Subs changes agreed by conference

Motion A57 from the NEC, approved by conference on Wednesday (24), means the amount members pay will now rise on a sliding scale according to salaries up to a higher rate of £34,000. However, calls to reduce the rates for lower paid members - or to give the first six months’ membership free - were rejected. 

The motion was proposed by Kevin McHugh of the NEC who said: “Subscriptions from members are the principal source of income for the union. It follows that any changes to our current subscription methods will have associated risks and opportunities and therefore should be subject to extensive scrutiny and full debate. An underlying objective in this review has been to ensure the current level of subscription income is maintained to protect member support and services.

“The NEC believes that it is important that changes that result in higher paid staff paying more should be implemented in a measured and proportionate way. The NEC believes the subscription proposals provide reasonable continuity with changes being applied in a sensible and measured way.”

Speaking in favour of a free first 6 months was Tim from Government Legal, who spoke passionately in moving motion, A58, which proposed giving 6 months’ free membership to those earning less than £26,000 and fell after A57 was carried.

He said: “My main motivation is to build union support for the lowest paid, the most vulnerable of our members and in so doing create a bigger future fighting machine that we so badly need in this almighty fight we are in. We need every means at our disposal. 

“I went up to Whitehall for the rally and there were legions of young activists I’d never seen in my life before. 

“It’s younger members who are most affected by the cost-of-living crisis, with bills going through the roof and choosing between heating and eating.

“The reality is that for some, one of those choices will be whether to pay subs or not.”

Kevin McHugh, answered the opposition, saying: “Six months free membership would have a negative effect on union finances.”

The motion was carried and the proposed subscription changes set out in a March branch bulletin will take effect from January 2024, or at a later date, if the NEC decides it’s necessary.

Read more news from conference.

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