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22 February 2003

UNISON challenges parties to revitalise Scottish public services

UNISON, Scotland's largest public service union, is launching a major campaign today (Sat 22) calling for political parties to adopt principles to revitalise Scotland's public services in the run - up to the May 1 Scottish elections.

The £80,000 campaign will involve newspaper adverts, direct mailing to PPCs and other organisations, and a magazine to all 150,000 UNISON members calling on them to challenge their candidates to adopt the union's principles.

UNISON's manifesto Revitalise our public services is being launched today at the union's Scottish Council, comprising delegates from all Scottish branches.

Matt Smith, UNISON's Scottish Secretary said. "The manifesto sets out eight principles that need to be adopted to successfully revitalise our public services. It is the most comprehensive and innovative look at public service renewal Scotland has seen. Amongst other arguments the union rejects the artificial 'produce/consumer' divide, argues for planned development that involves new methods of monitoring and collaboration between services. It rejects funding public services from the private sector and calls for resources to be made available to attract necessary staff and to allow broader service delivery."

The union, which organises around 150,000 Scottish public service workers, has been prominent in arguing for improvements to Scotland's public services, and opposing the private sector running public services.

UNISON's Scottish Council will be held on Saturday 22 February in the George Moore building, Glasgow Caledonian University, City Campus, Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow. It will start at 10.30 am and is likely to finish around 1.00pm.

ENDS

[Although the meeting is a private one, UNISON's Scottish Secretary, Matt Smith and/or Scottish Convenor Mike Kirby, will be available for interview prior to and immediately after the meeting. Please contact Chris Bartter (below) to arrange.]

For Further Information Please Contact: Matt Smith (Scottish Secretary) 0845 355 0845(w) 07771 548 997(m) Dave Watson (Scottish Organiser Policy&Info) 0845 355 0845(w) 07787 558 410(m) Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0845 355 0845(w) 0771 558 3729(m)

See the full manifesto at www.unison-scotland.org.uk/revitalise

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