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Saturday 5 February 2011
UNISON Scotland launches manifesto for public services
UNISON Scotland today (Saturday, February 5) launched its
manifesto as part of its Public Works campaign to defend public
services.
The document concentrates, not on the pressure on budgets facing
public service organisations, but on what needs to be done to
sustain and improve Scotland’s public services.
The manifesto – For Public Services – highlights the need for
fair taxation; the importance of transparent and accountable
services and calls for an end to PFI and PPP.
It also raises concern about the increasing trend to move services
out of democratic control. The union will use the manifesto
to lobby political parties standing in the forthcoming Scottish
Parliament elections.
Scottish Convenor Lilian Macer said: “The cuts process we are
witnessing across the UK is not about money, it’s about politics.
UNISON’s vision is very different; we don’t accept there is
any need for massive spending cuts at the expense of our public
services.
“There is nothing efficient about providing worse services
with fewer staff and our manifesto highlights a real alternative
to the cuts as well as the importance of protecting and investing
in our public services.”
Scottish Secretary Mike Kirby said: “Public services are part
of the fabric of society and an attack on those services is
an attack, not on unions or workers – but on society itself.
“Quality public services benefit us all and renewed investment
in Scotland’s public services in recent years has made a real
difference to people’s lives, strengthening our communities
and boosting the economy. Our view is clear: the choice should
always be for public services – publicly delivered.”
ENDS
Notes to editors: For more information on UNISON Scotland’s
Public Works campaign and the full manifesto visit www.unison-scotland.org.uk/publicworks
For further information contact: · Dave Watson, Scottish
Organiser for UNISON on 07958 122 409 · Trisha Hamilton, Communications
Officer for UNISON, on 0141 342 2877 or 07939 478 461
Ends
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