GFTU BGCM Report 2017

Motion 5 continued

This BGCM instructs the Executive Committee to A commission support and research from our associated academics on this important issue. B seek input by way of a survey of Napo members working in CAFCASS C seek an urgent approach from the legal professions and Women’s Aid with a view to assisting the GFTU in aiming to influence the outcomes of the review through Parliament. Probation reform and public safety 1 This BGCM is dismayed at the state of the Probation Service in England and Wales and the serious risk to public safety following the disastrous part-privatisation of the service under the Transforming Rehabilitation programme. An increase in serious further offences, and a number of other shortcomings have been highlighted in successive reports by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation. This position is not tenable, public safety is at risk and with further reforms planned in the forthcoming Offender Management Review and Offender Management in Custody reviews Napo is fearful that we do not need further change on a whim and prior to testing. This BCGM asks that the GFTU Executive Committee is instructed to: A invite our associated academics to undertake research into the impact of the reforms, including the alarming increases in the number of serious further offences that have occurred within certain Community Rehabilitation Companies. B if appropriate, put pressure on the justice sector to properly research and come up with alternatives to reduce the risk to the public Attacks on pay 1 That this conference agrees to lobby government, the Labour Party and TUC to stop the abuse of workers pay, terms and conditions to compensate for the implementation of the so called living wage. Cuts to overtime, Bank holiday and premium payments are becoming the norm and driving many thousands of workers to the brink of poverty. 1 That this conference congratulates those Cities and States in USA, who have ratified a $15 per hour wage. We further salute the 100000’s of low paid workers who have risked their liberty by taking strike action against serial pay abusers like McDonalds etc. Their fight has been a fantastic example of what can be achieved when workers stand together and has become a global campaign against low pay in the fast food industry, which the BFAWU are proud to support. Performers and Mental Health 1 A 2014 survey by Help Musicians UK revealed the high levels of mental health problems within the musician community. Of those surveyed, 67% had, on occasion, suffered from depression or other psychological problems, 75% had experienced performance anxiety and 62% had experienced relationship difficulties. 2 There has recently been an increased awareness of mental health within the creative industries and this is something that the entertainment unions’ welcome, since the unusual nature of a performer’s working life can make them more vulnerable to certain mental health issues. Musicians, actors and other performers regularly face antisocial hours, loneliness, worries about US Campaign for living wage, $15 per hour

Motion 6 NAPO

Motion 7 Bakers Food and Allied Workers Union

Motion 8 Bakers Food and Allied Workers Union

Motion 9 Musicians Union

Motions | Page 60