| Here we are in Bournemouth,
ready to go and full of enthusiasm for lively debates, good trade
union solidarity and cheery wit and repartee (sorry, too much
sun: ed).
Still the potential is here for some significant debates and
decisions and the more branches who participate, the better it
is.
As mentioned in the pre-conference bulletin, the guides in these
bulletins reflect Scottish policy but cannot mandate branches
who will have their own policy on issues. It will however serve
as a guide to the main issues.
Let's get on with it
Tuesday morning has the reputation for interminable debates about
what should or should not have gone on the agenda - and if it
did, where it is on the agenda. The advice is as usual. The Regions,
SOGs and all have set out priorities for Conference after consultation.
The best thing is to get on with it and try to get through as
much business as possible.
It is still difficult to judge how much we will get through each
day until we see how fast things will go. We've taken a few guesses,
so please forgive us if we end up repeating some of it tomorrow.
25 Under Funding of Social care
The under funding of social care, particularly of the elderly,
reduces the quality of care and leads to the exploitation of care
workers, particularly migrant workers. Free personal care should
be available and provided by competent, confident, trained and
valued staff. Edinburgh is involved in this motion and will draw
attention to the flagship free personal care legislation in Scotland
coming under pressure from bending of rules and efficiency savings.
SUPPORT motion and amendment.
29 Offshoring
Many of our members in the utilities are now call-centre based
and with financial pressures we must not be complacent about the
potential for the problems for public services. SUPPORT
54 Not So Sweet Sixteen
Attention is rightly focussed on developing positive rights for
young people. UNISON has recently submitted evidence to the Scottish
parliament on this issue: SUPPORT
Comp B Public Services
Scotland is part of this composite. Public Service Reform? Efficiency
Reviews? Shared Services? Privatisation? We, and the government,
at Westminster, Holyrood and the other devolved administrations,
say we want quality public services. However, we obviously disagree
on the direction under Blair. Incidentally wasn't Brown the architect?
The Scotland position is to oppose the amendment B.1. While not
minimising the hit on the NHS, this is just another back-door
attempt to open up the debate on the political fund. We do have
to challenge the Labour government but this amendment seeks to
again open up the relationship through the Link which has been
subject to a ballot and which was specifically resolved in debates
at recent Conferences. It takes the real focus off the motion
and should be opposed. SUPPORT B, OPPOSE B.1
24 Public Services
Broader Vision of the Future of quality Public Services, well-resourced,
democratically controlled, with public engagement and well-trained,
motivated and paid staff are discussed in motion 24. Glasgow City's
amendment puts the focus on the increasing use of arms-length
companies and should be supported. SUPPORT 24 and 24.01
86 NHS Marketisation
While the Government talks of commissioning a patient led NHS,
its policies favour market based reform. Again, Scotland has resisted
the worst excesses, and reclaimed staff and conditions but must
be wary of Treasury impact upon Scotland's economy and budget.
Congratulations in particular to members at Glasgow Royal Infirmary
as NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde brings its facilities management
contract back in-house when the current contract with Sodexho
runs out in December this year: SUPPORT
How far will we get?
We may get to 64 at best today and we'll cover more in this afternoon's
bulletin.
117 Public Policy etc There are increasing legal obligations
across all enterprises but public bodies should be taking a lead
role with best practice. Many Service Groups will have already
debated this. SUPPORT
75 Pre-Budget Report The March budget and its November
pre-report showed a growth in public expenditure and aspects of
social care. But at a price of private sector rates of investment,
which mean future cost. Scotland has amendment 75.01 which obviously
should be supported.
Ha det god Sverige, säga Skotsk
Ha det god för den fotboll idag. Vi älska Henrik Larsson emedan
han er nästan Scottish. Vi er säker Henrik Larsson vilja fora
räkning över och ger du en bättre spel än Trinidad och Tobaken.
Vi deklarera all Svensk honorary Scottish för idag. OK så vi veta
du er igenom till nästa sätta upp om Värld kopp utom vill du verkligen
vara nöd till å nämna 1966 varje minut om dag. 1966, 1966, 1966.
Gud, vi er sjuk av 1966.
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