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Here we are in Bournemouth, ready to go and full of enthusiasm
for lively debates, good trade union solidarity and cheery wit and
repartee (sorry, too much sun: ed).
Still the potential is here for some significant debates and decisions
and the more branches who participate, the better it is.
As mentioned in the pre-conference bulletin, the guides in these
bulletins reflect Scottish policy but cannot mandate branches who
will have their own policy on issues. It will however serve as a
guide to the main issues.
Let's get on with it
Tuesday morning has the reputation for interminable debates about
what should or should not have gone on the agenda - and if it did,
where it is on the agenda. The advice is as usual. The Regions,
SOGs and all have set out priorities for Conference after consultation.
The best thing is to get on with it and try to get through as much
business as possible.
It is still difficult to judge how much we will get through each
day until we see how fast things will go. We've taken a few guesses,
so please forgive us if we end up repeating some of it tomorrow.
25 Under Funding of Social care
The under funding of social care, particularly of the elderly, reduces
the quality of care and leads to the exploitation of care workers,
particularly migrant workers. Free personal care should be available
and provided by competent, confident, trained and valued staff.
Edinburgh is involved in this motion and will draw attention to
the flagship free personal care legislation in Scotland coming under
pressure from bending of rules and efficiency savings. SUPPORT motion
and amendment.
29 Offshoring
Many of our members in the utilities are now call-centre based and
with financial pressures we must not be complacent about the potential
for the problems for public services. SUPPORT
54 Not So Sweet Sixteen
Attention is rightly focussed on developing positive rights for
young people. UNISON has recently submitted evidence to the Scottish
parliament on this issue: SUPPORT
Comp B Public Services
Scotland is part of this composite. Public Service Reform? Efficiency
Reviews? Shared Services? Privatisation? We, and the government,
at Westminster, Holyrood and the other devolved administrations,
say we want quality public services. However, we obviously disagree
on the direction under Blair. Incidentally wasn't Brown the architect?
The Scotland position is to oppose the amendment B.1. While not
minimising the hit on the NHS, this is just another back-door attempt
to open up the debate on the political fund. We do have to challenge
the Labour government but this amendment seeks to again open up
the relationship through the Link which has been subject to a ballot
and which was specifically resolved in debates at recent Conferences.
It takes the real focus off the motion and should be opposed. SUPPORT
B, OPPOSE B.1
24 Public Services
Broader Vision of the Future of quality Public Services, well-resourced,
democratically controlled, with public engagement and well-trained,
motivated and paid staff are discussed in motion 24. Glasgow City's
amendment puts the focus on the increasing use of arms-length companies
and should be supported. SUPPORT 24 and 24.01
86 NHS Marketisation
While the Government talks of commissioning a patient led NHS, its
policies favour market based reform. Again, Scotland has resisted
the worst excesses, and reclaimed staff and conditions but must
be wary of Treasury impact upon Scotland's economy and budget.
Congratulations in particular to members at Glasgow Royal Infirmary
as NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde brings its facilities management
contract back in-house when the current contract with Sodexho runs
out in December this year: SUPPORT
How far will we get?
We may get to 64 at best today and we'll cover more in this afternoon's
bulletin.
117 Public Policy etc There are increasing legal obligations
across all enterprises but public bodies should be taking a lead
role with best practice. Many Service Groups will have already debated
this. SUPPORT
75 Pre-Budget Report The March budget and its November
pre-report showed a growth in public expenditure and aspects of
social care. But at a price of private sector rates of investment,
which mean future cost. Scotland has amendment 75.01 which obviously
should be supported.
Ha det god Sverige, säga Skotsk
Ha det god för den fotboll idag. Vi älska Henrik Larsson emedan
han er nästan Scottish. Vi er säker Henrik Larsson vilja fora räkning
över och ger du en bättre spel än Trinidad och Tobaken. Vi deklarera
all Svensk honorary Scottish för idag. OK så vi veta du er igenom
till nästa sätta upp om Värld kopp utom vill du verkligen vara nöd
till å nämna 1966 varje minut om dag. 1966, 1966, 1966. Gud, vi
er sjuk av 1966.
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Scotland's
public service union 
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