{"id":2824,"date":"2024-06-19T19:00:18","date_gmt":"2024-06-19T18:00:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sej.org.uk\/agm2024\/?p=2824"},"modified":"2024-06-26T21:20:05","modified_gmt":"2024-06-26T20:20:05","slug":"organisation-motions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sej.org.uk\/agm2024\/organisation-motions\/","title":{"rendered":"Organisation Motions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n
<\/span><\/span>

The Stand Up for Quality Education Campaign<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
\n

51. Council<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

That this AGM commend the work of Council, EIS representatives, members and staff for the successful launch of the \u2018Stand Up for Quality Education’ campaign and the success of the campaign to date in raising the issues of pupil behaviour, support for ASN and workload. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

AGM recognises that the aims of the \u2018Stand Up for Quality Education\u2019 campaign are fundamental to improve teachers’ working conditions and health, safety and wellbeing at work and by so doing, the quality of learning experiences for pupils.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AGM acknowledges that the aims of the \u2018Stand Up for Quality Education\u2019 campaign require significant additional investment, resources and cultural change within education, and that these changes may take years to implement in full.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AGM, therefore, instructs Council to commit to the \u2018Stand Up for Quality Education\u2019 campaign for a multi-year period and to authorise Executive Committee to allocate EIS resource as deemed necessary to facilitate the campaign.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat this AGM instructs Council to commit to the \u2018Stand Up for Quality Education\u2019 campaign for a multi-year period and to authorise Executive Committee to allocate EIS resource as deemed necessary to facilitate the campaign.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alan Crosbie, incoming President, moved a Council motion on the \u2018Stand Up for Quality Education\u2019 campaign. \u201cOur campaign title is very apt because in an education system that is in disarray, the only quality we can provide is us, the fight we have ahead of us is long\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seconding, Alison Murphy (Edinburgh) remarked on workload and said \u201csaying no is lonely if you are the only person who says it, we need to build that confidence in our members that saying no is collective\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This motion was carried.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
<\/span><\/span>

Staff are Schools\u2019 Most Important Asset in\u00a0Providing Quality Learning Experiences for Pupils<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
\n

52. Council<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

That this AGM reaffirm that staff are schools\u2019 most important asset in providing quality learning experiences for pupils.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AGM is clear that schools need more teachers to maintain and increase the quality of education; they need more learning assistants in classes, more ASN-qualified teachers, more Support for Learning teachers, and more management time for principal teachers and depute headteachers to ensure every school can support staff and pupils effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All these roles are important and they are intrinsically linked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AGM reproaches the Scottish Government for its failure to maintain teacher numbers in Scotland for the last two years in succession. AGM rebukes those Councils that have reduced teacher numbers in recent years despite receiving specified Scottish Government funds to maintain teacher numbers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AGM reaffirms its commitment to campaign to increase the current teacher numbers and to increase the support provided by a range of other roles within schools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AGM instructs Council to encourage and facilitate Local Associations and Branches to prosecute campaigns and disputes when education staffing cuts are proposed by Councils.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amendment Scottish Borders Local Association<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Add after the last sentence: \u201cAGM instructs Council to lobby the Scottish Government to honour and implement the policy commitments it made in relation to Instrumental Music Tuition in the SNP Manifesto 2021:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • to abolish fees for music and arts education, including instrumental music tuition in schools;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • to mainstream music as a core subject in Scotland\u2019s education system;”.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cThat this AGM reaffirm that staff are schools\u2019 most important asset in providing quality learning experiences for pupils.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Alan Crosbie, president elect moves another motion on behalf of council; \u201cWe are the most vital asset in providing quality education is ourselves. We need more teachers, let\u2019s get ready for the battle. Let\u2019s stop those cuts. Let\u2019s save our schools\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In seconding Alison Murphy (Edinburgh) spoke of the importance of all staff including support staff in schools, \u201cwe need to stand absolutely in solidarity with our comrades in support staff\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Jackie Church (Glasgow) further spoke to the motion \u201cwe are going to have a mental health crisis amongst our staff unless we get organised and mobilised now\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    An Amendment from Borders LA was withdrawn and the motion was carried.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
    <\/span><\/span>

    Creation of an Action Plan Based on the Findings of the Recent Behaviour Survey for Each Local Association<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
    \n

    53. Midlothian Local Association<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That this AGM instruct Council to ensure that each Local Association create an action plan based on the findings of the recent Behaviour Survey as well as the other materials published through the SU4QE campaign. The plan should be shared with all members and HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Amendment Edinburgh Local Association<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Replace “ensure that” with “encourage and support”; add “to” after “Local Association”; delete final sentence and add “,and to share their plan with HQ.” after “campaign”.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    A motion to ensure each LA creates an action plan based on the findings of the recent behaviour survey. Ross explained that members contributed in their thousands to the national Behaviour Survey and deserve to have their views heard and local action plans shared with them, \u201cIt will ensure transparency for members and accountability for Local Executive Committees\u201d he said. The motion was seconded by Mark Ireland who said, \u201cMembers opened up in this important survey, so they should have full knowledge of the local action plan and the outcomes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    An amendment to the motion on behalf of Edinburgh local association was rejected following a short debate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
    <\/span><\/span>

    Ways to improve\u00a0the Retention Within the EIS<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
    \n

    54. Midlothian Local Association<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That this AGM instruct Council to investigate and report on ways to improve the retention within the EIS, and recruitment to the EIS, of those in promoted posts.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Ross Lyall (Midlothian) moved a motion calling on Council to investigate ways to improve retention within the EIS and recruitment to the EIS of those in promoted posts. Outlining his personal experience of being advised to leave the EIS when he took up a promoted post, Ross said, \u201cIt is unacceptable that members are being told that being in a promoted post is incompatible with being an EIS member or holding an EIS position at branch or local level.\u201d  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The motion was seconded by Sandie Gordon (Midlothian). Following a show of hands, the motion was carried.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
    <\/span><\/span>

    A National and Consistent Approach for the Reporting and Recording\u00a0of Violent Incidents<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
    \n

    55. Argyll and Bute and North Lanarkshire Local Associations<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That this AGM call on Council to negotiate with the Scottish Government and COSLA, for a national and consistent approach for the reporting and recording of violent incidents, and for the creation of a national database for recording and reporting incidents of violence and abuse towards school staff members.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    “We need the same rigorous approach to reporting incidents as we do for assessment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Stuart Winning (North Lanarkshire) successfully moved a proposal on recording violent and aggressive incidents in schools. This motion from Argyll and Bute and North Lanarkshire LAs called for negation with COSLA and the Scottish Government to create national and consistent approach to recording of violent incidents, and for the creation of a national database. Stuart explained that different local reporting systems resulted in vastly varying outcomes for teachers who experience violent behaviour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Aisling Clark (Argyll and Bute LA) seconded the motion, comparing the inconsistency of violent indecent reporting with rigorous national approach to recording assessment. Aisling argued that data should be used to improve schools rather than challenge them, and offered the provocation “do local authorities really want to know the true picture of what’s happening in our schools?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Further speakers gave examples from their own context. Lorna Stewart (Argyll and Bute LA) described how incident forms are not routinely submitted to the local authority, downplaying the reality of violence in schools. Thomas Coles (Highland LA) outlined local reporting processes which are cumbersome and hard for teachers to access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The motion passed unanimously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
    <\/span><\/span>

    The Right of Every Worker to Withdraw Their Labour<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
    \n

    56. West Dunbartonshire Local Association<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That this AGM recognise the right of every worker to withdraw their labour in lawful industrial action in pursuit of a trade dispute and:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    1. condemns the UK government’s actions in limiting workers’ ability to take lawful strike action through Minimum Service Levels.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. recognises that members have had their salaries deemed by at least one college in Scotland whilst carrying out lawful industrial action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. condemns the practice of “deeming” as a way of frustrating workers’ ability to carry out lawful industrial action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    4. calls on the Scottish Government to forbid any public body that is sponsored by the Scottish Government or any other employer that is funded from the public purse to deem its employees taking such industrial action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    5. instructs Council to campaign for the right of workers to withdraw their labour in lawful industrial action and for it not to be fettered or reduced by any action or inaction by governments or employers.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
      <\/div>\n\n\n\n

      Jim Halfpenny (West Dunbartonshire) proposed motion 56 on the right of workers to take industrial action. In particular, he focused on EIS-FELA\u2019s action where employers are threatening to deduct (deem) 100% of lecturers\u2019 wages, \u201cDeeming is a co-ordinated attack on members taking legitimate industrial action.\u201d Dan Holland (EIS-FELA) seconded the motion by appreciating the solidarity shown to EIS-FELA over recent months and outlining the impact of recent industrial action, \u201cThousands of students will not finish their courses this year and the fault lies entirely with College Employers Scotland.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Lynn Davis (EIS-FELA) supported the motion by highlighting the negative impact this is having on lecturers\u2019 mental health and Irvine Tait (Shetland) insisted any incoming Labour government should ensure no there is no retreat on it\u2019s pledges on workers\u2019 rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
      <\/span><\/span>

      Ensuring Sufficient Permanent Teaching Posts for Finishing Probationers<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
      \n

      57. North Lanarkshire Local Association<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      That this AGM call upon Council to lobby the Scottish Government to fund Local Authorities to ensure sufficient permanent teaching posts are available for finishing probationers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Amendment Edinburgh Local Association<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Add at the end “and to highlight the issue of teacher precarity of employment as a part of the Stand Up for Quality Education campaign.”<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

      <\/div>\n\n\n\n

      North Lanarkshire LA accepted Edinburgh LA\u2019s amendment to Motion 57 on permanent teaching posts for teachers finishing their probation year by highlighting the precarity of teacher employment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Daniel Henderson (North Lanarkshire) proposed the motion by highlighting the disproportionate impact post probationer teachers face especially female members and those with caring responsibilities. Sean McNamara (North Lanarkshire) emphasised how bleak the current job situation is for those finishing their probation year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Adela Mansur (Edinburgh) spoke against the motion telling her own story about being on the surplus pool for years and how they come after probationers in finding permanent jobs. Helen Dobson (Edinburgh) also opposed the motion stated that, \u201cIf you give all the jobs to probationers, I won\u2019t get a job.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      After many supporting and opposing speeches, there was a call to go to a vote. The motion was not passed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
      <\/span><\/span>

      Campaign Against Council Budget Cuts<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
      \n

      58. North Lanarkshire Local Association<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      That this AGM call on Council to campaign with STUC trade unions and COSLA against budget cuts to ensure that Councils are able to provide high quality services to their communities which include education.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

      <\/div>\n\n\n\n

      “Death by a thousand cuts is not just an idiom. It’s the reality.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Speaking on behalf of North Lanarkshire LA, Sean McNamara proposed a motion that the EIS campaign with STUC trade unions and COSLA against council budget cuts. In a passionate speech, Sean outlined the expected \u00a3780m funding gap expected by Scottish local authorities in coming years, and the impact that declining services has on communities and learners. Referencing Joseph Rowntree Foundation research on the impacts of poverty in Scotland, Sean identified that under-funded social care and counselling services have a huge impact on learners’ opportunities, and argued that through coordination with other unions and COSLA the EIS can help “build a better society for the whole child”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Alan Gardiner (North Lanarkshire) seconded the motion in an enthusiastically received speech. Comparing councils and the Scottish government to the Galactic Empire of Star Wars, AGM heard that the Death Star of budget cuts is annihilating opportunities for young people. Alan cast trade unions and communities as the Rebel Alliance, reminding delegates that the rebels can organise and win to bring about a better world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The motion was carried with a unanimous vote in favour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
      <\/span><\/span>

      Trade Union Education<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
      \n

      59. Dumfries and Galloway Local Association<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      That this AGM resolve that Council will explore the practicalities of developing teaching and learning materials for social education in secondary schools covering Rights at Work and the role of trade unions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Amendment EIS-FELA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      After “secondary schools” add “and colleges”.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

      <\/div>\n\n\n\n

      Andrew O\u2019Halloran (Dumfries & Galloway) successfully called on the institute to explore the development of learning materials for social education in secondary schools covering rights at work and the role of Trade Unions. Mr O\u2019Halloran highlighted the lack of knowledge and understanding amongst young people on the rights they have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
      <\/span><\/span>

      Constitutional Amendment to Provide Spaces on Council for Local Association Secretaries<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
      \n

      60. Glasgow Local Association <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      That this AGM instruct Council to investigate and report on a constitutional amendment to provide spaces on Council for Local Association Secretaries, in addition to the current Local Association allocation, as ex-officio members upon their election to that role.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

      <\/div>\n\n\n\n

      Motion 60 brought forward by Glasgow Local Association, calling for a constitutional amendment to provide spaces on Council for Local Association Secretaries, was withdrawn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
      <\/span><\/span>

      Divestment of Funds from Arms\/Equipment Suppliers to the Israeli Military<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
      \n

      61. Edinburgh Local Association<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      That this AGM resolve to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      1. call on the Scottish and UK governments to:\n
          \n
        1. divest public funds from any companies which sell arms or equipment to the Israeli military and\/or which utilise land occupied illegally under international law;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        2. suspend all arms deals with Israel and initiate economic and political sanctions with the aim of pressuring them into ceasefire negotiations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        3. issue public statements supporting the judgement of the International Court of Justice following South Africa’s case against Israel;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        4. call on the UK government to resume funding of UNRWA following the failure of Israel to provide evidence that UNRWA staff participated in Hamas military activities.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
          <\/div>\n\n\n\n

          Jehan Al-Azzawi (Edinburgh) successfully moved a motion calling for a divestment of funds from companies who sell arms or equipment to Israeli military. Her emotional speech told AGM that, \u201cEveryone in Gaza feels the closeness of death\u201d and that we need to make important gestures of solidarity in line with the international movement and consistent with EIS values.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Claire Chalmers (Edinburgh) seconded the motion and reminded delegates that after hundreds of years of colonial violence, we collectively chose peace and that the only action we cannot choose, is inaction. Standing in support of this motion, Jane McKeown (Fife) movingly reminded delegates that someone has to stand up for the children of Palestine. The motion was passed unanimously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
          <\/span><\/span>

          End Military Collaboration with Israel<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
          \n

          62. Glasgow and Dumfries and Galloway Local Associations<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          That this AGM call on the UK government to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
          • end all military collaboration and arms trade with Israel.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • legislate to prohibit trade with the illegal settlements, including a ban on the import of all goods from the illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            Furthermore, that this AGM call on the Scottish Government and Scottish Councils to divest from Israeli companies\/investment portfolios, as well as companies that sell goods that support the Israeli military campaign.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

            <\/div>\n\n\n\n

            Successfully moving the motion on behalf of Glasgow LA, Nuzhat Uthmani called for the end to all military collaboration and arms trade with Israel. In a powerful speech, Ms Uthmani told delegates that, \u201cThe use of British arms implicates us in the ongoing genocide\u2026and we cannot in good conscience continue to facilitate these actions.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Seconded by Andrew O\u2019Halloran and supported by Amira Hunter, (both Dumfries and Galloway), delegates heard powerful reminders of the way that technology, provided by international companies, is weaponised to control Palestinian citizens and the strength of grassroots activism and the power of boycotting businesses. Speaking to the criticisms that are often aimed at the opponents of the war in Palestine, Mr O\u2019Halloran stated that it is not antisemitic to call for peace, or speak out against genocide and the collective punishment of children \u2013 rather, we would be complicit not to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            In lending his support to the motion, Sean McNamara (North Lanarkshire) asked delegates to think of those nervous eleven year olds about to enter S1 this year. In a swell of emotion and tears, conference stood as the names of 31 eleven years olds recently killed in Gaza by Israeli bombs were read out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
            <\/span><\/span>

            Gaza Genocide Committee<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
            \n

            63. Edinburgh Local Association<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            That this AGM resolve to investigate and report on the suitability of the Gaza Genocide Emergency Committee as an organisation to which the EIS should affiliate and\/or donate.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

            <\/div>\n\n\n\n

            The EIS will investigate the suitability of the Gaza Genocide Committee as an organisation for EIS affiliation and\/or donation, following a successful motion from Adela Mansur (Edinburgh). Ms Mansur reminded delegates of the value of historical protests and showing solidarity to those affected by intolerance internationally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
            <\/span><\/span>

            Mental Health Support for EIS Employees<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
            \n

            64. Dumfries and Galloway Local Association<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            That this AGM instruct the Council to provide regular, targeted mental health training to EIS employees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Amendment Edinburgh Local Association<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Delete “provide” and replace with “offer”.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

            <\/div>\n\n\n\n

            Andrew O\u2019Halloran (Dumfries & Galloway) successfully called for the provision of regular, targeted, mental health training to EIS employees, \u201cAs an exemplary employer, we should extend this training to those who work for the institute.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Seconding, Claire Chalmers (Edinburgh) noted that EIS staff are engaged with members\u2019 struggles every day and highlighted their importance as wrap-around support for activists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
            <\/span><\/span>

            Ceasefire in Palestine<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
            \n

            65. Glasgow Local Association<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            That this AGM reaffirm EIS policy in support of the UN call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Palestine and Israel and further agrees to continue support solidarity  demonstrations, meetings and events to this end in collaboration with other trade unions and affiliated organisations. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

            <\/div>\n\n\n\n

            Andrew Fullwood from Glasgow local association moved this motion, with Jehan Al-Azzawi from Edinburgh local association seconding. Mr Fullwood began his speech by saying \u201cThis conflict must end, and it must end with a free Palestine.\u201d The debate highlighted the ongoing destruction in Gaza which has seen every school destroyed and left most of the population living in destitution. This motion passed unanimously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
            <\/span><\/span>

            Boycott of Companies that Profit from Illegal Settlements<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
            \n

            66. Glasgow Local Association<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            That this AGM agree to continue support for the policy of divestment from companies and the boycott of goods from companies that profit from illegal settlements in the West Bank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            It further agrees to campaign against the UK government’s ‘Economic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill’.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

            <\/div>\n\n\n\n

            \u201cWhen former Archbishop Desmond Tutu held a fact finding mission to Palestine he found a gross violation of human rights. He said that the things that were happening in Palestine with check points and routine human rights infringements were the same things he\u2019d lived through in apartheid, in South Africa.\u201d Desmond Kenny of Glasgow local association shared the words of the former Archbishop and highlighted that they were spoken long before the most recent conflict erupted. His motion was seconded by Neil Anderson, also of Glasgow local association.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
            <\/span><\/span>

            Specialist Support for Those Experiencing Harm or Suicidal Thoughts<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
            \n

            67. South Lanarkshire Local Association<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            That this AGM instruct Council to review the provision of specialist support for EIS representatives, Local Association Secretaries and other Local Association Office Bearers (lay members) who support members who experience self\u2013harm or expressing suicidal thoughts. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

            <\/div>\n\n\n\n

            \u201cI would never have imagined in my role as LA Secretary I would have to call on my suicide prevention training.\u201d These were the words of Joan Lennon, Glasgow local association who proposed this motion. \u201cThere are no words to describe the devastating effects suicide can have. Members have shared with me, just this year, that they have had suicidal thoughts, and no one can prepare you for that conversation when they share with you their own thoughts or their experiences of losing a loved one to suicide.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            This motion was seconded by Jennifer Gaffney of South Lanarkshire. Ms Gaffney highlighted that these issues play on her mind, and she said she and her colleagues urgently need training to equip them with the skills they need to support their colleagues. She also read out a helpline number: 0800 562 561 and urged anyone who needed extra support to call them as soon as they could. During the debate, delegates heard that much more support is needed to be able to support members, but also to protect the health and wellbeing of colleagues providing this support. This motion was passed unanimously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
            <\/span><\/span>

            Solidarity with Colombian Sister Trade Unions<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
            \n

            68. East Dunbartonshire Local Association<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            That this AGM extend solidarity to our Colombian sister trade unions’ efforts in working to build a fairer and more peaceful society under Gustavo Petros government, and continues to support the work of Justice for Colombia.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

            <\/div>\n\n\n\n

            Andrene Bamford of East Dunbartonshire and Susan Quinn of Glasgow local association proposed and seconded this motion. During their speeches they highlighted the terrifying experiences of trade unionists and anyone considered \u2018left wing\u2019 in Colombia. \u201cIt\u2019s a testament to the campaigning of Colombians that a peace treaty was signed, but progress has been slow. As a union committed to trade union solidarity we cannot afford to take our foot off the pedal in our support for trade unionists in Colombia.\u201d This motion was overwhelmingly passed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
            <\/span><\/span>

            Support for the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
            \n

            69. Aberdeenshire Local Association<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            That this AGM agree to support the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign
            by:
            a) writing to the current and any future UK Home Secretary to demand
            an official enquiry into the events at the Orgreave Coking Plant on
            18th June 1984 during the Miners\u2019 Strike and the subsequent
            treatment of arrested miners;
            b) donating \u00a31000 to the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

            <\/div>\n\n\n\n

            Adam Sutcliff of Aberdeenshire local association laid out the important work that the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign have done. He highlighted that on 18th June 1984, after demonstrators were funnelled into the colliery \u201cPolice officers on horseback pulled out batons and attacked the miners. After forcing them into the village they then arrested many of them and charged them with rioting.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Jane McKeown of Fife local association seconded the motion. \u201cThe mask of our democracy really began to slip that day and it took over 20 years to bring about an insight into what really happened. Since 1984 the miners, their families and their lawyers have called for justice \u2013 we must support that call.\u201d This motion was passed unanimously.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

            \u201cThat this AGM instructs Council to commit to the \u2018Stand Up for Quality Education\u2019 campaign for a multi-year period and to authorise Executive Committee to allocate EIS resource as deemed necessary to facilitate the campaign.\u201d Alan Crosbie, incoming President, moved a Council motion on the \u2018Stand Up for Quality Education\u2019 campaign. \u201cOur campaign title is […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2825,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_eb_attr":"","_editorskit_title_hidden":false,"_editorskit_reading_time":0,"_editorskit_is_block_options_detached":false,"_editorskit_block_options_position":"{}","footnotes":""},"categories":[40],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2824","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-features"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sej.org.uk\/agm2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2824","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sej.org.uk\/agm2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sej.org.uk\/agm2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sej.org.uk\/agm2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sej.org.uk\/agm2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2824"}],"version-history":[{"count":25,"href":"https:\/\/sej.org.uk\/agm2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2824\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3031,"href":"https:\/\/sej.org.uk\/agm2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2824\/revisions\/3031"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sej.org.uk\/agm2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2825"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sej.org.uk\/agm2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2824"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sej.org.uk\/agm2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2824"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sej.org.uk\/agm2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2824"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}