Making our voice
heard in the Labour Party
The Affiliated Political Fund, often known
as UNISON Labour Link, works for UNISON through
affiliation to the Labour Party at national
and local levels. It is financed only by voluntary
contributions from members who choose to pay
the levy. UNISON has two political funds, the
APF affiliated to the Labour Party and the General
Political Fund for non-party political campaigning.
We supported the election of Labour MSPs, particularly
those whom we nominated, and Labour councillors.
Then we worked to have the Labour administration
of the Council and the Scottish Parliament adopt
policies which benefit UNISON members.
UNISON achieves a lot of influence in this
way. However, it would also be true to say that
in some crucial areas the policies being pursued
are opposed by UNISON - for example, the use
of the Private Finance Initiative, under funding
of public services and the dangers of ‘externalisation'
through Best Value. So we have taken our arguments
on these topics into the local constituency
committees of the Labour Party, with some success,
to its Policy Forums, and to councillors, MPs
and MSPs.
We also contributed to the national policies
of the APF, for instance on Welfare Reform.
Anyone wishing to contribute to the APF activities,
for instance through standing for the APF Committee
or being a delegate to Labour Party meetings,
should contact the LabourLinnk Officer at the
Branch Office.
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