Dave Ferguson, Deputy Branch Secretary for Police Staff Scotland, spoke strongly in favour of Motion 12. Drawing on 30 years of public service and over a decade of activism within UNISON

Dave Ferguson, Deputy Branch Secretary for Police Staff Scotland, spoke strongly in favour of Motion 12. Drawing on 30 years of public service and over a decade of activism within UNISON, he highlighted the essential work and contribution of Police Staff members across Scotland.

Dave emphasised that Police, Probation, and CAFCASS members have long been a key part of the union, working in extremely challenging roles. Like all UNISON members, their demands are simple — fair pay, safe workplaces, dignity and respect.

He candidly shared concerns about the atmosphere at last year’s conference, where some debates and comments left Police Staff members feeling marginalised. He called on delegates to remember that inappropriate generalisations about entire groups of workers — in this case, Police Staff — run counter to the union’s values of solidarity and respect.

Dave urged delegates to challenge divisive remarks and to uphold a spirit of inclusivity. He reminded the conference that Police Staff are civilian workers striving to serve their communities, no different from members in other sectors, and deserve equal respect and representation within UNISON.

He closed by asking conference to support Motion 12 and help ensure all members feel they truly belong in our union.