Jim spoke passionately about how vital public services are to improving living standards and tackling poverty. He criticised those in power who claim the situation is too complex, while at the same time cutting benefits, betraying WASPI women and slashing public services.
He said he was tired of being told to “be patient” and “reasonable” — being reasonable has only helped create the mess the economy is in today. No one is coming to fix this for us — it’s up to us to organise, campaign and fight for the change we need.
He reminded Conference that the economic crisis is not the fault of workers or communities. Meanwhile, company profits and dividends are soaring, with wealth concentrated at the top — while too many UNISON members rely on benefits just to survive on low pay.
He also raised the issue of benefit cuts hitting members when delayed pay rises are finally paid. We need to get better at dealing with that. More broadly, we need an economy that works for the majority, not just the richest 1%.
He called for a society built on democratic public ownership — not one where wealth is hidden in tax havens. And quoting comedian Kevin Bridges, he ended by saying: if the wealth is in the Cayman Islands — let’s go there and take it back!