capture and storage (CCS) is therefore welcome but there is an urgent need for generating companies to come forward with immediate plans to replace current coal-fired power stations with new CCS plants. In the absence of any incentive to encourage investment now, the country is at risk of being unable to meet electricity demand as existing plants (both coal and nuclear) close. It is also essential that, if carbon abatement targets are to be met, constraints on carbon emissions apply equally to oil and gas as well as coal.

Failure to make immediate progress on these issues will reduce the available market for coal and endanger the survival of the indigenous coal industry, wiping out thousands of skilled well-paid jobs. Congress is asked to press the Government on these issues.

BACM-TEAM

P33 Coal for Britain

Congress recognises that the deep-mined coal industry in Britain plays a major role in our ability to maintain a source of energy supply, which is of benefit to the people.

Congress is deeply concerned that the number of British coal mines in production is not sufficient for the coal needed to guarantee the security of supply.

Congress notes that the average age of the workforce in deep mines is increasing and therefore the skills and experience needed to mine coal are in danger of being lost.

Congress is determined that the TUC, through its structure, continues its support for a British coal industry that is environmentally sustainable and agrees to step up support for the existing deep mines in production whilst starting a new campaign to support the development of new coal mines.

Congress asks the General Council to examine ways in which the Government can be encouraged to see the urgency of the situation and to act now to take the steps necessary to secure the skills and access to the coal beneath our feet.

National Union of Mineworkers

P34 Government transport policy

Congress notes the proposals for transport set out in The Coalition: our programme for government, and £683m cuts to the transport budget. Congress is concerned that these cuts jeopardise improvements to the nation's infrastructure, which have an essential part to play in delivering economic growth and improved productivity as well as making significant contributions to social inclusion and environmental improvements.

Congress notes the Government's commitment to fair pricing for rail travel and making Network Rail more accountable. Congress believes, however, that these objectives are incompatible with the existing model of ownership and regulation that, even by granting longer franchises, put the interests of private operators first. Congress is critical of train operators and Network Rail who continue to put corporate and personal financial interests ahead of all other interests. The rail industry continues to be characterised by:

excessive executive reward

continuous attempts to close ticket offices or reduce opening times

redundancies

high fares, excessive increases and limited regulation

sharp practices, such as placing more and more restrictions on off-peak travel

train operating companies' immunity from any real commercial risk.

Congress believes that these problems can only be overcome through an industry with services being run in the interests of passengers, not for private profit. Congress urges the General Council to promote and support affiliates in taking forward the policy for a publicly-owned and accountable rail industry run on a not-for-profit basis where profits are reinvested in the industry.

Transport Salaried Staffs' Association

P35 Rail franchising

Congress is concerned that the coalition Government's rail franchising policy review is likely to give train operating companies more control over infrastructure and allow cuts to unprofitable services. Congress is alarmed that the discredited company National Express will continue in the industry following the cancellation of the Greater Anglia and Essex Thameside franchise competitions and despite legal advice given to the previous Secretary of State for Transport requiring the transport group be expelled from the industry in March 2011.

Congress recognises that both franchises serve Stratford station, a vital part
of the Olympic transport infrastructure, and the projected timescale for their re-letting will result in uncertainty in the months leading up to the Olympics
as well as continued profits for the asset-stripping National Express Group.

Congress reasserts that rail franchising in the UK is a flawed system and acknowledges that the franchising of train operations in countries such as Germany and Sweden has led to cost reductions of between 20 and 40 per cent, while train operating costs per train-km in Britain are above 1996-97 levels.

Congress instructs the General Council to:

urge the Transport Secretary to bring the East Anglia and Essex Thameside franchises back into public ownership in March 2011 to ensure continuity of service before, during and after the 2012 Olympics

call on the Transport Secretary to adhere to the legal advice given to his predecessor and ensure National Express Group no longer operate in the UK rail industry beyond March 2011.

Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen

P36 More freight on rail

Congress acknowledges that the UK's freight transport infrastructure is the country's economic circulatory system, interlinking rail, road and water networks as well as boosting economic growth and enhancing employment. It further recognises that freight taken by rail produces 70 per cent less carbon emissions than the equivalent road journey and can also play a significant role in reducing road congestion, which is estimated to cost the economy £17bn a year.

Congress welcomes the fact that total rail freight traffic has grown by more than 60 per cent in the last 10 years, which have seen rail's share of the surface freight market rise to 11.5 per cent. Congress notes the considerable suppressed demand for rail freight across sectors such as construction, with forecasts showing the potential to double tonnes carried by 2030, including a fivefold increase in container rail freight.

Congress accepts that the initial and final leg of a freight journey must go by road but believes that a more sustainable future will require more long-distance journeys to be undertaken by rail supported by enhanced rail freight infrastructure.

Congress therefore urges the General Council to support the campaign to get more freight on to rail, lobby the coalition Government to prioritise rail freight while also protecting jobs across the freight sector, and to call on the Government to ensure that HGV regulations are properly enforced for the health and safety of workers and the travelling public.

Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen

P37 The Strategic Defence Review and its implications for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA)

Congress recognises the remarkable work done by the RFA and its civilian crews in support of our armed forces. Congress notes in particular the recent relief work undertaken by RFA ships following the Haiti earthquake and in support of the multinational counter-piracy deployments off Somalia.

However, Congress is alarmed by repeated reviews of the RFA's operations, usually undertaken under the guise of 'value for money'. Congress is concerned at the wasted effort and damaged morale that has been caused because the RFA has repeatedly had to demonstrate its unrivalled efficiency and professionalism to these successive reviews, even though a series of in-depth reports was carried out within the space of just a few years that confirmed the efficiency of the RFA in very clear terms. Against the backdrop of government spending cuts, Congress is concerned that fresh attempts will be made to commercialise or downsize the RFA.

Congress urges the General Council to assist campaigns to oppose any such moves and to resist short-term savings that could have a detrimental long-term impact on the RFA's operations. Congress also notes the strategic importance of protecting the RFA's status as one of the biggest employers and trainers of British merchant seafarers and calls upon the General Council to strongly oppose any moves that would erode this.

Nautilus International

P38 Defending public services

Congress believes that the 2008 crisis is being used as the pretext for a global onslaught on public provision and welfare entitlements. Congress condemns the emergency Budget, which will result in the loss of over one million jobs and drag the economy into depression, noting that this coincides with austerity programmes being imposed by the IMF and EU.

Congress recognises that public investment and expenditure has been vital in propping up employment and demand, as well as providing essential help and support to those struggling with redundancies, reduced incomes, repossessions, and rising joblessness. The cuts now proposed will devastate public services with a consequent decline in living standards for all, particularly women and those in poverty.

In addition, Congress condemns the reform agenda being pursued (e.g. the Education Act), which will transform the nature of public services away from universal provision for all, towards segregated and differential provision.

Congress calls on the General Council to build a broad solidarity alliance of unions and communities under threat, to:

reject cuts and privatisation and call for innovative public services funded through a progressive taxation agenda

demand fair pay, pensions and equality of treatment throughout public services, based on strong union and community involvement in service provision

mobilise maximum opposition to these proposals, including support for ETUC action on 29 September and for continued campaigning at local, regional and national level.

Congress further calls on the General Council to pursue these policies with the STUC, WTUC and ICTU, and internationally.

UNISON

P39 Public services

Congress rejects the Government's belief that attacks on public services and the most vulnerable in society are a legitimate means by which economic recovery can be secured. Congress notes the forecast of the Government's Office for Budget Responsibility that an additional 100,000 will be added to the unemployment figures as a result of this budget and that the CIPD has forecast that the loss of jobs in the public sector could be as high as 750,000.

Congress condemns the cuts of 25 per cent plus in government departments and notes the vital contribution public expenditure makes to the wider economy through public procurement. Congress further notes the introduction of regressive tax measures as opposed to revenue-raising, progressive taxation measures and is concerned that this economic strategy will result in a double dip recession. Similar measures of austerity in Canada in the 1990s also led to a widening of inequalities.

Congress resolves that all TUC affiliates will work together to:

defend public services from measures that will increase inequality

defend the terms and conditions in national agreements that provide equality-proofed pay systems.

Congress calls upon the General Council to:

build a robust campaign in defence of public services, seeking to publicise and build this fight across the labour movement and local communities as a whole

oppose the unacceptable inequalities within our society, taking every possible step to fight for social justice including defence of the jobs, pay and pensions of public service workers.

Unite

P40 Public services cuts and the effect on the wider economy

Congress deplores the coalition Government's demolition of the public services it took years of Labour investment to rebuild. Their 'regressive' Budget shows a blinkered approach to the economic crisis and pushes deficit reduction to a wholly unjustifiable extreme.

£44bn of additional cuts per year represents a savage and opportunistic attack on public services, which:

threatens another three-quarters of a million people with the dole

endangers a private sector heavily reliant on public expenditure on goods and services

depresses consumer demand across the economy

brings us to the brink of a double dip recession.

Congress notes with concern that women, many part-time and low-paid, will bear the brunt of benefit cuts. Women also comprise 65 per cent of the public-sector workforce the coalition is targeting.

The coalition has no mandate for hard-right economic policies. Without Liberal Democrat connivance the Tories would rightly be voted down in the Commons. The public did not vote for a Tory Government nor policies aimed at destruction of their public services and the dismantling of state education and the NHS. The labour movement has a right to oppose them.

Congress calls on:

the Government to consult the General Council regarding the comprehensive spending review

the General Council to publicise the recklessness and illegitimacy of the coalition's austerity programme

the General Council to lead a co-ordinated campaign across the labour movement and local communities for progressive means of ensuring the recovery and improving the public finances.

GMB

P41 Defence of public services

Congress rejects the argument that cuts in jobs, public services, pay and pensions are necessary to pay for the national deficit. Congress also rejects the notion that the deficit has to be halved in four years.

The deficit has arisen because the banking sector collapsed sparking a recession. Bailing out the banks cost £1.3tn and the recession hit tax revenues and increased unemployment; it is not because public spending has been out of control.

Congress opposes the attempts by the Government, including the emergency Budget, to make ordinary workers and the unemployed bear the brunt of reducing the deficit. The poorest and most vulnerable in society would be disproportionately affected and the economic situation would worsen.

Congress notes the establishment of the Hutton review of public sector pensions and opposes any attempt to deal with the national deficit by increasing employee contributions.

Congress believes there is an alternative: collection of the taxes avoided, evaded and uncollected from wealthy individuals and companies, which account for £123bn, as well as more, not less, investment in public services.

Congress notes that strikes against austerity measures have taken place in Greece, Portugal, Spain and Italy.

Congress calls on the General Council to:

organise a national demonstration in London against the cuts on 23 October

call a day of action in opposition to the proposed cuts for 20 October

support and co-ordinate campaigning and joint union industrial action, nationally and locally, in opposition to attacks on jobs, pensions, pay or public services.

Public and Commercial Services Union

P42 Campaigning against the cuts

Congress condemns the coalition Government's decision to launch all-out class warfare through their unprecedented attack on our communities, public services, welfare state and public transport.

Congress believes the Government is using the deficit as a thinly-veiled guise to engage in an ideological dismantling of the state and an attack on workers and the most vulnerable in our society, which goes far further than even the dark days of Thatcher.

Congress notes the attacks are also taking place on a global scale, with the EU, IMF and other institutions driving cuts and liberalisation.

Congress sends solidarity to our comrades in Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Spain and elsewhere who are fighting the cuts and agrees there is an urgent need to establish a similarly wide-ranging united front of resistance against the attacks being carried out in the UK.

Congress requests the General Council:

call an immediate summit of affiliates to discuss the sole issue of how best to co-ordinate industrial action to defend jobs, pensions and conditions

consider convening a urgent conference of affiliates and representatives of users of publicly-funded services and the welfare state to establish a broad alliance against the cuts

organise an urgent national demonstration, lobby of Parliament and national days of protest against the cuts and fully involve trades union councils in mobilising for these events

present a clear alternative to the cuts, including public ownership, higher rates of tax for the rich, closing corporate tax loopholes and scrapping the Trident replacement.

National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers

P43 Protecting public services

Congress notes with alarm the austerity agenda of the coalition Government. These policies seek to ensure that working people in the UK pay the price for the failures of the economic system by regressively raising taxes and by embarking on the most vicious programme of spending cuts in living memory.

Congress recognises that these policies will devastate the lives of the most vulnerable in society, destroy hundreds of thousands of jobs, and undermine the prospects for young people. The austerity agenda will further weaken public services by opening up new areas of public service to outsourcing and privatisation.

Congress rejects these policies and reaffirms support for the principles of public service and democratic accountability.

Congress recognises that public spending drives growth, which benefits recovery in both the public and private sector.

Congress agrees to campaign to build a broad coalition of working people to oppose these attacks and agrees to:

build a series of demonstrations against government austerity measures

further develop the arguments against these policies through research and the production of pamphlets and other materials

support local campaigning activity against cuts, especially by trades union councils

build a broad movement of opposition by developing links with other working class organisations opposed to cuts and closures

maximise the impact of such opposition campaigns by convening a Convention Against The Cuts to draw together all those organisations engaged in challenging the Government's agenda

build the co-ordination of industrial action against cuts.

Fire Brigades' Union

P44 HMRC resources and the deficit

Congress notes with concern the potential effects of the coalition Government's intention to cut public service expenditure by £6bn in 2010, and its intention to further cut departmental budgets by up to a quarter in years to come. Congress deplores the severe consequences that such cuts will have on the pay, conditions and job security of public sector workers who were not to blame for that deficit, or the wider economic meltdown, in the first place.

At a time when Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs' own estimate of the 'tax gap' continues to be in the region of £40bn, Congress finds it both ironic and nonsensical that such cuts will only further erode HMRC's capacity to collect the taxes necessary to fund public services, contribute to a healthy UK PLC, and ensure that every UK citizen benefits from continued investment in high quality public services, such as schools and hospitals. If the tax gap were reduced there would be less need to cut public service expenditure in order to address the deficit.

Congress calls on the General Council to develop and support a campaign against the cuts in HMRC, but also to press and persuade the Government to put more resource into HMRC's cadre of senior professionals: the tax, legal, accountancy and policy experts working in the public sector whose job it is to counter and tackle fraudulent evaders and those making use of complex schemes and artificial arrangements to avoid tax.

FDA

P45 Public sector cuts

Congress notes with concern cuts in public services in particular affecting those who require podiatry care. Congress notes the references to cuts not affecting health services but knows that podiatry services are being cut through vacancy freezes, cost improvement plans, reduced access and the redesign of services. The majority of citizens who use podiatry services are the elderly and those at high risk due to illnesses such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. Cuts lead to longer waiting times and increased risks for these vulnerable groups.

Congress knows that cuts in the funding of podiatry create more pressure on the health economy as high-risk patients go untreated. It has a detrimental effect on progress that has been made on the prevention agenda, which does so much to educate the public about the importance of good foot care. This is an intolerable situation that the vulnerable should not have to experience. For clinicians, the effects can be devastating: increased caseloads, higher levels of stress and inevitably higher levels of absenteeism through sickness. This pressure also leads to a change in the culture of an organisation, resulting in increased levels of bullying, reduced morale, and a greater turnover of highly skilled staff.

Congress calls on the Government to act on its pledge not to cut health funding and to ensure podiatry services are not cut and that those who need podiatry care will continue to receive the NHS treatment they need, when they need it, delivered and managed by NHS podiatrists.

The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists

P46 Private Finance Initiative

Congress recognises that in the United Kingdom both Conservative and Labour Governments have sought to justify the Private Finance Initiative on the ideological grounds that the private sector is better at delivering services than the public sector, and that it is now the preferred method for public sector procurement.

Further, Congress condemns this method of procurement and recognises that it has failed and placed an unnecessary burden on the British taxpayer. Congress therefore demands a return to a public financing structure to finance our prisons, railways, hospitals, schools and all other public infrastructure.

POA

P47 Sick pay

Congress notes that in the current climate, there is a policy of reducing the level of public expenditure. Local government is particularly hard hit. This reduction is often at the expense of public sector employees.

One example is the attempt by several local authorities to move away from the national agreement on sick pay, with a specific proposal to cease payment for the first three days of sickness absence.

These workers deliver services to the public. It is in everybody's best interests for these services to be of the highest quality. It is not in anybody's best interests for those delivering these high quality services to be trying to deliver them when they are ill. Children with severe and complex difficulties are especially vulnerable.

There are many public service workers who are bound by professional codes of practice, which could be contravened by attending work when they are unfit to do so.

Congress affirms that it considers that nationally agreed terms and conditions of employment - particularly those set out in part II of the national agreement on pay and conditions of service - must not be eroded at a local level, and will resist any attempts to do so by local authorities.

Association of Educational Psychologists

P48 The NHS

The NHS is facing huge challenges in delivering high quality patient care in the current climate. These include:

pressure to make massive efficiency savings

false distinctions between 'frontline' and 'non-frontline' jobs

further radical restructuring of NHS organisations

even greater stress on competition, risking fragmentation of services and the NHS becoming simply a provider of services that no-one else wants to take on

loss of clinical expertise as posts are cut or downgraded

weakening of staff morale and flexibility as national terms and conditions of employment, including pensions, are eroded.

Congress recognises that 'no change' is not an option. The NHS has to respond to an ageing population, the rising demand for new drugs and technologies, and the public health impact of obesity, problem drinking and lack of exercise. NHS staff are ready to meet this challenge but cannot do so without proper involvement in the planning of services, sustained investment, and much more emphasis on health promotion.

Congress calls on the General Council to:

monitor the impact of key health policy decisions in terms of both equity and the fundamental long-term future of the NHS

support the health unions in trying to protect NHS services - making the link between quality employment, quality staff engagement, and quality services

use the NHS Together campaign, if and when necessary, as a means of showing public support for the NHS

give TUC backing to on-going campaigns to promote good health.

The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

P49 NHS hospital car parking charges

Congress notes that previous Health Secretary Andy Burnham announced to the Labour conference in 2009 that over the next three years he wanted to phase out car parking charges for in-patients, giving each a permit for the length of their stay, which family and friends could use.

Congress also notes continuing media interest in English NHS hospitals car parking charges, particularly the best and worst as identified by the BBC on 9 June after consumer watchdog Which? published its research findings. Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust was the worst; over a period of one year the hospital clamped 1,671 cars and made nearly £2m profit.

Congress believes that this is a national disgrace in terms of an unfair charge on patients, visitors and NHS staff.

Congress further believes that all NHS car parking in England should be free not only for in-patients, family and friends, but also for out-patients.

Congress also notes with concern that in many English NHS hospitals, car parking charges for staff have increased significantly over recent months. For example, at the Royal Marsden Hospital, Sutton, the charge for some staff has increased from £90 per annum to £500 per annum.

Congress believes that this level of increase is not appropriate or justifiable.

Congress calls on the General Council to campaign and lobby the Government for:

the abolition of car parking charges for in-patients and out-patients, as well as family and friends

fair and reasonable car parking for NHS staff.

Society of Radiographers

P50 Malnutrition and dehydration

Congress is appalled to note that in 2010 one-third of all adults admitted to hospitals and other care settings continue to suffer from malnutrition, and many are also suffering from dehydration. This can lead to reduced quality of life, increased dependency, longer hospital stays, and can ultimately cause death. In addition, malnutrition costs the UK economy an estimated £13bn each year.

Over the last 20 years, numerous reports have been produced by different bodies highlighting the ongoing prevalence and detrimental effects of malnutrition across a range of settings and age groups - but especially in older adults.

Key bodies forming the Council of Europe Alliance produced the flyer, 10 Key Characteristics of Good Nutritional Care. The Care Quality Commission, the new health and social care regulator, will be assessing provision of nutrition and hydration in these settings. A new nutritional assessment tool will be used from October 2010.

Despite this, levels of malnutrition and dehydration remain unacceptably high. Most reports have issued guidance addressing the significant problem; however the statistics show guidance alone is not being effective.

It is time to convert guidance into requirement. Congress is therefore instructed to lobby the Government to introduce a statutory regulatory framework of comprehensive nutritional standards for all health care settings in order to reduce this great burden on health and quality of life.

Congress also recognises that issues around health care affect everyone and calls on all unions to raise awareness within their membership of the importance of identifying and tackling malnutrition.

British Dietetic Association

P51 Investing in our future

Congress believes that the coalition Government's austerity measures will damage the recovery and consign a generation of young people to the scrapheap of the unemployed. Congress maintains that the country needs investment in jobs, not austerity.

Congress deplores the savage cuts that have taken place since 12 May 2010 to youth and community provision, the scaling back of financial assistance for post-16 students and reduced investment in 16-19 education and training provision.

Congress is alarmed that the scrapping of 14-19 academic diplomas, the
de-recognition of vocational qualifications in school performance tables and the creation of new technical academies for 14-19 year-olds will recreate a two-tier system of education that will stigmatise and disadvantage thousands of young people.

Congress asserts that securing the economic recovery requires investment in skills and jobs and parity of esteem across all forms of education and training for young people.

Congress commits the General Council to hosting a summit on jobs and youth, involving unions, and student and other civil organisations, and publishing and promoting a detailed strategy for change.

NASUWT

P52 Young people and the recession

As the financial crisis unravels, youth unemployment has soared to record levels. Unemployment amongst 16- to 24-year-olds now stands near the politically sensitive one million mark. The recession means large-scale unemployment among those completing their education. Young people are forced into jobs in low-paid, low-skilled sectors, as competition for graduate opportunities and apprenticeships becomes far greater.

This affects young people's health, friendships and family life. A recent Prince's Trust YouGov report found young people are likely to suffer 'permanent psychological scars' as a result of being unemployed.

The credit crunch compounds the difficulties facing young workers. Increases in transport and other costs often have a disproportionately greater impact on young workers. Very few young workers are able to own their home, either sharing rented accommodation or continuing to live with parents. Graduates suffer the burden of student loans, which also discourage younger students from entering higher education or studying away from home. Far too many young workers are burdened with financial worries making it difficult to make ends meet on a daily basis. Protecting young workers against debt, and securing acceptable living standards for them, is an essential part of a sustainable economic policy.

Congress notes the brutal cuts already implemented by the Government and resolves to fight against them. Unity across the public sector and wider trade union movement has never been more vital. By investing in education we safeguard education jobs, while providing education opportunities for those young people not in employment, education or training (NEET).

Congress believes it is the responsibility of the whole trade union movement to campaign for decent jobs and opportunities for young people.

Tax payers' money should be spent on investing in public services and creating jobs, instead of funding bonuses for bank bosses. Congress opposes the privatisation agenda. Money should be invested in a new social housing building programme to tackle the massive housing waiting lists and create new jobs for those unemployed within the construction industry and as well as supporting the cultural sector.

Trade unions and trades union councils nationwide are already supporting a mass mobilisation of young people to campaign for these aims through the Youth Fight for Jobs campaign. Congress calls on TUC young members to come together on the issue of youth unemployment to fight for real jobs on trade union rates of pay that offer the guarantee of a secure future for young people.

Congress calls on the General Council and affiliates to:

launch a widespread campaign against the cuts in public services, using all available methods including the media and public demonstrations, working with trade unions, trades union councils, service users and communities

ensure redundancy arrangements are extended to all young workers

defend jobs and conditions in all sectors, to ensure people are fairly compensated in the event of job losses by campaigning for employment rights for all workers from day one

campaign for decent, permanent jobs for all young people, linked to the needs of communities and the environment

improve conditions and opportunities for the self-employed, and for freelance, temporary and agency workers

campaign for a living wage in line with the European decency threshold, and for proper training and conditions in line with trade union agreements for all and to assist those working in creative industries (where hourly rates are not applied) to formalise their working arrangements and strengthen enforcement mechanisms

liaise with unions' youth networks to produce literature on young people's rights and organising; provide organising training and funding for young people by young people; and work to recruit and organise young workers by referring to previous victories and ongoing struggles

build for a national demonstration against youth unemployment across the trade union movement by the end of 2010

campaign to work towards the equalisation of the National Minimum Wage (NMW) for all workers from the age of 16

pressure the Government to enforce the law in cases where employers violate the NMW and increase the size of the enforcement team; Congress recognises the violation of NMW is both immoral and illegal - the Vetta v London Dreams Motions case has proven that interns are entitled to the protection of NMW laws

encourage the growth of, and work with, bodies seeking to organise the unemployed to harness their collective strength, while supporting them individually

campaign for apprentices to receive at least the full adult rate of the NMW from day one, unless that is superseded by a beneficial collective agreement, with at least one day a week set aside for paid training and a guaranteed job at the end of the scheme.

TUC Young Members' Conference (this motion is exempt from the 250-word limit)

P53 Academies and free schools

Congress reiterates its support for a state-funded, publically-managed and democratically accountable education system. Congress rejects the coalition Government's academies legislation, believing that such a policy will widen the gap between rich and poor, fuel inequity of entitlement to high quality education and fundamentally undermine local communities' involvement in their schools.

Congress believes further that the planning of school provision should be returned to local authorities, which should also have control over schools' admissions criteria, the employment of school staff and the use and disposal of school land and buildings.

Congress recognises that a majority of the public opposes the removal of schools from the maintained sector and supports the principle of a good local school for every child.

Congress further believes that the governance of schools should be by, and on behalf of, school communities with the full involvement of parents, local community representatives, staff and local authorities.

Congress instructs the General Council to:

oppose the coalition Government's plans for academies and to campaign for all schools to remain within the maintained sector

oppose cuts to the Building Schools for the Future programme

support unions taking action where academies undermine the pay and conditions of their staff

keep affiliates informed, through briefings, guidance and other documents, on the latest government developments

establish a campaigning group within the TUC both to oppose government moves to break up the maintained school system and to put forward the General Council's vision for comprehensive education in the 21st century.

National Union of Teachers

P54 Defending state education

Congress strongly supports the General Council's continued opposition to the fragmentation, centralisation and privatisation of state education, and in particular to academies, trust schools and 'free schools' as another variant of privately-managed but taxpayer-funded schools. Congress also deplores the privatisation of local authority education departments, which provide vital services to schools across their local area and ensure that all schools are supported according to their specific needs.

Congress welcomes the joint campaign of affiliates in pursuit of the defence of state education. Congress believes that this joint campaign, with education staff, governors, parents and communities working in co-operation with other educational organisations such as the National Governors Association and the Anti-Academies Alliance, is crucial in building a broad public consensus against the privatisation of our schools and colleges. Congress also welcomes the inclusion of school privatisation policies in TUC events aimed at defending public services.

Congress calls on the General Council and affiliates to:

intensify the campaign in defence of public services and in particular of state education

lobby the Government to re-integrate academies and trust schools into the state maintained system and to put an immediate stop to the controversial initiative of allowing the setting up of 'free schools'

lobby the Charities Commission to ensure that organisations such as the New Schools Network, which have overtly political aims, are not granted charitable status.

Association of Teachers and Lecturers

P55 Inclusion

Congress notes the progress that has been made in all aspects of social inclusion during the last 13 years. Congress is concerned about the threats to this progress that are now being made, and that the social and educational progress of children and young people will be marred by proposed changes to the policy and practice of inclusive education.

Inclusion is conducive to the health and well-being of children and their families; inclusive practice in education promotes active citizenship, high
self-esteem, improved academic outcomes and shared responsibilities.
Inclusive education is also cost-effective and promotes:

empathy between children

integrated communities

improved life chances.

Congress therefore seeks an assurance from the Government that every child still matters and has the entitlement to inclusion, and that schools can expect resources to make this a meaningful educational experience.

Association of Educational Psychologists

P56 Threats to local authority education services

Congress notes with deep concern that the coalition Government's early announcement, within days of taking office, of £6.2bn public expenditure cuts to be implemented this year, included a disproportionate reduction of £1.1bn in local government expenditure. In addition, informed forecasts for the next three-year comprehensive spending review commencing in 2011, point to further significant cuts of at least 5.5 per cent per annum for local councils, in real terms, over this period. These sharp reductions will directly affect key local authority education and children's services, on which many schools and colleges rely, including support for educational improvement, children with special educational needs, schools' utilisation of educational technology, education welfare, and the early years sector.

Congress further notes that the coalition Government's projected promotion of various types of highly autonomous state-funded schools, outside the local authority family of schools in their area, will add to these pressures on important council education services, despite their long-standing positive reputation confirmed annually by the Audit Commission's detailed national school surveys in England.

Congress therefore affirms that the specialist skills and knowledge developed within these services over many years must be recognised and protected, in the interests of schools and of the nation's children and young people, and calls on central and local government to ensure adequate funding and ongoing developmental support for these services and the professionals they employ, over the coming period of further educational reforms.

Aspect

P57 Defending education and jobs

Congress notes:

the coalition Government's unprecedented attack on public sector pay, jobs and pensions with £1.2bn cuts to higher education (HE) and £200m cuts to adult learning (AL) already announced, and substantial further cuts to come to the HE, further education (FE) and AL budgets in the comprehensive spending review

the central importance of FE, HE and AL to the prosperity of our society and economy

for every job lost in the sector, another job is lost in the economy

over 200,000 people look set to miss out on a university place this year and up to 70 per cent of FE colleges are being forced to axe courses.

In the face of continuing attacks on the funding, quality and accessibility of our public education service, Congress reaffirms its commitment to:

fair and affordable access to high-quality, publicly-funded post-16 education for students from all backgrounds with a fair contribution from business

total opposition to raising the cap on student tuition fees

a properly remunerated, valued and respected workforce in all areas of post-16 education.

Congress calls on the executive to promote:

a co-ordinated campaign to defend post-school education amongst affiliates and the general public

the joint national campaign of UCU and NUS to oppose raising the cap on student tuition fees in HE, including a mass national mobilisation of students and staff in November

a fair contribution from business through tax, to preclude further demands being placed on families, students and communities.

University and College Union

P58 Use of consultants in further education (FE)

Congress notes that the continuing pressure on FE corporations from funding cuts has resulted in large numbers of redundancies, more restructuring and pressure for a pay freeze. However, Congress is alarmed that despite such problems the sector has spent considerable sums on consultants.

Congress believes much of this expenditure should itself have been provided by government rather than leaving colleges to spend in this way when loyal staff are losing their jobs; and while salaries fall further behind those working in schools and universities.

Accordingly, Congress calls on the General Council to:

raise public awareness of the high cost of consultants in FE

press FE colleges to dramatically cut such expenditure with immediate effect and divert subsequent savings towards protecting pay and jobs.

Association for College Management

P59 Graduate unemployment

Congress notes with concern the increase in graduate unemployment in the United Kingdom as a consequence of the economic recession, which is continuing to affect both the private and public sectors. In November 2009 graduate unemployment increased by 44 per cent, and now 59 per cent of all graduates are not working in a field or profession related to the subject matter of their degrees.

Congress is also concerned that future cuts in public spending will only exacerbate the problems associated with graduate unemployment, which could result in a 'lost' generation of disillusioned young people saddled with debt and unable to secure employment that utilises the skills and knowledge base gained through their time in higher education.

Congress therefore calls on the Government to offer concrete help, support and assistance to graduates looking for work and to ensure that the continuing high level of unemployment is tackled as a matter of urgency. In addition, the effects of the recession and the reductions in government spending must not be used as an excuse for cutting back on university places when, in fact, the need for high level skills during the recovery could scarcely be greater.

The Educational Institute of Scotland

P60 Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) referrals

Congress fully accepts the importance of protecting children and vulnerable adults from those who might cause them harm and recognises the need to maintain lists of adults barred from working with such groups. However, Congress believes that the current ISA referral regime is flawed in that it is not properly understood by providers of regulated activities, and does not apply sufficient rights to referred individuals for representation and appeal.

Congress calls on the General Council to press the Government for changes in the referral system to ensure that its operation is fair to referred individuals and that the referral criteria used are consistent, clear and easy to follow.

Association for College Management

P61 Reforming Ofsted

Congress supports the widespread criticism of Ofsted by some unions representing staff in the family courts and education. The effect of its inspection regime has been to diminish the quality of work with children. By concentrating on specific aspects of this work, it has had the effect of shifting the focus away from a holistic approach to children's care and education. Furthermore, a disproportionate amount of time is spent on records, data and plans so that Ofsted may more easily inspect them.

Congress rejects Ofsted's claims that criticism of its work comes from 'vested interests' such as trade unions, acknowledging that it is the best interests of children which is central to the concerns expressed.

The coalition Government has expressed concern about the inspection services provided by Ofsted. The Children's Minister, Tim Loughton, has said that a radical reform of Ofsted would lead to a very significant reduction in bureaucracy in work with children. This point has also been highlighted in recent reports published by Lord Laming and the Social Work Taskforce.

In Cafcass (the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service), as in teaching, Ofsted inspections have fostered an oppressive culture in some workplaces. As a result many staff have felt demoralised and de-skilled.

Congress calls on the Government to set up an urgent review of Ofsted with a view to radically reforming the inspection framework. Such a reorganisation should ensure that staff are supported and encouraged in their professional development, thus improving services to children.

napo

P62 Social care

Congress applauds the work of social carers in both the public and voluntary sectors and their day-to-day work that significantly improves the lives of millions of individuals and families. Congress condemns the continuing media attacks on frontline social carers, who are all too frequently blamed for the ills of society and the extreme actions of individuals; and who are not afforded a voice or right of reply.

Congress recognises the daily challenges faced by social carers in professions that are undervalued and who continue to suffer from lower pay, under-investment in skills and training, poor career development and a lack of political and managerial support.

Therefore, Congress calls on the General Council to defend the work of social carers from media attacks and to highlight the essential and valuable work of social carers.

Community

P63 Sentencing and rehabilitation within the criminal justice system

Congress welcomes a review by the coalition Government into sentencing and rehabilitation within the criminal justice system within England and Wales.

However, in order for that review to have credibility and the confidence of the public, it must be a root and branch review that looks at the causes of crimes such as alcohol abuse, drugs, mental illness and social exclusion, and must not focus solely on the costs of sentencing and rehabilitation and the passing of responsibility to resolve social problems to the private sector, whose main purpose is to satisfy shareholders.

POA

P64 Justice is not a commodity

Congress rejects the notion of 'payment by results' set out as part of the coalition Government's criminal justice agenda. In a major speech on sentencing reform in June, the Justice Secretary acknowledged the unacceptable growth in the prison population - almost doubled in 16 years - and supported the increased use of community sentences to replace costly and ineffective short prison sentences. However, he made no reference in his speech to the Probation Service, the lynchpin of community-based supervision, and failed to acknowledge its key role in protecting communities and rehabilitating those who commit crime.

The coalition Government's commitment in its policy programme to a rehabilitation 'revolution' is a return to a previous privatisation agenda that will undermine the work of the Probation Service as it struggles to deal with threatened cuts to its budget. The concept of paying by results is a nonsensical and sinister element of this plan and undermines the primary purpose of the justice system to act fairly and impartially, free from external influence. Introducing a profit motive to the dispensation of justice threatens the professional integrity of the Probation Service, the job security of its highly trained and skilled staff and the appropriate delivery of its interventions to the diverse communities it serves.

Congress supports the work of Probation staff and totally rejects the introduction of a profit motive. It will support the Probation trade unions in any action taken to maintain the Probation Service as a properly resourced and trained public sector justice organisation.

napo

P65 The BBC's remit

In March 2010 the BBC announced its intention to close both the BBC Asian Network and 6Music as part of its strategy review. Although 6Music has since had a reprieve, plans to close the Asian Network appear to be going ahead.

Congress believes that the BBC, as the main UK public service broadcaster, funded by the licence fee, has a duty to represent minority interests. At present very few British Asian artists are offered broadcasting opportunities within the BBC's mainstream output, and Congress fears that closing the Asian Network and attempting to incorporate Asian talent within other BBC radio stations may lead to the evaporation of the BBC's focus on championing new music from Asian artists, whatever their genre.

Congress believes that, instead of the proposed closure of the Asian Network, the BBC should expand its coverage of the diverse cultures that make up modern British society. It is also vital that these should be national services available to all rather than localised stations. In addition, Congress asks the General Council to remind the BBC that highlighting the wealth of talent in our under-represented communities can not only provide much needed employment opportunities for artists from BME groups, but will also undoubtedly broaden the diversity of listener base for BBC programming.

Musicians' Union

P66 Arts funding

The new coalition Government has already asked Arts Council England (ACE) to make cuts of £19m to its budget and the upcoming comprehensive spending review could force the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to make cuts of more than 25 per cent to its budget. If cuts of 25 per cent or more are passed on to ACE, jobs in the creative sector will undoubtedly be at risk.

The creative industries are currently growing at more than twice the rate of the rest of our economy and they contribute £11.4bn to the UK's balance of trade. They constitute a greater proportion of GDP than any other country in the world - and yet they receive a very modest amount of funding from the Government. At a time when our general economy is struggling, it would be illogical to cut jobs and therefore cause permanent damage to one area that has consistently maintained growth.

If the creative sectors must make cuts, the main priority must be to protect jobs. Congress believes that it would be preferable for ACE to rein in artistic ambition and the funding of new projects in the short term in order to maintain frontline services and jobs for the future.

Congress calls upon the General Council to campaign to protect employees in the creative sector and to urge the Government and ACE to ensure that jobs are not sacrificed for the sake of funding creativity.

Musicians' Union

P67 England bid to host the 2018 World Cup

Congress supports the bid to bring the World Cup to England in 2018. In these difficult times, this is one goal that can unite the nation and at the same time provide huge economic benefits for our country and our people. As the 2010 competition in South Africa has shown, football has a unique capacity to heal divisions and bring people together and in the coming years the anticipation and excitement leading up to the tournament will undoubtedly have a very positive impact throughout the land. The spin-offs in terms of increased economic activity and employment are compelling and the enthusiasm of our citizens in bringing the Cup home are indeed worthy of universal support.

English football can proudly boast some of the best players in the world and the most entertaining football, and Congress feels strongly that the opportunity to host the World Cup in England is long overdue. Trade unionists have always been passionate about our national game and Congress therefore backs the call to bring the Cup to these shores and hopefully see England triumph once again.

Professional Footballers' Association

Section four

Global solidarity

P68 Haiti

Congress believes that, as many of us work to figure out appropriate strategies to support the people of Haiti, it is important to note that the most vulnerable people can experience a slower response to the consequences of the original disaster.

For example, women experience the most negative consequences of catastrophic events, in particular higher rates of injury and death, displacement and unemployment, increased incidence of HIV, domestic violence, increased poverty and the disproportionate responsibility for care.

This is especially true for women marginalised by race, sexual orientation, class, health issues, ability, age and legal status. Additionally, in times of crises and environmental emergencies, poor and marginalised women, who are least responsible for the horrific conditions in which they live, are often neglected.

Congress therefore calls on the TUC Race Relations Committee and General Council to:

seek and make links with at least one specific women's organisation/network in Haiti

develop and sustain a productive relationship with the Haitian trade unions through TUC international links

commit to continue to secure resources for the aid effort

look to organise a visit to Haiti to assist with reconstruction efforts.

TUC Black Workers' Conference (this motion is exempt from the 250-word limit)

P69 Palestine

Congress condemns the Israeli blockades of the Palestinian territories, particularly the Gaza strip where there is a severe and ongoing deterioration in the living conditions of those living there.

The actions of the Israeli military, under the orders of their Government, in mounting a deadly assault on activists on the Mavi Marmara and other ships seeking to take humanitarian aid to Gaza is particularly condemned.

Congress believes that the effective annexation of massive swathes of land by Israel in defiance of international law, using walls and checkpoints and destroying Palestinian homes in the process, is a deliberate strategy to undermine the viability of the West Bank and thereby the potential for an independent Palestinian state.

Congress calls on the UK Government and the EU to take much stronger political steps to ensure Israel abides by UN resolutions.

Congress instructs the General Council to organise and support a boycott of Israeli goods, especially agricultural products that have been produced in illegal settlements in the West Bank, and to encourage affiliates and employers to cease investment in Israel.

Transport Salaried Staffs' Association

P70 Supporting international development

Congress reaffirms the ILO Philadelphia Declaration that 'poverty anywhere is a threat to prosperity everywhere' and notes that half of the world's workers continue to exist on less than $2 a day. We believe that contributing to the struggle against global poverty is a moral imperative but also a vital part of trade union solidarity. International development is about much more than overseas aid, but Congress welcomes the commitment of the leading UK political parties to spend the UN target of 0.7 per cent of gross national income on aid and urges the Government to put that commitment into law without delay.

Congress believes that trade unions have a huge amount to contribute in the field of international development and welcomes the work being done by the ITUC, the TUC and individual unions. Drawing on funds from individual members and from the Department for International Development, they are already assisting unions in developing countries to challenge and reduce poverty, hold leaders and politicians to account, build quality public services, and promote equality. Congress urges the Government to continue funding trade union work in this area, as governments across the developed world do. And Congress urges unions to promote the work of the TUC and its appeals for funding for trade union projects in the global south.

Accord

P71 Vietnam

Congress appreciates the incredible achievements of the Vietnamese people in rebuilding their country since Vietnam's liberation 35 years ago from one of the most brutal wars in history, which destroyed the infrastructure of the country.

Congress recalls with respect the three million Vietnamese killed and four million injured in the fighting and bombing.

Congress notes that over eighty million litres of defoliants, including the dioxin Agent Orange, were sprayed on forests, farms and villages and that the legacy of this terrible poison still lives in on with over three million people affected and many birth deformities and health problems still today. Congress further notes that no reparations have been paid for this appalling damage.

Despite the devastation of the country, Vietnam has rebuilt at an incredible rate and greatly improved the living standards of its population. Congress congratulates the Vietnamese trade union movement in the role that its members played in the liberation of the country and subsequent reconstruction.

Congress further congratulates Trade Union Friends of Vietnam and the Britain Vietnam Friendship Society and affiliated unions for the work they have done to maintain contacts with Vietnamese workers and their families, and urges affiliates to consider their work. Congress calls on the General Council to establish closer links with the Vietnamese General Confederation
of Labour.

Bakers, Food and Allied Workers' Union

Section five

Protecting people at work

P72 People before profit

Congress is appalled that the coalition Government intends to put profit before the health and safety of workers and the public.

Congress is deeply dismayed by suggestions that health and safety legislation might be disapplied from some groups of workers, thereby creating a two-tier approach to health and safety in which the lives of some groups of workers are more expendable than others.

Congress asserts that an unequivocal priority of the Government and employers must be protecting all workers from accidents, assaults and abuse.

Congress condemns the deeply insulting comments by Lord Young of Graffham to the Times that 'people occasionally get killed, it's unfortunate but it's part of life'. Congress asserts that the antiquated and demeaning views expressed by Lord Young are a throwback to the past and are unacceptable for the Government's chief health and safety advisor.

Congress is seriously concerned that, in Lord Young's hands, millions more workers, children and adults would be condemned to serial exploitation
and abuse.

Congress reaffirms its belief that effective health and safety policies and practices are even more essential at a time when thousands of people each year are killed or seriously injured in UK workplaces.

Congress calls on the coalition Government to:

dismiss Lord Young's review of health and safety and compensation

work with the TUC, HSE and businesses to ensure that existing health and safety law is implemented and enforced appropriately

confirm its commitment to Workers' Memorial Day on 28 April 2011.

NASUWT

P73 Health and safety

Congress notes the Government's review of health and safety and alleged compensation culture, led by Lord Young, though is concerned it is being pursued with unnecessary haste and insufficient transparency.

Congress is also concerned that the Task Force on Farming Regulation could have adverse implications for workers' health and safety.

Improving workplace health and safety is a priority for all unions. Last year alone around 1,180 people were fatally injured at work or in work-related road incidents, and agriculture remains one of the most dangerous industries
in which to work.

Congress is concerned that the Government's review is predicated on
ill-informed perceptions of health and safety regulation, and notes that
most enforcement is based on prioritisation of hazards and co-operation
with employers.

It is essential to ensure:

professionalism of health and safety professionals, including minimum standards to practise and advise on health and safety

a firm and consistent approach to enforcement, supported by adequate resourcing for HSE and related inspectorates.

Whilst Congress is willing to consider proposals that will improve public understanding of the purpose and practice of health and safety enforcement,
it is of the utmost importance that any such proposals are subject to evidential evaluation.

Congress is particularly concerned that cuts implemented as part of the forthcoming spending review will further diminish already stretched HSE resources.

Congress therefore calls on the General Council to ensure proper consultation with unions and other stakeholders before any changes are implemented.

Prospect

P74 Health and safety

Congress is concerned that the current economic climate and resulting cutbacks by employers are leading to workers putting their health and safety at risk. CSP research shows that one in four people in the UK regularly work all day without taking a break because they have too much work to do or there are too few members of staff. An estimated 9.3m working days are lost each year through musculoskeletal disorders caused or made worse by work, and 11.4m due to stress or depression. This costs the economy over £35bn.

Prompt access to NHS services such as physiotherapy helps prevent long-term problems developing, allowing workers to return to work more quickly and reducing numbers forced to claim benefit support.

Occupational health services also have a vital role to play in preventing health risks and supporting workers affected, but are becoming easy targets for cutbacks despite Dame Carol Black's report Working for a Healthier Tomorrow, which called on employers to play a more pro-active role.

Congress is further concerned that Lord Young's review of health and safety legislation could result in a weakening of the laws protecting people at work in the name of reducing 'red tape' and burdens on business.

Congress calls on the General Council to:

campaign to ensure that workers' protection is not compromised by the Young review

highlight the benefits to the economy of safe working practices that promote good health for employees, underpinned by decent legal standards and rapid access to treatment where needed.

The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

P75 Health and safety: Young Review

Congress notes with concern the remit of Lord Young's review of health and safety. Congress notes that in 2008-09, according to HSE figures that are seen as an underestimate of actual accidents at work:

1.2 million working people were suffering from an illness they believed was caused or made worse by their current or past work

180 workers were killed at work and these figures do not include deaths in work-related traffic accidents' at sea or by occupational illness

131,895 other injuries to employees were reported under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR)

246,000 reported injuries occurred

29.3 million days were lost overall, 24.6 million due to work-related ill-health and 4.7 million due to workplace injury.

Congress opposes deregulation in the health and safety sector. Indeed there is a strong case for tighter regulation and more resources in this area, with more inspectors carrying out more inspections. Congress rejects the claim of a compensation culture in health and safety. Furthermore Congress agrees that employers who are guilty of infringements of health and safety legislation should also pay the full cost of NHS treatment and rehabilitation.

Congress asks the General Council to co-ordinate opposition to any watering-down of and deregulation in the health and safety sector and to campaign vigorously against any attack on health and safety standards.

Bakers, Food and Allied Workers' Union

P76 International asbestos ban

Congress notes that while asbestos has been banned in many developed countries, it is still commonly used in the developing world and in many of these countries its use is increasing.

Congress further notes that Russia and Canada remain two of the largest exporters of asbestos; however, in recent years the asbestos industry has transferred much of its production from fully developed nations to countries such as Brazil, India, Indonesia and Pakistan. There has also been a growth in asbestos products being exported to developing countries including Angola, Argentina, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Thailand and Uruguay.

Conference welcomes the demonstration that took place outside Canada House on 1 July 2010 (Canada Day) in protest at that country's leading role in the asbestos trade.

Workers in developing nations are at particular risk of being exposed to asbestos due to a lack of regulation, with workers remaining untrained, not warned about the dangers of asbestos, and not provided with protective equipment.

Congress calls on the General Council to campaign for a complete and total global ban on asbestos; this campaign to include lobbying of national and international institutions and the consideration of calling for international and bilateral trade penalties to be imposed on countries that continue to export asbestos or that are involved in its production.

Union of Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians

P77 Asbestos on ships

Congress records its concern at the Government's announcement of a review of health and safety legislation. Congress notes that statistics show that the workplace death and injury rates for merchant seafarers continue to be well in excess of those ashore, and is therefore alarmed to note evidence that asbestos is still being widely used onboard merchant ships being built today in certain parts of the world.

Congress further notes with profound concern that asbestos may often be introduced into ships certificated as being asbestos-free, because of the continued use of the material in a wide range of equipment and components.

Congress notes that there are national, EU and international regulations designed to prohibit the use of asbestos and asbestos-containing materials and is disturbed at the evidence showing that these rules are not being adhered to.

Congress therefore calls upon the General Council to campaign for the relevant national, EU and international bodies to take appropriate action to ensure compliance with the relevant regulations regarding the use of asbestos products onboard ships.

Congress also urges the General Council to press for rules to require the mandatory training of seafarers in identifying asbestos products and in the precautionary measures that have to be taken when asbestos is identified.

Nautilus International

P78 Industrial injuries

Congress deplores the fact that despite the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) scheme being designed as a compensation payment, there are people losing other benefits when it is paid.

Congress is concerned that people suffering from prescribed diseases, particularly lung diseases, are being robbed of the small amounts of compensation they receive at a time when they need it most.

Congress notes that the Government Consultation Report in 2007 concluded that 'the people who need the resources the most, are those who receive them'.

Congress asks why, in 2010, those who need resources the most are having them taken away.

Congress welcomes the work done by the TUC in relation to IIDB and recognises that the small amounts of compensation paid in relation to the severity of the injuries need to be increased.

Congress requests that the General Council raise the unfairness of the system with the Government to ensure that this issue is not forgotten.

National Union of Mineworkers

P79 Cosmetic use of sunbeds

Congress recognises the key role that unions can play in health awareness and in campaigns to promote well-being.

The Labour Government introduced legislation to understand and create awareness of the risks associated with prolonged usage of sunbeds and to limit access to units on the high street by banning anyone under the age of 18 from using these facilities.

However, with changes in climate and despite this legislation, there continues to be an increase in the incidence of skin cancer and associated conditions in this country to the extent that the UK has a higher incidence rate than Australia. The unnecessary use of sunbeds as a cosmetic procedure has the potential to increase the risk of skin cancer and death from cancer and to place unreasonable demands on NHS cancer services at a time when the Government is trying to reduce costs, streamline service delivery and promote healthy lifestyles.

Affiliated unions have considerable influence with members and the resources to highlight the dangers that misuse of sun beds for tanning pose to the general public.

Congress calls on the General Council to work with the Government and relevant charities to further restrict the use of sunbeds to treatment of clinical conditions under the control of appropriate medical, nursing and allied health professionals.

Society of Radiographers

Section six

TUC organisation

P80 Reform of General Council

Congress notes that, at present, the 12 largest unions in the TUC have guaranteed representation on the General Council. In total they hold over 30 seats.

There are nearly 50 other unions also affiliated to the TUC, each having fewer than 100,000 members. These unions are allocated just 11 places on the General Council, according to the TUC's rules and the structure of elections for Section C. However, these unions represent almost three-quarters of a million workers and have a broad range of experience, as well as organising diverse groups of members.

Congress further notes that it is nearly 10 years since the rules governing the composition of Section C were last revised. Since then the number of trade unions affiliated to the TUC has reduced in number from 76 to 58.

Congress believes that all unions have an important role to play in our movement. To be at its best the TUC must harness all the talents of its affiliates, and we should work more closely together in order to achieve this. Congress believes that the best way to do this is through full representation on the General Council for all affiliated unions, large and small. This would put an end to the divisive and damaging battle for the 11 seats reserved for the smaller unions seeking election to the General Council.

Congress therefore resolves to initiate a review of the rules governing the composition of the General Council with a view to addressing these issues.

Equity

P81 Report-back on Congress motions

Congress notes the need for a public report-back on the actions taken following the previous year's Congress decisions.

Congress therefore calls on the General Council to arrange, as part of its annual report to Congress in future years, for a specific, written report-back on the actions taken on all motions carried or remitted at the previous Congress.

Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematograph and Theatre Union