Scotland inUNISON Sep 2001

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Strike shows just how important they are

by John Stevenson

Action by North Glasgow Medical Secretaries is biting with a three day strike by 60 members from the Surgical Division in the phase from 18 September.

The pressure will then build with two-day weeks up to a full week's strike from 2 October, as they dig in to win their regrading claim lodged 15 months ago.

"The strike shows just how important medical secretaries are. The Trust tried to bring in agency staff but because of the low pay and skills shortage, they couldn't get them", said branch secretary Carolyn Leckie.

"It is time the employers met our members' very moderate claim. They are risking the politically sentitive area of waiting lists. They have it in their power to avoid this and resolve the dispute", she added.

And alongside this, Lothian Acute Branch's Tom Waterson has announced his branch has also asked for a ballot.

300 Medical Secretaries are part of the escalating programme of industrial action after a 91.3% ballot vote.

The action includes:

sticking to contracted hours (no overtime) and ensuring all breaks are properly taken.
no covering for established posts that have been vacant for more than 3 months.
boycotting all work associated specifically with current 'Waiting List Initiatives'.

The vast majority of the strikers have participated in the picketing, rallies and they were joined by UNISON members from across Scotland at the demonstration on 1 September.

"Spirits are high and determination has grown", said Carolyn Leckie. The action is biting hard and the UNISON branch has slammed the Trust for allowing medical procedures without proper access to records.

All of the strikers are women, many are single parents, and have been taking action since 8 August. Carolyn is urging branches to back them financially to complement the street stalls and fundraisers already being run by the branch.

"The success of our action is dependent on your solidarity and financial support. I would ask you to raise our strike in your Branches etc. and consider a donation to relieve hardship".

Cheques should be made out to UNISON North Glasgow Hospitals Branch.

While a majority of staff across Scotland recently accepted a 'Framework' agreement, UNISON's Scottish Health Committee agreed to back branches that had rejected it. North Glasgow's claim has been outstanding for 15 months.

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UNION MEMBERS OVERCOMING SHOCK AND DISBELIEF TO PROVIDE SERVICES

Horror not over for U.S. public service workers

Compiled by John Stevenson

The tragedy on 11 September took a massive toll on UNISON members' counterparts in the USA. Reports at 15 September had 1,000 union members still unaccounted for.

But the horror is not over for emergency services, city, state, government and health workers who toil on in the rescue and clean-up effort. Thousands of members volunteered through their unions and many have been injured and traumatised.

"Public Service workers at the forefront of the effort to deal with the tragedy have themselves become victims. Our thoughts are with them", said Mike Kirby, UNISONScotland Convenor.

And nowhere is this loss more evident than in the words of Harold A Shaitberger, General President of the International Association of Firefighters (IAAF).

"At this point we cannot calculate the enormous loss of life. (This) will undoubtedly be the worst day for line-of-duty deaths in the 83 year history of the IAAF".

Unions in New York and Washington have played a key role in co-ordinating the effort, in supporting each other and in providing aid and comfort for victims and their families.

"We mourn those who perished as they performed their work, whether in rescue efforts, in offices or on airplanes", said John Sweeney, President of the AFL-CIO union federation. "Already union members have gone into action to assist the rescue efforts".

District Council 37, part of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), represents 56 'locals' covering all sectors of New York City employees. It had to close its offices in Barclay Street close to the World Trade Centre, and set up an emergency base.

"Many of our members are overcoming their shock and disbelief to provide heroic, round-the-clock emergency, health care and support services", said Lee Sanders, DC37 Administrator.

Danny Donohoe, Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) President said, "It is likely that CSEA lost brothers and sisters working in the World Trade Center. Our hearts and prayers go out to all the victims and their families.

"Many CSEA members are already assisting, directly and indirectly, in the aftermath of this horrific tragedy. CSEA is encouraging all of its members to donate blood and volunteer to help in other ways".

Amidst the horror and anger, Andrew L Stern of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) called for 'American values' and warned against any backlash attacks on Arab-Americans or 'other innocent people based on the color of their skin or the country they originally come from'

"Just as we are a nation of immigrants, we are a union of immigrants, with members from all countries of the Middle East as well as all other continents. This is a time to make an extra effort in our workplaces and in our communities to reach out to each other and show the world that in times of crisis we unite behind our ideals", he said.

And he lashed extreme right wingers Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson 'who said on television that feminists, civil liberties organizations, Americans who believe in a woman's right to choose about abortion, and gays and lesbians invited the terrorist attacks on this country by making God mad.'

"America cannot fight hatemongers and religious intolerance by becoming hateful and intolerant ourselves. The best way we can honour the victims of the attacks of September 11 is to stand up for the basic values America has always aspired to", said Mr Stern.

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How union members rallied round

Compiled by John Stevenson

Within minutes of the tragedy, construction workers contacted Bob Walsh of the Iron Workers Local 40 with offers of help. By the time the National Guard called the union, 1,000 union members were available.

The union set up three teams of recovery workers to be rotated including volunteers from Local 78, experts in asbestos handling.

"As I watch the steelworkers they progress in my mind from admirable to heroic", wrote Firefighter Dennis Smith, IAAF magazine founder, whose first hand story gives a chilling but human account of the hours after the attack (click here to link to the story).

SEIU Local 1199NY reported so many health workers volunteering that the Health Department couldn't handle the volume.

The NY State Psycholgical Association sent a disaster response team to help traumatised workers and their families.

The United Federation of Teachers and the NYSPA developed a package to help schoolchildren comprehend the events, stressing the importance of not blaming ethnic groups.

The AFL-CIO co-ordinated efforts between the Red Cross and union disaster relief efforts. Staff helped set up a Compassionate Care Centre.

Teamsters responded to Red Cross appeals to deliver communications equipment from Memphis.

20,000 face masks were gathered from bakeries for the rescue effort by Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers locals 3 and 50.

In Washington, hundreds of union members plan to go door to door for volunteers and contributions to the relief effort.

The New York State AFL-CIO, Fire Fighters, the Westchester/Putnam Counties AFL-CIO Central Labor Body and United Food and Commercial Workers have teamed up to provide truckloads of food from union supermarkets to firefighters participating in the World Trade Center rescue.

The New York City labor council is organizing a clothing drive for emergency service workers.

Links to USA union sites and disaster relief funds

All the main American labour and trade union organisations have national websites and many Locals have their own sites.

Many also have online Disaster Funds that you can contribute to.

American federation of Labor - Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) http://www.aflcio.org/home.htm

International Association of Firefighters (IAAF) http://www.iaff.org/

Dennis Smith, Firehouse Magazine Founder, Describes His Worst Nightmare. A first hand story giving a chilling but human account of the rescue effort in the hours after the attack. Find it at http://daily.iaff.org/091501smith.htm

American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) http://www.afscme.org

District Council 37, part of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), represents 56 'locals' covering all sectors of New York City employees http://www.dc37.net

Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1199NY http://www.1199seiuonline.org

Civil Service Employees Association Local 1000 http://www.csealocal1000.net/yahoo

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Avoid the cycle of killing

By the time you get this issue the USA may have identified the people behind the 11 September atrocity. USA/ NATO may already have taken action.

Either way the long-term problems that terrorism feeds on will not have been tackled. That requires an internationalism, a reason, an understanding and a commitment to justice and humanity rather than merely national interest.

Whoever thought killing innocent people from across the world would take forward their cause was tragically deluded. They did not do it in our name or even in the name of millions who have cause to hate America but who also, in their suffering, have humanity.

But the same goes for Governments. Destroying innocent lives is wrong whether it is in America, Afghanistan or Palestine.

Atrocities have been and continue to be committed in our name. If our Government is going to purport to act in our name, it must not be part of the cycle of killing.

This is the time for real leadership - for considered, mature and statesman-like action. And never for an 'eye for an eye' jingoism.

Our voices need to be just as loud in condemning terrorism wherever it comes from.

And we need to start by looking at the Western world's record in the developing world. We also need to look on our own doorstep and reflect on the racism that poisons our culture.

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Positively Public; the challenge to the government

by Chris Bartter

UNISON's Positively Public Campaign has been taken to the heart of the Scottish Government.

On 15 September, Matt Smith challenged First Minister Henry McLeish to work together with UNISON to deliver the improved public services that we both want.

Previously he, along with Convenor Mike Kirby and Depute Convenor Karie Murphy had met Secretary of State Helen Liddell and also pressed the case for Scotland's Public Services.

Matt Smith was speaking at a Conference run by the Centre for Scottish Public Policy to mark the fourth anniversary of the Scottish Parliament Referendum. Also speaking was Henry McLeish.

Matt pointed to the historical background to the Scottish Parliament - created in large part to defend Scotland from the Tories' dismantling of public services. He said,

"I pointed out that we shared the same aims as the Government. That we agreed that public services needed improving; that they should deliver social justice; be provided by teamworking and build for the longer term - all calls the First Minister had made in a speech earlier.

"If this was so why didn't we sit down together and jointly work out how to deliver these aims."

Matt pointed out that PFI projects run completely contrary to all these aims, being run for financial profit - not social justice, breaking up the 'team' and failing to deliver the improvements promised.

This point was also made in the meeting with Helen Liddell. Mike Kirby said,

"When the Secretary of State told us 'What matters is what works' we were able to point to her own area of Lanarkshire where PFI hospitals are clearly not working."

Mike also raised the issue of pensions, which are a major inequality between private sector and public sector conditions. Any changes will require UK legislation.

Meetings will continue to be held to pursue UNISON's policies with the government at all levels.

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Get your postcards in now

by Chris Bartter

The next stage of the Positively Public Campaign is a massive postcard signing. Produced by UNISON Headquarters in London the cards are addressed to Tony Blair MP and call for 'world-class public services delivered by a well-trained, directly-employed workforce'.

One has already been sent out to each member via the UNISON magazine, and Matt Smith has written to all branches asking for their support and initiatives. John Stevenson, Chair of Scotland's Communications and Campaigns Committee said,

"We have been set a target of around 15% of Scotland's membership and are currently working on breaking that down into branch targets. That is 22,500 signed postcards. But all that requires is for two in every ten members to sign one each.

"We want branches to take this task on board and we will also be putting a copy on the website."

Branches have been urged to set up and use existing events to get cards signed. Street stalls and the use of conferences etc have been suggested. There will also be a UK-wide day of action on 5 December 2001, details of which are still being discussed.

Chris Bartter, UNISON Scotland Communications Officer says he wants feedback from branches, who should let him know what they are planning and what support they need.

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August is a quarter-million month

by Chris Bartter

Personal injury settlements received for UNISON members in Scotland totalled nearly quarter of a million pounds in August.

The settlements ranged from £750 - £90,000 for 28 UNISON members. John Lambie, Assistant Scottish Secretary said

"What is important also to remember when these claims are necessary, is that pursuing them through UNISON means that there is no 'success fee' to be paid to the lawyers. Unlike many 'no-win,no-fee' firms advertising on TV, our lawyers do not charge winning claimants huge insurance premiums.

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Listen to SQA staff

UNISON has reacted cooly to the Minister of Education's statement on the Scottish Qualifications Authority.

Matt McLaughlin, Regional Officer for UNISON members in the SQA said,

"The idea of some kind of advisory committee is not a bad idea, but we notice there appears to be no place on this body for staff representatives. As they are the closest to the workings of the agency and see the first sign of what is going wrong we think it would be both fair and effective to include representatives of the staff on this body."

SQA staff have already put forward their concerns regarding the way the agency is run to the Education Committee of the Scottish Parliament earlier this year.

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Understand the causes of frustration fear and hate

Scottish Convener Mike Kirby was only a few weeks back from an STUC delegation to Palestine in August when the attacks in the USA happened.

"This kind of thing helps nobody", said Mike. "The deplorable tragedy in America met with widespread condemnation from most Arab states - including from President Arafat".

The initial assumption was that the attack came from Middle East sources. And while there could be no excuse for the attack, Mike has joined many others in urging the USA and Western Governments to think hard before responding.

"If Western Governments are to succeed in reducing tensions, they must make more effort to understand the root causes behind the frustration, fear and hate many people feel", said Mike.

"This must include working towards a better understanding and a celebration of the diversity and ethnic differences in other countries", he added.

West Bank

The delegation, guests of the Palestine General Federation of Trade Unions (PGFTU), travelled around the West Bank with some difficulty as they were stopped at checkpoint after checkpoint.

They met the head of the Health Service Union and were taken to the bombed media centre in Nablus where a rocket had killed two children in a physiotherapy clinic upstairs.

And they met President Arafat in Ramallah who asked the international community to act quickly to save the peace process. He said it was proving impossible to make process with Israeli negotiators.

The main findings of the visit were:

Ordinary Palestinians live in fear of death and injury from Israeli forces. This is compounded by a fear that Prime Minister Sharon is prepared to inflict very high Palestinian casualties.
Severe damage is being done to the economy and it is impossible for Palestinians to get to work or for goods to be moved
The leadership of the PLO's position is being undermined by the Israeli aggression.
The PGFTU is playing a key role in delivering basic services but their resources are stretched to breaking - they are anxious for help.

Senior figures in the Palestinian leadership feel the UK Government could be particularly helpful in putting pressure on the USA to take a less partisan position in support of Israel and press it to negotiate.

The delegation is to provide a report of the visit. The STUC is to take the main issues up with the UK Government and the Israeli ambassador. It will also seek to raise funds to help the PGFTU.

Restraint from the West and justice for Palestine was the theme at a series of previously planned meetings held by the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign in Glasgow, Aberdeen and Edinburgh on 11, 12 and 13 September.

The 100 strong Edinburgh debate was dignified, with contributions from Americans, Jews, Moslems, Christians and those of no religion. Some had come from life-long support for the Palestinians displaced by successive Western Governments, and some just to try to understand.

"Terrorism like this solves nothing", veteran ANC campaigner Denis Goldberg told the Edinburgh meeting. "But to respond in the way that has happened before will only create more terrorists".

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Baseline disability research launched

The Disability Rights Commission in Scotland, in co-operation with the Scottish Executive's Equality Unit, has launched the first ever research on disabled people and their lives.

The research, by Glasgow University's Strathclyde Centre for Disability Research, has already received broad support from a range of Disabled People's organisations in Scotland, including UNISON's Scottish Disabled Members' Committee (SDMC).

SDMC Chair Nigel Pimm, said: "This research gives us a current snapshot into the lives of disabled people in Scotland. For the first time, we now know that there are 800.000 residents of Scotland who meet the Disability Discrimination Act's definition of being disabled.

"We know that a shocking 57% of those disabled Scots who would like to work are unemployed. We know that 33% of the disabled population lives on an annual income of £6,000 or less - below benefit levels. We now have hard and fast statistics with which to campaign for better policies for disabled people, and better conditions for disabled workers".

UNISON has played a leading role in the developments linked to this research through lobbying Scottish Ministers, and will continue to seek further developments. The SDMC has already convinced the Equality Unit of the need for further research into the recruitment and retention of disabled employees in the Public Sector, including pay grades. Contact the DRC Helpline (08457 622 633) for a copy of the research findings.

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Human rights theme for Lesbian and Gay Conference

by Neil MacInnes

The Scottish Lesbian and Gay Conference will be held on Saturday 27 October in Glasgow.

This year's theme will centre on the Human Rights Act and its implications for Lesbian and Gay Men. The West Network recently had guest speakers who specialise on the Act with regard to family and employment law. These meetings were a tremendous success.

The Scottish Lesbian and Gay Conference is YOUR conference and I am happy to take on board suggestions for topics, workshop themes or guest speakers. Please let me know if you have any particular thoughts.

UNISON's 9th National Lesbian and Gay Conference is also being held in Glasgow on the 16-18 November. UNISON's lesbian and gay conference is not only the main forum for the discussion of policies on lesbian and gay rights, setting the framework for the work of the National Lesbian and Gay Committee for the following year.

It is also the biggest annual gathering of lesbians and gay men in the UK outside pride events!

Any lesbian or gay member may apply to their branch for a delegate place and branches are instructed to make every effort to encourage members' attendance. There are procedures for members who are not out in their branch to apply for places.

UNISON is committed to fair representation in all its structures. Part time and manual workers have been under represented at conference over the past few years and are particularly welcome to apply.

Details have been mailed directly to all UNISON branches and members on the national lesbian and gay mailing list. If you require any further information please contact either the Regional Officer - Eileen Dinning (Scottish Women's Officer 0141 332 0006 email e.dinning@unison.co.uk or Neil MacInnes, Secretary - Scottish Lesbian and Gay Committee 07810 358 139 email neil.macinnes@ cls.glasgow.gov.uk.

Index

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Housing campaign steps up a gear

by Chris Bartter

As the ballot of tenants in Glasgow City Council's attempts to transfer its council housing stock draws nearer, unions across Scotland agreed a joint campaign to convince tenants that a 'No' vote is needed.

At a Housing Seminar run by UNISON in Glasgow, Bill Speirs, the General Secretary of the STUC announced that the STUC is to co-ordinate the campaign, funded by a number of unions (T&GWU, GMB, UCATT and UNISON) to argue for a 'No' vote.

John Wright of Glasgow City UNISON, and Secretary of the city's Joint Stewards Committee said

"Bill pointed out the problems inherent in moving away from democratic control and into a sector dependent on private funders. "

He also pointed out that the Glasgow Housing Association plans are not even half formulated - with many city areas with no local housing structure and no details of any funding packages.

"Tenants would be voting for a pig in a poke to buy the bland assurances of the GHA and Glasgow City Council."

Malcolm Wing, National Secretary of UNISON's UK Local Government Group, who were running the Seminar said,

"It is important that a variety of stock tenures is maintained. We have seen the huge rises in rents and lack of control that have been created elsewhere in the UK with the rise of any predatory private sector so-called housing associations."

The campaign for a 'No' vote will run adverts and press work and work with tenants' organisations until the vote in November.

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Backing Gig on the Green

by Cameron Day

UNISON's Scottish Young Members Committee promoted UNISON at Glasgow's Gig on the Green last month.

Over 100 people were involved in UNISON teams, running bars with the Workers Beer Company, and promoting the Positively Public campaign.

The Scottish Young Members Committee acted as Managers, worked 12 hour days, and managed to meet some of the stars, such as Evan Dando, and King Adora.

The event attracted 30,000 people from all over and we hope to further UNISON's presence at future events. Initial planning is under way to hold an event at Hampden Park in July 2002 with a mini peace festival, leading to a weekend event. We hope to ensure UNISON is involved at an early stage.

Our thanks to all those who participated, members and staff, your assistance has generated funds to allow young member training and campaigning events throughout the year. If you wish to become involved please contact Cameron Day, on 0777 608 3218 or email cammyday@hotmail.com.

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Get yourself communicating

Dates have been agreed the Magazine Editing and Media Handling courses.

Both are increasingly important for Branch activists if UNISON is to present its policies and activities to best effect - both to our members and to the world.

The Magazine Editors course: 19 -21 Oct in Reid Kerr College, Paisley will use hands on compilation of a newsletter using Microsoft Publisher.

The Media Handling course: 9-11 Nov in the Glasgow Posthouse Hotel will have an experienced journalist, Christine Jardine and Mary Maguire UNISON's Head of Press and Broadcasting as two of the tutors.

Forms have been sent out to Branch Secs/Education Secs and Communications Activists. Copies are available from Alan Macmillan in the West Campbell Street Office. They should be returned (duly signed) by 5 October 2001(Mag Eds) or 26 October 2001 (Media).

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Round the mags

Education cuts

Scottish Borders' UNISON Voice newsletter leads on a £4 million overspend in the Council's Education Department, bringing real concerns about jobs.

The magazine slams the 20% in cleaners' hours and possible halving of the school kitchen staff.

PFI magazine

East Ayrshire's 'View from the Cross' (The Cross Kilmarnock that is) has a hilarious front page story about the branch magazine having gone out to PFI.

As in all PFI schemes, there will some changes, says the magazine, like six pages instead of eight with four devoted to advertising, plus a small charge of £1.50. The branch will also have to ringfence 54% of its funds for the project.