Press Release Archive 2002
Tue 31 Dec 2002
UNISON to launch Scottish election campaign
As Scotland's political parties gear up for the Scottish Parliament
elections in May, UNISON, Scotland's largest union has announced
today that it will also be campaigning during the first four months
of 2003.
The union, who have consistently opposed the Government's continuing
use of the private sector to run public services, will be taking
their message to politicians and the voting public using a mixture
of advertising and events.
UNISON's Scottish Secretary, Matt Smith said UNISON has agreed
that we should run a major campaign to put forward UNISON's policies
throughout the election campaign and beyond.
"This campaign, which will cost the union around £80,000,
is not just designed for politicians. We will be targeting both
the general public and our own members - ensuring that they are
part of getting the message across to their political candidates.
"We will be rejecting the false notion that 'reform' automatically
means splitting the world into 'consumers' and 'producers' and taking
sides. We will be pointing out that our members not only produce
and indeed consume our public services, but they also vote!"
UNISON will be publishing its own manifesto, which will promote
better public services in Scotland based on the best use of innovation
and partnership whilst rejecting the automatic assumption that the
private sector can provide the answers.
Matt Smith said "The campaign will call for the renewal of Scotland's
public services, renewal on the basis of a proper public service
ethos and with properly paid and supported in-house employees. The
wasteful, expensive and inflexible PFI and other private sector
schemes are not the answer for Scotland's public services.
"Many academics, government agencies and other monitoring
bodies have identified the flaws in these projects, and all public
opinion surveys show that the people of Scotland reject them. These
are the arguments we will be putting to the politicians."
UNISONScotland has around 150,000 members working for Scotland's
public services.
ENDS
For Further Information Please Contact: Matt Smith (Scottish
Secretary)07771 548 997 (m) Dave Watson (Scottish Org - Policy and
Info) 07787 558410 (m) Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0845 355 0845(w) 0771 558 3729(m)
Index
Mon 30 December 2002
Cultural provision needs less outsourcing and more national guidelines
UNISON, Scotland's largest union today called on the Scottish Executive
to bring in more national standards to give Scotland's local authorities
more assistance in helping Scotland's communities to increase the
cultural side of their locality.
The union, who organise thousands of members working in the cultural
services, also criticised the continuing dependence on PFI and other
privatised projects, which, it says, work against community cultural
activity.
UNISONScotland is responding to a Scottish Executive consultation
on guidelines to be laid down for local authorities, to help them
implement the National Cultural Strategy.
Chris Bartter, UNISON's Communications Officer said "We welcome
the importance given in the guidelines to the role of culture in
our communities, and the recognition of the leadership role of local
government in the cultural field. However it is sad that the weakness
of Scottish legislation in the cultural arena has not been addressed.
Even in areas where there are standards, like public libraries,
some authorities don't adhere to them!"
Other weaknesses in the guidelines include the failure of the executive
to incorporate key participants in community-based cultural work,
including community groups, users and staff. And the union points
out that continuing dependence on private money will work against
the ideals of community planning.
Joe Di Paola, UNISON's Scottish Organiser (Local Government) said
"Continuing this government's reliance on PFI/PPP and other privatised
and outsourced projects will work against successful community-based
cultural work. These type of projects reduce much-needed flexibility
- as we saw recently with the need to renegotiate contracts in Glasgow's
Schools PFI - are more expensive, leaving less money for the service
and are driven by profit, and not by the best service for the community.
"It is also disappointing that the STUC/Scottish Government Protocol
on PPP employment issues is not referred to, as it is something
that all public service organisations must follow."
UNISON also suggest continuous monitoring and revision of the guidelines
over the years.
ENDS
For Further Information Please Contact: Chris Bartter (Communications
Officer) 0771 558 3729(m) Joe Di Paola (Scottish Org - Local Govt.)
07990 505 698(m)
Index
Fri 27 Dec 2002
Protocol agreement begins to halt staff transfers
Scotland's councils who are developing controversial PFI schemes
to refurbish their schools are beginning to change their policies
on staff transferring to the private sector, public service union
UNISON claimed last night.
Following the agreement between the STUC and the Scottish Government
on a protocol to eliminate the two-tier workforce a number of Scottish
councils have altered plans on staff transfers. The clearest indication
of change is in South Lanarkshire where the council have decided
not to transfer any staff to private contractors. Other councils
reported changes to staff transfer arrangements and increasing union
involvement in discussions following the protocol.
UNISON's Scottish Organiser for Local Government, Joe Di Paola
said "We continue to oppose PPP/PFI but we welcome South Lanarkshire
Council's decision to reject the transfer of dedicated public servants
to private contractors. As contractors can no longer exploit low
paid workers through the two-tier workforce, we will be pressing
all Councils to follow South Lanarkshire's lead".
UNISON is however angry at other councils who are insisting on
cleaners, dinner ladies and janitors being hived off to the private
sector when this is no longer required.
Joe Di Paola said "It is unclear whether councils in this position
have not realised the different position they are now in, whether
they are under pressure from contractors or whether they are simply
refusing to reconsider. In any of these cases we will continue to
put pressure on to ensure the protocol is implemented, that unions
are represented and given the full information and that as few staff
are transferred as possible."
The protocol agreed between the Scottish Executive and the STUC
must be adopted by councils if they want to get PFI schemes agreed
by Scottish Ministers. UNISON is closely monitoring this latest
tranche of PFI projects in Scottish schools as its first major test.
ENDS
For Further Information Please Contact: Joe Di Paola (Scottish
Org - Local Government)07990 505698 (m) Dave Watson (Scottish Org
- Policy and Info) 07787 558410 m) Chris Bartter (Communications
Officer) 0771 558 3729(m)
Index
23 December 2002
UNISON calls on First Minister to adopt six- point action plan
to reduce NHS staff violence
UNISON, Scotland's largest healthcare union, today welcomed the
First Ministers comments on violence against healthcare staff in
his visit to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary accident and emergency department.
The union also called on the Scottish Executive to take up the union's
six-point action plan to reduce the number of assaults on NHS staff
and in particular to ensure that staff are offered proper support.
"Survey s are still showing an increase in assaults on NHS staff",
said Jim Devine, UNISON Scottish Organiser for Health. A recent
survey showed that 40% of nurses had been assaulted on duty by a
patient or patient's relative in the past three years. However 60%
of those received no support whatsoever"
"Whilst we welcome the zero tolerance plan to be adopted by Lothian
University Hospitals NHS Trust, the lack of support and follow up
in other areas is quite frankly unacceptable. We welcome the First
Minister's involvement but we would urge the Government to adopt
our action plan across the country as a concrete step forward in
tackling violence in our hospitals."
The Action Plan is as follows
* The Scottish Health Minister and NHS trade unions jointly issue
a Staff Charter, reminding the public that it is not part of an
NHS worker's job to be physically or verbally abused at work.
* The standardisation throughout Scotland of the definition, recording
and follow up of violent and potentially violent incidents, including
verbal abuse, for all NHS staff.
* An agreed training course on the management of violent or potentially
violent incidents for all NHS staff.
* The introduction of a 'yellow and red card' warning system to
members of the public who consistently abuse NHS staff. These warnings
could lead to the banning of individuals from NHS premises if they
persistently physically or verbally abuse staff.
* Relatives who physically abuse NHS staff must be automatically
charged and prosecuted by the Procurator Fiscal.
* Every NHS worker in Scotland has a duty of care to her/himself
and to her/his colleagues, to use the reporting system for every
incident, and accept and expect that zero tolerance is not just
the preferred but the only option
ENDS
For Further Information Please Contact: Jim Devine (Scottish
Org - Health) 0845 355 0845(w) 07876 441 239(m) Chris Bartter (Communications
Officer) 0845 355 0845(w) 0771 558 3729(m)
Index
23 December 2002
UNISON welcomes further staff back in-house
UNISON, Scotland's Healthcare union, today welcomed a deal that
will see around 450 catering and cleaning workers at Paisley's Royal
Alexandra Hospital come back in house in April next year, and hotel
services contractor Initial given notice that their contract is
at an end.
Willie Duffy, UNISON's Regional Officer said, "We welcome the
Trust's decision to return staff to the healthcare team. In-house
services are regularly now becoming the employment of choice for
Health Trust managers who want the best services in their premises.
It is clear that those who actually deliver the services are increasingly
deciding not to continue down the private sector route."
The deal that UNISON has negotiated means that the staff will return
to direct employment by the Argyll & Clyde Acute Services Trust
on 1 April 2003 and return to full NHS wages and conditions six
months later. It comes on top of decisions by all the Glasgow Health
Trusts to take staff back in-house and away from contractors, and
also after the staff and UNISON won a pay increase for contractors
staff to take them above the £5 per hour mark.
Willie Duffy said "This is the latest victory for public service
workers and for fair employment. UNISON has campaigned for many
years against hiving off key workers in our services to the private
sector. We are pleased that in some areas of management at least,
there is increasing agreement with this policy."
ENDS
For Further Information Please Contact: Willie Duffy (Regional
Officer) 07880 717 725(m) 0845 355 0845 (w) Jim Devine (Scottish
Org - Health) 0845 355 0845(w) 07876 441 239(m) Chris Bartter (Communications
Officer) 0845 355 0845(w) 0771 558 3729(m)
Index
19 December 2002
UNISON welcomes Argyll vote to stay in-house
The public service union UNISON today welcomed the decision by
Argyll & Bute Council to retain services in-house and not to follow
the recommendations of Amey to privatise non-core services.
UNISON had called on the council to reject the proposal and also
wrote to Local Government Minister, Peter Peacock, and Public Services
Minister, Andy Kerr calling on them to intervene.
John Gallacher, UNISON's Regional Officer, said "We are delighted
that common sense has prevailed. That the council has seen the need
to retain services under democratic control and to make a clear
commitment to the value of its staff. Obviously we have to look
closely at the restructuring also decided on, and we will want to
talk to the council as soon as possible. But at least we are now
proceeding from a commitment to retain in-house services."
ENDS
For Further Information Please Contact: John Gallacher(Regional
Officer)0845 355 0845 (w) 07930 939 520(m) Chris Bartter (Communications
Officer) 0845 355 0845(w) 0771 558 3729(m)
Index
18 Dec 2002
Manifesto Proposals to End Fuel Poverty in Scotland
Introducing energy ratings for all properties, increasing links
between health and housing initiatives and widening the scope of
energy efficiency grant schemes. These are among the priorities
that fuel poverty groups want to see in Party manifestos in order
to end the problem of cold, damp and expensive to heat homes in
Scotland.
The Keeping Scotland Warm campaign, led by fuel poverty charity
Energy Action Scotland together with Unison Scotland and Transco,
has produced proposals for the next Scottish Parliament. The campaign
believes these to be the priorities for progressing the Parliament’s
obligations to end fuel poverty in Scotland by 2016, as required
by the Housing (Scotland) Act.
Director of Energy Action Scotland, Ann Loughrey said: “Many of
the Parties are preparing their manifestos now for next May’s Scottish
parliamentary elections. While major strides have been made during
this term of the Parliament, it is essential that we keep focused
on how we are going to achieve the target to have noone living in
a cold, damp and expensive to heat home.”
Copies of ‘Keeping Scotland Warm: Manifesto to end Fuel Poverty
in Scotland’ are available from Energy Action Scotland on tel: 0141
226 3064 or website: www.eas.org.uk
- ends –
For further information contact: Elizabeth Gore, Energy
Action Scotland on tel: 0141 226 3064 Chris Bartter, Unison Scotland
on tel: 0141 332 0006 Anne Neilson, Transco on tel: 0131 559 6088
Editor’s Notes:
1. Fuel poverty is the inability to afford adequate warmth. It
is caused by a combination of 3 factors: poor house condition, high
or fluctuating price of domestic fuel and low disposable household
income.
2. Over 730,000 Scottish households are in or at risk of fuel poverty.
1 in 3 homes fall short of energy efficiency standards. (Source:
Scottish House Condition Survey 1996.)
3. The Keeping Scotland Warm Campaign is an initiative set up in
early 2000 by Energy Action Scotland, Unison Scotland and Transco
in order to bring fuel poverty and domestic energy efficiency issues
in front of the Scottish Parliament.
4. Energy Action Scotland is the national charity working for warm,
dry homes. It aims to eliminate fuel poverty in Scotland by: - raising
awareness of fuel poverty, particularly as it affects low income
households, and working towards affordable warmth for all; - identifying
effective solutions which can transform cold, damp houses into warm,
dry homes; - securing public and private investment in domestic
energy efficiency initiatives.
5. National gas pipeline operator Transco have been active in the
fuel poverty arena for a number of years, particularly through their
Affordable Warmth scheme. For the past three years, Transco have
worked in partnership with Energy Action Scotland and UNISON Scotland
on the Keeping Scotland Warm Campaign.
6. UNISONScotland is Scotland's largest union. It organises staff
working for all types of public service providers, including the
energy industry, care staff and housing staff who know about the
causes of fuel poverty and its pernicious effects. That's why we
want to work with Energy Action Scotland and Transco in this campaign
to eliminate it.
Elizabeth Gore PR/Information Officer Energy Action Scotland Suite
4a, Ingram House, 227 Ingram Street, Glasgow G1 1DA Tel: 0141 226
3064 Fax: 0141 221 2788 Email: e.gore@eas.org.uk Website: www.eas.org.uk
- Working for Warm, Dry Homes -
Index
17 December 2002
Failing firm bids to take over Argyll's services
Troubled privatiser Amey is recommending the privatisation of public
services across Argyll & Bute says the public service union UNISON.
The company - asked by Argyll & Bute Council to report on the running
of council services - may use the opportunity to put itself forward
to run the services themselves.
The report will be considered by councillors at a meeting on Thursday(19).
UNISON is calling on the council to reject the proposal and has
also written to Local Government Minister, Peter Peacock, and Public
Services Minister, Andy Kerr calling on them to intervene
Matt Smith, UNISON's Scottish Secretary who has written to the
council's Chief Executive and to Scottish Ministers, said "Amey
have a track record of trying to take over public services. They
are one of the firms who privatised our Trunk Road Maintenance and
refused to provide fair pensions for staff. They are part of the
consortium involved in the much-criticised Glasgow Schools PFI and
have recently been sent packing from Redcar and Cleveland Council
after proposing a similar scheme, to the one they are advancing
here. We urge the Argyll & Bute Council to stand up for the services
they provide and send these arch-privatisers packing."
UNISON is clear that public services are best provided by staff
accountable to the public, not by private firms who aim to make
profits for their shareholders, although the union says that Amey
hasn't even been too good at that recently.
John Gallacher, UNISON's Regional Officer, said "In the recent
past there have been a series of reports about financial problems,
attempt sell-offs and cutbacks within Amey. The company's share
price has plummeted over the last six-months, and some commentators
have questioned its long-term viability. We don't think the people
of Argyll & Bute want their services entrusted to a company who
have difficulty running their own business."
The union is also drawing the council's attention to the recently-signed
Protocol on Staffing in PPP's which clearly states that public service
organisations entering into Public Private Partnerships don't have
to transfer staff to the private company.
John Gallacher said, "The Executive and the STUC have signed this
protocol that aims to eliminate the two-tier workforce. It applies
to all Public Sector Organisations - including Argyll & Bute Council."
ENDS
For Further Information Please Contact: Matt Smith(Scottish
Secretary) 0845 355 0845(w) 07771 548 997(m) John Gallacher(Regional
Officer)0845 355 0845 (w) 01546 606167(local hotel-today) Chris
Bartter (Communications Officer) 0845 355 0845(w) 0771 558 3729(m)
Index
13 Dec 2002
No Staff Transfer in PFI
Senior education activists from UNISON's 32 Scottish Council Branches
met today in Glasgow and reaffirmed the Union's opposition to PFI
schemes in Scottish schools.
The UNISON conference discussed the protocol agreed between the
Scottish Executive and the STUC which councils must abide by if
they want to get PFI schemes agreed by Scottish Ministers.
Delegates heard reports from all over Scotland about schools PFI
schemes including one from South Lanarkshire where the Council have
decided there will be no staff transferred to the private contractors
in line with UNISON policy.
Other councils reported changes to staff transfer arrangements
following the protocol. They also expressed their anger at other
Councils who are insisting on cleaners, dinner ladies and janitors
being hived off to the Private sector when this is no longer required.
UNISON's Scottish Organiser for Local Government, Joe Di Paola
said "We continue to oppose PPP/PFI but we welcome South Lanarkshire
Council's decision to reject the transfer of dedicated public servants
to private contractors. As contractors can no longer exploit low
paid workers through the two-tier workforce, we will be pressing
all Councils to follow South Lanarkshire's lead".
ENDS
For Further Information Please Contact: Joe Di Paola (Scottish
Organiser - Local Government)07990 505698 (m) 0845 355 0845 (w)
Dave Watson (Scottish Org - Policy and Info) 0845 355 0845(w) 07973
672 513(m) Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0845 355 0845(w)
0771 558 3729(m)
Index
11 Dec 2002
Scotland's overseas nurses to get support network from biggest
union
UNISON Scotland's largest union, is to launch an Overseas Nurses
Network on Wednesday 11 December from 7.30pm onwards in UNISON House,
14 West Campbell Street Glasgow.
The network which is the brainchild of a UNISON NEC member - Sofi
Taylor, herself a nurse from overseas (Malaysia), will provide an
opportunity to meet and get to know other nurses from overseas.
It will also provide information and support.
The launch will be addressed by Robert Baughan, UNISON's Assistant
National Officer, Mukami McCrum, Director, Central Scotland Race
Equality Council, Bridget Hunter, Scottish Lead Officer for Nursing,
and Andy Carter - Director of Personnel, Glasgow Primary Care Trust.
Sofi Taylor, UNISON NEC said "The idea is to provide confidential
support for nurses coming from overseas and working in both the
private and voluntary sectors as well as in our NHS. We know that
some nurses have experienced very poor treatment from employers
when they arrive here, this is an attempt to give them somewhere
to get independent advice and support.
"The network will run from the union's Glasgow Resource Centre
and will also feature in a page on UNISON's Scottish website. This
page will also be launched on Wednesday evening."
http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/nhs/overseas
ENDS
For Further Information Please Contact: Sofi Taylor, UNISON
NEC member 0141-243 2119 or Sheila McGeoch, Administrator Glasgow
resource Centre 0141-243 2119. Chris Bartter (Communications Officer)
0845 355 0845(w)
Index
7 Dec 2002
Scotland's largest union to throw weight behind firefighters
9 December Update: UNISONScotland gives £15,000 to firefighters
UNISON Scotland's largest union, is set to throw its weight behind
the Fire Brigades Union in its pay dispute. UNISON's Scottish Council,
comprising representatives from all the unions 100 plus Scottish
Branches will meet on Saturday 7 December in the Moir Hall, Granville
Street, Glasgow.
It will consider a motion pledging support for the firefighters.
The motion is supported by the union's powerful Scottish Committee
and follows a decision by the unions NEC to back the FBU last Wednesday.
The meeting will also be addressed by Roddie Robertson of the FBU.
Matt Smith, UNISON's Scottish Secretary said "UNISON condemns those
in the government who are using this dispute as a way of taking
on public sector unions, and sections of the press who seek to demonise
firefighters and their representatives. We welcome the FBU's decision
to talk to ACAS to try and find a way to resolve the dispute, and
call on the goverrnment to find the extra investment to end it."
UNISON is also angry that the Bain report has recommended joint
control rooms and training firefighters as paramedics, Matt Smith
again
"Ambulances carry fire extinguishers - that does not make them
fire engines any more than carrying resuscitation equipment makes
a fire engine an ambulance. Ill-informed attempts to blur the roles
between emergency service personnel and suggestions of joint emergency
control rooms, will not help to improve services. UNISON wants modern
and effective public services. In particular services that have
sufficient, properly trained staff to provide them. Sir George Bain's
report does not deliver this."
The UNISON motion calls for a substantial donation to the FBU,
for UNISON branches to visit FBU picket lines as expressions of
solidarity and for risk assessments to be carried out in UNISON
workplaces on strike days.
ENDS
For Further Information Please Contact: Matt Smith (Scottish
Secretary) 0845 355 0845(w) 07771 548997(m) Chris Bartter (Communications
Officer) 0845 355 0845(w) 0141-959 7165(h)
Index
4 December 2002
To reform public services PFI/PPP must be scrapped
- UNISON
Whilst welcoming the Scottish Executive/STUC protocol designed
to eliminate the two-tier workforce, UNISON Scotland called for
the Scottish Parliament to scrap future PPP/PFI projects. The union
also supports the Labour Party's call for an independent review
into PFI/PPP schemes.
Matt Smith, UNISON's Scottish Secretary said "The Scottish
Parliament Finance Committee's report being debated today (4/12)
reinforces our call for a moratorium on PPP schemes and for an independent
review. We welcome the call to protect employment conditions of
workers and recognise the step forward that the STUC/Scottish Executive
Protocol has subsequently made in this area. But it is clear that
PPP schemes are still more expensive than publicly-funded equivalents,
that they make profits by cutting levels of service, and they do
not deliver the levels of flexibility available through the public
sector. They also break up the public service team making it difficult
to bring back the ethos of public service that Scotland has consistently
voted for in elections."
UNISON also criticises the growing interest in Not for Profit
or more accurately Non Profit-Distributing Trusts (NPDT), as conventional
PFI is discredited by just about every independent study.
Dave Watson, UNISON's Scottish Organiser (Policy & Information)
said "The NPDTs proposed by several local authorities in Scotland
are not an alternative to PFI. They are simply a different structure
for delivering it Our concern is that NPDTs are simply window-dressing."
The union thinks that whilst NPDTs retain most of the PFI weaknesses.
There is little evidence that they will be able to borrow as cheaply
as a local authority and lending conditions may impact on the ability
of trusts to employ staff, leading to the same profiteering and
inflexibility inherent in PFI.
Matt Smith said: "We are glad the Committee agreed with UNISON
criticisms in a number of areas. Coming on top of the critical report
by Audit Scotland into schools' PFI, and Labour's decision to call
for a review by an overwhelming majority - a review backed by 63%
of voters in an ICM poll - we think it is time that PPP's stopped
until an independent review takes place."
UNISONScotland will be keeping up the pressure on the government
in the run up to the Scottish Parliament elections with its campaign
supporting public services delivered by publicly accountable staff
- not by private companies accountable only to their shareholders.
ENDS
For Further Information Please Contact: Matt Smith, (Scottish
Secretary) 0845 355 0845(w) 07771 548997(m) Dave Watson (Scottish
Organiser - P&I) 0845 355 0845(w) 07973 672513(m) Chris Bartter
(Communications Officer) 0141-342 2877(w) 0141-959 7165(h)
Index
5 Dec 2001 Date:
Public services central to success of Scottish Government
UNISON, Scotland's public service union, today published a draft
manifesto as part of its campaign for public services.
Entitled ...for world class public services., the draft was launched
at the union's celebration of Scotland's public services on Scotland's
Public Services Day at The Hub, Castlehill, Edinburgh on Wednesday
5 December 2001.
Matt Smith, UNISON''s Scottish Secretary said:
"This draft manifesto is an initial statement of our aims.
The basic principles that any government will require to adopt if
they are to deliver the renewed services that the Scottish people
deserve. We know that the people of Scotland value their public
services, and we know that they want them delivered by the public
sector. We will be circulating this draft manifesto widely, hoping
both to pick up support for its principles and to get other organisations'
views on our aims."
At the celebration in the Hub, UNISON were joined by Andy Kerr,
Minister for Finance and Public Service and a number of Scotland's
MSP's and their researchers.
They saw UNISON's new cinema advert (see
it at www.unison.org.uk) which reminds the Government that 83%
of the UK population doesn't want public services run by the private
sector (the figure in Scotland is higher at 91%). They were also
given the union's draft Scottish manifesto, which argues for delivery
of public services by, fully trained, in -house staff rather than
by the private sector.
Also present were representatives of the various services in which
UNISON organises. Local Government, Health Service, Higher and Further
Education, Water, the Energy Industry and the Community and Voluntary
Sector.
The Positively Public Campaign is a UK-wide Campaign and will continue
to run up to and beyond the next Scottish Parliamentary Elections.
ENDS
Note to Editors: A copy of ...for world class public services
is available from Chris Bartter at The Hub or Aileen Ward at the
UNISON office (0141-332 0006)
For Further Information Please Contact:
Matt Smith (Scottish Secretary) 0141-332 0006(w) 07771 548997(m)
Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0141-332 0006(w) 0141-959
7165(h)
Please direct calls on the 5 Dec to The Hub on 0131-473 2042
Index
3 Dec 2001
UNISON ballots SEPA staff on attempt to cut wages
UNISON, Scotland's public service union, is running a consultative
ballot for its members working for the Scottish Environment Protection
Agency (SEPA), the union announced today (Monday 3) .
The ballot has been called because of an attempt by the agency
to end staff protection agreements leading to a future threat to
individuals pay. The SEPA management have offered a three year pay
deal to their staff, but tied to this are the strings of removing
the existing protections for staff pay agreed at the establishment
of SEPA, and tying some payscales to membership of professional
institutes.
UNISON thinks that this will discriminate against existing experienced
staff. Marion Adamson, UNISON's Regional Officer said,
"SEPA management are using the annual pay discussions to introduce
a deal that rips up existing agreements, and gives the agency the
future right to cut wages of individuals as they choose. It is particularly
unfair to long serving members of staff who have given a lot of
service to the Agency and its predecssors."
The ballot comes on top of a decision by SEPA to withhold staff's
performance pay elements. UNISON thinks this was a crude attempt
to coerce staff into accepting a deal, and has already submitted
Employment Tribunal claims under the Wages Act, for repayment of
this entitlement.
Marion Adamson says "This is the latest step in an attempt
by SEPA management who have launched a concerted attack on their
staff's pay and conditions. We are urging our members to reject
the Agency three year deal. Hopefully a strong united vote will
send a signal to the management that staff are far from happy at
this."
Members will be receiving their ballot papers today (Monday) and
the result is due next Monday (10 Dec).
ENDS
Note for Editors: SEPA is a government agency, set up in
1997, whose role is to protect the environment. UNISON is the recognised
union organising SEPA's 800 staff
For Further Information Please Contact: Marion Adamson (UNISON
Regional Organiser) 0131-226 2662(w)
Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0141-332 0006(w)
Index
3 Dec 2001
UNISON takes 'positively public' argument direct
to government
UNISON, Scotland's public service union, is to take its campaign
for public services direct to the heart of the Scottish Parliament
later this week. The union is running a celebration of Scotland's
public services on Scotland's Public Services Day at The Hub, Castlehill,
Edinburgh on Wednesday 5 December 2001. From 12.30 until 2.00pm.
All Scotland's MSP's have been invited to come to The Hub to see
UNISON's new Cinema Advert which reminds the Government that 83%
of the UK population doesn't want public services run by the private
sector (the figure in Scotland is higher at 91%).
They will also be given the union's reasons backing their Positively
Public campaign for delivery of public services by, fully trained,
in -house staff rather than by the private sector. Speaking at the
event will be Matt Smith, UNISON's Scottish Secretary, and Andy
Kerr MSP, Minister for Finance and Public Services has accepted
an invitation to be present.
Also present will be representatives of the various services in
which UNISON organises. Local Government, Health Service, Higher
and Further Education, Water, the Energy Industry and the Community
and Voluntary Sector.
Matt Smith said: "We want to engage the Scottish Government
and the Scottish Parliament in the discussion about producing world-class
public services in Scotland. We also want to point out that these
are not going to be possible if there is continued adherence to
the myth that the private sector can deliver effective public services."
The Positively Public Campaign is a UK-wide Campaign and
on the 4 December activities will be taking place across the UK
including a lobby of the Westminster Parliament. On the 5 there
will also be activities taking place in UNISON branches across Scotland.
ENDS
Note for Editors/Picture Editors: You are invited to send
a representative to the above event. Contributions from Matt Smith
and Andy Kerr MSP, will be at around 1.00 pm. The event will finish
at 2.00pm
For Further Information Please Contact:
Matt Smith (Scottish Secretary) 0141 332 0006
Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0141 332 0006
Index
28 November 2002
AGENDA FOR CHANGE - UNISON REACTION
(See the full summary
now online at 29 Nov)
Commenting on the Agenda for Change proposals, Jim Devine , Head
of Health for UNISON Scotland's largest health care union, said:
"UNISON is very concerned that talk about massive pay rises for
health workers is misleading and could raise false expectations.
"It is important to emphasise that Agenda for Change proposals
are about modernising what was an extremely outdated and antiquated
pay system. It was set up to tackle the inequalities and demarcations
rife across the whole of the NHS.
"In common with many public services, modernisation in the health
service has been going on over many years without changes being
recognised and staff rewarded. For example nurses routinely undertake
tasks which were traditionally carried out by doctors, and health
care assistants now carry out most of the day to day nursing duties.
These proposals affect 1m staff working in the NHS across every
occupation. They are extremely complex and cover pay, conditions,
unsocial hours, overtime and annual leave among many other factors,
so clearly there is a lot for our members to digest.
"UNISON will be embarking on a wide-ranging information and consultation
process before any agreement can be reached. These discussions have
been going on for nearly four years and the process of informing
and formally consulting with our members will also be a lengthy
one. We do not expect any agreement to be reached before the Spring."
Ends.
For further information contact Jim Devine on: 0870-7777-006
07876-441-239
Index
27 November 2002
Public services need fairly paid staff to deliver
reforms - UNISON warns
UNISON Scotland today welcomed the Chancellor's commitment to maintain
spending on public services, allowing borrowing to take the strain
of worsening global economic conditions.
However the union warned that better public services will not be
achieved unless staff delivering them get the necessary pay and
support.
Matt Smith, UNISON's Scottish Secretary said "UNISON members who
provide Scotland's public services will be relieved at the Chancellor's
commitments to stick to his spending targets in tough times. However,
they also know very well the problems affecting services across
Scotland because lack of staff and resources. Much-needed reforms
cannot be delivered without the pay, training and back-up that our
nurses, health professionals, social workers, nursery nurses and
other public service deliverers need."
"Whilst we note the rise in borrowing, we are aware that the surpluses
achieved since 1997 still hold us in good stead."
UNISON also welcomed the reassurance that tax relief on pension
contributions and lump sums will remain unchanged. The union also
welcomed the increase in the landfill levy and called for the funds
raised to be ploughed in to local recycling schemes.
ENDS
For Further Information Please Contact: Matt Smith (Scottish
Secretary) 07771 548 997(m) Chris Bartter (Communications Officer)
0845 355 0845(w)
Index
11 November 2002
UNISON welcomes step forward in eliminating two-tier
workforce
UNISON Scotland welcomed the PPP protocol agreed between the STUC
and the Scottish Executive today (Monday).
UNISON, Scotland's largest union has been the most vociferous opponent
of Government PFI/PPP schemes and says that its campaigning against
PFI will continue.
Matt Smith, UNISON's Scottish Secretary said "Although this protocol
is not retrospective, it is a significant step forward in preventing
future two-tier workforces in PFI and PPP schemes. It is especially
welcome that it applies across the public sector and that it applies
to new workers being employed under these contracts."
This agreement does not mean that unions will stop campaigning
against PFI/PPP Matt Smith said; "UNISON is campaigning for proper
reform of public services. For quality services that people want,
that are accountable, flexible, planned and delivered by a professional
staff are next to impossible under PFI. It is still poor value for
money, breaks up the public service team and leads to poorer services
for the people of Scotland, so UNISON will still be opposing its
introduction. Indeed this protocol will allow trade unions to get
our arguments in much earlier in the PFI discussions, raising them
before authorities take irrevocable decisions."
The unions will also continue to campaign against the two-tier
workforces that currently exist and argue for privatised workers
to be brought back in -house as has happened with many contract
workers in Glasgow's NHS Trusts. UNISON also made it clear that
they would be closely monitoring progress.
Matt Smith said "We will be looking for clear adoption of this
agreement immediately by all public service providers. We will monitor
projects like the huge schools PFI's recently agreed by the Executive,
Scottish Water's investment programme and Glasgow's Acute Services
reorganisation to ensure that both the letter and the spirit of
this agreement are enforced."
Click here for a summary
of the protocol
ENDS
For Further Information Please Contact: Matt Smith (Scottish
Secretary) 0845 355 0845(w) 07771 548 997(m) Dave Watson (Scottish
Organiser P&I) 0845 355 0845(w) 07787 558 410(m) Chris Bartter (Communications
Officer) 0845 355 0845(w) 0771 558 3729(m)
Index
Friday 8 November 2002
Glasgow Hospitals - UNISON urges return to work
UNISON today urged its members taking part in unofficial action
in Glasgow Hospitals to return to work to allow Scottish negotiations
that could benefit more than 30,000 staff in Scotland's NHS to come
to a conclusion. The union also made clear that official industrial
action has always been available to the staff if they pursued it
through the procedures of the union.
"UNISON simply does not understand why this action is being taken
now instead of waiting for a Scottish-wide offer on low pay to be
made next week" said Joe Di Paola, UNISON's Scottish Organiser with
responsibility for Industrial Action, "It is doubly perplexing given
the procedure for the branch to get a ballot for official action
has already started. We understand the frustration of members who
have been misinformed about Scottish negotiations by management,
but we urge them to go back to work where we can protect them and
pursue their grievance."
UNISON has been involved in negotiations with the Scottish Executive
to try and agree steps to tackle low pay across the whole of the
Scottish Health workforce. An offer is understood to be very close.
Jim Devine, UNISON's Scottish Organiser for Health, said "UNISON's
Health Group in Scotland agreed that their priority is to eradicate
the scandal of low pay in the NHSiS. A significant number of these
Admin & Clerical workers will benefit from this as will an estimated
30,000 others. We want to get the best deal possible for all our
members and we have explained this to the Branch Officers."
ENDS
For Further Information Please Contact: Jim Devine(Scottish Organiser
Health) 0845 355 0845(w) 07876 441 239(m) Joe Di Paola (Scottish
Organiser - Ind Action) 0845 355 0845(w) 07990 505 698(m) Chris
Bartter (Communications Officer) 0845 355 0845(w) 0771 558 3729(m)
Index
25 October 2002
"END NHS POSTCODE PAY LOTTERY" SAYS
UNISON
Scotland’s largest healthcare union, UNISON has today called on
the Scottish Executive to end what they call the "Postcode
Pay Lottery" in the National Health Service.
Speaking at a meeting of NHS Shop Stewards UNISON’s Scottish Organiser
for Health, Jim Devine said, "As we move towards removing the
last vestiges of the Tories internal market, there is still a startling
anomaly in the NHS relating to the pay of NHS staff.
"Today Nurses, Porters, Domestics and Admin and Clerical staff
are still being employed on Trust contracts. This invariably means
that they earn inferior terms and conditions, or at least different,
terms and conditions to their colleagues on national agreements.
"Ancillary Staff in Lothian earn different rates of pay from
their colleagues throughout Scotland. Over 80% of staff employed
in Ayrshire are still on local terms and conditions. This anomalous
situation leaves Trusts open to claims for equal pay and it is absurd
that 5½ years after the election of a Labour Government that Scotland’s
nurses, domestics, porters and doctors are still being employed,
not by the Scottish Health Service but, by individual Trusts. As
a consequence, in order to resolve pay differentials, UNISON has
to target on an individual Trust basis, therefore, exacerbating
the problem.
"As we move towards the establishment of a new pay system
for Scotland’s 132,000 health service workers, there is an urgent
need to end the present "NHS postcode pay lottery" and
standardise the terms and conditions of NHS staff throughout Scotland.
"UNISON will be raising this matter at a special meeting of
the Scottish Partnership Forum, at which unions and managers from
throughout the Scottish Health Service will be in attendance."
Ends
Further information from Jim Devine on: 07876-441-239
0870-7777-006
Index
24 October 2002
UNISON urges NHS to stop needlestick injuries with
new safer needles
UNISON, Scotland’s largest care health union, has today renewed
its call for new, safer needles to become the norm throughout the
whole of the health service, following a £58,000 award to a member
who suffered a needlestick injury. The increasing number of accidents
involving needles and sharps (over 20,0000 estimated in Scotland
each year) is a major concern for UNISON, which represents over
64,000 health workers.
In 1997 UNISON member Mr Herbert Busby suffered a needlestick injury
during the course of his work as a Senior Operating Departmental
Assistant. He was assisting a consultant anaesthetist with a particularly
nervous patient when a tray flipped over, showering Mr Busby with
needles. One needle stuck in his arm, and when he tried to shake
it off it stuck into his shoe and penetrated his toe. The needle
was contaminated and this resulted in severe shock and trauma. To
add to Mr Busby’s fears he knew that he was not immune to Hepatitis
B.
At their worst needlestick injuries transmit fatal viruses including
Hepatitis B and C, which result in liver diseases, as well as HIV,
which in turn leads to AIDS. UNISON is campaigning for new safer
needles to be adopted nation-wide to prevent the risk of disease.
The vast majority of needlestick injuries are preventable and UNISON
has been campaigning for a number of years to persuade the Government
to introduce ‘safe needle’ legislation similar to that being introduced
across the United States.
Jim Devine Scottish Officer of Health said;
"How many more accidents like Mr Busby’s have to happen before
hospitals start using new safer systems such as retractable needles,
self blunting devices or those with protective shields. No worker
should be needlessly exposed to potentially fatal blood borne diseases
through accidental needlestick injuries."
"Mr Busby has not been able to go back to the job he loved
because he has developed a life-long needle phobia. It is impossible
to put a cost on the misery and suffering caused by infection through
needlestick injuries or on the agony of health workers and their
families, waiting to know if an injury will lead to disease. The
extra cost for many of these lifesaving devices is only pennies
and may in the long term save the NHS money. Injuries can lead not
only to compensation claims, but to long term costs for tests and
treatment, as well as the loss of valuable trained staff from the
workforce through illness."
Mr Busby has recently returned to work as a patient co-ordinator
and said of his ordeal:
"I went through a dreadful time after the incident which affected
not only me but the whole family. It was awful and made me terrified
of infected needles and now if I come into close proximity to them,
I break out into a cold sweat.
"I had to have three lots of tests for hepatitis and it was
nine months before I knew I was in the clear. All in all I went
through three years of hell.
"UNISON were absolutely brilliant and supported me throughout
this ordeal and I would like to see all hospitals using safer needles.
I hate to think of other health workers needlessly going through
the same trauma I suffered."
As part of its campaign for safer needles, UNISON is calling on
MPs and MSPs to attend a special briefing organised by the Safer
Needles Network on Monday 28 October at Portcullis House. A special
presentation will show how best to protect healthcare workers from
the risks of acquiring potentially fatal blood borne infections
through their work.
Ends
Further information from Jim Devine on 07876 441 239
Index
23 October 2002
"Scottish Executive missing vital components
in Hospital Acquired Infections Action Plan" says UNISON
UNISON, Scotland’s largest healthcare union, today welcomed the
Scottish Executive’s Hospital Acquired Infection (HAI) action plan
but has warned that they (the Scottish Executive) have missed vital
components in their strategy.
"When I worked in the National Health Service, a domestic was allocated
to my ward and worked from 7.30am to 2pm. At 4pm another domestic
would come on duty and work until 8pm. These individuals would be
totally accountable to me, as they were employed by the National
Health Service", said Jim Devine, Scottish Organiser for Health,
UNISON.
"Today the same domestics will cover 2, 4 or 6 wards because, since
1985 when Compulsory Competitive Tendering was introduced to the
National Health Service by the Tories, the number of domestics employed
by the National Health Service has fallen from 25,270 to 10,200.
"Over a 15 year period 15,000 less NHS employed domestics work
in the Scottish Health Service. During the same period, Hospital
Acquired Infection (HAI) has increased substantially. It is also
worth pointing out that, as a result of privatisation and PPP hospitals,
no Ward Sister or Charge Nurse in Scotland can manage a domestic
in the way that I could because domestics are not employed by the
National Health Service but employed by private contractors.
"Therefore the Scottish Executive should have included in their
action plan, firstly, minimum staffing levels for domestics in each
ward and department and, secondly, the removal of private contractors
from the NHS."
Ends
Further information from Jim Devine on: 0870-7777-006,
07876-441-239
Index
17 October 2002
UNISON welcomes Executive Nurse Recruitment Initiative
but warns that low pay must be resolved
UNISON, Scotland’s largest healthcare union, today welcomed the
Scottish Executive’s Nurse Recruitment Initiative but warned that
the issue of low pay in the profession must be resolved.
"While we welcome this initiative by the Scottish Executive,
the issue of low pay amongst Scotland’s 55,000 nurses needs to be
resolved", said Jim Devine, Scottish Organiser for Health,
UNISON.
"The average age of a Scottish Nurse is 48 and in some Scottish
Trusts nurses aged under 30 only account for around 5% of the total
workforce. A 19-year-old, with 31 weeks training, starting in Strathclyde
Police will earn £4,000 per year more than a newly qualified nurse.
"There is no point in recruiting nurses through the front
door of a hospital if they are pouring out the back door because
of low pay."
Ends
Further information from Jim Devine on: 0870-7777-006,
07876-441-239
Index
15 October 2002
Another major victory for UNISON against low pay
in the Health Service
UNISON Scotland's largest health care union have today claimed
a major victory in their Low Pay Campaign to ensure a minimum of
£5 per hour for Scottish Health Care workers across NHS Argyll &
Clyde.
Following consultation with the membership UNISON have now advised
the employers of acceptance of the offer but are, however, committed
to balloting our members for £5.18 per hour in line with our claim.
Willie Duffy, Regional Officer, said:-
"This pay deal benefits approximately 600, mainly low paid women,
who will benefit by between 38p and 54p per hour on their basic
pay. However, the UNISON Branches are committed to achieving £5.18
per hour within this financial year and our Campaign continues."
Footnote : This covers Hospitals in Campbeltown,
Lochgilphead, Oban, Alexandria, Islay, Dumbarton, Paisley and Greenock.
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:-
WILLIE DUFFY, REGIONAL OFFICER 0845 355 0845 (w) 07880-717-725(m)
15th October, 2002
Major victory for UNISON against low pay in the Health
Service
UNISON Scotland's largest health care union have today claimed
a major victory in their Low Pay Campaign to ensure a minimum of
£5 per hour for Scottish Health Care workers, following acceptance
by members at a meeting in the Royal Alexandra Hospital, Paisley.
Speaking after the meeting, Willie Duffy, Regional Officer, said:-
"it is sad that it took the threat of industrial action to force
a private company to pay health services workers £5 per hour. These
workers, mainly women, were earning a few weeks ago £4.18 per hour
from Initial Hospital Services, this company was exploiting these
staff and should be removed from the NHS."
Jim Devine, Scottish Organiser for Health said:-
"I congratulate the Branch and the Regional Officer involved
for this success but it is a wake up call for the rest of the Scottish
Health Service, the epidemic of low pay that prevails must be brought
to an end!"
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:-
WILLIE DUFFY, REGIONAL OFFICER 0845 355 0845 (w) 07880-717-725(m)
JIM DEVINE, SCOTTISH ORGANISER FOR HEALTH 0845 355 0845 (w)
07876-441-239(m)
Index
15 October 2002
Ayrshire & Arran: Talks fail to deliver for low
paid health staff so UNISON moves to ballot
UNISON Regional Officer, Simon Macfarlane and local Branch representatives
met with members of management of both the Ayrshire & Arran
Acute Hospitals Trust and the Ayrshire & Arran Primary Care
Health Trust late in the afternoon on Tuesday 8th October.
This was the second such meeting to discuss UNISON’s claim on behalf
of low paid NHS Hotel Services staff. UNISON had previously made
it clear that at this meeting they expected to receive a positive
response to their claim or they would move forward to ballot their
members on industrial action.
The 13 point response from the Trust conceded some important matters
and committed to further discussions on others, however it utterly
failed to address the core elements of UNISON’s claim:
-
It did not return all UNISON Hotel Services
Staff to national terms and conditions, e.g. x1.5 time on a
Saturday and x2 time on a Sunday.
-
Even for the small number of staff it offered
an improvement in the hourly rate for, their enhancements would
still be paid at their current rates. This means overtime and
weekend working would be calculated on the poverty pay rates
-
For the vast majority of staff it offered nothing
in terms of an improvement in their hourly rate
Simon Macfarlane said after the meeting, "what we need is
an improvement in the hourly rate for all staff, enhancements to
be calculated on that new hourly rate and enhancements to be paid
at the national Whitely rates! This offer delivered none of these
things."
Since the meeting on the 8th the local UNISON Branches
have requested permission from the national Union to conduct an
industrial action ballot and the Union is currently going through
the process of preparing for a ballot.
Simon Macfarlane further said, "It is very disappointing the
Trusts didn’t come to us with a realistic offer. Unless they take
the opportunity to come back to us with a significantly improved
offer it seems we will inevitably be heading for industrial action.
This is not where we wanted to be but our members are absolutely
resolute in the justice of their claim.
"If strike action and all that entails is what it takes to
get £5.23 per hour that is what our members will do. We know from
our campaigning that the people of Ayrshire are behind us and when
it comes to the inevitable disruption and delay to NHS treatment
in Ayrshire, they will know to blame the Trust poverty pay masters."
ENDS
Information to Editors: UNISON has rigorous industrial action
procedures that have to be gone through before any industrial action
ballot is commenced and thereafter any action is sanctioned. This
is to protect members and the Union. This process is well underway
and further announcements will be made when the next stage has been
reached.
For Further Information Contact: Simon Macfarlane (0870)
7777 006 – Work (07931) 365 263 - Mobile
Index
MONDAY, 14TH OCTOBER 2002
UNISON launches six point action plan to reduce NHS
staff violence
UNISON, Scotland’s largest healthcare union, today issued a six
point action plan to reduce the number of assaults on NHS staff
and have called on Scottish society to target specific hot spots
like the Old Firm games which are creating, in some Accident and
Emergency units, a "war zone".
"Survey after survey are still showing an increase in assaults
on NHS staff", said Jim Devine, Scottish Organiser for Health for
UNISON. A recent survey involving 1455 nurses showed:
|
In the past three years have you
been assaulted while on duty, either by a patient or
a patient’s relative?
Yes No Not
Stated
40% 59% 1%
581 863 11
If yes, were you offered one or
more of the following:
* Training in aggression
management 146 (25%)
* Counselling
65 (11%)
* Support in pressing charges
24 ( 4%)
* Other
52 ( 9%)
* None 340 (59%)
* Total Respondents
1,455
|
"The lack of support and follow up is quite frankly unacceptable.
"UNISON also believes that as a society we need to deal with specific
hot spots like the Old Firm games. One of our nurses described working
in an Accident and Emergency unit last Sunday night "like being
in the middle of a war zone". This is unacceptable and that is why
we are issuing, in European Health and Safety Week, this six point
action plan to reduce violence against NHS staff."
-
The Scottish Health Minister and NHS trade
unions jointly issue a Staff Charter, reminding the public that
it is not part of an NHS worker’s job to be physically or verbally
abused at work.
-
The standardisation throughout Scotland of
the definition, recording and follow up of violent and potentially
violent incidents, including verbal abuse, for all NHS staff.
-
An agreed training course on the management
of violent or potentially violent incidents for all NHS staff.
-
The introduction of a ‘yellow and red card’
warning system to members of the public who constantly abuse
NHS staff. These warnings could lead to the banning of individuals
from NHS premises if they persistently physically or verbally
abuse staff.
-
Relatives who physically abuse NHS staff must
be automatically charged and prosecuted by the Procurator Fiscal.
-
Every NHS worker in Scotland has a duty of
care to her/himself and to her/his colleagues, to use the reporting
system for every incident, and accept and expect that zero tolerance
is not just the preferred but the only option
Ends
Further information from Jim Devine on: 0870-7777-006
07876-441-239
Index
10 October 2002
Hearts - Show Racism the Red Card Launch
Launch of Hearts 'Show Racism the Red Card' poster 2002/3 and
the Scottish anti-racist schools competition : Gorgie Suite, Gorgie
Stand, Tynecastle Park, Edinburgh, Thursday 10 October.
Photo-call with Craig Levein the Hearts manager and two players
on the pitch at 1.40pm. Two Hearts players, Alan Maybury and Kevin
McKenna will attend the event at 2pm and answer questions from the
school students present.
John Stevenson, Chair of UNISON Scotland's Campaigns Committee
said, "I am proud that UNISON is a major sponsor of Show Racism
the Red Card. Racism is an evil that must not be allowed to flourish.
This is an ideal opportunity to celebrate all that’s best in Scotland
- its commitment to equality, its diversity and the host of cultures
that enrich it. There is no better way to challenge the narrow racism
that poisons those ideals. It is especially important that children
are made aware of the damage and terror caused by racist behaviour.”
Ged Greeby from Show Racism the Red Card said, "We
are printing 15,000 Hearts posters for free distribution and the
club have again been excellent in giving us the Gorgie Suite for
our event. Around 100 guests, including 60 school students from
Midothian Council will attend the event. Thanks to the EIS we will
be running a Scottish schools competition this year and our aim
is to get our anti-racist message into more schools than ever."
The campaign is sponsored by the public sector trade union UNISON,
the EIS and the Professional Footballers Association.
ENDS
For further information:
Ged Grebby, Show Racism the Red Card, 07710 776616
John Stevenson, UNISON, 07876 795 018
Index
Wednesday, October 2002
"Bridge the NHS pay gap or risk losing essential
staff" says UNISON
UNISON, Scotland’s largest healthcare union, today (Wednesday 9
October) added their voice to calls for a fair pay award for all
nursing staff, as unions launched this year’s joint evidence to
the Pay Review Body.
Bridget Hunter, UNISON’s Lead Officer for Nursing in Scotland,
said:
"Nurses, midwives and health visitors are the life blood of
the NHS and we cannot risk losing more of these essential workers
because of low pay. This year’s evidence to the Pay Review Body
highlights the need to bridge the gap between nursing staff and
other key workers such as teachers and police who typically earn
10% to 14% more.
"It is a growing cause for concern that one third of students
completing their nurse training, fail to register. But when you
consider the starting salary of just £16,000 a year, you can begin
to understand why. We must act to ensure that nursing is seen as
not only a worthwhile career but as a rewarding one too.
"As for health care assistants they need a real pay boost
to recognise their developing skills and expertise on the wards.
It is now routine for non-registered nurses to take blood, do ECG’s,
put patient’s feeds up and be trained in resuscitation, and yet
for that they are rewarded with a starting salary of £9,735 a year,
no wonder so many are struggling to make ends meet.
"UNISON believes they should have the money to match their
duties and that includes a re-grading to a C grade with a starting
level of £13,040."
Ends
Further information from Bridget Hunter on: 0870-7777-006
Index
2 October 2002
UNISON welcomes Parliamentary call to protect PPP
workforce
UNISON Scotland welcomes the call made in the report of the Scottish
Parliament's Finance Committee for workers conditions to be protected
in PPP contracts. The union also supports the Labour Party's call
for an independent review into PFI/PPP schemes.
Matt Smith, UNISON's Scottish Secretary said "This report reinforces
our call for protection for staff and the need for an independent
review to be established. We particularly welcome the commitment
to protect employment conditions of workers. Pressure is building
on the Executive to deliver on its commitment to do away with the
scandal of the two-tier workforce and to bring back the ethos of
public service that Scotland has consistently voted for in elections."
UNISON has consistently said that PPP projects are vastly more
expensive than publicly-funded equivalents, that they make profits
by cutting staff, pay and conditions, and they do not deliver the
levels or flexibility of service available through the public sector.
Matt Smith said: "We are glad that a number of our proposals have
been identified by the Committee. Coming on top of the critical
report by Audit Scotland into schools' PFI, and the decision of
the Labour Party this week to call for a review by an overwhelming
majority, this is further evidence of the need for a review of such
projects."
UNISONScotland will be keeping up the pressure on the government
in the run up to the Scottish Parliament elections with its campaign
supporting public services delivered by publicly accountable staff
- not by private companies accountable only to their shareholders.
ENDS
For Further Information Please Contact: Matt Smith, (Scottish
Secretary) 0845 355 0845(w) 07771 548997(m) Dave Watson (Scottish
Organiser - P&I) 0845 355 0845(w) 07973 672513(m) Chris Bartter
(Communications Officer) 0845 355 0845(w) 0771 558 3729(m)
Index
12 September 2002
Budget Plans 'fail to address problems' - UNISON
UNISON Scotland, Scotland's largest public service union, welcomes
the extra investment in Scotland's public services, although there
are a number of disappointing areas where the Executive could do
more to ensure that the crisis at the core of Scotland's public
services is addressed.
Matt Smith, UNISON's Scottish Secretary said "Extra Government
investment is welcome and some key problem areas have been recognised,
but we need to bring home to the Executive that much-needed improvements
will not come about until they address the problems of resources,
training, and pay for the front-line staff who deliver those services.
Higher and further education is a particular example. There are
major problems of low pay and underfunding in these services but
they receive a really low investment increase next year, a mere
3 and 2% respectively. And social work, where low pay and staffing
shortages are leading to major problems in delivering full services,
has only been addressed in part"
The union is particularly concerned that investment should go into
dealing with core services. This seems to have been omitted in the
rush to fund specific projects and initiatives.
Matt said "When front-line services are creaking at the seams it
is frustrating to see £160m over three years being ring-fenced for
a 'public service reform' fund - whatever that is. Reform will only
be delivered if the resources go to the staff delivering the services."
UNISON is also disappointed by the failure of the Executive to
recognise the evidence of the waste of PFI/PPP financing.
"It is disheartening" said Matt, "to see money that could be used
to improve people's services being earmarked, and poured into shareholders
pockets in huge capital spending projects financed via PPP's. The
£1.15bn school building programme, for example, includes millions
to be wasted on expensive PFI schemes rather than being used to
improve our children's education."
UNISON will continue its campaign to revitalise public services.
ENDS
For Further Information Please Contact:
Matt Smith (Scottish Secretary) 0845 355 0845(w) 07771 548 997(m)
Dave Watson (Scottish Organiser P&I) 0845 355 0845(w) 07973 672
513(m)
Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0845 355 0845(w) 0771 558
3729(m)
Index
10 September 2002
Nursery staff need review to give them clear career
choices - UNISON
UNISONScotland, Scotland's public service union, today called on
the Scottish Executive to set up a review into early years education
and childcare, and in particular to establish a clear career path
for early years staff within education.
In presenting a petition of 20,000 signatures to the Public Petitions
Committee of the Scottish Parliament, Carol Ball, Chair of UNISONScotland's
Nursery Nurse Working Party said:
"Early Years education is a key part of everyone's lifelong learning.
It isn't merely preparation for school, or somewhere to get the
kids looked after. Nursery staff lay down the foundations that children
will build on for the rest of their lives."
UNISON represents around 7,000 nursery nurses across Scotland and
is arguing that a Scotland-wide review is needed to address the
increases in duties and responsibilities undertaken by staff since
their last regrading thirteen years ago. In the meantime a wide
range of qualifications and occupational standards have been introduced
leading to confusion amongst new professionals and employers.
UNISON want the review to address the structure, remits and career
path of nursery nurses as well as rates of pay. Carol Ball also
said "European countries already recognise and value early years
education and childcare as a separate profession. Unfortunately
in this country it is often viewed as a 'woman's' job, or one that
is taken because the individual is not intelligent enough to teach.
Both these skewed perceptions serve to make nursery work an undervalued
job."
The petition is part of a UNISON campaign to review and enhance
the status of nursery staff, which also involves discussions with
local authority employers and public rallies and leafleting.
ENDS
UNISON's submission of the Scottish Budget 2003-2004 is available
from contacts below or on the UNISONScotland website - www.unison-scotland.org.uk/response/csr.html
For Further Information Please Contact:
Carol Ball (Chair - Nursery Nurses Working Party) 07803 952263(m)
Joe Di Paola (Scottish Organiser Local Govt) 0845 355 0845(w) 07990
505 698(m)
Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0845 355 0845(w) 0771 558
3729(m)
Index
10/09/02
Don't waste Spending Review cash on private profits
- UNISON
Scotland's largest union, UNISON today called on the Scottish Executive
to ensure that it spends the additional £4.1bn allocated to Scotland
delivering high quality public services and does not pour it into
the pockets of private shareholders via PFI/PPP schemes.
Matt Smith, UNISON's Scottish Secretary said in Glasgow today:
"The £4billion is clearly new money, and is welcome. But we need
to ensure that it is used to deliver the higher quality public services
that people need. This means:
* improving pay levels in the public services particularly of the
lowest paid,
* ensuring money goes into core services rather than being ring-fenced
for special projects,
* allowing authorities to borrow capital to build schools and other
services without forcing them down the PFI/PPP road.
"Public services in Scotland are at a cross roads. We need to
increase core resources to make sure those who deliver the services
have the pay, training and resources to allow them to do so. We
must give them the tools to do the job, and stop money being siphoned
off into the pockets of private sector firms and shareholders."
UNISON has written to the Executive with its suggestions, and would
also like to see more money allocated to the voluntary sector, the
joint future agenda, the equality audit, and higher and further
education. The union also remains unconvinced about the SNP's claims
of a 'spending con', and says that this distracts debate away from
how the money is spent.
Matt Smith said; "At the end of the day this is real cash, and
if it is going to be spent to improve real public services then
it is welcome. Scottish people want their services improved - they
are not interested in a financial discussion about accounting methods."
ENDS
Note to Editors:
UNISON's submission of the Scottish Budget 2003-2004 is available
from contacts below or on the UNISONScotland website - www.unison-scotland.org.uk/response/csr.html
For Further Information Please Contact:
Matt Smith (Scottish Secretary) 0845 355 0845(w) 07771 548 997(m)
Dave Watson (Scottish Organiser P&I) 0845 355 0845(w) 07973 672
513(m)
Mary Senior (Information Development Officer) 0845 355 0845(w)
Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0845 355 0845(w) 0771 558
3729(m)
Index
30 August 2002
UNISON Mela sponsorship 'Celebrates all that's best
in Scotland'
UNISON is sponsoring a multicultural tribute to Scottish internationalist
and poet Hamish Henderson on Saturday 31 August at Edinburgh's celebrated
Mela festival.
The late Hamish Henderson's celebrated anthem to freedom, peace
and friendship - 'Freedom Cam A' Ye' - will form a central part
of this multicultural event.
John Stevenson, Edinburgh UNISON branch secretary and Chair of
its Scottish Campaigns Committee said:
"This is an ideal opportunity to celebrate all that's best in Scotland
- its commitment to equality, its diversity and the host of cultures
that enrich it. There is no better way to challenge the narrow racism
that poisons those ideals."
The union has always supported the Mela through advertising but
this year the union's General Political Fund, UNISON Scotland and
the Edinburgh City Branch have joined forces in this major sponsorship
as part of their 'Positively Public' campaign.
"Public services are about people. They should be responsive to
people's needs, offer complete equality of access and recognise
the rich diversity in the communities they serve. This can only
be done by public investment in quality services delivered by a
properly trained and properly rewarded public service team", added
Mr Stevenson.
ENDS
NOTE: 'Freedom cam A Ye' is part of 'The Roses Turn to Bloom' programme
at the Mela on Saturday 31 August at 2.30pm, Pilrig Park Edinburgh.
For Further Information Please Contact:
John Stevenson (Chair Scottish CampaignsCttee) 07876 795018(m)
Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0845 355 0845(w) 0771 558
3729(m)
Index
Thurs 29 August
Social workers need pay and resources to resolve
crisis - UNISON
UNISON delegates from Social Work services across Scotland are
meeting today in Glasgow to discuss their growing concern about
their service, and to draw up a plan to address the crisis in Scotland's
Social Care.
Members of UNISON, Scotland's largest social care union, are reporting
staff shortages and increasing pressures right across the spectrum
of social care. Stephen Smellie, UNISON's South Lanarkshire Branch
Secretary, who works for the local social work department, will
introduce the discussion.
He says "This is the first step towards addressing the many concerns
of social care staff across the board. UNISON members are telling
us in no uncertain terms, that vacancy levels are increasing, workloads
are building up and cases are unable to be allocated as quickly
as they should be. Pressure is increasing across the care spectrum.
Home care workers, residential staff, unqualified social work assistants
and qualified social workers are all facing increasing demand with
less resources. This cannot continue."
Whilst welcoming Government planned recruitment and retention advertising
and initiatives, UNISON is quite clear that both the pay levels
and the job structure and content need to be addressed. How that
is best done will be discussed at the meeting.
"Whilst poor pay is an important factor leading to the current
high vacancy levels, and a shortage of new graduates, it is not
the only one." says Stephen. "We will be looking at potential pay
and grading but also at how the service is resourced, and other
pressures such as political and media pressure. As the people delivering
at the sharp end the government must listen to what our members
say."
Joe Di Paola, Unison's Scottish Organiser for Local Government
agrees. "This is just the first step," He says. "UNISON will be
taking our recommendations into early discussion with the government
and the employers. If the government wants to deliver better social
services and initiatives like joint future, then they have to will
the resources as well as the changes. UNISON is the union representing
Social Care staff wherever they work and whatever qualification
they have and Ministers need to both include us in discussions and
be prepared to find resources before it is too late."
ENDS
{Note to Editors: The UNISON Social Work Conference will be held
from 11.00am - 4.00pm in Glasgow's City Halls. It is an internal
UNISON - only conference, but interviews with delegates and officers
may be available outside the conference. Contact Chris Bartter (numbers
below) for access.}
For Further Information Please Contact: Stephen Smellie
(UNISON South Lanarks.): 01698 454690(o) 07740 096 864(m) Joe Di
Paola (Scottish Org - Local Govt): 0845 355 0845(o) 07990 505 698(m)
Chris Bartter (Communications Officer): 0870 7777006(o) 07715 583
729(m)
Index
28 August 2002
"Argyll and Clyde five pounds and hour pay
deal is wake-up call for the Scottish Health Service" says
UNISON
UNISON, Scotland’s largest health care union, today welcomed an
agreement with Argyll and Clyde Health Board that will see low-paid
NHS Ancillary workers paid at least £5 an hour from next Monday
and are warning that it is a wake-up call for the rest of the NHS
in Scotland.
Speaking at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley today, Jim
Devine, UNISON Scottish Organiser (Health), said, "After days
of protracted negotiations, lasting well past midnight, we have
concluded a deal that will see many low-paid workers receive an
increase in excess of £20 per week from Monday.
"The Barriers against £5 an hour for Health Service Workers
have now been ripped down in both Lothian and Argyll and Clyde Health
Boards. This agreement is a wake-up call to the rest of the Scottish
Health Service, that in the year 2002 £195 per week, at the top
of your salary, is a reasonable reward for the vital job these staff
do."
Ends
Further information from Jim Devine on: 07719-369-874
0870-7777-006
Index | Health
News
Monday, 26 August 2002
"FIVE POUNDS AN HOUR – ITS TIME HAS COME"
SAYS UNISON
Scotland’s largest health care union, UNISON has today called on
the Scottish Executive to introduce a £5 per hour minimum for healthcare
staff working in the Scottish Health Service.
Speaking in Glasgow, Jim Devine, UNISON Scottish Organiser (Health),
said, "Low pay is endemic in the Scottish Health Service. The
basic pay of a NHS employed Ancillary worker is as follows:
|
Pay Spine Point
|
Hourly Rate
|
Weekly Rate
|
|
1
|
£4.247
|
£165.64
|
|
2
|
£4.283
|
£167.04
|
|
3
|
£4.320
|
£168.46
|
|
4
|
£4.356
|
£169.88
|
|
5
|
£4.393
|
£171.33
|
"While these staff enjoy sick pay, extra duty
payments, and pension schemes, that is not the case in the private
sector.
"If you work for ISS in Lanarkshire you ‘enjoy’ the following
terms and conditions:
Pay Rate is £4.18 an hour for new starts and does not change whether
you work for the company for 5, 10, 15 or 20 years.
No Overtime payments.
No Shift enhancements
No night shift allowance
No additional payments for working Saturday and Sunday
No bonus scheme
Annual leave as per the Working Time Directive
Annual leave entitlement does not accrue with continuous service.
Sick pay is accrued at the rate of one day per month – provided
there has been no absence.
No pension.
"In Argyll and Clyde, working for a private contractor, the
situation is very similar:
Pay rate is £4.47 per hour.
No overtime payments.
No bonus payments.
Annual leave as per the Working Time Directive.
Sick pay at discretion of employer, usually paid for industrial
injury.
No pension.
"Lothian Health Board, other Trusts and some private contractors
have shown the way forward. A minimum of £5 an hour for a 39 hour
week is not an unreasonable rate of pay for vital public Health
Service workers. Therefore, I am writing to the Health Minister
Malcolm, Chisholm today asking him to instruct Trusts to help eradicate
low pay in the NHS by paying at least £5 per hour."
Index | Health
News
Wednesday 31 July 2002
"GRADING DEFICIENCY LEADING TO NURSING CRISIS" WARNS
UNISON
UNISON, Scotland's largest health care union is today warning that
low pay for Scottish Nurses is leading to a care crisis. UNISON
has cited as evidence a briefing from the Director of Nursing at
Lanarkshire Acute to his Board colleagues in which he says
"The situation is so serious at Monklands that curtailment of services
may have to be considered".
"Two weeks ago UNISON launched a grading campaign for Scottish
nurses." said Jim Devine, UNISON Scottish Organiser (Health). "We
said many nurses were working at too low a grade throughout Scotland"
"We warned that this was leading to recruitment and retention problems
and unless this issue was resolved, patient care could suffer.
"Our campaign has been vindicated in a report to today's meeting
of Lanarkshire Acute Trust by the Director of Nursing, Paul Wilson.
"In his paper, Paul Wilson states that: 'To illustrate this we
are losing D and E grades from accident and emergency, acute receiving
and other critical care areas to F and G grades in NHS 24. Similarly
we are losing Nurses whom we have trained over several years in
chemotherapy to the centres in Glasgow and Edinburgh. The situation
is particularly acute at Monklands Hospital where there has been
an 82% turnover of Nurses in the last 12 months but where the replacement
staff are not skilled in chemotherapy and other techniques. The
situation is so serious at Monklands that curtailment of services
may have to be considered.'
"Similar concerns have been expressed by both Glasgow and Argyll
and Clyde Health Boards. If the establishment of, a relatively small,
new NHS facility is having this impact on 3 of Scotland's largest
Health Boards then there are clearly major issues relating to the
grading and subsequently the pay of nurses throughout Scotland.
"UNISON has written to the Scottish Health Minister asking for
a review of all nursing grades in Scotland and asking to ensure
that D Grade nurses only remain in post for 6 months and E Grade
nurses in post for 18 months."
Ends
Further information from Jim Devine on: 07719-369-784 (m)
Click here for
grading pack
Index | Health
News
Friday 26 July Date
UNISON wins contract victory at Victoria Infirmary.
Public service union UNISON today welcomed the announcement by
South Glasgow Hospitals NHS Trust that it will bring back in-house
over 250 people employed by the private contractors who run cleaning,
switchboard, catering and portering services in Glasgow's Victoria
Infirmary by 1st November this year.
This will mean the contractor -Sodexho - leaving the contract before
it is due to finish, and comes after earlier decisions in principle
from both the North Glasgow, and the Primary Care Trust, to bring
staff back in-house when private contracts end. Matt McLaughlin,
Regional Organiser for UNISON said:
"This is a great result for the workforce and their union. UNISON
and its members have campaigned tirelessly to see this contract
brought back in house.
"UNISON has worked in partnership with South Glasgow Hospitals
NHS Trust to agree a business case for bringing the contract back,
and the union will now start working with the Trust to improve our
members pay and conditions. It is a clear indication that people
across the NHS recognise t | 
Scotland's
public service union
|
