22 February 2003 10.30

UNISON decides on anti - Euro stance

UNISON, Scotland's largest public service union, is likely tomorrow to agree to join a Scottish anti-euro grouping and to throw its weight behind the Scottish Democracy against the Euro campaign.

The union's Scottish Council, comprising delegates from all Scottish branches, on Saturday 22 February, agreed to confirm the union's national position of opposition to the Euro because of the potential damaging effects on public services.

Matt Smith, UNISON's Scottish Secretary, said "UNISON's concern about the effect that joining a unified currency would have on public service spending is well known. We are second to none in our support for greater European co-operation and recognise the positive benefits this can bring, but we cannot hand away democratic control over our public services, to non-elected bankers and financiers"

UNISON's Scottish Council will be held on Saturday 22 February in the George Moore building, Glasgow Caledonian University, City Campus, Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow. It will start at 10.30 am and is likely to finish around 1.00pm.

ENDS

For Further Information Please Contact: Matt Smith (Scottish Secretary) 0845 355 0845(w) 07771 548 997(m) Mike Kirby (Scottish Convenor) 0845 355 0845(o) 07803 952 261(m) Dave Watson (Scottish Organiser Policy&Info) 0845 355 0845(w) 07787 558 410(m) Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0845 355 0845(w) 0771 558 3729(m)

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