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Scotland in UNISON
 Headlines
Make sure they know we are out there and we vote!
Nursery nurses: Call for Yes/Yes vote as action looms
Eight principles for public services
UNITE AGAINST RACISM 26 April Manchester
Social Work - pamphlet outlines future for Scotland
War almost over, but it doesn't make it right
Equal Pay Audits first step to closing the gap
Scottish Council rundown
 
April/ May 2003 No 42
(Next issue June 2003)


 

UNISON Scotland Home

Milestone as key leaders signal retirement
Scotland United: World of Football, Edinburgh Corn Exchange Bank Holiday Monday 5th May 2003
'Why Blair supports Bush's war'
Fuel Poverty advice book for Welfare Officers
Hadeel Palestinian Craft Shop opens in Edinburgh
Safely qualified
We want to hear your news
 

 

Scottish Parliament and Local Government Elections - revitalise our public services.

Make sure they know we are out there and we vote!

UNISON Scotland is stepping up our Revitalise our Public Service campaign with adverts in Scottish Newspapers campaigning against private companies running public services.

Nursery nurses: Call for Yes/Yes vote as action looms
Ballot papers are currently landing on the mats of thousands of Scottish local authority nursery nurses as this article is being written.

Eight principles for public services
UNISON - Scotland's largest union - has issued a challenge to Scotland's political parties. Revitalise our Public Services!.
UNITE AGAINST RACISM 26 April Manchester
Gear up for this major UNISON and TUC march and concert against racism.

Milestone as key leaders signal retirement

Nancy Coull: Deliverers know best how to improve services

John McFadden:Try to rebuild the international institutions

Chrissie Carmouche: Chrissie singles equality as key development

Social Work - pamphlet outlines future for Scotland
UNISON's plan to address the problems of social work in Scotland has been launched at a conference in Glasgow.

War almost over, but it doesn't make it right
War in Iraq, what a tragedy. The fact that it is coming to an end does not make it right - it was wrong. These were the words of respected international campaigner and NEC member John McFadden in his retiral speech at Scottish Council, the meeting of Scottish UNISON branches last week.

Equal Pay Audits first step to closing the gap
UNISON Scotland has welcomed the first joint equal pay audit involving UNISON organised workers in Scotland.
Fuel Poverty advice book for Welfare Officers'
UNISON Scotland and the union's energy service group have got together to fund an advice booklet aimed at Branch Welfare Officers and other activists involved in assisting members with financial needs.
Scotland United: World of Football, Edinburgh Corn Exchange Bank Holiday Monday 5th May 2003
Scotland United, Amnesty International's annual 5-a-side football fundraising tournament, supported by The Proclaimers.
 
Scottish Council rundown
Main issues decided on at UNISON's Scottish Council on 12 April 2003.
Hadeel Palestinian Craft Shop opens in Edinburgh
Resource links.
Safely qualified
Two activists get H&S qualifications.

'Why Blair supports Bush's war'
Chris Bartter reviews a SCND pamphlet by Alan McKinnon

We want to hear your news Scotland inUNISON contacts
 


Published by UNISON Scottish Council, 14 West Campbell Street, Glasgow G2 6RX. Editor John Stevenson
© UNISON Scotland 1998-2002

 

 

 

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Scottish Parliament and Local Government Elections - revitalise our public services

Make sure they know we are out there and we vote!

by Chris Bartter

UNISON Scotland is stepping up our Revitalise our Public Service campaign with adverts in Scottish Newspapers campaigning against private companies running public services.

We will also be sending a magazine to all its 150,000 members calling on them to raise the issues of public services with both Scottish Parliament and council candidates.

Matt Smith, UNISON's Scottish Secretary said "We are pleased with the support we have been getting from different groups for our positive proposals to revitalise public services.

"We also noted the results of the BBC poll earlier this month, which indicated that private running of schools and hospitals was the government's most unpopular policy.

"This fits in exactly with the kind of response we have been getting over the years, and we will be pointing this out to all candidates."

UNISON will also raised the issue at the STUC's Annual Congress in Inverness. Matt Smith said "It is appropriate that Scotland's Trade Unionists are meeting to discuss their concerns before this important election. We will be raising the issue of public services, and I am convinced that this will be the primary concern of the STUC.

"It is because so many Scots value their public services that we get the kind of poll results the BBC have obtained. Trade unionists are even more concerned to defend and revitalise public services."

What can you do?

  • Raise the issues in Revitalise our Public Services with your candidates. (You can find your candidates from Dod On Line - www.politicallinks.co.uk /politics2/scotland/scotlandelection.asp)
  • Ask canvassers - either at the door, or more commonly now on the phone - the questions below.
  • Put the back page mini-poster up in your window or workplace.

Above all - Make sure you vote - and vote for public services!

Questions for your candidates

  • Do you support the principle that Scotland's public services need to be revitalised?
  • Do you think that public services should be run for public good not private profit?
  • Do you agree that public service workers need to be paid decently and treated fairly, if they are to be able to deliver good public services?
  • Do you agree that private companies running public services means cash becomes more important than care?

Make sure they know - we are out there and we vote!

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Nursery nurses take step nearer strike action

Scotland's 5,000 Nursery nurses took a step nearer strike action as a delegate meeting last month voted overwhelmingly to request a ballot on industrial action.

The Nursery Nurses have been campaigning for a review of their jobs for two years and say that the low pay and status of nursery nurses is jeopardising the Government's nursery education plans.

Carol Ball, Chair of UNISON's Scottish Nursery Nurse Working Party said: "Nursery Nurses are rapidly coming to the end of their tether. After pressing Scotland's employers to sit down with us to look at the issue, we have been handed a report that takes us precisely nowhere. We feel we have wasted six months."

Scottish Local Authorities, first claimed that grading of nursery nurses was at individual council's discretion, then agreed to set up a Scottish-wide working party when UNISON put claims in to every Scottish council.

But the report of the working party sidesteps the crucial issue of nursery nurses pay and grading. UNISON is looking for a review of the status, career structure and pay of nursery nurses across Scotland.

Carol Ball said "Nursery nurses are a key component in the Government's plans to increase the range and importance of pre-school education.

"Without recognition of that fact by the government and the employers, the future of the strategy is jeopardised."

The union will now have more detailed discussions on the form of action proposed before setting the ballot process in motion.
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Eight principles for public services

UNISON - Scotland's largest union - has issued a challenge to Scotland's political parties. Revitalise our Public Services!

Be open, transparent and democratically accountable.
Increase the role of elected bodies and their members. Democratise the increasing 'Quango State'. Encourage full participation, open up freedom of information, effective communication and transparency of all contracts and partnerships.

Have a planned and measurable vision of what they want to achieve.
Base plans on full social, equality, health, economic, and environmental assessments of the impact of decisions.

Have the capacity to develop of innovative services to meet users needs.
If Public Service Organisations (PSOs) have capacity, innovation will not be seen as a cut. Innovation should include service provision, information, funding, administrative systems and information technology. Services should meet the needs of users.

Encourage participation from users, the community, staff and their unions.
PSOs need the active involvement of these groups in planning, design, monitoring reviewing services.

Provide the resources to recruit and retain high quality staff.
Resources include, effective partnership working at all levels; fair pay and conditions; training, education and lifelong learning; equal opportunities and family friendly policies; trade union recognition; full collective bargaining; health and safety; and welfare policies.

Measure performance by standards linked to resources and social need.
Different factors affect public services. Performance reviews must take into account resource availability and social and economic needs. Instead of the 'tyranny of the target' a new system should measure resources, service delivery, the benefit of that service and the way it's delivered.

Work together in public service networks.
PSOs will increasingly need to collaborate to provide public services. Public service networks - cross-boundary trading, best practice and service provision will be quicker and more effective boundary reviews and reorganisations. They can also take advantage of economies of scale whilst retaining local accountability.

Be funded from sources that do not conflict with these principles.
The old, failed private sector agenda fails to deliver the better public services we all want. When private companies run public services, cash can become more important than care.

Produced as part of UNISONScotland's Revitalise Public Services Campaign. Funded by UNISON's Genreal Political Fund. For further information please contact Matt Smith, Scottish Secretary, UNISON 14 West Campbell Street, Glasgow G2 6RX. On the web at www.unison-scotland.org.uk/revitalise

 

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UNITE AGAINST RACISM 26 April Manchester

On 26 April, UNISON and the TUC will be holding a march, rally and concert in Manchester involving trade unions, community groups and all those who:

  • oppose racism and racial inequality
  • celebrate our multicultural society
  • support the fair treatment of asylum seekers.

Timetable

1030-1130: Assemble at Castlefield Basin, Liverpool Road, Manchester. The basin is opposite the Museum of Science and Industry, a five minute walk from Deansgate station.

1130: March sets off

1200-1330: Rally and entertainment outside the Town Hall in Albert Square.

Concert

The concert includes...

ALABAMA 3 - a frenzy of technobilly, lunacy, roots country, hip-hop, dub, gospel politics and excess. They provide the theme music to Channel 4's 'The Sopranos'.

CHUMBAWAMBA - tub-thumping anarchists from Sheffield with their bizarre and eclectic sound.

RDB (Rhythm Dhol and Bass) - award-winning blend of bhangra, house, garage, Hindi, RnB, hip-hop and ragga.

UN-CUT - spacey breakbeats and swooning vocals.

Tickets

Telephone credit card bookings are handled by Ticketmaster via the Carling Apollo, Manchester box office 24-hour telephone number: 0870 401 8000. You can also book online at www.cclive.co.uk/

More information

... on transport arrangements etc from Dave Watson at UNISON House Glasgow, 0870 777 7006.

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Milestone as key leaders signal retirement

Three key leaders are retiring from UNISON's National Executive this year. 2003 National President Nancy Coull, ex-President John McFadden and long serving NEC member Chrissie Carmouche are all standing down after outstanding service to the union. Here John Stevenson, SiU editor, looks at the main issues they identified for the union.

Deliverers know best how to improve services

UNISON is not afraid of a review of public services but any review must involve those who know public services best, the first line service deliverers like you, National President Nancy Coull told last week's Scottish Council meeting of UNISON branches.

She laid out the lessons of the past and the challenges ahead. "We need to celebrate our successes but also assess what else needs to be done", she said as she outlined the new national progress reports on UNISON's priorities.

"We have been instrumental in setting Labour Party policy to review PFI and in getting progress on a fair wages clause", said Nancy. But she warned, "Private finance is unworkable and is not delivering the services we all want".

As a low paid member herself, Nancy called for a continuing campaign against low pay, giving evidence to the Low Pay Commission and pushing for a better minimum wage.

"I have a 17 year old son who works 40 hours a week for £60 - that's £1.80 an hour. He was ecstatic when he got a 50% rise in January but that is still only £2.20 an hour", said Nancy, underlining the need for low pay protection to be extended to 16 and 17 years olds as well as to the under 21s.

Nancy singled out racism as the biggest challenge this year.

"Don't allow others to use public services for their own ends. The BNP has of course only one policy - to stir up racist and fascist feelings", said Nancy, urging members to attend the national rally in Manchester on 26 April. We had to get the message out to all areas that we need to challenge racism in local and national government elections.

"I cannot stress how important that is", said Nancy.

Nancy works with Fife meals on wheels service. She was elected to the UNISON NEC in 1995 and has been chair of the union's political committee since 1997. She was elected to the Labour Party national executive council in October 2001.

Try to rebuild the international institutions

After 30 years trade union service - 25 of those on the National Executive - John McFadden is standing down this year.

UNISON's ex-President has been a massive (if somewhat vertically challenged) figure in policy and finance leadership in the union but it is his international work that has been appreciated most.

"You can still go to places like South Africa and meet people who recognise John for the work he has done", said Mike Kirby, Scottish Convenor.

That work extends from getting funds to the ANC way back when, to his frequent trips to Palestine, and yes to Israel, building and working for peace and justice.

"I have tried to put the international agenda before members for them to decide. I believe it is relevant to this union. I hope you will take away the idea that it is important", John told delegates in an inspiring speech.

"GATS will directly affect every individual member. It is about privatising public services, selling off the family silver", John warned as he urged delegates to make members aware of the issues.

Turning to the war in Iraq, John was unequivocal, "War in Iraq, what a tragedy. The fact that it is coming to an end does not make it right - it was wrong.

"The main international institution, the United Nations, has been undermined. What do we do if we have no UN - the US on its own telling everyone what to do?" he asked.

"We all need to participate and try to rebuild the national institutions", John urged.

Looking to UNISON's 10th birthday, John said he was "proud of my part in building this significant union and proud of what it has achieved".

John was one of the original negotiators who worked for four years to bring about the mergers that created UNISON. John made a point of thanking Scottish activists for the support over the years and singled out the full time officers for special praise.

"My experience of working with staff has been... of dedication to the trade union movement and to its members."

John gave special thanks to his branch, Glasgow City and to the union for giving him the 'honour' of serving it.

With a typical grin, John said that when asked why he was retiring, he was telling people "I want to spend more time with my Celtic".

Chrissie singles equality as key development

Chrissie Carmouche told delegates she had been 'very privileged' to serve on UNISON's NEC and reminded delegates... "You don't lose your principles on the NEC", you just have to fight for them in different ways.

Chrissie recalled how she became active in a Social Work dispute in Glasgow when she was asked to stand as a steward at a meeting.

"I said I'd do it for a fortnight - that was 27 years ago. But I never regretted going to that meeting".

Chrissie singled out Equality and Self Organisation as key developments over the years. She also spoke of the "painful birth" of black self-organisation in the early 80's.

When she first became active there were no child care arrangements. The development in that and other areas had allowed her to take on her leadership role, especially her much-praised work in developing organisation in the new union.

"My family is important to me. My child is important", said Chrissie and child care and other measures had allowed her to give time to that as well as the union. And the 13 years of enjoying UNISON creches has also had its spin-offs.

"It is great seeing my daughter being so alert to social justice", said Chrissie.

Chrissie thanked fellow activists, and especially her branch for all the support over the years.

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Social Work - pamphlet outlines future for Scotland

UNISON's plan to address the problems of social work in Scotland has been launched at a conference in Glasgow.

The pamphlet The Future of Scotland's Social Work is a summary of the union's response to the COSLA task group and has formed the basis of its discussion with the standards body (the Scottish Social Services Commission) and Cathy Jamieson, MSP, the Minister for Education and Young People.

It forms an important part in the campaign to raise the staffing, grading and support problems in Scotland's social work.

Stephen Smellie, Chair of UNISON Scotland's Social Work Issues group said. "This is an important step in our campaign. We need this document now to be spread far and wide. To be raised with members, to form the basis of discussions with employers and outside bodies.

"We need to get the message across - social work problems need to be addressed - not just by touchy-feely advertising campaigns - however much we agree with the sentiments. "Unless genuine resources are put into dealing with pay, training and support issues the drain away from social work will continue.

"We think we need a full-scale review to look at training, the job of social workers and other staff, protection and other support."

The pamphlet paints a bleak picture of a service trying to cope, but under increasing pressure. It highlights staffing problems that affect residential care and home care as well as the more publicised problems affecting children and family sections. It has been released as part of the union's Revitalise our Public Services Campaign.

Mike Kirby, Scottish Convenor of UNISON said: "Our campaign is designed to highlight the things that are needed to deliver the services Scotland needs. The chronic staffing crisis in social work is a case in point. Politicians need to start giving social work staff the backing they need to carry out this difficult and necessary job."

See the full briefing on the new social work pages at www.unison-scotland.org.uk/localgovt/socialwork/
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War almost over, but it doesn't make it right

by John Stevenson

War in Iraq, what a tragedy. The fact that it is coming to an end does not make it right - it was wrong.

These were the words of respected international campaigner and NEC member John McFadden in his retiral speech at Scottish Council, the meeting of Scottish UNISON branches last week.

UNISON issued a statement on 7 April standing by its position that any military action without the explicit authority of the United Nations Security Council would be unjustifiable, against international law and the requirements of the UN Charter.

However, it recognised that once war began, many UNISON members were directly involved in the military action or have family amongst the British armed forces. Many others are directly involved in supporting the war effort including treating the injured.

All effort should now be concentrated on maintaining the safety of the British troops and avoiding further casualties.

The statement calls on the Government to:-

  • Reopen diplomatic discussions to achieve an urgent solution to the Iraqi crisis.

  • Commit to a UN solution and take steps to rebuild
    confidence in the authority of the UN.

  • Work through the UN to deliver an extensive package of humanitarian aid to Iraq.

  • Disassociate from the US's stated aim to unilaterally take control of the reconstruction of Iraq, and instead insist the UN should oversee this.

  • Make urgent plans to hand over the post war civil administration either to a UN interim government or to an elected coalition of the democratic forces which oppose Saddam Hussein.

  • Make every effort to rebuild relations with our European partners to ensure their full support and involvement in rebuilding Iraq and the humanitarian aid programme.

  • Ensure immediate publication of the 'Road Map' to peace including the creation of a viable Palestinian state based on 1967 borders.

See the full statement at www.unison.org.uk/international/news_view.asp?did=738
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Equal Pay Audits first step to closing the gap

UNISON Scotland has welcomed the first joint equal pay audit involving UNISON organised workers in Scotland.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) Branch has successfully persuaded their employers to sign-up to the Executive promoted policy in March 2003.

Eileen Dinning, UNISON's Scottish Women's Officer is delighted. "This is a major breakthrough.' She says. "Credit must go to both the branch and SEPA for committing to this project."

Rebecca Noon, SEPA Branch Secretary hopes it will lead to future partnerships. "We are working in partnership with SEPA on the Equal Pay Audit," she says, "and hope that we continue to have such successful cooperation in other partnership projects."

Over the past year, UNISON has been trying to identify employers in Local Government, Health, Higher Education and Utilities willing to participate in a pilot project to conduct an equal pay audit.

Progress has been slow due to a number of factors. The ongoing talks in Local Government on Job Evaluation and Single Status, the Agenda for Change negotiations, the move towards Joint Future and the general reluctance of employers to actively address the issues relating to equal pay.

According to Eileen Dinning much of this reluctance is understandable: "The problem is that employers need to be persuaded of the case for addressing the causes of unequal pay. They may think they're Equal Opportunities employers and that they have equal pay but the fact remains that there is still a 19% gap between men and women's pay.

"And if you're a part time women worker that rises to 38%. If employers don't address this issue now, within the next five years they'll be hit with expensive litigation under the Equal Pay Act and a massive bill for backdated pay."

Eileen believes if employers in the Scottish public sector start to address this issue it will assist in their discussions with UNISON on Joint Future and Job Evaluation.

She says. "An equal pay audit will highlight where there are significant gaps in pay between men and women. That in turn will allow (hopefully) productive discussion to take place on alleviating low pay for women - a key objective for UNISON."

In Scotland, UNISON has been working closely with the Close the Gap Partnership - an initiative set up by the Scottish Executive, the Equal Opportunities Commission and the STUC.

The work has involved promoting the TUC training of Equal Pay reps and campaigning to persuade employers to work closely with unions to undertake equal pay audits.


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Fuel Poverty advice book for Welfare Officers

by Chris Bartter

UNISON Scotland and the union's energy service group have got together to fund an advice booklet aimed at Branch Welfare Officers and other activists involved in assisting members with financial needs.

The booklet UNISON Welfare Workers Energy Advice has been prepared by Energy Action Scotland - the charity UNISON Scotland works with to campaign against fuel poverty.

Dave Watson, Scottish Organiser for Utilities said. "The booklet is aimed at all who advise members (and others) in their homes and who know there may be a financial problem. Energy bills are often the 'last straw' for members with financial problems. It is designed to give practical advice on ways to avoid the temptation of cutting heating to save money."

The booklet covers energy-efficiency, where to get grants and advice, what rights people have, and how to ascertain they are getting all their benefit entitlement.

Lila Sneddon, Chair of UNISON Scotland's Welfare Fund Committee said, "This book is a useful summary of the many issues that surround fuel poverty. It will prove useful to welfare officers and others. Both to draw their attention to the problem and then to give them the ammunition to tackle it."

The leaflet is available from Dave Watson at West Campbell Street. Tel: 0870 7777006 or e-mail d.watson@unison.co.uk.
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Scotland United: World of Football, Edinburgh Corn Exchange Bank Holiday Monday 5th May 2003

Have you ever played football? Is your 5-a-side team the best union team in Scotland? Or do you get puffy-faced and aching-limbed after 10 minutes?

It matters not - be part of Scotland United, Amnesty International's annual 5-a-side football fundraising tournament, supported by The Proclaimers.

As well as raising funds for Amnesty, Scotland United provides everybody with an opportunity to add their voice to the campaign to end racial and religious hatred in Scottish football and society.

The campaign is supported by the Scottish Football Association, all 12 Premier League Clubs, and organisations such as Show Racism The Red Card, Sense Over Sectarianism, and Nil By Mouth.

The tournament is being expanded this year from 35 to 48 teams, on a first-come, first-served basis. We are keen that UNISON members become part of Scotland United so we can send out as strong a message as possible.

The tournament itself is a bumper-package, including the following:

  • Entry £100 per team, refundable when team raises over £300 in sponsorship
  • Prize of seven tickets for Scotland vs. Germany Euro 2004 qualifier at Hampden, 7 June for team raising the most in sponsorship (courtesy of Safeway)
  • All teams guaranteed 5 games of 15 minutes each
  • Three teams to go through from eight groups of six (48 teams). The top two from each group go into a knockout final 16 for the Amnesty International trophy, with the eight third placed teams going into a separate playoff
  • Games kick off at 10am. Final kicks off at 4.30pm
  • Free buffet lunch provided
  • Discounts available during the day for ten-pin bowling and games of snooker

To secure a team place at Scotland United, please contact Roddy McNulty on 0131 466 6200 or email scotland@amnesty.org.uk.

To become a member of Amnesty International or donate online, visit their website at www.joinamnestynow.com

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Scottish Council rundown

Among Scottish Council decisions on 12 April were...

Legal services to be consulted re Power of Attorney under the Adults with Incapacity Act.

Pursue lower subs for trainees

Campaign to keep final salary pension schemes

Step up campaign against GATS which threaten to privatise essential services.

Conference to be asked to grant honorary membership to Aung San Suu Kyi, democratic leader of Burma kept out of office by a Junta which is one of worst violators of human rights

Build campaign against Euro

Support for Firefighters

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Hadeel

(the cooing of a dove in Arabic)

Palestinian Craft Shop

Will be open from Tuesday, 22 April 2003

Tues-Sat. 10.30 - 4.00pm St. George's West Church Centre 58 Shandwick Place Edinburgh, EH2 4RT Tel. 0131 225 1922

Your shop for Fair Trade goods from producer groups in the West Bank, Gaza, Lebanon Everything from bookmarks to fully embroidered shawls and vests; from olive wood and mother of pearl doves to large figures and crèches.

Books and resources about Palestine and Israel, to buy or on loan.

Drop in on 22 April for complimentary fair trade refreshments.Headlines

 

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Safely qualified

Jean Gow and Sheila Houston, stewards in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde Primary Care Branch have achieved the HND in Occupational Health & Safety and now await registration for membership of the Institute of Occupational Safety & Health. views be known in a safe and supportive environment.


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'Why Blair supports Bush's war'

Chris Bartter reviews a SCND pamphlet by Alan McKinnon

Although written before the start of the current conflict and therefore unable to react to the ever-changing political and opinion poll scenario, Alan McKinnon's pamphlet is a succinct and prescient interpretation of the rationale behind the push for war.

Dismissing the 'weapons of mass destruction' rationale almost as quickly as its proposers and not giving credibility to the 'liberation of the Iraqi people' rationale - possibly something that requires more attention, this pamphlet summarises the dilemma of an economy and President in thrall to the petrol engine when the supply of oil starts to fail.

More importantly however, it shows clearly how the British Government has been forced to ally itself closely with the Bush administration despite the apparent dangers of domestic political fall-out that are currently being seen.

The answer, in a well known phrase is - 'It's the economy, stupid' in particular the US economy dominated by oil and arms companies - the areas where company interests are more served by US foreign policy than by British domestic concerns.

Blair may have signed up to the war to try and hold back Bush - but he now coat-tails him by order of BP, Shell and BAE Systems.

The links between multi-national corporations and western politicians not only dominate government decisions in the US - refusal to sign the climate change protocol; refusal to back an international criminal court; refusing access to weapons inspectors; withdrawing from ABM treaty to name but some - but also dictate the agenda for the 'opposition'.

Existing oil contracts between Iraq and France/Russia and China are unlikely to be honoured by a US administered Iraq. So McKinnon postulates, we have a 'global war machine' that makes a nonsense of any state's defiance, and a President who is prepared to defy world opinion to stay in step with his big oil company funders.

Is there any hope? McKinnon thinks there is. The anti-war movement has brought together many new supporters - churches, unions, parties and councils. We must include them without pushing out long term supporters - he says - and also continue to build the links with environmental, community organisations and anti-globalisation protesters. Let's do it.

'Why Blair supports Bush's war', by Alan McKinnon is available from Scottish Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, 15 Barrland Street, Glasgow, G41 1QH. Tel: 0141 423 1222; scnd@banthebomb.org. Price £2.00.

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We want to hear your news

Won any deals or cases for members? Any 'people' stories we could use? SiU is your paper, we want to hear your stories.

Your SiU contacts are:
John Stevenson (Editor)
0131 220 5655
comms@unison-edinburgh.org.uk
Chris Bartter
0845 355 0845,
chris.bartter@unison.org.uk
FAX PRESS RELEASES to 0141-331-1203


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