Challenge to defend public services
 UNISON
has mapped out a realistic but challenging programme of work looking
at how to address public service reform across the board, protecting
our interests not only as public service workers but also as public
service users.
With the misdirection of extra funds for public services, and
pessimistic forecasts for the 2007 Comprehensive Spending Review,
it is even more important that UNISON effectively campaigns to
protect our public services.
This programme will build on the Positively Public Campaign, and
look at how the Political Fund can be used to its best effect.
"Public Services! Properly Funded. Through taxation. Universally
available. And Democratically controlled, was the call from Scotland's
Mike Kirby.
"Our experience shows us that public services must be run
on ethical lines, integrity, openness, accountability, competence
and equality. Revitalise In Scotland's 'Revitalising Our Public
Services' manifesto launched in preparation for next year's local
government and Scottish Parliament elections, "we call for
democracy, partnership, fairness, investment and excellence.
Mike explained there has been progress - democracy strengthened
by voting reform; partnership, a positive approach in many of
Scotland's services and supported by our Memorandum of Understanding
with the Executive; fairness illustrated by positive efforts to
improve recruitment and retention and increase staffing levels
and in lifelong learning.
"But there is much to do to secure the culture change to
real accountability. There is much to do to get Government's head
out of the sand and accept its share of responsibility to achieve
equal pay, finance past discrimination settlements and to secure
a fair deal on pensions. The pursuit of excellence does not require
more scrutiny regimes but a better engagement with staff unions.
In light of recent criticism of public spending, Mike defended
public sector institutions as critical to the success of the British
economy, "Through infrastructure, human and technological
resources public services are an economic lever.
The way forward is through "Partnerships, co-operation and
public service networks pooling resources, sharing capacity and
working to common action plans rather than wasteful and debilitative
reorganisations.
Mike warned, "But public service networks and shared services
do provide an organisational and bargaining challenge which we
must address if efficiency is to mean more than a threat to jobs.
We need to build upon good examples and provide bargaining support
to branches.
Good practice
Wendy Nichols, Regional Convenor, Yorkshire and Humberside Region
admired Scotland and Wales different attitude to public services.
The Welsh Assembly and the Scottish Executive stood as pillars
of good practice, particularly in terms of their relationship
with stakeholders like UNISON.
It was a shame that, "England still endured the Thatcherite
madness of privatisation and the obscenely wasteful Private Finance
initiative when our neighbours in the North and West are able
to have far more democratic accountability in the way their public
services are run. How can driving down wages, making redundancies
and maximising profits to shareholders possibly lead to improved
public services? asked a visibly puzzled Wendy.
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After 39 years Neil retires
 East
Renfrewshire's Neil McGregor has been a member for 39 years and
active for most of that time. The 'BigYin' is about to reach that
great milestone which may be denied to some of us - Retirement
before 56 with a pension.
He has been a treasurer at East Renfrewshire since before it
started. It is said he is a born treasurer. Who could disagree
he is forever saying that 'you will not get your expenses if they
are not signed'. Neil's Mantra is misery never takes a holiday.
However, since I have known him he has always been a great friend
and a most reliable activist. It is no surprise to know that over
90% of the finance services staff at ERC are members of UNISON
due to Neil's work. Neil's retirement do' is in St Vincent's
Crescent Bowling Club on Friday 30th June 2006 - Why not come
along and celebrate with him.
Gerry Green, Chair East Renfrewshire Branch
(PS. We hear he is so fastidious about the branch's funds
that he adds to them every time he finds coins on the floor. He
found dozens this week before he discovered he had a hole in his
pocket.)
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EX - NEC MEMBER SAYS GIVE, GIVE, GIVE!
Remember, as Chair of Finance, John Flynn's message to conference
2003 was SPEND, SPEND, SPEND? Well you did!
You helped raise over £16,000 for John's part in the New
Zealand Cycle Ride, which all went to designated charities. Still
a couch potato, still overweight and 3 years older, but still
as dedicated and helpful, he is decided to do the 'Cycle Nova
Scotia' in September.
His commitment to UNISON Welfare and our members has never wavered
but he needs your help. Branches and individuals probably have
more call on their funds than ever before, but if you feel you
can support John and UNISON Welfare, it would be appreciated.
Please send donations or messages (clean ones only!) to:- John
Flynn, 15 Bramley Road, Acocks Green, Birmingham B27 6TR.
Nancy Coull - Past President
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