Feature Construction sector conference


UNITE STANDING UP FOR MEMBERS


Highlights of the 2024 Unite Construction sector conference


In November delegates from across Unite’s construction allied trades and technicians’ sector headed to Brighton for the union’s biennial sector conferences.


Delegates sent best wishes and a round of applause to absent chair John Gillespie before Billy Parry was elected to chair the conference and introduce Jason Poulter who gave his national officer’s report.


Jason highlighted some of the many disputes and campaigns members across the sector have been involved in since the last sector conference, and the amount of work that Unite has been doing to support members.


The construction sector has been particularly active fighting for members in workplaces across the


country from HS2 and Hinkley Point C with successful ballots, campaigns and organising at employers including Fawley, Valero and Murphy to name just a few.


Jason highlighted new agreements that have been negotiated along with recent union surveys, designed and developed by reps.


He said, “We have shown employers that the union will always stand up for members.


“The surveys will be used to engage with members, educate them on the efforts of their reps and officers and map site activity.”


Once again, the sector had a large number of motions to debate during the packed day. These covered a wide range of issues that are important to building workers and came from the regions and the national industrial sector committee (NISC).


Delegate Trevor Simpson moved a motion on the CITB and ECITB levies calling for better access to “all elements of industry recognised training” for construction workers regardless of their employment status.


Delegate Sandra McFarlane joins the debate


Trevor said, “The levy is underutilised, and this motion will make sure that the money is used to support training for all construction workers.”


14 unite buildingWORKER Spring 2025


Skills were also behind a pair of motions that were grouped together for


debate, Motion 6 on Apprenticeships/ Skills Shortage from the North West and Scotland’s Motion 7 on Young Members and Apprentices.


Lewis McAulay – maximum working temperature call


Andy Wilson moved Motion 6 highlighting the “vital importance of quality apprenticeships and the need to support them properly.”


Graham Jenkins followed up with Motion 7 which “recognises young workers in the construction sector, including apprentices, are some of the lowest paid in the workforce.” Graham said that, “Strong unions are the best way forward for young workers and apprentices. Unite should produce a guide for young workers that explains what industrial action involves and the benefits of membership.”


Following the first round of motions Chris Claydon, Chief Executive Officer with training provider JTL, joined the meeting.


Chris explained the work of JTL in providing apprentices with the skills they need, and highlighted the problems the sector faces currently around funding, false perceptions over the value of apprenticeships and completion rates.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40