Local Government Service Group Conference
14-15 June 2009
Fair funding for voluntary sector
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Stephen Brown
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Local Government Conference kicked off with a pledge to support
members in the community and voluntary sector.
The union will link with other organisations to campaign for
fair funding and decent pay and conditions for the sector and
to promote the important work our members do.
Stephen Brown from Scotland’s Quarriers Branch told delegates
that the voluntary sector has for a long time been seen as an
important part of social care.
“We do very difficult jobs under increasing pressure from employers”,
he said, describing how this year his employer has not only suggested
a pay freeze but also a freeze on pay increments.
“But that’s not all. They have also proposed cutting our sick
pay scheme, abolishing overtime, night shift enhancements and
public holiday enhancements because Glasgow City Council has threatened
to re-tender services if Quarriers do not make a 7.5% cut in services.”
“This is the reality of working in the voluntary sector”, added
Stephen.
He told delegates that UNISON Scotland has joined other unions,
the STUC, the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations and
Community Care Providers Scotland to petition the Scottish Parliament
for fair funding, pay comparable with front-line services in the
public sector and a minimum five year contracts for voluntary
sector providers.
“Those of us who work in the voluntary sector are professionals.
We are a highly trained and dedicated workforce and we provide
a professional services to our service users.
“With the current funding problems we are being pushed into
a race to the bottom”, he warned.
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