Local Government Service Group Conference 14-15 June 2009

Fair funding for voluntary sector

Stephen Brown

Local Government Conference kicked off with a pledge to support members in the community and voluntary sector.

The union will link with other organisations to campaign for fair funding and decent pay and conditions for the sector and to promote the important work our members do.

Stephen Brown from Scotland’s Quarriers Branch told delegates that the voluntary sector has for a long time been seen as an important part of social care.

“We do very difficult jobs under increasing pressure from employers”, he said, describing how this year his employer has not only suggested a pay freeze but also a freeze on pay increments.

“But that’s not all. They have also proposed cutting our sick pay scheme, abolishing overtime, night shift enhancements and public holiday enhancements because Glasgow City Council has threatened to re-tender services if Quarriers do not make a 7.5% cut in services.”

“This is the reality of working in the voluntary sector”, added Stephen.

He told delegates that UNISON Scotland has joined other unions, the STUC, the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations and Community Care Providers Scotland to petition the Scottish Parliament for fair funding, pay comparable with front-line services in the public sector and a minimum five year contracts for voluntary sector providers.

“Those of us who work in the voluntary sector are professionals. We are a highly trained and dedicated workforce and we provide a professional services to our service users.

“With the current funding problems we are being pushed into a race to the bottom”, he warned.

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