1998/1999 Archive
McIntosh report should be accepted as a package, says UNISON
UNISON, Scotland's largest local government union representing
80,000 Scottish local authority staff, today called for all the
recommendations of the McIntosh Commission on Local Government
to be accepted as a package, not for some recommendations to be
accepted and some rejected which was the response of the Scottish
Communities Minister, Wendy Alexander.
UNISON's Scottish Committee, meeting in Glasgow today approved
the response, which will be sent to the government.
Mike Kirby, UNISON's Scottish Convener, said,
"McIntosh contains a lot of positive recommendations. For
example on permitting local government employees to stand for
election to councils. This is an issue that we have campaigned
for for a number of years and we are pleased the Commission has
recognised the unfairness of the current system."
Whilst McIntosh makes recommendations UNISON does not fully agree
with notably on the recommendations for 'Executive Committees'
within councils, which the union says, would lead to 'two tier
local democracy' - UNISON are prepared to support the report as
a whole - as the Commission asks for - and are disappointed with
the Scottish Executive's initial reaction.
Joe Di Paola, UNISON's Senior Officer for Local Government, said,
"We are concerned that the Executive don't appear to accept
McIntosh's recommendations as a package. It contains points that
are fundamental to responsive and responsible local government
-such as the independent review of its financing. We will be putting
forward our view in the Scottish Parliament and to other organisations
and hope to persuade them of the need for effective local government
in Scotland"
ENDS
Note for Editors: A full copy of UNISON's response is available
from Chris Bartter (below) or here
on the website
Further Information
Joe Di Paola (Senior Officer-Local Govt) 0131 226 2662
Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0141 332 0006
Index
Date: 5 August 1999
Millennium payments agreed for Scottish Local Government workers
UNISON, Scotland's largest local government union, today welcomed
a deal which will see Scotland's Local Authority workers getting
a £100 bonus, if they are required to work over the millennium
celebrations.
The deal, which also includes a £50 payment for staff on
standby and the usual payments for Bank Holiday working, was agreed
during Scottish negotiations on 4 August.
Jane Carolan, Convenor of UNISON's Scottish Local Government
negotiating forum said that the agreement provided a framework
allowing local arrangements to be agreed between authorities and
their workforce.
"This agreement - whilst the amount is not enough - creates
parity across all local services - not simply providing large
lump sums for a few. Where there are special reasons, local deals
can be discussed on top of this"
The union was keen that a Scottish wide deal was agreed to ensure
that workers in smaller authorities did not lose out. It does
not prevent locally negotiated deals for improved payments.
Joe Di Paola - UNISON's Senior Officer for Local Government said,
"We haven't forgotten that council workers in essential
services are at work each New Year - for example, looking after
children and old people in residential care, old people in their
own homes or finding homes for people made homeless.
"These jobs are often low-paid jobs, and we wanted to recognise
their worth in providing an essential service, whilst the rest
of us are out celebrating."
See
the UNISON Millennium Payments Bargaining Update
ENDS
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Joe Di Paola (Senior Officer - Local Government) 0131-226 2662(w)
Jane Carolan (Convenor LG Neg Forum) 07803 952269(m)
Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0141- 332 0006 (w)
Index
Date:8 November 1999. Embargo: Not For release
before 00.01am Tuesday 9 November 1999
Equalities
pressure on Scottish Parliament intensifies
Following the announcement that the Scottish Parliament will
abolish Section 28 of the Local Government Act - outlawing local
councils to 'promote' homosexuality - UNISON, the largest Scottish
Trade Union today launches its equalities 'minifesto' Serving
Scotland Equally.
Part of the union's £100,000 Serving Scotland campaign
, the 'minifesto' will be launched at a meeting in Glasgow today.
It includes policy demands from all of the union's self-organised
groups (Black Members; Disabled Members;
Lesbian and Gay Members; Young Members and Retired Members). The
only group not included are the union's women members who launched
their own minifesto last April.
Amongst other demands, the minifesto calls for
- a right for disabled Scots to access integrated employment,
- the reduction of the voting age to 16,
- the decriminalisation of sexual activity in line with the
principles of equality,
- for older people to have equal access to health care such
as
cancer screening, coronary rehabilitation etc,
- for same sex partners to have the same rights as other couples
in housing, social work and health services,
- and for all public institutions to become fully aware of
institutional racism and the principles of equality.
Neil McInnes, Secretary of UNISONScotland's Lesbian and Gay Group
said
"This minifesto comes out at a crucial time for equalities.
Following on the welcome announcement of the abolition of Section
28, we can see many future areas where the Scottish Parliament,
and Scottish Executive can deliver proper equalities. In its own
functions, and those provided by employers for which it has overall
responsibility, for example, it could also name and shame public
bodies who do not adopt best practice."
Nigel Pimm, Chair of the union's Disabled Members Group also
wants the Parliament to add to pressure on Westminster;
"Whilst much Equalities legislation is reserved to Westminster,
we want the Scottish Parliament to add its voice to campaigns
for improvement - such as replacing the Disability Discrimination
Act. In addition we want to see them taking the lead in promoting
the recent public access laws."
UNISON will send copies of its minifesto to the Scottish Parliament's
Equal Opportunities Committee and to equalities campaigning groups
throughout Scotland. They will also be asking to meet the Parliament's
Equal Opportunities Committee to reinforce their message.
ENDS
Full Minifesto
[Note for Editors: UNISON is Scotland's largest
union and has been at the forefront of campaigning for equality.
It's unique structure of 'self-organised groups' allows members
who experience specific discrimination to come together to challenge
it. The meeting on Tuesday takes place at 2.00 pm, and will have
representatives from all the groups referred to. Interviews with
them can be arranged by contacting Chris Bartter or Carol Judge
(see contacts)
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Carol Judge (Senior Regional Officer) 0141-332 0006(w)
Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0141-332 0006(w) 0141-959
7165(h)
Neil McInnes (Sec - Lesbian and gay group) 0958 754 315 (m)
Nigel Pimm (Chair - Disabled Members Group) 0411 345361 (m)
Index
Local Authority staff get higher rise than in
England
Around 200,00 Scottish local government staff have accepted an
annual salary increase of 3.3%, 0.3% more than the settlement
agreed for equivalent staff in England and Wales.
UNISON, the largest Scottish local government union, confirmed
that all unions have now agreed that the sum, offered by the Scottish
employers last month, should be accepted.
Joe Di Paola, Scottish Senior Regional Officer for Local Government,
and Secretary of the Local Government Trade Unions negotiating
body said today:
"We have carried out a major consultation exercise, and
the overwhelming feeling from our members is that the offer should
be accepted. It is good to see that the new Scottish negotiating
machinery seems to be effectively dealing with Scottish issues".
This is the first separate pay deal done by the new Scottish
Joint Council, which broke away from the UK negotiating machinery
in 1998/99, came up with a different settlement from England,
because of the differences in timescale of implementing the agreement
on creating one set of conditions for local authority staff -
the so-called "Single Status" agreement.
Dougie Black, UNISON's Scottish Chair of Local Government, said:
"Whilst we are disappointed that we were unsuccessful in
getting specific help for the low paid in this pay round, it is
clear that members were not prepared to strike to get a better
offer. We will now be concentrating on making sure that Single
Status is implemented fairly across Scotland."
The 3.3% increase will apply to all manual and white collar staff
in Scotland's 32 local authorities and is effective from 1 April
this year.
ENDS
FURTHER INFORMATION
Joe Di Paola Senior Regional Officer 0141 332 0006
Dougie Black, Chair Scottish Local Govt Cttee 0585
482570
Chris Bartter Communications Officer 0141 332 0006
Index
Date: 10 Sept 1999
DLO surpluses prompt warning on housing transfer
UNISON, Scotland's largest public service union, today issued
a warning that yesterdays good Direct Labour Organisation results
could be put at risk by insistence on the transfer of council
housing out of local democratic control.
Commenting on the Review of the Performance of DLO's and DSO's
in Scotland, by the Accounts Commission for Scotland, Joe Di Paola,
UNISON's Senior Regional Officer for Local Government, said today
"We are delighted that in three short years since the unwanted
reorganisation of local government, local authority staff are
have created nearly £38 million to support services across
Scotland."
However the union went on to warn that local authority plans
to transfer large numbers of council houses to housing associations
and private companies could put DLO's at risk.
"Over £5million of that surplus was created in Building
Maintenance
work." said Joe di Paola, "The majority of that in maintaining
council
housing stock. If Councils don't have those houses the DLO's can't
maintain them. That will put tenants at risk from private contractors
and other services at risk of cuts and closures."
The union is continuing its £100,000 Serving Scotland Campaign
which calls for public services to be of the highest quality and
delivered by a democratically accountable public service team.
ENDS
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Joe Di Paola - Senior Officer Local Government
0141-332 0006
Chris Bartter - Communications Officer 0141-332 0006(w)
Index
Friday 31 December 1999
Tribunal
victory sparks union recruitment
UNISON, Scotland's largest union, is using a significant tribunal
victory on behalf of staff in a Lothian nursing home to launch
a recruitment drive in other private residential homes. UNISON
just received a decision from an Employment Tribunal which means
staff should get back a total of over £100,000 in pay wrongfully
cut when their home was sold to a new owner.
Staff at Lammermuir House in Dunbar, a residential home owned
by Meadows Development Ltd, had their wages and conditions cut
after the company bought the home from the Civil Service Benevolent
Fund in 1998. The Tribunal found that the cuts in pay should have
been prevented by the Transfer of Undertakings (TUPE) Regulations.
UNISON are going to use this victory to point out to residential
home staff the kind of protection and back-up a trade union can
deliver.
Mick McGahey, Branch Secretary for UNISON's Lothian Primary Care
Branch said;
"We are discovering a variety of problems under the surface
in some residential homes. In Lammermuir House, UNISON won back
pay cuts ranging from £42 - £7,000 overall. Members
have said to us that they wouldn't have been able to sustain cases
like this had they not had UNISON's support."
David Forbes, UNISON Regional Officer for the branch said
"The increase in the number of private nursing and residential
homes has meant a huge number of employees at risk from often
inexperienced and sometimes unscrupulous employers. We will be
taking the news round that one thing staff can do in these circumstances
is join a union. With our experience of these areas, we think
that union should be UNISON."
The onset of the Fairness at Work legislation also has given
a boost to union recruitment and UNISON will be using this legislation
to get recruitment and recognition in many other areas, in Scotland's
public services.
ENDS
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
David Forbes (Regional Officer) 0131-229 0436(h)
Mick McGahey (Branch Secretary) 07957 374137(m)
Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0771 558 3729(m)
Index
Not for release before 00.01am Mon 27 December
1999
UNISON appeals
to members to pool policy ideas
Scotland's largest union has just announced a radical new way
of creating union policy in Scotland. This new process, which
is starting in the New Millennium, involves asking UNISON's members
to comment directly on policy, bypassing the normal UNISON machinery!
The union is going to use its own newspaper and its website to
try and involve members with knowledge of topics from Student
Tuition Fees to the National Cultural Strategy.
Mike Kirby, UNISON's Scottish Convenor, says this is a way of
using the resources of the union to the full.
"With the creation of the Scottish Parliament, the need
for UNISON to represent our members through responses to consultations
etc. has grown tremendously." He said. " We realise
that with a Scottish membership of nearly 150,000 there was a
fair chance of some of our members knowing a lot about some issues.
We had to come up with a way of asking them directly."
The major public service union is setting up a series of working
parties (called Policy Pools), and looking to co-opt members with
an interest who come forward with their views. Results from these
discussions would then be circulated through the union's machinery
and passed to the Scottish Executive, MSP's, and other interested
parties.
Mike accepts that there was some initial suspicion that these
bodies would be taken over by zealots, but points out that a system
is in place to stop that happening.
"The pools cannot determine policy on their own, and any
extremist nonsense would soon be spotted. " He said. "But
I am more concerned with getting people to contribute. We have
set up the pools - Now I want to appeal to members to come forward."
Issues that will be on the agenda for the early part of the year
will be: -
- Funding Scotland's public services
- Council House Stock Transfers;
- European Integration and its effect on public spending (especially
as it affects Scotland);
- Equal Opportunities for disadvantaged groups (especially Black,
Disabled, Lesbian and Gay People.)
ENDS
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Mike Kirby (Scottish Convener) 01426 292751(p)
Chris Bartter(Communications Officer) 0771 558 3729(m)
Index
Date: Tuesday 21 December 1999 Embargo: For Immediate
release
UNISON backs local
football derby for President
UNISON, Scotland's largest union, will be sponsoring the programme
of the Local derby game between Raith Rovers and Dunfermline Athletic,
as part of the union's campaign for public services in Scotland,
and against racism.The public service union has picked this match
to support because this years President, Anne Picking, a nursing
sister in Kent, is originally from Dunfermline.
The sponsorship will include a fullpage advert in the matchday
programme and a banner at the ground. Anne thinks that it will
be money well spent. "Apart from the crowd at the game,"
She said "we are looking to reach a TV audience as he Premier
League will be on its Winter Break, and this will be one of the
biggest matches scheduled.
"Our advert will reflect the work that the union has done
over the years, both in terms of Scottish public services, and
in anti -racist campaigning."
UNISONScotland has been running a major campaign to defend and
improve public services in Scotland, and is also a major sponsor
of the 'Show Racism the Red Card' campaign, designed to get rid
of racism in football.
ENDS
[Note to Editors: Anne Picking was born and raised
in Dunfermline and her parents - Frank and Wilma Moffat - still
live locally. She left school after 'O' levels and undertook basic
and specialist nurse training in Dunfermline hospitals. In 1980
she moved to Belfast where she nursed in a psychiatric hospital,
then moved to the south east of England in 1984 where she has
remained since. Anne has specialised in working with people with
mental health problems and in drug and alcohol abuse.
Anne has been a member of UNISON's National Executive
Council since the 1.3 million strong union's inception in 1993
and previously served on the NEC of the health union COHSE which
came together with NALGO and NUPE to form UNISON.She was elected
to the Labour Party NEC two years ago, and is vice-chair of its
powerful Organisation Committee.
She will be available for interview by contacting
Chris Bartter(below), who also has a photograph if required.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Matt Smith(Scottish Secretary)0141-332 0006(w) 07771
548997(m) Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0141-332 0006(w)
0771 558 3729(m) Anne Picking(National President) 0411 677751(m)
Mike Kirby(Scottish Convenor) 01426 292751(page)
Index
Date: 3 December 1999 Embargo: Not for release
before 00.01am Monday 6 December 1999
Link
to full claim details and supporting evidence
UNISON leader
demands pay justice for council workers
UNISON has lodged a pay claim of £500 or 5% for its 100,000
Scottish local government workers on 6 December.
Deputy General Secretary Dave Prentis called on Scottish councils
to demonstrate justice and fairness to the staff who work for
them.
"As a union we have consistently called for the introduction
of a real living wage based on £5 an hour. For many employed
by Scottish councils basic pay means only £4.25 per hour.
These kinds of wage levels can force staff to take other jobs
and work excessive hours just to make ends meet. This cannot be
justified in the 21st Century!"
Dave added, "Councils in Scotland have gone through a major
period of change since reorganisation in 1996. There have been
serious job losses and changes to work patterns, yet services
have continued to perform efficiently.
"Isn't it time these public service achievements were noted,
and the staff who made it possible rewarded? UNISON members cannot
always be expected to keep delivering services if they are given
little or no recognition for their efforts."
His remarks are addressed not only to councils but to the Scottish
Executive who ultimately hold the purse strings. Past Governments
have failed to fund pay rises for local government workers.
UNISON's Scottish local government claim for 2000 seeks to maintain
and improve the living standards of all council workers, and to
address the issue of low pay by demanding a minimum hourly rate
of £5 per hour. In addition the claim seeks an increase
of £500 or 5% (whichever is greater) on all spinal column
points with effect from 1 April 2000. The claim is relevant to
all of UNISON's membership and provides a basis for a real improvement
in salary levels.
UNISON now awaits the employers' response to the claim, which
is likely early February.
ENDS
Further Information
Mary Maguire Press Officer 01523 139 547 (page)
Joe Di Paola (Senior Regionbal Officer) 0131 226
2662
Jane Carolan (Chair TU side negotiators) 017893
952 269
Index
29 December 1998
Scots say university fees should go, and grants should stay
65% of Scots oppose the government introduction of fees for university
students says a new poll released today. The poll, carried out
by System Three Scotland for UNISON, Scotland's public service
union, indicates that Scots feel very strongly about this issue
with 50% opting for the extreme negative rating of 'strongly oppose'.
Mike Kirby, UNISON's Scottish Convenor, said:
"This shows that Scots remain implacably opposed to the
introduction of fees for students in Scotland's universities.
In addition to the overall opposition, 56% are also opposed to
the 'fourth-year fee' for students from outside Scotland.
"This is an example of the attitude to public services in
Scotland. Freedom of access to a university education is a dearly
held principle. One that we will be highlighting in our Serving
Scotland campaign in the run up to the Scottish Parliament."
The poll, carried out as part of the union's campaign for Scottish
Public services, also indicates that Scots feel the government
should support students at university with grants rather than
loans.
"Only 5% of Scots support current government policy."
said Mike Kirby, "91% feel that grants should play a significant
part in funding student maintenance, although there is a recognition
that some contribution should come from students or their parents."
Mike Kirby also points to the consistency of responses across
all social classes:
"Some people have tried to claim that the arguments against
fees and loans are 'middle class whingeing'" he said, "This
poll shows that the opposition to fees, the priority given to
higher education and the importance of a government grant to students
produce common responses across all classes, showing the importance
all Scots attach to Higher Education."
The union's Serving Scotland campaign will run up to the Scottish
Parliament and local council elections in May. All political parties
and candidates will be quizzed on their policies on this and other
issues of importance to Scotland's public services.
Note for Editors:- A sample of 996 adults across 40 constituencies
were interviewed between 26 Nov - 2 Dec 1998. Percentage results
were as follows;
UNISON Poll Results
|
Fees
for university students
|
Final year fees for students
from outside Scotland
|
Strongly support introduction
|
9%
|
17%
|
Slightly support
|
15%
|
14%
|
Neither support or oppose
|
9%
|
10%
|
Slightly oppose
|
15%
|
14%
|
Strongly oppose
|
50%
|
42%
|
Don't know
|
2%
|
4%
|
Preferred approach to student maintenance
Mainly from government student grant
|
41%
|
Combination of student grant and funding from student
(loan/part-time work or parental support)
|
51%
|
Mainly funding by student (loan, p/t work, parental
support)
|
5%
|
Don't know
|
3%
|
Index
28 December 1998
UNISON calls for new deal on PFI in wake of Robinson resignation
UNISON, Scotland's largest union is calling for the new team
at the heart of the Treasury to look again at the controversial
Private Finance Initiative (PFI) - currently being used to fund
a number of future Scottish public services.
Matt Smith, UNISON's Scottish Secretary, said:
"We are asking the Government to use this opportunity of
a new team at the Treasury to deliver a New Year bonus for Scottish
taxpayers and public service workers. The expensive, bureaucratic
and unaccountable Private Finance Initiative should be scrapped
and replaced by new methods of funding."
UNISON has consistently campaigned against PFI. The union is
currently running a campaign, called Serving Scotland, setting
out its agenda for public services under a Scottish Parliament.
As part of this campaign the union will be releasing a policy
paper in the New Year calling for public services to be owned
and run by democratically accountable bodies rather than private
consortia or contractors under PFI.
Matt Smith says that the appointment of Alan Milburn in particular,
allows a rethink. In his position as Health Minister, Mr Milburn
put forward ideas about using private finance to provide public
services without the private sector running the service, the so-called
'PFI without People' option.
"UNISON's campaign calls for quality services, that give
people a say in how they are run, and are delivered by a public
services team." He said "PFI currently fails on all
these three points. It is more expensive than conventional funding,
removes accountability by locking services up into long-term inflexible
contracts, and splits up the workforce providing the service.
"We also feel that it is inappropriate to rely heavily on
a scheme where the public cost is kept commercially confidential.
We think that the best Government is open government and call
on the government to open the books on existing and proposed PFI
projects.
"The argument is also advanced that it is the only game
in town. We now know that this is untrue. The funding of Aberdeen
Sick Children's Hospital, and a community hospital in Bo'ness
have been provided by co-operation and the selling of surplus
assets. The rest of the EU uses a much more flexible measure of
government spending that treats it as the investment it is. It
is time to say that PFI provides poor value services and Scotland
should have better."
The union's Serving Scotland campaign will run up to the Scottish
Parliament and local council elections in May. All political parties
and candidates will be quizzed on their policies on this and other
issues of importance to Scotland's public services.
Index
Date 3 December 1998
Embargo: For
operational use.
Web launch for UNISON manifesto
Scotland's biggest union is hoping to make the right connections
on Saturday (5 December 1998) when it launches its Manifesto for
Scotland's public services.
In addition to a traditional printed copy of Serving Scotland
as the manifesto is titled, the union will be also putting all
the text on the world wide web, and the site will be available
for delegates to read at the meeting.
The document, which contains the main themes of UNISON's 100,000
Campaign for public services, will be the central event at Saturday's
meeting of the union's Scottish Council, where representatives
of all Scotland's UNISON branches meet to decide Scottish policy.
The document will express UNISON's aims for a Scottish Parliament
The union advocates public services that are democratic - giving
people a say in their services, effective - choosing quality services,
and treat the providers properly - choosing teamwork. The Serving
Scotland campaign will be targeting all political parties and
other groups in Scotland, and will not advocate support for or
against any political party.
The meeting will be held in The Moir Hall, the Mitchell Theatre,
Granville Street, Glasgow at 10.30 am.
You are invited to be represented when Matt Smith, UNISON's Scottish
Secretary, and Mike Kirby, UNISON's Scottish Convener launch the
manifesto, at 09.30 am in the Moir Hall.
[Note for Editors/Picture Editors - General photo opportunities
of the meeting will be available immediately before the start
at 10 30 am and interviews with the main participants can be arranged
No photos or filming of the meeting in progress will be permitted
.]
ENDS
Further Information
Matt Smith (Scottish Secretary) 0141-332 0006 (w) 07771 548997(m)
Chris, Bartter (Communications Officer) 0141-332 0006 (w) 0141-959
7165(h)
George McGregor (Research Officer) 0141-332 0006 (w) 0976 754420(m)
Index
16 November 1998
SCOTS BACK RIGHT TO STAND FOR COUNCILS
UNISON, the public services union, announced today
that 68% of Scots back its campaign to remove political restrictions
barring 280,000 local government workers standing as councillors.
This demand will form part of the union's Public Services Campaign
in the run up to both the Scottish Parliament and the local council
elections next May.
Following on from the System 3 opinion poll result,
which shows the ban is opposed by most Scots right across the
political spectrum, UNISON has written to the leaders of all Scottish
local authorities seeking support for its campaign, which is also
opposed to the broader political restrictions on more senior officers.
The union's stance has recently also received
powerful support from the McIntosh Commission on Local Government
- a Government appointed advisory body, which will present its
final recommendations to the Scottish Parliament in 1999.
Mark Irvine, UNISON's Head of Local Government
in Scotland, said
"The present restrictions mean that 1 in
8 of Scotland's adult workers are prevented from playing a full
part in the democratic process. Just to get their names on the
ballot paper, local government workers must resign form their
job. Clearly people with personal and financial commitments cannot
take such a big risk in order to play a full part in public life.
No other European country operates such a crazy,
scorched-earth approach to the potential problems that arise when
public service workers stand for public office. In Germany, for
example, workers have a right to stand for public office and only
need to resign if elected. They also have a right to return to
their previous employment for the following six years.
UNISON believes that there is all-party support
for a reform of the current system. Now our arguments have won
the backing of the McIntosh Commission we will be redoubling our
efforts to spur the present Government and the Scottish Parliament,
into long overdue reform of this system."
ENDS
[Note for Editors: the opinion poll was carried
out by System 3, who polled 1009 people over 40 constituencies
between 24-29 September 1998. The results were as follows:
Do you think that council employees should or
should not be allowed to stand for election to the council in
their area?
Party supporting in Scottish Parliament Election
|
|
Total%
|
Con%
|
Lab%
|
LibDem%
|
SNP%
|
Other%
|
Uncomitted %
|
Should
|
68
|
57
|
71
|
69
|
71
|
82
|
59
|
Should not
|
24
|
35
|
23
|
27
|
21
|
18
|
26
|
Don't Know
|
8
|
8
|
6
|
4
|
7
|
-
|
15
|
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mark Irvine Head of Local Government (Scotland)
Chris Bartter Communications Officer
Work - 0131 226 2662 Home - 0131 667 0535
Work - 0141 332 0006 Home - 0141 959 7165
Index
Date: 12.2.99 - Embargo: Not for release before
00.01 am Monday 15 Feb 1999
UNISON General Secretary calls on Scottish Parliament to scrap
PFI
Rodney Bickerstaffe, General Secretary of UNISON, Scotland's
largest union, will today call for the phasing out of the Government's
controversial Private Finance Initiative (PFI).
Speaking to the union's City of Edinburgh Branch AGM this evening
(15/2/99), Mr Bickerstaffe will announce the prospective publication
of UNISONScotand's Manifesto Briefing Serving Scotland's Taxpayers,
due to be published next week. This is the next step in the union's
Serving Scotland campaign, which argues for priority for
public services in the Scottish Parliament
"Scotland's public services should be democratically accountable,
best quality and delivered by a public service team," said
Mr Bickerstaffe. "PFI cannot deliver on these criteria and
should be scrapped. We are calling on the new Scottish Parliament
to draw a line under this system and to develop new ways of funding
essential service facilities."
"Serving Scotland's Taxpayers makes clear arguments
for changes to this costly and secretive method of funding our
public services and we will be campaigning for these changes with
all the prospective MSP's, political parties and other Scottish
organisations."
Edinburgh has two 'flagship' PFI schemes, a private consortium
has been awarded the new Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, and the city's
schools are proposed for private takeover. UNISON has already
pointed out that the extra cost - 6million - of the Royal Infirmary
contract is the equivalent of nearly 16,000 day case operations.
The union's Serving Scotland campaign is planned to run
up to the Scottish Parliament elections an May 6. It argues for
services that give people a say in their running, are the best
quality possible, and are delivered by a public service team.
Mr Bickerstaffe congratulated the Edinburgh Branch for taking
this message to heart.
"It is good to see that this branch has taken the lead amongst
Scottish Branches", he said "and produced its own definition
of ‘best value' in local services, which embody the principles
set out by our campaign. This is the sort of positive lead we
want and I wish them success in negotiating agreement with the
employer."
ENDS
FURTHER INFORMATION
Matt Smith (Scottish Secretary) 0141 332 0006(w)
07771 548997 (m)
Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0141-332 0006(w) 0141 959
7165 (h)
George McGregor (Research Officer) 0141-332 0006(w) 0976 754420(m)
John Stevenson (Edinb Br Comms Officer) 0131-220 5655 or 0131
343 1991 (o) 0831 381464(m)
Index
Date 18 Jan 99
Government must deal with low pay for all health service staff
UNISON, Scotland's public service union, today commented on the
increasing speculation on the forthcoming Pay Review Body recommendations.
John Lambie, UNISONScotland's Head of Health said;
"We will save our comments about what is or isn't going
to be offered until we hear what it will be. However it is clear
that UNISON would support pay offers that attempt to address the
problem of nurse recruitment and retention, and that are weighted
towards the lower paid. The government must deal with low pay
across the whole health service team - not purely for pay review
staff, and the pay awards must be fully funded to avoid one person's
pay rise being another person's service loss".
ENDS
Index
Date 8 January 1999 Embargo: For immediate use
NHS has long term problems which will require long term solutions
- UNISON
John Lambie, UNISON Scotland's Head of Health today commented
on the debate on the. state of Scotland's Health Service.
"UNISON has drawn attention to the staff
shortages, and low morale amongst all Healthcare staff continuously
over the last 19 years.
"Since the current government came to office
we hove noticed welcome steps to try and address some of the problems,
and in particular involve the trade unions. I recognise that the
government cannot undo in eighteen months, all the damage that
the previous government inflicted over the previous eighteen years.
"Many problems still remain and we will continue
to campaign - as part of our Serving Scotland campaign leading
up to the Scottish Parliament elections - for fully resourced
services delivered by trained, properly-paid staff directly employed
by the Health Service."
ENDS
Index
Date 4 January 1999 Embargo: For immediate use
New Year sees UNISON initiative on public services
Thousands of copies of the manifesto produced by Scotland's public
services union, UNISON as part of their Serving Scotland
campaign are due to be sent out this week to aspiring politicians,
campaigning groups and other Scottish organisations This is the
next step in the £100,000 campaign the union is running
in the lead up to the Scottish Parliament and local council elections
in May.
Matt Smith, UNISON's Scottish Secretary said:
"We are distributing copies of our manifesto
to all sections of Scottish society. As well as our own branches
and political parties we are writing to non-party groups and associations
- organisations like Cosla and the Scottish Council for Voluntary
Organisations; charities and campaigning groups like Shelter and
the Scottish Low Pay Unit; churches voluntary groups and user
groups; local authorities; water authorities; health trusts and
health boards. In fact we will be contacting anyone we hear about
who has an interest in promoting public services."
The union has already printed 10,000 copies of
the manifesto and is anticipating a further print run could be
necessary. They want to work jointly with organisations where
their policies are similar.
" When we started to research who we needed
to contact", says Matt Smith "It quickly become clear
that virtually everyone in Scotland has a vested interest in the
best public services. We are sure therefore that many organisations
will welcome the kind of things we are saying and will find many
areas where they can join forces with us."
The Serving Scotland
campaign calls for quality public services, democratically controlled
and delivered by a public service team. UNISON has already released
a couple of opinion polls on local government and on tuition fees
and is planning further documents including one on the Private
Finance Initiative early in the New Year. Backed by the STUC,
the campaign is being paid for from UNISON's General Political
Fund.
The manifesto
and other relevant information on the
campaign are also available on the union's Scottish website at
http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk
ENDS
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Matt Smith (Scottish Secretary) 0141-332 0006 (w) 07771 548997
(m)
Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0141-332 0006 (w) 0141-959
7165 (h)
George McGregor (Research Officer) mob 0976 754420
Index
Monday 28 June 1999
Scottish Local Government Staff offered higher wage rise than
those in England
In the first year of the new bargaining machinery in Scotland,
now separate from the UK negotiating machinery, Scotland's [200,000]
local authority staff have been offered a wage rise of 3.3%, greater
than that offered to similar staff in England and Wales.
UNISON, the largest local authority union, announced today that
it is
consulting its 100,000 Scottish local authority members on the
proposed rise.
Joe Di Paola, Senior Regional Officer for Local Government in
Scotland, said, "The additional money has been offered because
we and the Scottish employers have agreed that implementing Single
Status in Scotland will not have a cost this year, unlike that
in England and Wales. We have also finalised the Single Status
deal for Scotland which will start from July 1999"
Single Status is the name being given to the amalgamation of
conditions and negotiating machinery for white and blue collar
local authority staff - including reducing longer working hours
of staff.
Dougie Black, UNISON's Scottish Chair of Local Government said,
"This offer falls short of our claim by a long way. We were
looking
for 5% or £500 - whichever was the greater. However, we
have agreed to put the offer to our members in Scotland."
The consultation will be with UNISON Branches between now and
the end of August, and the other local authority unions (T&GWU
and GMB) will also be consulting their members. If agreed it will
be effective from last April.
ENDS
Index
Date: 24 June 1999
PFI announcement a first step, but no solution - UNISON
UNISON, Scotland's biggest public service union and the leading
campaigner against PFI today gave a guarded welcome to the suggestions
put forward by the Finance Minister, Jack McConnell, MSP.
Matt Smith, UNISON's Scottish Secretary said,
"Anything that takes steps to retain public assets in the
public
sector and protect hard-won conditions has to be welcomed. But
what we want is best value public services and the retention of
public staff in the public sector and we will be continuing our
campaign."
The changes announced to PFI schemes, have come after strong
campaign fought by UNISON and other unions, but don't go far enough.
The main objections to PFI are
that it is more expensive than traditional public borrowing;
that the buildings remain in private sector hands;
that the services are less democratically accountable; and
that some public service staff will be transferred to the private
sector - meaning a service could be delivered by different groups
of staff working for different employers, and under different
conditions.
And most importantly - that the 'profit-motive' of the private
sector will mean lower-quality services and cuts in training,
qualified staff and services.
Today's announcement only answers about one and a half of these
objections.
Matt Smith said,
"PFI is still a bad way of financing public services. It
will still cost the taxpayer more. It will still break up the
team delivering Scotland's services and there are still other,
better ways of accessing public sector borrowing that could help.
"We look forward to opening discussions with the government
and the
Parliament, on our campaign to reject PFI, and to ensure Scotland
has the properly resourced services we so badly need."
ENDS
Index
31 March 1999
Minimum wage gets record Scots support
On the eve of its implementation, a poll reveals that Scots support
for the principle of a minimum wage has hardened in in the past
three years. UNISON, the largest public service union released
these results of a System Three poll It has commissioned, today
(31 Mar 1999).
Anne Middleton, UNISON's Depute Scottish Secretary and President
of the STUC said:
"As a union that has consistently campaigned for the minimum
wage we are celebrating its implementation. Its introduction will
stop unscrupulous employers subsidising their wages bill by relying
on state benefits.
"We are delighted that 65% of Scots support the minimum
wage, and that the percentage strongly agreeing with the minimum
wage has leapt from 33% to 59% in the last three years. However
the level Is clearly not adequate, and we will continue our campaign
for a living wage".
The poll shows that only 11% of scots think the minimum wage
should be 3.60 or less an hour compared to nearly 60% who agree
with 4.00 or more.
UNISON is currently running a campaign called Serving Scotland
calling for the Scottish Parliament to value the workforce in
Scotland's public services; As part of that campaign they have
chartered a train - which is now full - to run from Glasgow via
Edinburgh to attend a huge national demonstration in favvour of
a ‘Living Wage' - currently 4.80 per hour. This is taking place
in Newcastle on April 10.
The Scoitish low Pay Unit has welcomed UNISON's support for low
paid workers. Peter Hunter Director of the Unit said;
"As expected the Unit is already swamped with enquiries,
including those about scams by employers seeking to evade the
minimum wage. Employees need somewhere to turn for help with wage
problems. Trade unions are a prime source of help and the Unit
welcomes UNISON's Campaign for a Living Wage.
(Note to editors: The System Three poll was taken
from 982 adults, from 40 constituences across Scotland, between
25 Feb - 3 March 1999. The relevant results are below)
Poll results
Attitudes towards Minimum Wage
|
Feb 1999
|
March 1996
|
Strongly Agree
|
59%
|
33%
|
Agree
|
26%
|
48%
|
Neither Agree nor Disagree
|
4%
|
4%
|
Disagree
|
7%
|
10%
|
Strongly Disagree
|
3%
|
2%
|
Don't Know
|
2%
|
3%
|
Level per Hour
|
|
Less than £3.60
|
2%
|
£3.60
|
9%
|
£4.00
|
35%
|
£4.40
|
14%
|
£4.80
|
15%
|
More than 4.80
|
15%
|
Don't know
|
8%
|
Index
Date: 26 Nov 1999 Embargo: Not for release before
00.01am Monday 29 November 1999
Link
to "Serving Scotland's Communities 'Minifesto'
Local democracy demands local funding control - UNISON
UNISON, Scotland's largest union, representing 100,000 Scottish
local authority workers will today (Monday) issue a strong call
for the Scottish Executive to change course in their approach
to Scotland's local authorities. The union has responded to the
Scottish Executive's consultation on the McIntosh report, with
a strongly worded statement which opposes the Executive line on
financial review, continuing centralised business rates, and opposes
directly elected provosts.
The main demand is the call for an independent review of local
authority funding. This was recommended by McIntosh, but has been
rejected by the Scottish Executive. Joe Di Paola, UNISON's Senior
Regional Officer for Local Government said;
"With this response and our local
government minifesto - also launched today - UNISON is making
it quite clear that nothing less than restoring local democracy
and rebuilding local services is required. Local democracy can't
be delivered when central government controls 86% of its funding.
Restoring financial autonomy to local councils requires a review
which should be seen to be independent."
The powerful public service union is also launching Serving Scotland's
Communities, a minifesto on local services, which calls for local
government to have a power of general competence, and for local
government employees to be allowed to stand for election to the
council.
Dougie Black, Chair of UNISONScotland's Local Government Group,
said;
"The time is right to to free local councils from their
legislative straitjacket, and allow them to act in the interest
of their communities. For this power of general competence to
be a reality, a review of councils' financial arrangements must
also be delivered."
The union's minifesto will be sent to members of the Parliament's
Local Government Committee, local authorities and other civic
organisations. It is part of the union's continuing Serving Scotland
campaign.
ENDS
[Note to Editors: Copies of the Response document
and/or the Local Government minifesto are available from Chris
Bartter or George McGregor (below)]
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Joe Di Paola (SRO Local Government) 01786 449 922(Holiday Inn,
Stirling) till 3 pm Friday;
Dougie Black (Chair-Local Government Group) 0131-220
5655(o) 0771 556 3666(m)
Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0141-332
0006(w) 0771 558 3729(m) George McGregor (Research Officer) 0141-332
0006(w) 0976 754420(m)
Index
Date: 11 November 1999 Embargo: Not for
release before 12.30pm Friday 12 November 1999
NEW EDUCATION INITIATIVE UNLOCKS NHS STAFF POTENTIAL
More than 1200 National Health Service workers in Scotland will
benefit from a Scottish Executive backed scheme to boost access
to education.
The Return to Learn scheme is a learning initiative, which encourages
all NHS staff who left school with few or no qualifications to
enter further education by providing easy access, by building
their confidence and developing their learning skills.
Developed by UNISON and the Workers Educational Association,
the Scottish Executive is funding £200,000 towards the Return
to Learn scheme over the next two years to widen access to education
to all staff in the NHS in Scotland. This initiative is part of
the Executive's forthcoming Education, Training and Lifelong Learning
Strategy for the NHS in Scotland.
The Minister for Health and Community Care, Susan Deacon in welcoming
the initiative said "NHS staff are our greatest resource.
We must invest in them to make sure we provide a better service
to patients. Learning throughout life is essential. I am delighted
that the NHS will be part of the Return to Learn scheme providing
access and opportunity for people who in the past have felt excluded.
"Helping staff develop their potential shows we value them,
and of course maximises the value they can bring to the service.
Each Return to Learn success spreads the message and encourages
others to take the opportunity to learn.
"I am pleased to be able to lead the modernisation of the
NHS in Scotland. A key aspect of this is developing the way we
support and deal with our staff.
"Return to Learn will help to provide a motivated workforce
willing to learn, that can adapt to the changing needs of patients
and ultimately provide a higher quality of patient care. And that
of course is good news for everyone who wants to see Scotland
have a modern, accessible NHS fit for the new millennium."
Cath Friel, UNISONScotland's Deputy Convenor said: "John,
Norma and Joyce, are successful Return to Learn students from
the NHS in Scotland who took part in the local Return to Learn
project in Edinburgh. They say much more than we ever could about
the success of this scheme. UNISON is proud to have developed
and promoted Return to Learn and is pleased that it is now going
to be available to Healthcare staff across Scotland."
ENDS
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Contact: Chris Bartter (Communications Officer - UNISON): 0141-332
0006(w) 0771 558 3729 (m)
Margo Maciver(Scottish Executive ): 0131 244 2954
Internet: www.scotland.gov.uk
www.unison-scotland.org.uk
NOTE TO NEWS EDITORS
1. The Return to Learn scheme for the NHS in Scotland has been
developed jointly by UNISON and the Workers Educational Association
(WEA) as a training package for employed adults who have few if
any formal qualifications.
2. This is the biggest Return to Learn employer-supported scheme
in the UK.
3. The Scottish Executive will inject £100,000 in this
and the next financial year to meet the training costs for up
to 650 places in each year. NHS Trusts and Health Boards will
contribute to the costs and, it is hoped, carry on with further
places at their expense in following years.
4. Return to Learn was launched nationally in April 1999.
5. The Minister, representatives from UNISON and WEA and Return
to Learn students from the NHS in Scotland who took part in the
scheme in Edinburgh will be available for interview tomorrow,
Friday 12 November at 1330 hours in St Andrew's House, Regent
Road, Edinburgh.
Index
|