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Date Fri 17 June 2011
UNISON welcomes delivery of M74 project early and under budget
as in-house success
UNISON, Scotland’s largest union in public services, has hailed
the M74 project – which was delivered early and under budget
– as an ‘in-house’ success.
The project to extend the motorway was managed by public sector
workers, many of them UNISON members, and was delivered without
the use of private finance initiatives.
The financial benefit of in-house management is clear, with
the project estimated to cost between £15 and £20 million less
than budgeted for.
Dave Watson, UNISON’s Scottish Organiser, said: “We welcome
Infrastructure Secretary Alex Neil’s praise of the project and
agree that this is indeed the result of robust and effective
management by our members. This is an excellent example of in-house
management, while working in collaboration with the private
sector.
“There is a mistaken view among some politicians that privatising
services improves service delivery and saves the taxpayer money
– this project proves that this is simply not the case.”
Chris Stephens, UNISON’s Land and Environmental Services convenor,
said: ”Our members are pleased to get recognition for their
hard work in delivering this complex infrastructure project
which will benefit the people of Scotland. This sends a clear
message that when it comes to the delivery of major projects
like this – public works.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
1. The project to extend the motorway to link the end of the
M74 at Fullarton Road junction and the M8 motorway west of the
Kingston Bridge on the south side of Glasgow is due to be open
on June 28.
2. UNISON’s Public Works campaign highlights the excellent
value for money that quality public services deliver. Prosperity
and sustainability depends on further investment in the public
sector, supporting recovery from the economic crisis, not targeting
cuts at those who did not cause the crisis. For more information
on our campaign to protect public services, visit www.unison-scotland.org.uk/publicworks.
3. For further information contact Chris Stephens, UNISON’s
Land and Environmental Services convenor on 07818 487 060 or
Trisha Hamilton, UNISON’s communications officer, on 0141 342
2877 / 07939 478 461. Or visit our website at www.unison-scotland.org.uk
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