Unison wants more money for schools

Unison boss Dave Prentice, told delegates at the union's annual conference in Brighton that even though the Tory years have ended, the private sector is still reaping the benefits of taking over the public services.

He warned of strikes if an acceptable deal is not hatched for local government workers and if there is not enough money for school reforms.

And he confirmed that he would be meeting with members of the union movement's new so-called awkward squad such as Amicus' Derek Simpson and the TGWU's Tony Woodley to see how they could "reclaim" the Labour Party.

But Mr Prentice had a warning for those in the union movement who wanted to split with Labour.

Labour was the union party and it was crucial to get in there and reclaim it, he said.

Mr Prentice's warning comes on the day that Prime Minister Tony Blair makes a keynote speech to the Fabian Society where he will stress the need to reform public services.

Mr Blair is expected to say that the government has to press on with a "progressive reform agenda".

But at Unison's conference, members have been debating their opposition to the controversial private finance initiative (PFI) and other forms of privatisation in the public sector.

Differences

A motion from the union's executive pointed out that two-thirds of delegates at last year's Labour Party conference backed Unison's call for a review of PFI.

"We don't shy away from confronting the government on those issues where we disagree with it," Mr Prentice said.

"Unison throws down the gauntlet and directly challenges government policies on the PFI and privatisation."

Mr Prentice also praised those members who went on strike last year.

He will say the dispute was not just about pay but to do with a demoralised workforce who feel undervalued and are tired of reviews in a "brave new world" of public services where profit is king.