First signs of movement on two-tier workforce Maybe it was the spring sunshine, maybe it was the fact that it was the STUC, maybe it was the helpful budget commitment to increased health services, but Government Ministers at the STUC in Perth seemed to begin the first tentative steps towards UNISON's position on the two-tier workforce.

Historic agreement between unions and Scottish Government In a historic agreement between trade unions and a government, the Scottish First Minister, Jack McConnell MSP and STUC President David Bleiman signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the STUC in Perth.

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First signs of movement on two-tier workforce

by Matt Smith, UNISON Scottish Secretary

Maybe it was the spring sunshine, maybe it was the fact that it was the STUC, maybe it was the helpful budget commitment to increased health services, but Government Ministers at the STUC in Perth seemed to begin the first tentative steps towards UNISON's position on the two-tier workforce.

In particular the commitment made by Andy Kerr MSP, Minister for Finance and Public Services, to end the two-tier workforce and to conclude talks with the unions on this by June will give a welcome impetus to the discussions that we have been having for some time with the Scottish Executive.

It is, of course, too early to become smug about these commitments. The First Minister also indicated continuing involvement of the private sector in public services, and we will want to see what "dealing with the two-tier workforce" entails.

However, taken along with other positive signs, there are maybe some reasons to be hopeful. These other signs were the seriousness with which the Government took the STUC this year.

Rather than the kind of lip service that has been prevalent in the past, no less than five Scottish Government ministers addressed the Congress, including the First Minister, plus the Secretary of State and the Chair of the Labour Party in Scotland.

The budget, too, whilst we would have preferred the tax increase to have come via Income Tax at the higher end, produced for the first time this administration, a commitment to raise money from all citizens and business to deal with the crisis in our health service.

It will, of course, be crucial that improvements are delivered. The proof of the pudding will be in the eating. This is also true of all the commitments made in Perth (and elsewhere), and no one wants to raise false hopes.

I said in my speech to Congress that the Scottish Parliament would be judged on its delivery of public services. It will be. And we are now approaching that judgement day.

It remains to be seen whether the 'green shoots' witnessed in Perth are the beginnings of a real rapprochement, or whether there is still frost on the ground. UNISON's campaigning needs to continue, and now move into gear for targeting the Scottish Parliament elections.

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Historic agreement between unions and Scottish Government

by Chris Bartter

In a historic agreement between trade unions and a government, the Scottish First Minister, Jack McConnell MSP and STUC President David Bleiman signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the STUC in Perth.

The document commits both parties to work in partnership across a wide range of policy issues and sets out a framework for the two organisations to consult one another. Matt Smith, UNISON's Scottish Secretary, and STUC Treasurer said:

"This is not about agreeing to gloss over policy differences, but to set up a system where issues can be discussed and hopefully resolved between two parties. It will help to build a mature relationship, and hopefully lead to positive results."

The document has been under discussion since last October and signals a commitment on both sides to work together, even when there are disagreements.

Jack McConnell said, "This is the first formal agreement between the Executive and the unions and marks an important development in our relationship. It clearly demonstrates the importance both sides place in working closely together."

David Bleiman summed up the context, "The Memorandum of Understanding won't mean we always agree - what partners ever do - but it will help build a sufficiently mature relationship to enable us to discuss our differences and resolve them where possible, to the benefit of those we represent".

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Campaign against attacks on public service staff

The STUC is to mount a major campaign against violence to front-line public sector workers.

It will build awareness of the risk, ensure employers comply with their legal duties, push for adequate criminal injuries compensation and further research into the extent of the problem.

"Last May I joined the one in three healthcare workers who have been assaulted at work", said UNISON's Katrina Purcell, backing a motion from the Public and Commercial Service Union (PCS).

"And it is not just the health service. Social care has one in 10 (reported cases) and other public service unions will tell you the same thing. The police have one in 47 (reported cases).

"That is the crux of the matter. Why is is that less police are attacked than care staff. Is it because violence against police is deemed to be so serious that it warrants a criminal offence?", asked Katrina.

Katrina demanded that public service workers be shown the respect they deserve. "Demeaning and devaluing our public services and our public servants is a favourite sport carried out by the media and politicians.

"But when the services we provide are attacked and our members are treated as chattel and sold off to the lowest bidder, it devalues us as workers".

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Parliament's success will be judged on public services

By Chris Barttter and John Stevenson

The Scottish Parliament's success will be judged by its performance on public services, UNISON said at the STUC.

Matt Smith UNISON's Scottish Secretary told the Congress that this would be a defining issue in the relationship between the trade unions and the Scottish government.

Moving the main motion on public services on behalf of the STUC General Council, Matt reaffirmed the STUC's opposition to the Government policy of PFI/PPP and the creation of a two-tier workforce.

He pledged to continue the dialogue with the Government, but not to compromise on cuts in pay and conditions. "Public Services define the type of society in which we want to live", he said. Public services should not be funded through reductions in pay and conditions of the workforce.

"They are usually the lowest paid, predominantly women, and always the most vulnerable. There is nothing socially inclusive about the creation of a two-tier workforce."

This is the latest challenge to the Government's position on private sector involvement in the running of public services and the issue is bound to be a major feature of the forthcoming Scottish Election.

Matt was backed up by UNISON's General Secretary, Dave Prentis who listed a number of private sector failures in Scottish public services, including ones where the public sector workforce had to be brought in to clear up the mess.

"When the roof blew off Mearns Primary School in East Renfrewshire," Dave said, "Who had to be called on to bale out the contractors? The Direct Labour Organisation. Who is having to provide social work service to Edinburgh's prisons, despite a failed attempt to privatise the service? Edinburgh's social work department!"

The public sector ethos "bestows a sense of pride" said Dave. "We've got to stop this love affair with the private sector".

The STUC remains opposed to expensive and unnecessary PPP schemes that put at risk improved and efficient public services.

The Scottish First Minister, Jack McConnell MSP, who addressed the Congress, committed the Scottish Government to addressing the issues of the two-tier workforce that UNISON has been long campaigning against.

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Removing the causes of terror more effective than all the tanks and bombs

By John Stevenson

Grave concerns about the international situation were heightened at the STUC as continuing reports of the attacks on Palestine came through first hand from trade unionists.

A few weeks ago, John McFadden, Scottish NEC member, and union President Veronica Dunn, were on a UNISON delegation to the Middle East where they met both Palestinian and Israeli trade unionists.

"We were in Gaza and Ramallah during the worst two days (then) of the Israeli invasion of Palestine... Little did we know what would follow!", John told delegates.

"Ramallah looks like a ghost town. People are battered and terrified and see only a dark future for their children", added Veronica, moving the Palestine motion.

They heard first hand of attacks on ambulances, the deaths of journalists and saw the humiliation of people in long queues at checkpoints. John spoke of the factors creating the international crisis. "A lot has been said about what happened on September 11 last year, and rightly so. The attacks that day were appaling and unacceptable. Thousands of innocent people lost their lives.

"Over and above the loss of life, many thousands more have since been affected by disability, lay-offs and redundancies.

"This action has done nothing to further the cause of freedom anywhere. On the contrary it was a contributing factor to Israel's ability to carry out its terror attacks on the Palestinians without any restraint by the international community and it was the catalyst for the threats against Iraq, not to mention the further disasters suffered by the people of Afghanistan", explained John.

"Individual acts of terror, whether September 11 or suicide bombings in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, must be condemned. "The murder of innocent civilians can only prolong the agony.

"But the actions of any nation that responds in the way Israel has and the US plans to do in Iraq, must also be condemned".

Like veteran South African campaigner Denis Goldberg, John found it difficult to be even handed about the current violence in Israel and the Occupied Territories.

"On the one side you have a lightly armed, oppressed people whose land was taken by terror campaigns in 1948 to establish the state of Israel.

"This is why we remember Deir Yassin and the 400 other villages the Palestinian people fled from, causing the massive refugee problem still dogging the peace process.

"On the other you have the might of a nation founded by its own brand of terrorism, supported financially and militarily by the most powerful nation on earth, and which has one of the best-equipped and most sophisticated military machines anywhere".

John said the US and UK governments were "quite right to pursue the perpetrators of September 11 and to state that a political solution based on UN resolutions is needed in the Middle East."

However, they had to show clear evidence to justify their actions in Afghanistan and they had to show their intention that all sides must abide by UN resolutions. "They have to stop using language which links all black people to acts of terror", said John.

"They also have to show that all perpetrators of terrorism will be brought to justice.

"By standards applied in Kosovo and Serbia, Ariel Sharon should have been brought to trial for war crimes long ago.

"We must make our government listen to the views of less developed parts of the world, particularly Asia and Africa, and listen to us when we try to tell them of the madness of their approach.

"We have tried three times to meet a government minister since we came back and each time we've been ignored. So much for their open door approach. This cannot go on!", said John.

Veronica Dunn made a passionate call for the world to act. "We call on the Israeli government to end the invasion and implement the UN resolutions. We call on the USA to use its influence and we call on the EU to engage themselves.

"We are all now part of a world community. We must call on the world to act now and end this conflict and create a Palestinian state", said Veronica.

John stressed the need to work with the established trade union movement and in particular to ask "our American counterparts to put pressure on their government".

He wrote in an article during Congress week, "One of the more positive signs we encountered was the attitude of the Israeli trade union centre, Histadrut, in opposing Sharon, although they and Israeli peace campaigners are treated similarly to Palestinians when they try to speak up".

"We can also put pressure on Israel. A boycott of Israeli produce has been called for. Every one of us can raise this in our own organisations and with our employers and other organisations, to get them also to refuse to purchase Israeli goods."

John summed up with the chilling warning that all that is being created is more hate, more disaffection and more extremism. "What is needed is to deal with the issues of oppression and poverty. Removing the breeding grounds for terror will be more effective in 'rooting out terrorism' than all the tanks and bombs", he said.

See John's full speech online at www.unison-scotland.org.uk/ palestine3.html

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Fund pay deals and end discrimination

by John Stevenson

Our members don't want soundbites, they want decent pay and fair treatment and they want it now, UNISON's Susan Galloway told the STUC.

She was backing a PCS motion which warned the Scottish Executive that public sector pay must not depend on cuts in jobs. Susan recalled First Minister Jack McConnell's speech when he stressed the need to raise public sector staff morale, making them "feel more valued and secure and properly rewarded for their work".

There were a few things the Executive could do immediately to address this. "Give councils the extra resources to fund pay awards... invest in equal pay and raise the status of women dominated occupations", said Susan.

For years pay had been funded by cuts and Susan quoted the lack of funding for the Single Status 37 hour week. But as well as the overall funding problems, there was a particular issue about discrimination.

Susan said, "If you want to... end pay discrimination against our low paid and under valued women workers, the nursery nurse, catering staff, librarians and home helps, then you need to put some funding into the equal pay process".

Term time workers

On a separate motion from the Scottish Secondary Teachers Association, UNISON's Mary Crichton called for "an end to term-time working pay which discriminates against already low paid workers".

Many school staff like classroom assistants, nursery nurses, clerical staff, library assistants and cleaning and catering providers are only paid during term time with their wages then averaged out over 52 weeks.

"The only workers who should be paid for term-time only working are those who are not available to work and do not want to work during the holidays. At present that is not an option", said Mary.

She told of a case UNISON pursued to the House of Lords to get term-time workers the right to claim Job Seekers Allowance. The case was lost but only on a majority. However the Law Lords questioned whether the result of the hearing was socially desirable.

"This questioning effectively invites the Department of Social Security to change the law", said Mary.

Last year UNISON won an Employment Tribunal for nine special support assistants in a New Forest private school. The staff argued their pay for 39 weeks was spread over 52 weeks and they got no holiday pay. The employers were ordered to reimburse the women.

BBC research found that full time classroom assistants earned £125 gross per week during term time. Averaged over 52 weeks that becomes about £93.50.

"Would you want to live on such a paltry amount?", asked Mary. "More importantly, could you live on such a paltry amount".

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Threats against Northern Ireland workers unacceptable

UNISON Scottish Convenor Mike Kirby congratulated workers and the public in Northern Ireland for their 'overwhelming' support for the Irish Congress of Trade Unions demonstrations against sectarian intimidation and violence.

"Union members are frightened and confused", said Mike because of a 'growing sub-culture' of violence against public service workers.

"Public service workers in Northern Ireland have given tirelessly to the public over the last 30 years. They deserve support and admiration, not attack and threats".

"Threats against public service workers are outrageous, totally unacceptable and must be withdrawn immediately.

"Schools serve all sections of the community, they are a safe haven for education of children and must remain so. We cannot allow schools to be drawn into political and community conflict", added Mike

And this has rung a bell with trade unionists and the public in Northern Ireland. "The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has demonstrated that workers have the guts to stand up against those who would destroy the first flower of peace", said Mike.

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Inquiry on sectarianism

The STUC is calling on the Scottish Executive to set up an independent inquiry to address religious sectarianism in light of Donald Gorrie MSP's parliament motion.

The STUC Youth Committee urged unions to combat the "destructive force" of sectarianism and was supported by UNISONScotland vice-convenor, Karie Murphy.

"Religious sectarianism in Scotland is an interesting phenomenon because it's a concept that is usually devoid of any religious foundation. Most commonly the temples of worship are the monumental Ibrox and Parkhead", said Karie in a speech that poked fun but had a hard hitting message.

"We have all seen it, some of us have indulged in it, many of us are amused by it", she added but also reminded delegates, "Innocent people have their throats cut because they wore the wrong football scarf in the wrong area".

Families are harassed because they live in the wrong place and public sector workers face threats and violence.

"We are allowed to be different from each other. We are allowed to accentuate our differences and we are allowed to poke fun at the components that make us different.

"But in doing so we must ensure tolerance and mutual respect", urged Karie.

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Planned energy strategy needed

Scotland needs an energy strategy based on a planned market with security of supply as well as social, employment and environmental objectives.

"The challenge of global warming and commitments under the Kyoto protocol mean the UK has to reduce its emissions by 12.5% below 1990 levels by 2008-2012", UNISONScotland Treasurer Pat Rowland told the STUC.

"The government therefore has to look at how it can provide sufficient, affordable energy while meeting its Kyoto targets".

Nuclear power stations which provide low carbon energy are due to decommission in the next 10-20 years meaning UK emissions could rise again.

"It is therefore imperative that there is a continuing role for gas and coal generation, subject to the introduction of clean coal technologies and to continue to produce a surplus of energy for export, recognising the importance of the industry in providing high quality jobs", said Pat.

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Equality plan for NHS recruitment and retention

The STUC backed a 10 point plan for recruitment and retention in the NHS focussing on an anti-racist agenda, fair pay, teamwork, manageable workloads and 'employing NHS staff to deliver NHS services'.

"I came to Scotland on the early 70's as part of the UK's drive to recruit for the NHS. It was said at that time that black nurses formed the backbone of the NHS", said UNISON's Sofi Taylor seconding the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy motion.

But it wasn't long until Sofi felt the reward for working in healthcare was the reality of racism. "After six years, I stopped using my Chinese name to stop the name-calling and in the hope of reducing the daily racial harassment. I tried to be anonymous", she said.

Black and ethnic communities are the fastest growing communities in Scotland yet this is not reflected in recruitment in the public sector. After 30 years in the health service, Sofi feels discrimination is still there.

"Black workers are found as cleaners and nursing aids or consultants and doctors. What happened to managers, senior nurses or occupational therapists?"

"The challenge today is, what can the Scottish Executive do to change my mind?" asked Sofi. Eliminating racism would be a start, creating policies to deal with racism from patients. Training and education on an equal basis for all would help.

The Health Service should also comply with the Race Relations Amendment Act and be proactive in promoting equality. "The Scottish Executive must provide real leadership in the agenda of race equality. Trade unions must support our black staffs by putting race equality at the heart of the bargaining agenda", said Sofi.

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Pensions equality

The STUC is to mount a 'rolling programme' of campaigns and days of action with pensioners groups to fight for the link between pensions and earnings. UNISON's Sam McCartney also won a pledge to fight for equal pension rights for unmarried partners

Index

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Students' golden hello

North Lanarkshire is offering final year students up to £6,000 in installments if they commit to working for the Council for three years. Aimed mainly at the crisis in recruiting and retaining social workers, this follows a similar £2,000 deal in Edinburgh.

Hopes for Electricity part time pensions

Electricity companies are developing a structure that looks like settling part time pensions claims outwith Employment Tribunals. Progress is expected by the summer and unions will be consulted.

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Core labour standards the key to basic rights

by John Stevenson

With 1.3 billion people living on less that $1 a day and 250 million children at work, the Government must be pressurised to force more social responsibility from multi-national companies, the STUC was told.

"Across the world civilian populations are suffering the effects of war. But war is not the only problem in the developing world.

"This motion rightly points to the difficulties created by the activities of multi-national companies", said UNISON's Jim Cochrane, backing the motion from UNIFI, the banking union.

UNISON is campaigning for a more open and transparent World Trade Organisation (WTO) with a key priority of including core labour standards into trade agreements.

"We believed following Seattle in 1999 that we had a commitment from the British Government to seek reform of the WTO. Central to this was to be a joint forum with the International Labour Organisation consisting of governments, employers, trade unions and other relevant bodies", said Jim.

"Two years later however, at the ministerial meeting in Doha, Qatar, little seems to have changed", he added. UNISON representatives in Doha, were disappointed at the response of the UK government.

"They were given to understand that the UK was one of the most intransigent within the EU delegation and Baroness Symons, the UK delegation leader, did not even mention core labour standards", said Jim.

"And what are these core labour standards which seem to cause so much trouble for Blair and his right wing allies in the EU?" asked Jim

"Well, what's wrong with the right to joint a trade union of one's choice and to organise and bargain collectively? A silly question maybe.

"What's wrong with a right to freedom from slavery and bonded labour?

"What's wrong with the right to have a childhood?

"And what's wrong with the right not to be discriminated against because of gender, race, colour religion, political views or national or ethnic origin", asked Jim.

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Devolution: Unions need resources

Reallocation of resources among Trade Union Centres and new ways of working with other organisations are needed to ensure unions don't waste the opportunities of devolution and regional government. Mike Kirby, UNISON's Scottish Convenor told the STUC.

Three years experience in Scotland showed the Parliament had increased demands on unions and union centres. Devolution in Wales, Northern Ireland, and potential regional government in England made a review of relationships and resourcing imperative.

"In the last three years the STUC has received requests for responses from Government at the rate of one per day on average." Said Mike, "that is greater than all the requests in the 18 years of the Tory government.

"Add to this the need to deal with all the main political parties, because the proportional electoral system means that it is never likely that one party will ever have an absolute majority and the implications for trade unions are clear."

The STUC has already set up a Trade Union research network with academics, economists and other experts. And unions, like UNISON are engaging with other organisations and parties. But these need adequate resources and the union movement across the UK should be seriously addressing these issues.

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National awards for Scottish branches

by Robert McComb

Scottish branches won two national prizes at the UNISON organising awards 2001 event at the Shaw Park Plaza in London.

President Veronica Dunn welcomed more than 170 guests plus speakers. She commented on the standards set by those taking part. "There are no losers only winners with these awards and they are a terrific way of recognising good practice within branches".

General Secretary Dave Prentis presented the awards to the winners and made the point that the organising approach was the way forward and that we should all be working together sharing ideas and good practice.

There were over 350 entries for the 3 main awards. The music played Tina Turner's Simply The Best as Carolyn Leckie and Cathy Craig from North Glasgow Hospitals Branch received a certificate and cheque for £1,000 for the Branch's Organising and Recruitment campaign - in particular recognising the Branch's efforts on behalf of the Medical Secretaries.

East Dunbartonshire Council Branch picked up the UK Organising Award for their Membership Participation Strategy. The branch was recognised for involving members through social activities and encouraging them to enter the Return To Learn program.

Jim Burnett and Robert McComb were presented with an engraved plaque and a cheque for £3,000. Later in the evening the representatives from East Dunbartonshire Branch were the guests of John Lyons MP at the House Of Commons.

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You can do it for Salud! Only fifteen more ambulances needed

Salud International is a name familiar to UNISON branches for its work in getting humanitarian aid to Cuba. Now it has spread its wings as a non-governmental agency to enable trade unionists to provide the same aid throughout the developing world.

A successful fringe meeting at the STUC encouraged more Scottish trade unionists to become involved in its work. Salud has no full time workers but an army of volunteers committed to helping overcome the effects of the blockade which has starved Cuba of health and public service facilities.

Andy Gilchrist, General Secretary of the Fire Brigade Union, emphasised that the Cuban people saw such work as a gesture of international solidarity and were determined that they would remain in charge of their own destiny.

"In Cuba last year, four days after a hurricane hit I was privileged to assist in the area. Public services had been restored, with power and water on supply. After only four days that was a remarkable achievement, made possible by the united efforts, working together in adversity", said Andy.

He urged Scottish trade unionists to get involved in the aid campaign.

Bob Oram of Salud outlined how a campaign that started with a request to supply a single bus had grown into an effort that shipped 1,000 tons of aid on its first ship, an effort repeated during 2001 and soon to be repeated again.

Bob emphasised that Salud was committed to appropriate aid based on the recipients telling the campaign that was needed. Requests have come for everything from buses and ambulances to medical equipment, paper and pencils and even a wedding dress!

"Salud has attracted support from NHS trusts, government departments, companies and even the Royal Family", said Bob.

"But our lifeblood is in the commitment of ordinary trade unionists raising money which allows us to continue our work. It's practical politics. "

By collecting pennies and pounds, any branch can buy its ambulance and have its logo on it. It's a peculiar feeling being in Havana and seeing a Manchester ambulance go by. But a good feeling." S

ALUD currently has 35 ambulances ready to be shipped. To make transport viable they need 50 so assistance to buy the rest is vital. You can help Anyone willing to help should contact Jane Carolan 45a Marywood Square, Glasgow or via the website at www.unison-scotland.org.uk

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