Amicus Unity Gazette Constitution

Amicus Unity Gazette is a self-funded organisation committed to campaigning for a democratic union controlled by the members

1. Gazette supporters in each of the twelve regions of the union shall endeavour to set up a regional organisation of Amicus Unity Gazette.
   
2. There will be an AGM of all Amicus Unity Gazette supporters where the following officer’s positions shall be elected, National Chair, National Vice Chair, National Secretary, National Treasurer, National Co-ordinator, Editor and Women’s Officer. Once elected they will form the Editorial Board. Nominations for these positions will be from the floor of the AGM and need not come through the regions.
   
3. The Officers who form the Editorial Board shall meet as and when required to carry out the day to day running of Amicus Unity Gazette.
   
4. There will be quarterly meetings of the National Unity Gazette. This is to ensure all Unity Gazette supporters can take part in the democratic decision making process on policy motions or any other organisational matters.
   
5. All quarterly meetings shall be held in Preston.

What the Gazette Stands for

• equality at all levels of the union's organisation; to combat discrimination on the grounds of gender, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, religion, disability and age.
• an end to ‘sweetheart’ deals - no more slavish loyalty to partnership.
• genuine collective bargaining - through which members and their representatives can negotiate improved union agreements leading to better wages and conditions.
• legislative changes to protect jobs - the crisis facing the membership who work in transport, steel, shipbuilding and energy needs a powerful campaign for re-nationalisation led by our union in defending those jobs which are being threatened.
• the repeal of anti-union laws - as a result of anti-union laws workers in the UK are less effective in being able to take prompt action to defend their own terms & conditions and support other workers.
• campaigning to ensure a level playing field for UK workers - we are being asked to make more and more sacrifices to remain 'competitive' only to see our jobs eventually being exported overseas, where the wages and living standards are lower. This is undermining our economy; we believe that an economy based on property and services alone, is not viable in the long term. We believe that if we are not producing goods, we are not creating new wealth and as a consequence the UK will be unable to fund health, education and adequate pensions, etc.
• legal protection for workers pension schemes and the assets of the schemes.
• restoration of the earnings related link to state pension increases.
• the improvement of member benefits.
• restoration of local democracy within the union. We believe the Gazette led campaign that resulted in the 2005 Rules Conference introducing Area Committees and the election of all future Full Time Officials will lead to greater local democracy and improve local accountability of Full Time Officials. We need to defend this position in future mergers with other unions.
• relaxation of the central constraints upon branch funds - the recent Gazette led change to rule will allow branches to give financial support and solidarity to fellow workers in dispute.
• continuing the campaign for a more democratic rule book.

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  Amicus Unity Gazette, strives to change the policies and rules of our union to make it:
  • more democratic
  • responsive to the members
  • more challenging in its approach in not only improving conditions for our own members, but also making improvements in living standards for all. We are not aligned to any one political party of the left, we attempt to develop a consensus of the progressive elements within our union who are prepared to work together to promote our objectives.We are keen to attract new supporters who share our objectives.