Date: Saturday 18 April 2015

UNISON Scotland launches public services manifesto

UNISON, Scotland’s largest trade union, today launched its manifesto promoting public services for the General Election 2016.

The UNISON Public Services Manifesto was launched at UNISON’s General Council at Glasgow Concert Hall, today, to over 250 unison members, by Scottish convener Lilian Mercer.

Lilian Mercer, UNISON Scottish Convener, said:
"This is a public services election. If you care about public services vote for them and, if you can, get out there and campaign for them in the run up to this General Election.

"Investing in public services not only protects the most vulnerable people who rely on them, it also creates more and better jobs, and it grows the economy. And ultimately, it will bring our public finances under control.

"UNISON’s own polling shows that public services are the top issue for people in Scotland and the UK – more than half say it is the highest priority for them in this election."

Mike Kirby, UNISON Scottish secretary, said:
"Public services workers have seen their pay eroded by 16% in real terms.

"The average public services worker is £2000 a year worse off than in 2010.

"We will strive to keep UNISON policies and objectives fore and centre of the political debate.

"UNISON priorities are an end to tory austerity, fair employment, trade union rights, pay and better public services.

"And we will challenge all political parties on what they will do for those working in public services."

The UNISON Scotland Public Services Election Manifesto 2015 can be found at www.unison-scotland.org.uk/publicworks/ - featuring a new cartoon produced by cartoonist Frank Boyle highlighting the importance of public services.

END

Notes to editor

1.UNISON is the public services trade union in Scotland. It is also the largest trade union in Scotland.

2. UNISON public services manifesto calls for

• An end to austerity
• A new government must tackle insecurity at work and outlaw zero hours contracts
• A big increase in the minimum wage and beefing up enforcement
• End employment tribunal fees
• Reinstate health and safety provisions
• More done to collect taxes of big companies and a clamp down on companies that avoid tax
• Companies that do not pay fair tax should not be awarded public contracts
• Smith commission proposals should be introduced
• Energy, employment, equalities and housing benefit and other powers should be devolved
• Housing Benefit should be devolved

For more information please contact:
Danny Phillips, UNISON communications officer 0141 342 2877 / 07944 664 110
Dave Watson, UNISON Scottish organiser, 0141 342 2840 / 07958 122409

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