UNISON launches manifesto for Scottish Parliament elections
FOR public services
by Trisha Hamilton
| The union is gearing up for a massive demonstration
on London on 26 March. See www.unison.co.uk |
As public services face their biggest crisis ever, UNISON
Scotland has launched a manifesto as part of its Public
Works campaign to defend public services.
The document concentrates, not on the pressure on budgets
facing public service organisations, but on what needs to
be done to sustain and improve Scotland’s public services.
The manifesto – For Public Services – highlights the need
for fair taxation; the importance of transparent and accountable
services and calls for an end to PFI and PPP.
It also raises concern about the increasing trend to move
services out of democratic control. The union will use the
manifesto to lobby political parties standing in the forthcoming
Scottish Parliament elections.
Scottish Convenor Lilian Macer said: “The cuts process
we are witnessing across the UK is not about money, it’s
about politics. UNISON’s vision is very different; we don’t
accept there is any need for massive spending cuts at the
expense of our public services.
“There is nothing efficient about providing worse services
with fewer staff and our manifesto highlights a real alternative
to the cuts as well as the importance of protecting and
investing in our public services.”
Scottish Secretary Mike Kirby said: “Public services are
part of the fabric of society and an attack on those services
is an attack, not on unions or workers, but on society itself.
“Quality public services benefit us all and renewed investment
in Scotland’s public services in recent years has made a
real difference to people’s lives, strengthening our communities
and boosting the economy. Our view is clear: the choice
should always be for public services – publicly delivered.”
See
the manifesto and the summar version here
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