21 June 2002
Unison members are demanding a national demonstration and one-day stoppage against 'government initiatives (that) attack members and services'.
In a motion passed by the conference, which took place on June 16–17, members declared: 'We recognise that attacks on our public services come directly from Blair's government. Nothing short of strike action will now make government take notice.'
The union is also calling for an inquiry into the use of the 'big five' accountancy firms in public-private partnerships, claiming that they are involved in nearly £54bn worth of projects. A study commissioned by the union highlights potential conflicts of interest with the same firm acting as adviser to and auditor of bidding firms.
'These companies are running the government's privatisation agenda – there must be a huge question mark over the impartiality of the advice these firms are giving,' said Dave Prentis, Unison's general secretary.
PFjun2002
