National Delegate Conference 15-18 June 2010

Our services are not for sale

Kevin Duguid

UNISON will continue to promote the value of publicly delivered services, resist the privatisation of public services to outsourcing companies and work to counter the artificial distinction between "back office" and "frontline" functions.

Supporting a wide ranging composite, Kevin Duguid told conference of the campaign the branch has launched in Edinburgh, "Our City's Not for Sale," to combat the massive tendering exercise they are facing which could see around £1 million worth of services and 3,500 jobs sold off to a combination of faceless companies.

"These companies if successful, will hold public services to ransom and become too "important" to fail," he warned.

"They say they have no option because of a £90 million black hole in their budget. But conference there is another option.

“Invest in our local champions to adapt and innovate; to continue to deliver quality, accountable public services.

"Don't let money be siphoned off for the benefit of shareholders and fat cat bonuses," said Kevin.

"At least Dick Turpin wore a mask when he committed his crimes. This lot of unethical criminals continue to barefacedly plunder public sector coffers, encouraged by short sighted, narrow minded politicians," slammed Kevin.

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