| Date: Tue 26 March
2013
Magnificent effort by public service workers in snow-hit Argyll
and Bute, Arran and Dumfries & Galloway
UNISON today praised the work of public service staff clearing
roads, working to restore power and supporting snowed-in communities
hit by Friday’s storm.
As engineers fight to restore power to areas affected by the
snow, the public service union said all those public service
and utilities workers involved had made a magnificent effort
in appalling conditions.
Scottish Secretary Mike Kirby said: “Communities in several
parts of Scotland have been hit in different ways by the storm.
Across the country those affected are grateful for the hard work
and commitment of public service and utility workers who pull
out all the stops to support the most vulnerable. Our emergency
services, health and council workers, along with energy and roads
staff are all doing a fantastic job.”
Marion Power, UNISON branch secretary in Argyll and Bute, paid
tribute to workers in Kintyre clearing snow, restoring power
and offering practical support and advice.
She said: “Council workers, health staff and the emergency
services pull together at times like this to ensure vulnerable
people are supported and services restored as soon as possible.
We know people have been working round the clock, some with little
or no sleep for days at a time.
“Everyone has faced incredibly difficult conditions but
there has been such a team effort, including roads and utilities
workers, and people affected helping their neighbours and anyone
they see needing help.
“Our members have had to endure several years of pay freeze
and real terms pay cuts, but they deliver such an essential service,
highlighted in times of crisis.”
Stephanie Herd, UNISON branch secretary in North Ayrshire, added
her support, as council and other staff face unprecedented conditions
on Arran. She said: “Conditions have been atrocious but,
as ever, the dedication of teams from all the services is clear.”
ENDS
Note to editors:
UNISON is Scotland’s largest trade union representing
160,000 members working in the public sector in Scotland.
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