GFTU BGCM Minutes 2017

place, but I heard Ronnie quote it on the bus that it was the best Shakespeare

play he had ever seen, so I think that is the best way to sum it up.

We had introductions today to the Artists Union and Theresa quite skilfully and

creatively both introduced her union and moved the motion at the same time,

which I think a lot of us would like to do if we can. We had the usual

passionate delivery by Manuel who actually, I seem to remember, two years

ago at the last BGCM turned up on the last day to deliver an equally powerful

speech and I think he blamed the trains being late then as well! (Laughter) If

there is ever an argument for renationalisation of the rail, that is it!

BRO MANUEL CORTES (TSSA): Next time they will be in public ownership so I

can’t blame them! (Laughter)

BRO LEE MOON (Nautilus International): You stole my line. You knew what I was

going to go on to say there! I know there was a little concern before the

conference about the amount of motions and I know that debate and

controversy is never something that is usually aligned with the GFTU

conference, although it was interesting to see the GMB almost threaten to

oppose a motion yesterday, but I think it is like everything, it is actually the

quality and not the quantity of the motions. I think everyone can agree we have

had some really good motions and contributions. I think the biggest

controversy of the whole conference, probably of the entire GFTU history, is

the admission by Ronnie that he is a secret Tory! (Laughter) (Applause) I

hope it was just a Freudian slip!

Moving on to the formal thanks, obviously we thank our academic and our

commercial partners. I think most of us will particularly thank HMC for the

drinks sponsorship which always goes down well. The international speakers

and all speakers, everyone recognises it is not easy getting up here, especially

for those who have got up here for the first time. Speaking at any conference

is difficult, apart from you seasoned veterans and general secretaries that do it

seemingly with ease.

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