Press Release Archive 2000
27 December 2000
UNISON and Archdiocese sign recognition agreement
Scotland's largest public service union, UNISON,
has signed a recognition agreement with the Catholic Archdiocese
of Glasgow's Social Care sector, the union announced yesterday.
The union will be the only one recognised to represent staff working
for the Archdiocese's social care projects.
John Lyons, UNISON Regional Officer said
"We are pleased that this agreement confirms
UNISON's position as the union for staff working in the voluntary
sector in Scotland. We want to now encourage staff working for these
projects to join us and take full advantage of the protection and
services UNISON offers. The Archdiocese of Glasgow is to be congratulated
in recognising the needs of their workforce and agreeing they should
have proper trade union representation."
The Archdiocese of Glasgow runs care projects in
the fields of Drug Rehabilitation, Learning Disability, Respite
Care, Residential Care, Young Homeless and Mental Health throughout
the West of Scotland, employing around 650 staff.
ENDS
Index
26 December 2000
Housing Bill - 'back to the bad old days'
Scotland's largest public service union, UNISON,
today (26 December) attacked the Scottish Executive's Housing Bill
as a flawed attempt to deal with Scotland's serious housing problems.
Mike Kirby UNISON's Scottish Convenor
said
"The problem is that the Bill is based on the
Executive's policy of Mass Stock Transfer although it doesn't ,
deal specifically with that item. This means that it is the 'ghost
at the feast' continually contradicting some of the Bill's otherwise
laudable proposals.
"On homelessness for example, the strategic
responsibility for homelessness is to be with local councils, but
those that have given away all their houses will have to set up
complex contracts with housing associations and others to deliver
their aims.
"Far from providing 'new solutions to old problems'
as the minister says, in parts of Scotland Whole Stock Transfer
will deliver us back to the bad old days before council housing.
Reducing the choice of tenure, increasing social exclusion and increasing
the cost of housing and therefore rents."
UNISON who are the main union for Scotland's housing
workers, and who have members in all the public housing sectors,
are to continue their campaign of opposition to Whole Stock Transfer
as proposed in a number of Scottish Councils.
Mike Kirby says the 'flagship' stock transfer scheme
in Glasgow is struggling.
"Despite the concentrated propaganda effort
being thrown at tenants by the Glasgow Housing Association it is
still the case that most Glasgow tenants want to stay with the council.
That is the reason why the tenants ballot has been put off yet again.
The GHA will now spend even more public money on one-sided propaganda
- money that could be being used to refurbish Scotland's houses."
ENDS
.
For Information and Use Tuesday 19 December 2000
All we want for Xmas is to be brought in-house
The South Glasgow Hospitals Branch of UNISON, the
public service union, will be joined by Santa Claus tomorrow (20
December) to deliver over 1,000 cards calling for ALL support service
staff in the NHS Trust returned to direct NHS employment. Currently
those at the Victoria Infirmary are employed by private contractor
Sodexho.
Santa will be delivering these cards to a meeting of the Trust Board
which is meeting at the Management Offices, Southern General Hospital
on Wednesday 20 December 2000 (The Management Offices are on the
left as you enter the Hospital site from Govan Road). Santa will
be there from 09.45am.
UNISON Branch Secretary, Robert Rae said:
"UNISON does not believe that patient care will be best served
by retaining the services of Sodexho. In only two weeks we have
gathered over 1,000 supporters. UNISON is calling on the South Glasgow
Hospitals NHS Trust to end the contract at the first available opportunity
- 6th January 2001, returning staff from the hands of private profiteers
into the NHS family where they belong! Sodexho's only interest is
profits, NOT patients or staff!"
Support services at the Victoria were privatised 5 years ago by
the former Victoria Infirmary NHS Trust.
ENDS
[Note to Editors and Picture Desks: There will be
a photograph opportunity available from 09.45am on
the day. )
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Robert Rae (Branch Secretary) Branch office: 0141-201-1298 Mobile:
07946 597834
Index
| Health Service Pages
18 December 2000
UNISON condemns derisory nurses' pay increase
Scotland's largest health service union, UNISON,
today condemned the government's 3.7% increase for nurses,
midwives and health visitors.
"This pay increase will not resolve low pay
amongst the nursing profession,” said Bridget Hunter, UNISONScotland's
Lead Officer for Nurses.
"The average wage for a skilled worker in Scotland
is £21,000. Even after this increase a qualified nurse, educated
to degree level and working in a Coronary Care Unit will earn £100
a week less than the average wage of a skilled worker. There are
already 16,000 nurses registered with the UKCC living here in Scotland
who don't work in the public, private or voluntary sector. These
are individual nurses who have been lost to the profession. They
will not be enticed back with this rise.”
ENDS
Index
| Health Service Pages
13 December 2000
Santa to deliver to strike-hit school
In a gesture of good will to all, UNISON, the public
service union involved in a bitter industrial dispute over council
workers' pay, has arranged for Santa Claus to visit the students
of strike-hit Douglas Academy, in ,Milngavie, to give out presents.
The union has recognised that the students, whose
education has been disrupted by the six-week long strike of school
support staff, deserve some pleasureable news for a change.
"The young people of Douglas Academy have been
indirectly affected by the local government pay dispute." said
Jim Burnett, UNISON's East Dunbartonshire Branch Secretary "Whilst
the intransigence of CoSLA has prolonged this dispute, this is a
genuine attempt to start to re-establish good relationships between
the union and the school students."
Santa and some of his elves will be outside Douglas
Academy school gates between 08.30 and 09.15 on Wednesday 13 December.
Santa will also be bringing support from his own
workers at the North Pole for the industrial action, and for a decent
pay rise for the low paid. He will be available for interview and
photographs.
ENDS
[ Note to Editors and Picture Desks: Santa will be UNISON steward
Joe Connelly, and his elves will be other UNISON activists. The
event is a genuine attempt to foster goodwill between staff and
the students, as both have been under pressure due to the dispute.
- UNISONScotland is Scotland's largest local government
trade union with around 800,000 members, approximately two thirds
of whom are women. They have been in dispute with CoSLA for nearly
4 months over the annual pay offer. They currently have around
1300 members out on indefinite strike action across Scotland.
For Further Information Please Contact:
- Jim Burnett, (UNISON East Dunbartonshire Branch
Secretary) 07779 327 398(m)
- Robert McComb(UNISON East Dunbartonshire Publicity
Officer)07951 229 035m)
- Chris Bartter (UNISON Communications Officer)
0141-332 0006(w) 0771 558 3729(m)
Index
| Pay Campaign pages
7 December 2000
Local government pay dispute window of opportunity
UNISON's National Disputes Committeemeeting in London
earlier today decided to defer a decision to escalate its programme
of industrial action in local government in Scotland to allow talks
on the current dispute to proceed.
After an approach by the employers to UNISON directly,
the union has agreed to take advantage of this window of opportunity
and will not escalate the dispute at the present time.
In making their decision, the Committee recognised
the employers' position both with regard to inflatioon-proofing
the current offer and a guarantee of inflation-plus pay awards in
future years. The employers have also said that negotiations could
be weighted towards the lower paid - an objective which UNISON has
been fighting for for many years.
UNISON's National Disputes Committee expressed strong
support for the current industrial action and the continuing fight
by members in Scotland to reach a successful conclusion to the dispute.
The committee will meet again in early January to
review the situation and will look positively at the call for escalation
should talks break down.
Matt Smith, UNISON's Scottish Secretary, called upon
CoSLA to re-open negotiations immediately.
"The ball is now clearly with the Employers'
Side. We have decided not to further escalate the dispute at this
time. This gives the opportunity for negotiations to begin. I have
written today to Pat Watters, the Employers' Side leading negotiator,
calling for urgent talks. We are long past time for a settlement".
ENDS
Further Information
Matt Smith, Scottish Secretary 0141 332 0006
Joe Di Paola, Scottish Organiser Local Govt 0131 226 2662
Chris Bartter, Communications Officer 0141 332 0006
Index
.
4 December 2000
All we want for Xmas is to be brought in-house
The South Glasgow Hospitals Branch of UNISON - the public service
union will be demonstrating Monday 4 Decenber from 12 noon outside
the Victoria Infirmary, Grange Road end.
The demonstration is part of UNISON's campaign to
have ALL support service staff returned to direct NHS employment.
Currently those at the Victoria Infirmary are employed by private
contractor Sodexho.
At the demonstration UNISON Branch Secretary, Robert
Rae said:
"UNISON does not believe that patient care will
be best served by retaining the services of Sodexho. UNISON is calling
on the South Glasgow Hospitals NHS Trust to end the contract at
the first available opportunity - 6th January 2001, returning staff
from the hands of private profiteers into the NHS family where they
belong! Sodexho's only interest is profits, NOT patients or staff!"
Support services at the Victoria were privatised
5 years ago by the former Victoria Infirmary NHS Trust.
UNISON members at the lunch time demonstration, will
be distributing leaflets and postcards for staff, patients and the
public to sign and post to the Trust Chief Executive, Robert Calderwood.
[Note to Editors and Picture Desks: There
will be a photograph opportunity available from 12.15 on the day.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Robert Rae (Branch Secretary) Branch office: 0141-201-1298
Index
.
Date: 4 December 2000
University staff rally to demand justice from
employers
Around 30,000 University staff across Scotland will
be taking part in action tomorrow that launches a campaign against
low pay and overwork in Higher Education. Four rallies in the main
cities at lunchtime on Tuesday 5 December will signal a revolt against
the university vice-chancellors' refusal to implement the recommendations
of the Bett Committee of Inquiry on pay and conditions for staff.
The rallies have been organised by unions incuding
teaching unions the AUT and EIS, support staff unions UNISON, MSF
and TGWU, and the National Union of Students
Carol Judge, UNISON's Scottish Organiser for further and Higher
Education said:
"Staff and students are incensed by the employers
refusal to modernise conditions, pay realistic wages and attempts
to destroy national bargaining. Pay is low across the sector both
for support staff and lecturers; and workloads have increased by
90% of an increase of staff numbers by 25%.
"An independent inquiry (the Bett Inquiry) recognised
this; the Government recognised it and has allocated an extra £100
million for Scotland over the next 3 years. The only people who
have ignored the recommendations have been the employers who want
to continue the exploitation. It is now time for justice”.
David Bleiman,, Assistant General Secretary of the
AUT(S) said
"Unions- across Scotland and across the UK-
are united in tomorrow's day of action. For the first time in many
years, there are now real increases in university funding. But it
is scandalous that the employers refuse to reverse a decade of decline
in staff pay and working conditions. They are trying to impose 3%
on all staff groups. They have imposed on their staff for far too
long. Tomorrow will show that university workers are fed up with
their impositions. It is time for them to sit down with the unions
and negotiate. "
The rallies - listed below - are the first steps
in a campaign of action short of strike action (overtime bans, working
to rule, withholding exam results etc). This is the first time that
action has been co-ordinated across all the unions in the sector.
ENDS.
UNIVERSITY RALLIES - 5 December
Aberdeen
The Debater Marischal College Aberdeen 1.15 pm David Bleiman, AUT
Asst Gen Secretary
STUC Vice President Tommy Campbell,
TGWU Gill Thackray, UNISON
Dundee
University of Dundee Bonar Hall DUNDEE 1.00 pm Fiona Farmer, MSF
Regional Officer
Namasiku Liandu, AUT(S) Officer
NUS Speaker
Edinburgh
Godfrey Thomson Hall, Holyrood Campus University of Edinburgh -
12 noon
Liz Elkind - EIS/ULA President STUC President
Mandy Telford - NUS Scottish President
UNISON
Tom McDonnell (Aut (S) President
Howard Wollman EIS - Chair
Glasgow
Glasgow Film Theatre - Rose Street Glasgow - 1.00pm Tommy Sheridan
MSP
Bill Stewart AUT (Scotland) President
Carol Judge UNISON Scottish Organiser
Nick McKerrell (EIS/ULA)
Chair Joanne Robertson - Strathclyde SRC President
Index
2 December 2000
Bickerstaffe backs local government strikers
UNISON General Secretary, Rodney Bickerstaffe, gave
his support to UNISON members in dispute with local government employers
in a speech to UNISON's Scottish Council today (Sat 2 December).
In Glasgow on a final visit before he retires at the end of the
year, he also backed the union's higher education members who are
to take part in a day of action on Tuesday 5 December in a dispute
with university employers
" It is very worrying," He said, "that
Scottish councils think so little of their staff, and the services
they provide, that they have failed to negotiate a fair resolution
to this damaging dispute. This, and the attempt by our higher education
members to get the adoption of the principles already proposed by
the independent Bett committee of inquiry, shows that employers
need to seriously revise their attitudes to partnership. Simply
ignoring the worrie and frustrations of their staff will not work."
UNISON's local government members are currently five
months into a pay dispute with Scottish councils. They have already
had three days of all out strike and around 1300 members are on
indefinite strike in 27 out of the 32 Scottish Councils.Higher education
staff are due to take part in a day of action on campuses throughout
the UK, arguing for increased pay, new negotiating arrangements,
and the elimination of student hardship and debt.
Mr Bickerstaffe, went on the launch the unions "Positively
Public" campaign in Scotland, with a manifesto for public services
in the UK. "This campaign will run up to the General Election
and beyond," He said "We are looking for the Chancellor
to use fair taxes to address the problems of Britain's public services.
It is time to be up front, and recognise that if you want high quality
public services you have to pay for them."
ENDS
Index
FOR Information and use 1 December 2000
Campaign for increased public funds to be part
of UNISON's General Election strategy
Bickerstaffe still 'Positively Public'
UNISON General Secretary, Rodney Bickerstaffe, visited Glasgow
to say farewell to UNISON members in Scotland.
On Saturday 2 December 2000, The General Secretary of Scotland's
(and the UK's) largest union addressed the union's Scottish Council,
in the Moir Hall in Granville Street, Glasgow in a final visit before
he retires at the end of the year. His position as UNISON's General
Secretary will be taken over by Dave Prentis in the New Year.
He gave his support to UNISON's local government and higher education
workers, who are both engaged in action in pay disputes. He also
argued for Chancellor Gordon Brown to spend taxpayers money on directly
provided public services, not waste it on expensive PFI and privatisation
schemes. This will form one of the main planks of the union's multi-million
pound 'Positively Public' campaign which will run up to the next
General Election.
ENDS
Index
27 November 2000
Labour's day of shame, claim UNISON, as over 300
staff are privatised at PFI hospital
Over 300 NHS staff are today being privatised as
a result of the new Private Finance Initiative hospital being built
at Wishaw. According to the Health Service union UNISON this Labour
Administration will privatise more National Health Service workers'
jobs in Scotland over the next 7 months than the Tories privatised
in their last 7 years.
"This is a day of shame for the Labour Party
in Scotland", said Jim Devine, Scottish Organiser of Health
for UNISON. "Over 300 domestic, portering and catering staff
are today being privatised by the Government in order to make profit
for bankers. Many of these staff have worked for the National Health
Service for 10, 15 and 20 years. The priority of private contractors
is to make profit out of ill health and patient care is a secondary
consider- ation. These staff did not choose to work in this environment."
"Not only will the staff lose ou,t but patients
will lose out. When one includes the closure of Stonehouse Hospital
nearly 130 acute beds will be cut in Lanarkshire as a result of
this PFI project. Nursing numbers have been reduced and the skill
mix changed."
"If one includes the NHS staff who will be privatised
in Edinburgh in a few months time more NHS workers will be privatised
in the next 7 months here in Scotland than were privatised in the
last 7 years of the Tory government when they were in power. This
is Labour's Day of Shame".
ENDS
Further Information
Matt Smith, Scottish Secretary matt.smith@unison.co.uk
Chris BartterCampbell Street, Communications Officer c.bartter@unison.co.uk
Tel 0141-332 0006.
Index
.
23 November 2000
Turning the tide on hospital infection rates -
Invest in professional cleaning services, says UNISON
At any one time approximately one in ten patients
in hospital have a hospital acquired infection and an unquantified
number of patients in the community have an infection related to
their recent hospital admission. A recent House of Commons report
estimated that the problem causes up to 5000 deaths every year and
costs the NHS an estimated #1 billion. However, infection control
experts believe that 15-30% of these incidents are preventable if
high levels of cleanliness are adopted.
Against this background, managers and infection control
professionals are increasingly recognising the key role of hospital
cleaning staff in the battle to stop soaring levels of hospital
acquired infection and combating the new breed of "super bugs"
such as Methincillian Resistant Staphloccus Areus (MRSA), Vancomycin
Resistant Enterococcus (VRE), Staphylococcus Aureus (VISA).
"UNISON maintains that for too long Britain's
100,000 hospital cleaners have been undervalued. Since the introduction
of contracting out of cleaning services in 1984 cleaning standards
in our hospitals have been systematically forced down in the drive
towards greater cost cutting. Without the dedication, skills, commitment
and professionalism of our hospital cleaners in attempting to provide
a hygienic environment the work of doctors and nurses would become
increasingly futile.
The influential World Health Organisation now recognises
the key role of cleaners in the world-wide crusade to combat hospital
acquired infection. Nurses working in the wards must be able to
get on with the job of caring for patients without having to revert
to the practice of the past of nursing being inundated with non-nursing
duties. The Government and hospital managers need to urgently re-evaluate
and recognise the crucial role of hospital cleaners as front-line
troops in the war against cross infection. We must end the years
of neglect and invest in training and development through NVQs for
the newly emerging professional breed of hospital cleaners with
access to a comparable pay and conditions package.
100,000 hospital cleaning staff are keen and willing
to take on the challenge. The House of Commons report exposes just
how critical this issue is to the future of our NHS. There are two
decades of neglect to make up - we have no time to lose". says
Jim Devine, Scottish Organiser for Health.
ENDS
Further Information
Jim Devine, Scottish Organiser (Health) 0141-332-0006
(W) or 07693-533362 (pager).
Chris Bartter, Communications Officer, 0141 332 0006
Index
17 NOVEMBER 2000
UNISON RESPONDS TO COSLA'S IMPOSITION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT
PAY AWARD
LOCAL GOVERNMENT STRIKE ACTION TO BE ESCALATED NEXT WEEK
UNISON has responded with concern to the announcement
by COSLA that it is to impose a pay award on local government staff.
Joe Di Paola, UNISON's Scottish Organiser for Local Government,
said,
"COSLA's decision is very unhelpful and
runs the risk of prolonging rather than shortening this dispute.
"However, we have made clear from the beginning
that we would enter into negotiations with COSLA at any time. And
we have already indicated to ACAS our willingness for them to act
as conciliators. This dispute will only be resolved through negotiation.
UNISON still has an outstanding pay claim for 2000/2001 which has
yet to be concluded.
"We cannot accept this unilateral action by
COSLA as the end of the matter and our plans to escalate strike
action next week remain unchanged.”
ENDS
Index
.
Date: 16 November 2000
Strike escalation adds to councils' problems
As around 70,000 UNISON members struck for the third
day of action in four months, Scotland's largest local government
union announced that - as there had been no movement from CoSLA
- they would be starting a further series of selective industrial
action from Thursday November 23. This would mean bringing out on
indefinite strike a new wave of key workers, adding to the day-to-day
problems of running Scotland's Councils.
In addition services were closed or severely disrupted
across Scotland as UNISON members stayed away. Council Offices,
housing and social work services, libraries and museums, public
health and cleansing services were affected. Schools in some areas
were either shut or had limited classes, and strikers attended rallies
in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Falkirk and Glasgow. Emergency Services
and 'Life and limb' cover was maintained, except where councils
had deliberately provoked the union by bringing in private firms
to break the strike of the selective strikers. Dougie Black, Chair
of UNISON's Trade Union side, said
" It is almost unbelievable that Scotland's
Councils seem more intent in deliberately provoking their staff
to escalate their action than in pressurising their own side to
resolve their problems. We know that the selective strikes are causing
major problems for councils, and yet they allow their negotiators
to prolong the agony."
Joe Di Paola, UNISON's Scottish Organiser for Local
Government said
"The success of today's action shows that UNISON members are
as committed as ever to the fight for a fair pay deal in 2000. They
have also shown that they will not allow their colleagues on indefinite
strike action to be victimised and picked off. Unfortunately, instead
of pressurising CoSLA to deal with the problems of low pay, Scottish
Councils' appear to think that attacking their own staff will resolve
their problems. It will not resolve anything.
"As we have had no movement from CoSLA, and only threats from
councils, we have to respond by adding further groups to the indefinite
strike action."
The groups, who are listed overleaf, add a further
700+ staff on indefinite strike, doubling the 600+ who started their
strike on 1 November. It will also affect an additional seven councils,
bringing the total number affected to 26 (from a total of 32).
ENDS
Note to Editors: The lists of NEW groups of staff called out on indefinite action
is listed overleaf. They are listed by council, and are in addition
to those announced on 1 November 2000, who also remain on strike.
P2 New Selective Strike Action - UNISON pay dispute
Aberdeen City Council: Collections Team - Revenues
Section/Finance Department
Angus Council: Non Domestic Rates & Incomes/Supervisors (Recovery)/Machine
Room
Argyll & Bute Council: Janitorial Employees
City of Edinburgh Council: Telecommunications Exchange
Clackmannanshire Council: Community Access Points
Dundee City Council: Support Services/Finance Revenues/Information
Technology/
Lawside Academy
East Dunbartonshire Council: IT Helpdesk
East Renfrewshire Council: School Janitors/Hallkeepers/Call Centre/Barrhead
Sports Centre/
Neilston Leisure Centre/ Eastwood Recreation Centre
Falkirk Council: Neighbourhood Officers/Central Allocations Officers
Fife Council: Finance - Council Tax Recovery/Council Service Officers
& Assistants
Highland Council: Corran Ferry/Inverness Service Point/Cash Collection
- Service Point (Church Street)/Cash Staff - Headquarters
Inverclyde Council: Housing Benefits/Committee Clerks
Midlothian Council: Revenues/Housing
Moray Council: Environmental (Cleansing)
North Ayrshire Council: Finance Section/Creditors
Perth & Kinross Council: IT
Renfrewshire Council: Housing Neighbourhood offices-clerical staff/Committee
Clerks Members' Services
South Ayrshire Council: Council Officers/Civic Officers
South Lanarkshire Council: Housing/Tech Resources (Debtors Section)
West Lothian Council: Members Services/IT Services/Creditors/Admin
& Legal Staff/Revenues
Index
.
Embargo: FOR INFORMATION AND USE Date: 15 November 2000
Third Day of Action as UNISON backs indefinite
strikers
Around 70,000 UNISON local government members will
strike tomorrow (Thursday) as their employers refuse to negotiate
further on an offer of 3% for this year. Despite increased provocation
by some reckless councils emergency cover and life and limb services
are still being exempted from the action.
But serious disruption will take place in council
services like schools (in some areas), housing, leisure services,
public health, social work, and other public services (even ferries
in some areas). The action is designed to back up the indefinite
strike action being taken by key workers who are members of UNISON
- the largest local government union - in 19 of Scotland's 32 authorities
to increase pressure on local councils to improve the pay offer.
Joe Di Paola, UNISON's Scottish Organiser for local
government, said
"The increasing recklessness of councils who
are trying to use strong arm tactics, is only serving to reinforce
support for tomorrow. We need to demonstrate to councils and to
the striking members themselves that we are ready to fully support
them should that become necessary. Unfortunately in order to do
that we will affect public services. We are sorry about that, but
think that the Scottish people understand that we need properly
paid public sector workers to deliver quality public services."
There will be Rallies throughout the country as follows.
Aberdeen: The Factory (Student Union), Gallowgate Aberdeen
13.00hrs
Edinburgh: Odeon Cinema, Clerk Street, Edinburgh 12 noon
Falkirk: Bandstand, Falkirk High Street 13.00 hrs
Glasgow: Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow 13.15 hrs
ENDS
Index
10 November 2000
Council draws back on suspensions
The City of Edinburgh Council has drawn back from
forcing more local government staff out on strike to join the 76
UNISON members already out in the city since 1 November.
Five staff in the Council's City Development Department
were about to be instructed to cover the work of exisiting strikers
who normally deal with planning applications. If they refused and
were to be sent home without pay. Now the Council has postponed
a decision until Monday 13 November.
"We would have had no alternative but to bring
these members out on strike", said John Stevenson, UNISON Edinburgh
Branch spokesperson. "Now we are urging the Council to make
a clear decision and not leave our members worrying over the weekend".
"This gives the lies to the Council's claim
that the strike is having no effect. Clearly it is biting hard if
it is forcing the Council into considering such desperate action.
"All it would succeed in doing is creating more
disruption. If members are to be pressurised in this way in one
area, it is bound to affect the volunteers we send in to cover emergencies
in other areas", he added.
John Mulgrew, UNISON Edinburgh service conditions
co-ordinator warned,
"The Council will get nowhere with these macho
tactics, particularly evident in this Department for some time.
It would only further escalate the disruption. We call on the Council
again to use its influence on CoSLA to get down to serious talks
to resolve this dispute. Our pay rise was due last April and the
Councils have draggd their feet since, creating enormous ill-feeling
amongst staff, and unnecessary disruption.
ENDS
Further information:
John Stevenson 07880 563 178, 0131 220 5655
John Mulgrew 0131 220 5655
Index
Not For Release before 12.30 pm Friday 10 November Date: 9 November
2000
Taking their Hats off to those on strike
In the midst of a bitter dispute over the pay of
local council workers, strikers can still find time to help a deserving
cause.
At Renfrewshire Council a council-sponsored "Wear-a-hat-to-work
Day" is to be supported with gusto by the local UNISON Branch.
Council workers will be wearing hats like UNISON sponsored baseball
caps with "Fair Pay not Low Pay" or bowler hats covered
with "Fair pay not favours" stickers. They will, of course
be donating the appropriate amount to the two local hospices that
are to be the beneficiaries of the charitable action.
Willie Duffy, UNISON's Regional Officer said,
"UNISON members wouldn't want to see a good
cause suffering. UNISON has therefore come up with this method of
supporting the activity whilst making it clear to our employers
they need to tell their CoSLA colleagues that they need to settle
this dispute with UNISON. "
Also wearing the hats, although unable to wear them
to work, will be representatives of the striking UNISON members.
There will be a photocall of the UNISON members with
their hats outside the UNISON Branch Office at Renfrewshire Council
HQ South, Cotton Street, Paisley PA1 1WW, at 12. 30pm on Friday
10 November 2000. Present will be representatives of the striking
staff and Branch Officers. You are invited to send a photographer
and a reporter. Please check with UNISON Branch Office 0141-842
5559 for any late arrangements.
ENDS
[ Note: UNISONScotland is Scotland's largest local
government trade union with around 800,000 members, approximately
two thirds of whom are women. They have been in dispute with CoSLA
for nearly 4 months over the annual pay offer. They currently have
over 600 members performing key jobs, out on indefinite strike action
ands this will be backed up by a third one day strike on November
16]
Index
Date: 1 November 2000
Selective strikes start in local council pay dispute
Over 600 key local government staff across nineteen
Scottish local councils begin indefinite strike as the first wave
of the action today (Wednesday 1 November), as the pay dispute between
UNISON and Scottish Councils goes into its fourth month. The action
by members of UNISON, the main local government union is designed
to disrupt the work of councils and persuade them to put pressure
on the leadership of CoSLA to improve the 3% offer for 2000 that
was rejected by council staff.
The action, by staff such as IT staff, cash collection
and other finance staff, security staff, court staff, mailroom staff,
committee administration staff, drivers and refuse collection staff
and others, is aimed primarily at the day-to-day running and financing
of councils, whilst sparing many front-line public services. However
there will still be some service disruption, particularly of high
profile services, or as a knock-on from the disruptive action.
Joe Di Paola, UNISON's Scottish Organiser for Local
Government said
"Whilst we are attempting to target this action
on the people who are responsible for the problem, the nature of
our members work in serving the public means that we are bound to
have an effect on services. We can only apologise to the public
for this and ask them to continue their support for a fair rise
for Scotland's local council workers."
This new move in the dispute comes after UNISON members
rejected the new offer from CoSLA by 68% to 32%.
Joe Di Paola says that this shows
"Staff know that the new offer involved no new
money, did nothing for the lower paid and locked them into a two-year
deal. That's why they are angry about the way they are being treated.
We call upon Scottish Councils to get their CoSLA representatives
back round the negotiating table. Scottish local government staff
deserve a fair pay rise."
ENDS
NOTE for Editors A list of the councils affected
in the first wave of selective action is attached. A wide range
of staff has been called out on indefinite action - different groups
being targeted in each authority.
Aberdeen City
Conveyancing; IT Helpdesk (Finance and IT Dept), Rent Collection
Aberdeenshire
Consumer Protection
Argyll & Bute
Information Technology
City of Edinburgh
Admin staff - Planning Applics;
Cash Collection staff - Finance Dept;
Plan stores/front Counter - Property mgt;
Corporate Secretarial servs - City Devpt;
Security Staff - Chesser House;
Building Support - City Chambers;
Admin staff - District Court;
Licensing Sect - Legal Services;
Building Support Staff - Council HQ
City of Glasgow
Court Section; Court Assessors/Solicitors;
Committee Clerks
Clackmannanshire
Forthbank Disposal Site
Dundee City
Leisure and Parks - Purchasing;
Leisure and Parks - Booking Off.
East Dunbartonshire
Caretakers/Council Officers - HQ;
Telephonists/Receptionists - HQ;
Mailroom staff; Houseparents - Eyre Hall;
Support staff - Douglas Academy;
Council Tax staff
East Lothian
Information Technology;
Refuse Collection
East Renfrewshire
Committee Services;
Admin - Environment Dept;
Members Services
Fife
Finance - non domestic rates;
IT Operations - call-centre back-up;
Call Mgt Centre and Enterprise Project;
IT mid-range systems support;
Finance - Cash and Banking;
Finance - Fraud Officers
Inverclyde
Council Tax section
Midlothian
Refuse Collection - Drivers;
Support staff - Members Services
North Lanarkshire
Finance Dept - Non Domestic Rates/debtors
Renfrewshire
Mail and Commissionaire staff HQ
South Ayrshire
Housing; Debt Recovery - Admin & Legal;
Leisure Attendants
South Lanarkshire
Car Park Attendants;
Treasury Mgt - finance;
Social Work - finance
West Dunbartonshire
Mailroom/Commissionaires;
Revenue section - Finance;
Committee Admin;
Rent Collection/Rent Arrears - Housing Dept;
Printing Dept;
Reception - Social Wk; Advice line - Soc Wk; Social Wk Housing Advice;
IT - systems integration; IT - Desktop support; IT - Operations;
Licensing Committee Admin.
Western Isles
IT support
Index
.
UNISON's Scottish Affiliated Political Fund
(APF) Committee backs Henry McLeish and Cathy Jamieson for Leader
and Depute leader of the Scottish Labour Party
UNISON, Scotland's largest union and the largest
affiliate to the Scottish Labour party, today (Monday) agreed to
nominate Henry McLeish MSP and Cathy Jamieson MSP as Leader and
Deputy Leader of the Scottish Labour Party.
The decision to nominate was made by the union's
Scottish Affiliated Political Fund (APF) Committee and will now
be put to the union's members who pay the Affiliated Political
Fund (APF) in a full postal ballot.
Karie Murphy, Chair of UNISON's Scottish APF
Committee said,
"We believe that Henry and Cathy would make
an excellent team to lead Labour in the Scottish Parliament. Their
election would signify in the strongest possible way the inclusive
nature of the Party.”
ENDS
1. For further information please contact George
McGregor 0976 754420 (m) or Karie Murphy on 0467 776 265
2. UNISON has two political funds. An affiliated
political fund - affiliated to the Labour Party. And a general political
fund - not affiliated to any political party. Unison members can
choose to join either fund, neither or both.
Index
23 October 2000
UNISON action to escalate as 68% reject pay offer
UNISON members today rejected a revised pay offer
from the local government employers and will now step up their action,
UNISON announced today (23 October).
The new offer meant an increase of half a per cent
on the previous one, with a further 3.1% promised for next year.
UNISON suspended its industrial action to consult its members and
today announced that its Scottish Local Government members had resoundingly
rejected the offer. In the consultation exercise 23,423 (68% of
those voting) voted to reject the offer and 11,212 (32%) voted to
accept.
Joe Di Paola, UNISON's Scottish Organiser for Local Government,
said
"UNISON members are angry and frustrated. The
new offer shows no evidence of new money being used, does nothing
for the lower paid, and goes no way to compensate for previous below-inflation
pay awards. The idea of being locked into a two year deal was also
rejected as a hostage to fortune. We would hope that Scottish Councils
will take note of the huge majority of their staff who have voted
for rejection of this offer and will, even at this late stage, look
at using some of the money they have for next year to give their
staff a fair pay deal this year."
A meeting of UNISON's Scottish Local Government Branches
today (Monday) agreed to resume the campaign of industrial action
suspended to allow the consultation. Joe Di Paola said
"Our members have no alternative now, but to
reinstate the action by calling out on indefinite strike small groups
of key members, moving the disruption into the heart of Scottish
Councils. This action will also be supplemented by a further one-day
strike of all local government members."
The selective action will involve indefinite strikes
by key groups of council staff like financial workers who collect
debts for councils, legal and administrative workers, mail room
and security staff, committee clerks, telephonists and computer
staff, people whose absence will have a major impact on council
running.
ENDS
Index
| 11th
October 2000 |
|
Deep sorrow at loss of Donald Dewar
 Matt Smith, UNISON's Scottish
Secretary said:
"UNISON Scotland today joins so many in expressing our
deep sorrow at the untimely loss of our friend Donald Dewar.
"We worked closely together in the creation of our Scottish
Parliament and without him the task would have been immensely
more difficult. He converted the vision into reality. More
than anyone else he made it happen.
"Scotland shared his joy last July when the Parliament
was officially opened.
"On a personal note I had the privilege of knowing him
as a friend and colleague over the years and I will miss him
greatly. I am proud to have known him and have many happy
memories of his company.
"He was human, decent, approachable and funny. But more
than anything else he was passionately committed to a fairer,
better Scotland.”
For further information contact George McGregor on 0141 332
0006 or Matt Smith on 07771 548997.
Index
|
| |
.
29 SEPTEMBER 2000
Implement the Sutherland Report in full UNISON
urges MSPs
Scotland's largest public sector trade union, UNISON,
has today urged MSPs to implement in full the Sutherland Report.
Speaking in Glasgow, the Scottish Organiser for Health, Jim Devine,
stated "UNISON agrees with the Government that the current
system of financing long-term care is unfair and needs reforming.
Today, the Scottish Parliament has a unique opportunity to make
bold and imaginative proposals which can address the strong sense
of injustice, fear and uncertainty which too many people in need
of long-term care currently experience. Our submission to the Health
Minister, Susan Deacon, reflect the principles which underpin UNISON's
commitment to public funded services and are based on our members'
direct experiences as the effect of current policies on patients,
service users and carers.
"UNISON's policies are framed round one over-riding
priority to ensure that high quality care, support and other services
are available to everyone when they need it at whatever time in
their lives. This requires publicly funded services which entitle
people to the appropriate provision, wherever they live and whatever
their social and economic circumstances. UNISON is also committed
to the principle that all publicly funded community based services
must be democratically accountable.
Patients and service users should have more say in
the planning of services and the choice over what is provided. Government
policy and long term care must also nurture the skills and commitment
of those providing formal and informal care, as well as ensuring
the dignity of both those providing and the receiving care and support.
We are also concerned about the effects of apparent
perpetual organisational change on public services over the past
twenty years. Any proposals for reform should minimise costs and
disruption to the NHS, local government, service providers, users
and patients. We want to see a fusion for all that is best on both
sides of the health and social care divide, facilitating local partnerships
and building on best practice. UNISON is also committed to both
local government and the NHS continuing to be actively involved
in the long term care of the elderly.
"The Government nationally has rejected the
main recommendations of the Sutherland Commission, namely nursing
and personal social care should be free (funded from general taxation)
for older people in long term care. UNISON argue strongly that all
such care should be free. By continuing to charge for personal social
care, the Government is
(i) continually forcing older people and their
families to fund their own social care, whereas healthcare is
accepted as the responsibility of the community. This is means
tested and although there are some financial improvements, problems
of selling houses to pay for care will persist.
(ii) it perpetrates a division, which is very difficult
to make in practice between nursing care and other personal social
care ensuring continued debates over what each category of care
consists of.
(iii) relying on the private sector to deliver
personal insurance cover to fund long term care costs, despite
its record on personal pensions for example.
This afternoon, the Scottish Parliament can right
these wrongs and implement in full the recommendations from the
Sutherland Commission. Our generation owe a debt to the people who
campaigned for, created and paid for the welfare state all of their
working lives. That welfare state should now be available to them
free, at their time of need.
ENDS
Further Information
Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0141-332 0006(w)
0771 558 3729(m)
Index
28 September 2000
Hospital closures - do they lead to more elderly
deaths?
Click here for full UNISON Response to GGHB consulatation
UNISON, the largest Glasgow healthcare union with around 15,000
members in all the elderly care sector, today called on Greater
Glasgow Health Board, either to release information on the death
rate of elderly patients released into community care from long
stay hospitals, or to commission a study into the problem.
In their response to the GGHB's consultation on elderly services,
UNISON also condemns the proposed closures of both Blawarthill and
Cowglen Hospitals, as 'purely a financial decision' and part of
the 'virtual demolition of NHS Continuing Care in Glasgow.'
Joe Lynch, UNISON Regional Officer, said
" Anecdotal evidence from members, patient groups and community
groups suggests that both the death rate and the levels of readmissions
to acute hospitals is unacceptably high amongst these patients.
We have consistently asked GGHB to give us such data, but as we
have never been given it, we assume it doesn't exist. Therefore
we are calling on the GGHB to investigate these claims before subjecting
more patients to this process."
UNISON's submission, which has been sent to all Glasgow MSP's as
well as the GGHB, highlights the fact that local authority homes
will not care for the most dependent elderly people. UNISON condemns
the decision to fund places for the elderly in the private nursing
and residential sector at the expense of NHS beds.
Joe Lynch said
"Whilst we support care being given in the community where
that is best, unless this area has considerably increased investment,
both financial and in increased numbers of directly-employed front-line
staff, then the public will continue to have no confidence in it."
ENDS
[Note for Editors: Copies of the full UNISON response are available
from Joe Lynch or Chris Bartter (numbers below) or on this website]
For Further Information Please Contact:
Joe Lynch (Regional Officer) 0141-332 0006(wk) 0141- 563 3505(h)
Matt McLaughlin (Regional Officer) 0141-332 0006(w) 07924 225 202(m)
Carolyn Leckie(Secretary - Glasgow North Branch) 07799 642929(m)
Gordon Scobbie (Steward - Cowglen Hospital) 0141-211 9218(w)
Fiona Spence (Steward - Blawarthill Hospital) 0141 - 944 9811(h)
Christine Sinclair (Steward - Blawarthill Hospital) - 0771 232 0272(m)
Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0141-332 0006(w) 0771 558
3729(m)
Index
21 September 2000
UNISON welcomes budget boost for public services
"McConnell's statement puts pressure on COSLA to improve
local governmentpay offer" says Matt Smith
Responding to Jack McConnell's spending statement to Parliament
today (Wednesday) Matt Smith, UNISON's Scottish Secretary said,
"There is much to welcome in Jack McConnell's Budget statement.
The additional resources to local government, health and education
are long overdue. UNISON has been campaigning for 20 years for significant
real increases in spending on Scotland's public services and we
are pleased these are now to be delivered.
"We particularly welcome the announcement that pay awards
will form part of the settlement for local government. This is the
first statement of this kind by any Minister in the UK for seven
years.
"The Finance Minister's statement means the pressure is now
mounting on COSLA to increase their derisory 2.5% pay offer for
this year. We asked the Scottish Executive to act and they have
acted. The spotlight is now firmly on COSLA to make an improved
offer and settle this pay dispute before it escalates further.
"While welcoming the increased investment in capital projects
we have concerns about the use of Public Private Partnerships which
we do not accept represents value for money for Scotland's taxpayers.
"We require now to meet the Minister to discuss the detail
to determine what this means for our members and the services they
provide."
ENDS
George McGregor
Scottish Research Officer
UNISON House
14 West Campbell Street
Glasgow G2 6RX
0141 332 0006 (phone)
0141 331 1203 (fax)
Index
14 September 2000
‘Poverty main reason why student nurses leave
profession' says UNISON
Nursing and Midwifery drop-out rates have reached a 5-year high
in Scotland according to the latest figures available from the National
Board and the health service union, UNISON, is claiming poverty
is the main reason.
Speaking at a Student Nurse Conference today, Jim Devine, UNISON's
Scottish Organiser for Health, said "The latest figures for
1999/2000 show Student Nurse discontinuation in Scotland rose by
11.2% to 627 students. In Midwifery alone, almost a quarter of students
(24.6%) dropped out. This is a 5-year high that the Government cannot
ignore. We believe that the main reason is poverty. Over the past
12 months, UNISON has been campaigning for the Government to introduce
a salary for students that would allow a decent level of income
and ensure employment protection. South of the border, recruitment
problems amongst student teachers were resolved by this strategy."
Nikki Griffith, UNISON student nurse rep said, "I am not in
the least bit surprised that the numbers leaving the profession
have increased in such a dramatic way. In my own group, nearly 50%
of the nurses have left since we started training. It is hardly
surprising when you see that an under-26 year old receives £390
per month and if you are over-26, you then receive £439 per
month. Nursing students are unlike their colleagues completing other
degrees, they are not given long holidays because they have to work
in the wards during the summer breaks."
UNISON will be writing to the Scottish Health Minister, Susan Deacon
asking to discuss this matter with a view to arresting the decline
in student nurse numbers here in Scotland.
ENDS
Index
.
12 September 2000
Lack of council movement leads to strike escalation
Despite announcements of slackening of future financial
settlements, by Jack McConnell yesterday, Scottish Council employers
refused to negotiate any movement on their 'first and final' pay
offer at local government pay talks tonight (12 September). Scottish
Councils merely reiterated the repackaging of their 2.5% offer at
a meeting with the unions today.
Following the negotiations a meeting of all UNISON's
local government branches agreed to carry on with a planned one
day strike on 20 September. They will also organise a major demonstration
in Edinburgh to coincide with the Finance Minister's statement on
future local government settlements in the Scottish Parliament.
Joe Di Paola, UNISON's Scottish Organiser for
Local Government, said
"We are gravely disappointed that, despite some flexibility
introduced by Jack McConnell negotiation still appears to be beyond
Scottish Councils. Our members have no alternative now, but to continue
with the day's strike action on the 20 September, and to proceed
to ballot small groups of key members to take indefinite action,
moving the disruption away from the public and into the heart of
Scottish Councils."
The selective action is planned to start once groups
of staff in most Scottish Councils are ready. UNISON is not revealing
exactly where these staff are based at this time but it will include
groups like financial workers who collect debts for councils, mail
room staff, committee clerks, telephonists and computer staff, People
whose absence will have a major impact on council running.
ENDS
For Further Information Please Contact:
Joe Di Paola (UNISON Scottish Org Local Govt) 0131-226
2662(w)
Jane Carolan (Chair - Trade Union Side) 07803 952 269 (m)
Chris Bartter (UNISON Communications Officer) 0141-332 0006(w)
Index
| Pay Campaign pages
Mon 11 Sep 2000
Local government spending pledge a step forward.
Press Conference 12/09
UNISON, Scotland's local government union today welcomed
as 'a step forward' the announcement that Finance Minister Jack
McConnell would be taking account of pay rises in future cash settlements
to local authorities..
Joe Di Paola, UNISON's Scottish Organiser for
Local Government said
"It is good to hear that an element of pay and price rises
will be built into future cash settlements. We are glad to see that
the Scottish Executive is listening to what both we and CoSLA have
been saying. However it does not resolve the crucial issue of a
fair pay settlement this year.
'We are hopeful that CoSLA will now be serious about stopping future
disruption to public services by negotiating a proper settlement
tomorrow."
There is a meeting of the unions' and employers'
negotiating body tomorrow, and UNISON has a full meeting of all
its local council branches immediately following this.
There will then be a PRESS CONFERENCE held to give UNISON's
perspective on t he current dispute over the pay of local council
workers in Scotland. This will be held at approx 4.00pm in the
Grosvenor Hotel, Grosvenor Street, Edinburgh.
This will deal with the outcome of the negotiations and give the
plans for the day of action on Wednesday 20 September. Present
will be Joe Di Paola, Scottish Organiser Local Government, Jane
Carolan, Leader Trade Union negotiators, and Dougie Black, Vice-Chair
of UNISON"s Local Government Forum.
ENDS
For Further Information Please Contact:
Joe Di Paola (UNISON Scottish Org Local Govt) 0131-226 2662(w)
Jane Carolan (Chair - Trade Union Side)
Chris Bartter (UNISON Communications Officer) 0141-332 0006(w)
Index
5 September 2000
Student nurses demand salaries
UNISON SURVEY REVEALS SHOCKING FACTS ABOUT STUDENT NURSE HARDSHIP
Two thirds of students want a return to salaried
status, according to an exclusive UNISON survey. The national survey
of over 1,000 students found 67% wanted a substantially increased
salary, including sickness and maternity leave. In contrast, only
38% said that they favoured a substantial increase in the bursary.
The survey also found an astonishing 95% of students have taken
on extra work to supplement their income and 60% had considered
dropping out of their course because of financial problems.
"This survey shows that student nurses are sick
of living in poverty and are missing out on sickness and maternity
leave", said Jim Devine, UNISON's Scottish Organiser for
Health. "Perhaps most shocking of all the survey findings is
that 95% of students are having to take on other jobs to make ends
meet.
"The successful introduction of salaries for
trainee teachers could be followed in the nursing profession. According
to the Government's own figures, there was a 48% rise in applications
from would-be teachers after the three year training period which
numbers had plummeted. Under the new scheme, trainee teachers will
receive a £6000 a year salary, plus a £4000 ‘golden
hello' for those entering understaffed subject areas –
an idea which could also benefit nursing. Here in Scotland we have
seen on average 35% of nurses who commence their training leave
before completion. The vast majority of these individuals are leaving
because of poverty.
Nikki Griffith, UNISON student nurse rep said "The
bursary amounts to £2.60 per hour when we are in placement.
If we were salaried, we would be paid between £9000-£10,000
per year. I also would have the protection of employment legislation,
including sick pay, maternity provisions and employment rights.
In my own group, nearly 50% of the nurses have left since we started
training and it is hardly surprising when you see that an under-26
year old receives £390 per month and if you are over-26, you
then receive £439 per month. Nursing students are unlike their
colleagues completing other degrees, they are not given long holidays
because they have to work in the wards during the summer breaks."
UNISON will be writing to the Scottish Health Minister,
Susan Deacon asking to discuss this matter with a view to ending
poverty amongst student nurses here in Scotland.
ENDS
Index
5 September 2000
Needlestick injury figures on the up
The number of health care workers exposed to viruses
such as Hepatitis B, C and HIV as a result of needlestick injuries,
should be strictly monitored by the Government, according to UNISON,
the UK's largest union. The call for compulsory monitoring
comes in the wake of a 73% increase in the number of reports last
year.
The increased reporting is a direct result of the
union's campaign urging all those infected through needlestick
injuries to make sure they report them and get tested for bloodborne
diseases, Hep B, C and HIV/ This is borne out by a significant increase
in reporting by nurses – a main group targeted by the union.
Jim Devine, UNISON's Scottish Organiser for
Health said:
"Less then half of all hospitals take part in
a voluntary scheme to record exposures and there are thousands of
GP surgeries and dental practices which go completely uncounted.
UNISON is determined to raise awareness of the dangers of infection
by bloodborne viruses and the misery they case – compulsory
monitoring is crucial to achieving this aim.
"UNISON wants a ban on the use of old-fashioned
unsafe needles and the introduction nationwide of ‘safer needles'
such as retractable needles or those with protective shields. The
difference in cost is pennies and the difference to health workers'
lives and peace of mind is immeasurable."
A Scottish nurse spoke of her distress when she had
to be tested for Hepatitis B following a needlestick injury:
"I went through hell waiting for the results
of my tests to come through after I was injured by a needle. One
small slip could have led to a lifetime of misery and ill-health.
I was lucky that time but I'd rather not have to rely on luck
in the future."
ENDS
Index
.
Date: 4 September 2000
"WHAT NEW OFFER?”
UNISON, Scotland's biggest trade union representing
around 80,000 members working for Scotland's 32 local authorities,
dismissed CoSLA's informal offer of a phased increase in pay
as "nothing new”.
CoSLA's suggestion of a 2% increase from 1st
April 2000 and a further 1% from October 2000, still represents
an increase of 2.5% in the current financial year. A previous offer
of 2.5% has already been rejected by UNISON members.
Joe Di Paola, UNISON's senior local government
organiser said:
"This is not an improved offer. It represents
2.5% on this year's pay bill and that has already been rejected
by our members as being entirely inadequate in meeting our claim.
As always we are willing to talk, but any talks must be on the basis
of an improved offer.”
"Meanwhile we continue with our campaign and
further details will be announced on Wednesday.”
ENDS
Index
For Release: 00.01 Mon 4 Sept 2000
COMPETITION WILL PRIVATISE SCOTLAND'S WATER
UNISONScotland today
launched their response to the Scottish Executive Consultation Paper:
"Managing Change in the Water Industry". UNISON
- the largest trade union in the water industry, challenge the Scottish
Executive's commitment to Water remaining a public service. UNISON
claims that the introduction of PFI is privatising the industry
drip by drip and the promotion of competition will complete the
privatisation of Scotland's water and sewerage services. In its
report UNISON calls upon the Scottish Executive to:
- Reject the policy objective of competition, recognising
the damage that this regime did in England and Wales.
- Introduce a strict licensing regime to protect
the integrity of water supplies and the sewerage system.
- Legislate to ensure the full cost of introducing
competition falls on those companies who wish to compete not on
the Scottish taxpayer.
- Provide protection for disadvantaged and low income
consumers.
- Strengthen statutory powers for drinking water
inspection
- Devolve the powers of the Director General of
Fair Trading to the Scottish Executive
- Cancel the debt of Scotland's Water Authorities
as happened to water companies in England and Wales at privatisation.
Dave Watson, UNISON's Scottish Organiser for water
said:
"These proposals put Scotland's water and sewerage
systems at risk and will result in the gradual privatisation of
the industry. New entrants will inevitably seek to "cherry
pick" the most profitable customers, leaving poorer domestic
customers and the taxpayer to pick up the bill for "last resort"
supply."
ENDS
Water Industry
Links Page
Note to Editors: UNISON's response is available
on UNISON's website
For Further Information Please Contact:
Dave Watson, Scottish Organiser (Utilities)
d.watson@unison.co.uk
Wk:: 0141-332-0006
Mob: 0973-672513
Chris Bartter, Communications Officer
c.bartter@unison.co.uk
Wk: 0141-332-0006
Mob: 0771-5583729
Index
Date: 1 September 2000
Strikes to escalate as CoSLA refuses increase
Branches representing around 80,000 UNISON members
working for Scotland's 32 local authorities at a meeting today(Friday)
rejected a rephased pay offer from the Scottish employers.
The meeting heard that the Scottish employers had
refused to increase the offer, merely suggesting a restructuring
of the award to give 2% backdated to April (the settlement date)
with a further 1%from October 2000. This represents 2.5% on the
paybill - a figure that UNISON has already rejected.
This prompted a clear rejection from all the branches
represented.
UNISON also agreed that their campaign of industrial
action would be escalated. UNISON members will strike again for
one day later this month. In addition selective strikes by key groups
of staff will be undertaken. This was agreed at the meeting of UNISON's
local government branches in Scotland today. The precise date for
the further action will be announced later.
Last week's action caused chaos to local services
across Scotland, disrupting refuse collection, ferries, housing
offices, schools, planning, cash collection, leisure centres and
many others. Emergency Services were maintained, for the most part
by agreement between UNISON and the council, or by decision of the
union themselves. UNISON says that emergency cover will continue
to be maintained.
Jane Carolan, Leader of UNISON's negotiators
said
"Unfortunately the employers did not take notice of our
clear warnings that they shouldn't bring us back to talks simply
to offer the same amount. 2.5% has been rejected by our members
before and is again. We have therefore been forced to escalate our
action.
"We are still prepared to talk to the employers
at any time, but reiterate that they must have an improved offer.
"UNISON is not prepared to sit back and let
Scotland's local government workers receive the lowest rise in the
UK public sector. We want to shield the public as much as we can,
but we want to bring this matter to a head as soon as possible."
ENDS
Index
29 August 2000
Councils hit as UNISON strike bites
Around 70,000 UNISON members working for Scotland's
32 local authorities are on strike across Scotland, the union announced
today. UNISON, Scotland's largest local government union, decided
to strike after rejecting a Council employers' offer of a 2.5% pay
increase. The action caused chaos to local services across Scotland,
disrupting refuse collection housing offices, schools, planning,
leisure centres and many others. Even cleaners at the Scottish Parliament
walked out, (the contract is operated by Edinburgh City Council).
Matt Smith,UNISON's Scottish Secretary,
welcomed the success of the strike and called on Scotland's councils
to settle the dispute.
"We have received literally thousands of applications
to join UNISON since the result of the ballot was announced."
He said "So we were confident of the success of our action.
The effect of this one day on Scotland's services is a warning,
that our members who provide those services are angry and frustrated
Nobody knows better than our members that Scotland's Council's are
under pressure. But they also know that 3.5million public sector
workers across the UK have agreed increases averaging between 3.0%
and 4.0%, including their colleagues in England and Wales. Scotland's
councils should move their workers off the foot of the public pay
league."
After the one day strike UNISON is planning a two
and a three day strike. The dates planned for the next action will
be announced shortly, after UNISON has assessed the full effect
of this action.
Jane Carolan, Leader of UNISON's negotiators
said
" Despite provocation in a number of areas, our members provided
emergency cover to protect vulnerable clients and public safety.
We ensured that weddings and funerals scheduled for today, went
ahead. Our members have shown they care about the services, and
they are now calling on Scotland's councils to ensure the people
who deliver them are properly paid." UNISON will be discussing
with its branches and members likely tactics to extend the action,
should this be required.
ENDS
Matt Smith (Scottish Secretary) 0141-332 0006(wk)
Joe Di Paola (UNISON Scottish Org Local Govt) 0141-332 0006(w)
Jane Carolan (Chair - Trade Union Side) 07803 952 269 (m)
Chris Bartter (UNISON Communications Officer) 0141-332 0006(w) 0771
558 3729(m)
Index
.
15 August 2000
Council workers vote to strike over pay
UNISON members working for Scotland's 32 local authority
workers have voted to take strike action, the union announced today.
The union, which is the largest in Scotland's local government,
called the ballot after unions rejected a Council employers' offer
of a 2.5% pay increase. The final result was as follows:
Those voting YES 15,917 (56%)
Those voting NO 12,330 (44%)
UNISON will now report this to its National Committee
that approves Industrial Action with a recommendation for a one
day strike as a first step, to be followed by a two and a three
day strike. The date targeted for the first day will be August 29,
although the union will also be talkng to the other two unions in
Local Government (the T&GWU and the GMB - both of whom are also
balloting their members) to try and ensure a co-ordinated approach
to the action.
Joe Di Paola, UNISON's Scottish Organiser for
Local Government and Trade Union Side Secretary said
"This result is an indication of the poor morale
and frustration felt by the workforce. Central Government has not
funded staff pay increases for seven years and Local Government
staff are fed up carrying the burden of the cuts that local services
have suffered. We will be informing the employers of this result
and of our intention to take industrial action, and we hope, even
at this late date, we could resolve the issue"
This action could cause chaos to local services possibly disrupting
such services as refuse collection , food safety protection, schools,
planning, leisure facilties and many others. UNISON will also be
discussing with its branches and members likely tactics to extend
the action, should this be required.
The union will ensure protection is in place for vulnerable people
who depend on local services.
ENDS
For Further Information Please Contact:
Joe Di Paola (UNISON Scottish Org Local
Govt) 0141-332 0006(w) 0141-772 5557(h)
Jane Carolan (Chair - Trade Union Side) 07803 952 269 (m)
Chris Bartter (UNISON Communications Officer) 0141-332 0006(w) 0771
558 3729(m)
Index
17 July 2000
Industrial Action Ballot starts today
UNISON, Scotland's largest local government union
starts balloting its 80,000 local government members today on whether
they wish to take strike action. The ballot has been instigated
after pay negotiations broke down early last month, after the unions
rejected a pay offer of 2.5%, half a per cent less than the offer
accepted by local government workers in England and Wales earlier
this year.
Douglas Black, Chair of UNISONScotland's Local Government Group,
said
" This offer is derisory and goes no way towards meeting our
claim of 5% or £500. Local government workers in Scotland
are already paid £16 to £17 less per week than their
colleagues in England and Wales. To propose increasing this unfair
differential is unjustifiable."
Despite the knowledge of the impending action, there has been no
movement by the Scottish local authorities. This comes at a time
when local government staff have had to put up with major upheaval,
after local government reorganisation they have had to cope with
the government's Best Value proposals and the challenges set by
the outcome of the McIntosh Review.
"Employers and the government demand high levels
of morale and commitment from the workforce to deliver their reforms."
Said Mr Black. "Staff can't deliver this from a backdrop of
low pay and unfair treatment."
The other unions (T&GWU and GMB) involved in the sector are
also proceeding with ballot arrangements, thought to be on a similar
timescale. The UNISON ballot starts today (Mon 17 July) and closes
on Monday 14 August. The union is operating a Hotline for any member
who doesn't receive a ballot paper. 0800 5 97 97 50.
ENDS
For Further Information Please Contact:
Dougie Black (Chair - Local Government Group) 07968 478195 (m)
Bill McAllister (Regional Officer) 0131-226 2662(w)
Chris Bartter (Communications Officer-UNISON) 0771 558 3729(m)
Index
13 July 2000
STOCK TRANSFER REPORT A MISSED OPPORTUNITY A RESPONSE FROM UNISON
SCOTLAND
UNISON, Scotland's Public Service union, criticised
the report of the Social Inclusion, Voluntary Sector Housing Committee
into Housing Stock as "A missed opportunity."
Mike Kirby, UNISON's Scottish Convenor said
"We welcome recommendations calling on the Executive to compare
the costs of public and private sector investment and to clarify
the value for money of these transfer schemes. It is, however, a
shame that they missed an opportunity by accepting the principle
of Housing Stock Transfer before the cost questions have been answered.
We know from studies done in Glasgow and Dumfries that proposals
there are far from value for money for tenant or taxpayer.
It is also curious that whilst the report calls for councils to
be the main strategic planning bodies it accepts the removal of
housing from their control, threatening the strategic management
of a range of essential services like housing, home helps and social
work services"
UNISON does welcome many of the subsidiary recommendations however,
Mike Kirby continues, "It is pleasing that points raised
by tenants and unions have been reflected in some recommendations.
The failure of the Glasgow process to properly deal with union and
tenant involvement in discussions, the continued operation of DLO's
and the maintenance of apprenticeships, and the points we have made
on the limitations of TUPE protection are all dealt with and we
urge the Scottish Executive to address these in real discussions
with unions rather than the token meetings that have taken place
until now."
The union's campaign against the principle of whole stock transfer
shows no sign of going away. However, Mike Kirby says,
"This method of investing in public housing removes democratic
accountability; increases costs and threatens rent levels and housing
and construction jobs. All the positive recommendations in the report
could be adopted by local councils with public housing controlled
democratically, with the housing debt burden lifted as the Executive
already propose to do after transfer."
ENDS
For Further Information Please Contact:
Mike Kirby (Convenor) 01426 292 751 (pager)
Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0141-332 0006(w) 0771 558
3729(m)
Index
12 JULY 2000 ~ 1030 HRS
UNISON survey highlights violence increase in health service
The health service union UNISON today(Wednesday)
revealed figures that showed an average 217% increase in violent
attacks on NHS Staff over the past 4 years.
Speaking at the Nursing Times Live Exhibition in
Glasgow, UNISONScotland's Lead Officer for Nursing, Bridget Hunter
said
"This level of violent attacks on NHS staff
is totally unacceptable. While we recognise that as a result of
certain illnesses, aggressive violence can occur, we are not prepared
to tolerate this disrespect of NHS staff by members of the public.
"For example, in the South Glasgow Trust, more
than half of all recorded incidents were physical assaults. The
figures also take account of the fact that if the behaviour was
attributable to the medical condition of the patient, these incidents
went unreported and therefore unrecorded."
Over half the Trusts in Scotland responded to UNISON's
survey and the average increase in violent incidents range from
a decrease of 35% in Dumfries & Galloway to a massive increase
of around 1000% at the Grampian University Hospitals Trust. The
average overall increase is 217%
Bridget Hunter went on to say
"It is not part of the job description of NHS
staff to be assaulted at work. We are seeking
(i) standardised procedures in the recording of violent
incidents;
(ii) a training budget to be allocated from each
Trust; and
(iii) formalised counselling and support for victims
of violent attacks.
"It is totally unacceptable and intolerable
that staff should be subjected to this violent and abusive behaviour
at their workplace. UNISON are therefore calling for a Staff Charter,
similar to the Patients' Charter, advising all NHS users that violence
against staff will not be tolerated."
ENDS
Note to the Editor: Breakdown of Trust by Trust info
Increase in Violent Incidents in Last Four Years - by Trust
| TRUST |
1996/7 |
1997/8 |
1998/9 |
1999/2000 |
%INCR |
ARG AND CLYDE ACUTE HOSPS
NHS TRUST
AYR AND ARRAN ACUTE HOSPS NHS TRUST |
|
|
|
|
|
| AYR AND ARRAN PRIM CARE
NHS TRUST |
318 |
546 |
506 |
996 |
213 |
BORDERS GENERAL HOSP NHS TRUST
BORDERS PRIMARY CARE NHS TRUST |
|
|
|
|
|
| D&G ACUTE & MAT
HOSPS NHS TRUST |
30 |
86 |
| 
Scotland's
public service union
|
