Speaking to over a thousand members gathered in Liverpool, Ms McAnea said:
“Yes, I wanted a Labour government — and I’m glad we now have one. But I want a government that will work with us, not against us.
My loyalty is not to any political party, or to any faction in our union. My loyalty will always be to our members — to our union — to you.”
The general secretary praised the Labour government’s new Employment Rights Bill, describing it as the biggest boost to workers’ rights in 70 years, and welcomed progress on long-standing union priorities — such as banning zero-hours contracts, tackling fire-and-rehire, introducing better maternity and carers’ leave, and securing day-one rights for all workers.
However, she also criticised recent government mis-steps — including proposals to tighten migration rules and changes to disability benefits — warning:
“We didn’t expect to see a Labour government attacking benefits for disabled people. And limiting migration will only worsen staff shortages in the NHS and care homes.”
McAnea pledged that UNISON would fight to ensure Labour delivers on its promises — including on pay and conditions across public services, and bringing privatised services back in-house:
“We will keep making the case for workers’ rights until real progress is made. We’re also pushing government to tax wealth and profits — not to take money from those who can least afford it.”
The speech also highlighted the growing strength of the union:
UNISON recruited over 200,000 new members last year, delivering a net gain of 40,000 members.
The union now has 4,000 new activists and has trained 5,000 activists and 6,000 members through its UNISON College.
McAnea also celebrated key victories:
Pay deals and improved conditions won in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and the South West of England.
Ongoing campaigns to secure pay justice for health support workers and phlebotomists.
Legal wins worth £162 million to members through the Pay Fair for Patient Care campaign.
Successful industrial action by housing workers in Knowsley and care staff at Enable Scotland.
On international issues, McAnea condemned the continuing atrocities in Gaza and called for the UK government to recognise the state of Palestine:
“History will judge governments harshly for standing by and allowing the Israeli government to try and drive all Palestinians from their homeland.”
She also drew attention to the humanitarian crisis in Sudan and warned that global instability continues to push up energy and food prices in the UK — hitting workers hardest.
Closing her speech, McAnea said:
“Trade unions like ours are not part of the establishment — we are part of a radical movement for change.
We stand together to fight for the dignity and rights of working people. Our victories are not just for ourselves — they are for our children, our communities and all those who will come after us.”