Updating political strategy for campaigns ahead
by Malcolm Burns
UNISON Scotland is beginning to frame ‘key asks’ for the
next Scottish Parliament elections - and is seeking the
views of branches, service groups and activists like you
to help influence the next government of Scotland.
The Scottish Committee has been reviewing the Political
Strategy for the period up to the next Scottish Parliament
elections in 2011.
Dave Watson, Scottish Organiser with responsibility for
policy, said: “All the parties are beginning their manifesto
processes this year. “Our aim is to develop about a dozen
core policy ‘asks’ that we will campaign around in the manifesto
process. These need to be realistic goals that are likely
to command at least a parliamentary majority after May 2011.
We’ll be seeking views on these ‘asks’ over the next few
months so we can bring proposals to the Scottish Committee
in August.”
UNISON has a formal say in the Scottish Labour Party policy
process but will also take opportunities to pursue the same
agenda with the other parties. The political strategy will
focus on the impact of the economic position on public expenditure
and public services.
“We have already begun to reflect current economic realities
with a new focus on the role of public services in a recession,”
said Dave Watson.
“We are adapting our ‘Revitalise’ manifesto in a campaign
badged as ‘Public Works’ with the themes: ‘Build for the
future; deliver high quality services; and provide well-paid
secure jobs’. We will look to develop a positive reform
programme on local government finance and pay policy including
tackling equal pay.”
While the majority of UNISON members work in devolved areas,
the strategy will also take into account the fact that there
will be a UK general election within a year - with important
implications for the Scottish budget and the constitution.
Look out for the next issue of the ‘Policy’ bulletin from
the P&I Team for more on the ‘key asks’ and ways in which
branches and members can contribute to the Political Strategy
review.
* If you have any suggestions for ‘key asks’, you can email
them to Scottish Organiser Dave Watson at d.watson@unison.co.uk
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