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Glasgow 2005
CONFERENCE BRIEFINGS

UNISON National Conference Glasgow 2005

 

 

SECC

Thursday 23 June No 3 - Reports

Collective is better than an individual

says Cathy Jamieson MSP, Minister for Justice

Cathy Jamieson, pleased to be addressing UNISON's conference in sunny Glasgow yesterday afternoon, described UNISON as the "defender of the poorest and disadvantaged who depend on public services".

"Scottish public services are among the best in the world", she said, and the Government was committed to ensuring that Scotland continues to enjoy prosperity and success. The existing arrangements One of the greatest achievements between the Government and the trade unions was the memorandum of understanding with the STUC dated 2002.

This had improved partnership understanding, delivering a better Scotland and a genuine partnership with the STUC. underlined the Scotland Many Cultures Campaign.

She urged the delegates to spread the message that "Racist minority had no place in Scotland". "The biggest killers of Scots population were diet and smoking", Cathy Jamieson informed the delegates. That is why the Government was advocating for improved school meals and new legislation to combat smoking in public places.

The Government was also relying on the members of the public to speak out against those employers with working practices that affected the health of the workers and the public.

The Executive was also determined to root out physical abuse against staff in the emergency services. "Physical abuse in any form was not going to be tolerated", said Cath.

As well as opposing physical abuse of staff, the Government was not going to tolerate any form of sectarian culture within Scotland. Cathy highlighted many of the advantages that devolution had brought to Scotland.

"We now have the power to make laws and govern ourselves on a domestic affairs" It was now possible for Scotland to extend a helping hand to those disadvantaged poor countries like Malawi.

"This was a time to help African nations to build their organisations such as trade unions". That is why Scotland was at the forefront of campaigning for the achievement of the millennium development goals.

Cathy said, "We want a clear message to go from Scotland. Scotland's voice has a chance to be heard loud and clear. That we must Make Poverty History and bring real justice for all.”

Cathy Jamieson invoked the UNISON principle of collective bargaining to sum up her speech that, "Collective is better than an individual and that was why it was important to campaign together for issues such as climate change, creating a lasting difference for Africa and promoting an agenda of working together with UNISON to make make sure everyone in Scotland is well off.

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