Lay edited bi-monthly bulletin for 5,000 activists in Scotland

December 2006 No 64 (Next issue February 2007)

Activists facing the equal pay challenge
This month saw UNISONScotland's largest ever equal pay event, when over 120 delegates from branches across Scotland, covering most Service Groups, attended the Winning for All training event.

Two unions in court challenge to Falkirk on Equal Pay
UNISON and the GMB have stepped up the campaign for full pay equality in Scotland by issuing judicial review proceedings against Falkirk Council.

Glasgow strike threat wins commitment from council
Following a successful ballot for three days strike on 5,6,7 December, last ditch talks between UNISON and the council lead to a decision by the branch to call off the strike.

Rally says 'Love Scotland, Hate Racism'
UNISON members, fellow trade unionists and people representing all faiths and cultures came from all over Scotland to take part in St Andrew's Day Anti-Racist march in Glasgow - to send a clear message across that racism will not be tolerated in Scotland.

Strike threat delivers better deal for electricity retail staff
Staff at nearly 40 Scottish and Southern Electricity shops across the North and West of Scotland have accepted a new pay offer by the Company in a consultative ballot.y.

Key politicians mark UNISON Parliament event
Andy Kerr MSP, Minister for Health and Community Care, and Shona Robison MSP, Opposition spokesperson on Health, came together in a rare display of unity to speak at a UNISON organised event during the STUC's Trade Union week at the Scottish Parliament.

Best of Scottish communications showcased in awards
The best of Scottish branches' communications work was recognised in this year's Scottish Communications Awards.

Never too old to start learning - and it's FREE!
"I'm too old to start learning" "I can't do the course" "I can't afford to learn" "I don't have the time to do the course" These are everyday perceptions of learning but did you know..... .

Step towards ending two-tier workforce in NHS Scotland
Porters, cleaners and other ancillary staff working for private contractors inside the NHS are to benefit from the same pay and conditions as their counterparts directly employed by health boards as a result of a deal negotiated between UNISON and the Scottish Executive.

Young members get wild on their weekend
On a very wet and wild and windy November weekend, a group of UNISON's young members met in Glasgow for our twice-yearly training weekend.

Fife raises £1000 for South African HIV group
Fife branch presented £500 to Alec Deary of the Fife Men project on World Aids Day (Friday 1 December) for the South African HIV group Wola Nani.

Scottish Black Members 2006 policy success
The Scottish Black Members Committee (SBMC) successfully achieved all its policy objectives it set for 2006.

UNISON's public service message gets to the heart of Labour
The final act of the autumn Scottish political conference season was Scottish Labour in Oban. UNISON was there pressing our message on public services, pensions, water and equal pay.

Major football championships get UNISON input
The highest profile Asian football tournament in the UK took place in Glasgow recently and UNISON Scotland played a major role.

New Gender Equality Duty
The Gender Equality Duty is the biggest change in sex equality legislation in 30 years and means public authorities must actively promote equality between men and women as part of the new Equality Act coming into force in April 2007.

Jane goes Green
NEC member Jane Carolan went that extra step to put UNISON's policies forward when she addressed a fringe meeting organised by the magazine Scottish Left Review at the Scottish Green Party Conference.

UNISON Energy merger
George from Scottish Electricity Branch and Lindsay from Gas Branch Scotland tied the knot on Saturday 4th November in a traditional Greek wedding.