The STUC endorsed UNISON’s Ethical
Care Charter and committed to campaigning
for a living wage for all care workers
in Scotland. Delegates backed the call
from the Chartered Society for Physiotherapy,
which recognised the invaluable contribution
of care workers to health and social care
provision in Scotland and slammed the
terrible working conditions for many as
exposed by UNISON’s “Time
to Care” survey.
Seconding, UNISON’s Mark Ferguson
told delegates that since the launch of
the "Ethical Care Charter" tens
of thousands of social care workers have
benefited and there have been significant
improvements to service delivery where
employers have signed up.
His own authority Renfrewshire Council
was the first council in Scotland to adopt
the charter “which sets out a step
change process to end 15 minute visits,
introduce the living wage and pay for
travelling time as a minimum.
“When did employers think that
it was ok to employee Social Care Workers
on low pay, poor conditions and refuse
to pay for travelling time whilst many
companies are lining the pockets of shareholders,”
asked Mark.
“It is vitally important that this
motion is passed and that all affiliates
work with the STUC as a matter of urgency
given the current stage Health and Social
Care Integration is at to campaign for
this vital service area.
“Whether you work in Local Government,
Health, Third or Private Sector - the
best way to deliver high quality essential
care to the most vulnerable in our communities
is to include the principles set out in
UNISON's charter and include them in service
level agreements and contracts.
“It has often been stated by politicians
that social care is the answer to relieving
the huge burden on NHS services. We therefore
call upon them to legislate to ensure
that the workers have good levels of Pay,
Training and Terms & Conditions.”
