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Date: Monday 5 January 2009
Scotland's public sector key to reversing economic downturn-
UNISON
Scotland's largest public service union, UNISON, today issued
a challenge to private sector critics of the public sector, accusing
them of trying to blame the public sector for their own failings
and highlighting the key role the public sector plays in boosting
the economy.
In his New Year message to UNISONScotland Activists and staff,
Scottish Secretary Matt Smith says, “Some people, who have demanded
that the public sector bail them out, have now been queuing up
to try and ensure that Scotland's public services are penalised
for the failures of the private sector. Their attack on the minimum
wage, and the constant demand to privatise our public water supply
are particularly despicable."
Contrary to the attacks of business critics who accuse the public
sector of being a drain on the private sector, Mr Smith points
to the key role of the public sector in providing the infrastructure
that the private sector uses to produce and deliver goods.
He also points out: "Public services are very often crucial in
ordering goods and services to stimulate demand- especially in
parts of the country that have been forsaken by the private sector.
Indeed when private financiers refuse to invest it is the public
sector that provides that essential capital."
Public services also provide essential public services - emergency
cover over public holidays and care for those who cannot care
for themselves. And Mr Smith goes on to announce a commitment
for UNISON to provide the leadership in defending and advancing
the case for public services in the coming year.
ENDS
Note for Editors; The letter from Matt Smith to activists
is available from Chris Bartter, (below) and will also be on the
UNISONScotland website - www.unison-scotland.org.uk
- from 5 January.
For Further Information Please Contact: Matt Smith (Scottish
Secretary) 07771 548 997(m) Dave Watson (Scottish Organiser) 07958
122 409 (m) Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0771 558 3729(m)
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