UNISON begins to exert its influence

In the run up to the 2007 Scottish Parliament election, UNISON will be actively seeking to advocate our policies to political parties to try to ensure the strongest possible showing of UNISON policies in party manifestos.

Through LabourLink activity, we have been very much involved in the contributions to the massive information gathering and discussion fora that form the Labour Party's manifesto production.

However, for the first time this year we have been asked to contribute to the Liberal Democrat policy consultation that precedes their manifesto.

"We have sent the Liberal Democrats a policy document that stresses UNISON's commitment to accountability, equality and promotion of public services", said Matt Smith, UNISON's Scottish Secretary.

"This invitation is a welcome development that shows the value of the work we have been doing in the Scottish Parliament and with Scotland's political parties."

UNISON will also be attending the SNP and Scottish Green Party Conferences this autumn to promote its policies. We have already been to the Spring conferences of the SSP, Labour Party and Conservatives.

The current UNISON Revitalise our public services manifesto, - www.unison-scotland.org.uk/revitalise - is also being discussed with a view to updating and refreshing UNISON's basic five principles for public services - democratic accountability, capacity & innovation, recruitment & retention, performance and public service networks.

Dave Watson, UNISON's Scottish Organiser for policy and information has also reiterated UNISON's request for members to come forward to input into policy formulation. "If you have a particular knowledge of a sector of the public services, and feel that improvements could be made to that service - why not let us know who you are and what the area of interest is?" he said. Please contact Dave on d.watson@unison.co.uk.

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