Parliament lobby for community and voluntary sector

A Parliamentary Petition launched by UNISON, UNITE, the STUC, Community Care Providers Scotland and Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations looks set to be heard on 17 March. As part of the joint “Fair Funding for the Voluntary Sector” pact, UNISON is planning a lobby and other events that day (see below).

Stephen Brown, Secretary of UNISON Quarrier’s Branch said, “During a recession the demand for the services that we provide increases dramatically.

“It is important that as many people as possible turn out at the Parliament, to say to the Government that the sector needs to be paid the full cost of those services.

“Cuts in public funding just mean that the Community and Voluntary Sector suffer knock-on cuts to jobs, conditions and services.”

Simon Macfarlane, UNISON Regional Organiser, said, “The Scottish Government’s concordat with Cosla has already led to many, many cuts over the last year to projects provided by the community and voluntary sector.

"Redundancies are now occurring on almost a weekly basis and it is typically the lowest paid providing services to the most vulnerable who are affected.

“The continuation of the Council tax freeze will only accelerate this process. “Our lobby and petition of the Scottish parliament is about getting the message over that our CVS members can no longer be expected to subsidise the provision of public services through poverty wages and inferior conditions.”

• Events17 March
• Rally at Scottish Parliament 11am-11.30am
• Press Conference noon
• Lobbying of MSPs 12.30 to 2.00pm
• Evidence to Public Petitions Committee 2.00pm - 4.00pm.

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