GMB Congress 2008 Plymouth GMB Congress 2008 Plymouth GMB Congress 2008 Plymouth
the popular youth culture
that sustains and supports the
carrying of knives. In the short
term, the enforcement agencies
need to search and disarm youth
while guarding against wholesale
criminalisation of any particular
community.”
Paul Kenny’s report
General Secretary Paul Kenny
reported on the union’s fi nancial
security and growing income
from increased membership.
He reminded Congress that the
GMB Political Fund belongs to
GMB members, saying, “It is
our money – not the property of
any political party. It remains our
decision about how it is spent or
where it is donated.”
GMB national organiser October 1 2008. In turn, there Accounts and Auditors’ Report,
Martin Smith told Congress that were increases to funeral benefi ts and the Post of Deputy General
The road to
GMB had grown by 33,000 new which rise to £250 after eight Secretary Report, the latter
members in the last three years, years of membership. including Rule Amendments.
Congress
making it the fastest growing There were 212 Congress There were three CEC This is how to get involved if
trade union in Britain today. Motions and 2 CEC Rule Special Reports made: the
you want to attend a future
“It has been achieved by Amendments made. GMB Plain English Rulebook
GMB Congress or send a
GMB’s hard work,” Martin There were 104 Motions, 12 and Amendments; the Green
motion and make GMB policy:
explained, “rejecting the failed Composite Motions and Agenda; and Contribution
GMB Congress is held
annually and is the lay member
policies of the past and standing 4 Emergency Motions. Out of and Benefi ts, including Rule
ruling body of the union that
up for its members. We now this total of 122 Motions, 91 Amendments.
decides on GMB policy on all
know that we can grow our were Carried, 9 Withdrawn, 4 There were two CEC
issues. Congress 2009 will be
union whatever happens in the Lost, 1 Fell, 10 Referred and Statements made, on Pleural
held in the Blackpool Winter
economy or in the political arena. 7 ruled Out of Order by the Plaques and Remploy. Gardens from Sunday 14 June
Our future strength is down to us Standing Orders Committee. In GMB would like to send its to Thursday 18 June 2009. This
alone and it’s going to be about addition, there were 40 existing condolences to GMB London
will also be a Rule Revision
choice, not chance.” Policy Motions. Region Congress delegate Hiten
Congress year.
Congress also agreed an Three Reports to Congress Viadya, who had to return home
Congress 2010 will be held
increase in membership were made, namely the General suddenly because of a family
in the Southport Theatre
and Floral Hall Complex from
contributions of 10p a week from Secretary’s Report, the Annual bereavement. ■
Sunday 6 June to Thursday 10
June 2010. This Congress will
incorporate GMB Sectional
Personal Injury Compensation
Conferences.
Each of the nine GMB
More than 8,000 GMB members share £47m
regions will send a delegation
compensation. GMB’s Legal Service was successful
to Congress of between 15 and
in winning a total of £43,507,239 in personal injury
50 members, depending on
compensation for 7,171 GMB members who had been
the total number of members
injured or made ill at work. It won a further £3,544,998
in the Region. Delegates are
for 1,171 GMB members who had been badly treated
elected from nominations
by their employers.
that must be received at the
This massive amount of money was won by vastly
regional offi ce by December 31
experienced solicitors, experts in personal injury and
each year.
employment law litigation, who are retained by GMB
Every GMB branch is
to look after the interests of its members. Winning
entitled to submit two motions
compensation for GMB members is important, but
to Congress. These must be
the union’s view is that this is just safety net – every
received at the regional offi ce
workplace should be made safe, so that injuries don’t
The Plymouth-based Estover Community College steel
by January 31 each year.
happen in the fi rst place.
band entertained GMB delegates on Sunday afternoon. Emergency motions can be
GMB President Mary Turner presented the band, which
submitted at any time up to
■ To fi nd out more about volunteering to
consists of 17 and 18-year-old students, with a gift of
be a GMB workplace rep, see page 21. £500 on behalf of the union.
and including Congress week.
GMB Congress 2008 Plymouth GMB Congress 2008 Plymouth GMB Congress 2008 Plymouth
10 www.gmb.org.uk
IINS02.nat_congress 10NS02.nat_congress 10 11/7/08 14:49:32/7/08 14:49:32
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