Thu 1 Sept 2005

Strike date set, but talks continue at Careers Scotland

UNISON members at Scottish Enterprise (Careers Scotland) plan to start their campaign of strike action on Thursday September 8 unless current talks prove fruitful, said UNISON today.

A letter was sent to SE Chief Executive. Jack Perry yesterday notifying the employer of the action. This notice is required under employment legislation.

Nearly two-thirds of UNISON members voted by for strike action in a ballot last month, in the continuing dispute over SE's imposition of performance related pay. Union officials and Scottish Enterprise management have been in talks for some days to try and resolve the dispute.

Peter Veldon, UNISON regional organiser, said. "The legislation says that we need to give seven days notice of strike action and this is why notice has been given. Obviously, there has been some progress in the talks, and we hope that further progress may mean we can avoid strike action. But Scottish Enterprise should be under no illusion - their careers staff are deeply unhappy with the current PRP scheme and are committed to fighting for its reform, using strike action if necessary."

UNISON stewards meet today to discuss a draft agreement. Staff meetings are scheduled for next week.

ENDS

Notes to the editor: Careers Scotland became part of Scottish Enterprise in April 2002. SE operated the performance related pay scheme with existing staff for the last ten years but UNISON believes it is divisive and has not been modernised in keeping with recommendations in governmental reports. Despite continuing discussions to reform the scheme, the employer continued with their previous system for SE staff and imposed it on Careers Scotland staff.

For Further Information Please Contact: James Corry Branch Secretary. Tel: 0778 5517204 Peter Veldon (Regional Organiser) 07969 478 254(m) Chris Bartter(Communications Officer) 0845 355 0845(w) 0771 558 3729(m)

UNISON Scottish Enterprise Careers & Development Branch

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