Oct20 reports, photos and videos

#SCOct20 #Oct20 Reports, photos and videos now on UNISON Scotland at http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/oct20/index.html

UNISON Scottish Secretary tells politicians: “enough is enough” #SCOct20

Speech by Mike Kirby, UNISON Scottish Secretary  at STUC March and Rally For A Future That Works - Glasgow 20 October 2012

As the ink dries on the signatures of Diamond Dave and Alex I on the Edinburgh Agreement

We gather to say to politicians of all colours and persuasions:

You’ve less than 100 weeks to sort it. To sort out your way of getting us out of the mire which you’ve created

New photos from Glasgow

#SCOct20 #oct20 Photos now on the UNISON Scotland website http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/oct20/index.html

Last walkabout for UNISON Tayside Police Staff banner before the merger

 
From George McIrvine: Last walkabout for UNISON Tayside Police Staff banner before the merger. Sniff sniff #SCOct20 #Oct20 http://t.co/qWqxGF5l

On the March with the UNISON Kinneil Band

#Oct20 #SCOct20 Video clip of the thousands on the Glasgow March For A Future That Works

Banners bright in George Square

#Oct20 #SCOct20 The sun shines on banners as the march gets ready to leave in Glasgow for a Future that Works. Photos:

BBC Scotland: Protesters to march against cuts in Glasgow #SCOct20

20 October 2012 Last updated at 10:48
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-20014970
From BBC Scotland website:

The Scottish rally, organised by the STUC, will begin in George Square at 11:00 and will end at Glasgow Green.

The STUC said it will be led by former Remploy workers who lost their jobs when the government owned factories were closed.

Disability activists, trade unionists, community groups and public sector workers will be joined on the platform by organisations like the National Union of Students, the Church of Scotland and the Hardest Hit Coalition.

...

Robin Parker, the president of the National Union of Students in Scotland, who will be speaking in George Square, said: "Students are standing side-by-side with trade union and community members from across Scotland today because we don't want to see Westminster's austerity policies dump an entire generation on the scrapheap.

"The Scottish government has said they are putting a priority on tackling youth unemployment, but they can do more. If they are serious about tackling youth unemployment, they need to be serious about funding colleges.

"Our generation needs a future that works."


Full article here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-20014970

FBU battlewagon ready for the #SCOct20 march in Glasgow

Get to George Square for 11am and follow the battlewagon of our comrades in the FBU - on the STUC march for A Future That Works


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Sun shines for marchers in Glasgow

#SCOct20 #Oct20 The sun has poked through the clouds to welcome thousands of marchers to George Square in Glasgow. And in London Sefton branch arrives. Branch secretary Glen Williams reports: "We left Sefton at 4am. There were 120 of us on the train - more than last time including many low paid workers
"We've had to scoop our banner out of the Thames. The wind blew it in and it's sopping wet - weve been sold down the river!"

Tweet what you are doing on 20 October

#SCOct20 Tweet @unisonscot as you set off for Glasgow tomorrow. Follow @unisonscot and hear how people are getting to the march.

#SCOct20 & #StrongerTogether in @unisonscot - Look out for billboard in George Street tomorrow

19 Oct 2012

If you're marching in Glasgow tomorrow - and we hope you are, please join us - look out when you leave George Square for the UNISON billboard on George Street at John Street.




It's a scrolling ad - part of our Stronger Together in UNISON recruitment campaign. Send pics of it with the march going by, if you do catch it as you pass.

If you're tweeting use the hashtag #SCOct20 and include @unisonscot. Or send pictures to us on Facebook.

And have you got your UNISON Twibbon?

#SCOct20 Scots marchers set to descend on Glasgow to protest against Con-Dems cuts

19 Oct 2012

Lots of Oct 20 march and rally reports in the Daily Record today including several UNISON members speaking up for public services....

"Scots marchers set to descend on Glasgow to protest against Con-Dems cuts

"They will show their support for an STUC event which calls on the Government to quit slashing jobs and frontline services and start investing in jobs and growth."

"Scots from all walks of life will descend on Glasgow tomorrow to join a march and rally protesting against devastating Government cuts.

"Families, pensioners, hard-pressed workers, unemployed people and students are among those who will gather to show their support for the STUC event A Future That Works – There is a Better Way.

"Instead of slashing jobs and frontline services, campaigners are urging the
"Government to invest in jobs and growth by backing new and old industries.

"And they are calling on the Con-Dems to reverse the decline by building an economy that works for ordinary people.

"Concerned dad Andrew Simpson, from Inverness, will join the march because he’s worried about the future for his family.

Read the full story here


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#SCOct 20 UNISON calls for alternative to austerity and support for a ‘Future that Works’

Date: Wed 17 October 2012

UNISON, the public services union, today hit out at the UK Coalition Government’s determination to continue with their “dangerous and damaging” programme of austerity cuts.

Scottish Secretary Mike Kirby said that ordinary people are being asked to pay too high a price, that key public services are under attack and politicians need to be told that “enough is enough.”

He made his comments as thousands of people prepare for the STUC ‘A Future that Works’ march and rally in Glasgow on Saturday, and for sister marches in Belfast and London.

Mike urged strong support for the Scottish march, saying:
“Our members, their families and friends, know that the drastic spending cuts and attacks on benefits are hurting them and are hurting the most vulnerable people in society.

“This week we’ve seen news of massive hikes in energy bills, more big companies getting away with paying miniscule amounts of tax and an STUC report showing a 400% rise in long term youth unemployment since spring 2008.

“We can all see that the cuts are hurting, not helping, the economy, as confirmed by the International Monetary Fund’s revised figures.

“The damage is also being passed down in the Scottish Government’s budget decisions, affecting every service our members provide. We are working with community groups and other trade unions in resisting attacks on services, pay, jobs and pensions, whether from Westminster, Holyrood or individual public authorities.

“We encourage everyone who wants to stand up for our essential public services, for fair pay, against massive cuts to councils, against cuts to college funding and police staff numbers and for a properly funded NHS, fair taxation and a Living Wage to join us in Glasgow on Saturday.”

Last week UNISON and PCS urged support for the People’s Charter, a six point manifesto for a fairer society.

Mike added:
"The People’s Charter makes six simple demands. A fair economy, more and better jobs, decent homes for all, improvements to public services instead of cuts, fairness and justice for everyone - including at work - and a secure sustainable future.

"The People's Charter sits alongside campaigns like UNISON’s Public Works and the STUC’s There is A Better Way. Austerity isn’t working. Let’s tell the politicians these are the policies that will.”

Ends




Notes for Editors:
1. The STUC’s A Future That Works march and rally assembles in George Square at 11am on Saturday 20 October - www.stuc.org.uk/20-oct
2. The People's Charter www.peoplescharterscotland.org sets out six key steps for a move away from austerity to a more just, equitable society:
1. A fair economy for a fairer Britain
2. More and better jobs
3. Decent homes for all
4. Protect and improve our public services – no cuts
5. Fairness and Justice
6. Build a secure and sustainable future for all
The Charter has been endorsed by the TUC, the STUC and most major unions, many MPs and MSPs, as well as thousands of individuals.
3. The UNISON Scotland website People's Charter page is here
www.unison-scotland.org.uk/peoplescharter

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#SCOct20 - March in Glasgow Sat Oct 20 - bus seats & other info

12 Oct 2012

Just a week to go until the STUC Oct 20 march and rally for A Future that Works.

Have you planned your transport? There are some seats still on buses from around Scotland, including from Inverness and Aberdeen.


(*updated Aberdeen bus times info below)

UNISON Scotland will be prominent on the march, with our giant balloons and lots of flags and banners.

Convener Lilian Macer said: “Our members know that attacks on services, pay, jobs and pensions, whether from Westminster, Holyrood or individual public authorities, can and should be resisted by communities and trade unionists working and campaigning together.

“Our members will be out on October 20, as will people from the communities we serve.”

Here's UNISON Scotland's website page about the Glasgow event on Oct 20. Assemble in George Square at 11am.

There are also marches in London and Belfast .

Please tweet and Facebook reasons why you're marching and encourage everyone who supports a better way and who opposes the cuts to join the march. Use the hashtag #SCOct20

Full march details are on the STUC website.



*Aberdeen bus, updated info: UNISON Aberdeen – Coach for Unison members and families

Bus 1     – Depart Inverurie @ 6.30am

 – Pick up in Aberdeen, Skene Street behind HMT @ 7am

 – Pick up at Stonehaven Square @ 7.30am

 – Glasgow

Bus 2     – Depart Aberdeen, Skene Street behind HMT @ 7am

 – Pick up at Orchardbank Business Park near Forfar at Megabus stop @ 8.15am

 – Glasgow

Organiser For further information and to book seats contact UNISON Aberdeen on 01224 620624


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Unions sign People's Charter to protect and improve public services

Thursday 11 October 2012

Two main public service unions today called on the Scottish government to fulfil the aspirations of the People's Charter - a six point manifesto to create a fairer society.

The Scottish leaders of PCS and UNISON, Mike Kirby and Lynn Henderson, are asking union members to sign an online petition committing the Scottish government to protect and improve public services - not cut them back.

Scottish Secretary of UNISON Mike Kirby said:

"UNISON is supporting the People’s Charter in Scotland as part of our work to build the case for the alternative to austerity.

"These are six simple demands which will result in a fairer society. It couldn't be easier: we want a fair economy, more and better jobs, decent homes for all, improvements to public services instead of cuts, fairness and justice for everyone - including at work - and a secure sustainable future. What's not to like about that?

"The People's Charter sits alongside campaigns like our own Public Works and the STUC’s There is A Better Way.

"In the build up to the STUC march against austerity in Glasgow on Saturday 20 October we're taking this message out to members and potential members - austerity isn’t working, the cuts are not necessary - and we want A Future That Works."

PCS Scottish Secretary Lynn Henderson said:

"PCS Scotland fully supports the People’s Charter and in this week of the Tory Party conference it particularly hits home how vital it is that we stand up for public services in the face of the cuts agenda. 

"Listening to government minister after government minister attack the poor, denigrate the public sector and slash budgets brings back memories of the 1980s and the worst of Thatcherism. 

"The Scottish people value public services and the workers who provide them.

"There is an alternative to austerity, and getting behind the People’s Charter sends a clear message that we will never accept the Tory onslaught against public services."

ends

Notes for Editors:

1. A petition has been launched through the Scottish Parliament website urging the Scottish Government "to bring forward measures in all areas it has competency to fulfil the aspirations of the People’s Charter”".

People can sign the petition at www.scottish.parliament.uk/GettingInvolved/Petitions/peoplescharter

See the People's Charter Scotland website www.peoplescharterscotland.org for more information.

2. The People's Charter sets out six key steps for a move away from austerity to a more just, equitable society:

1. A fair economy for a fairer Britain

2. More and better jobs

3. Decent homes for all

4. Protect and improve our public services – no cuts

5. Fairness and Justice

6. Build a secure and sustainable future for all

The Charter has been endorsed by the TUC, the STUC and most major unions, many MPs and MSPs, as well as thousands of individuals.

3. The UNISON Scotland website People's Charter page is here

www.unison-scotland.org.uk/peoplescharter

4. STUC march and rally in Glasgow on Saturday 20 October for A Future That Works

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#SCOct20 UNISON: Cameron offers no hope for millions struggling to find jobs

10 Oct 2012

Cameron blames everyone but his own party

Commenting on David Cameron’s speech to the Conservative Party Conference today, Dave Prentis General Secretary of UNISON, said:

“David Cameron’s speech was full of typical Tory knockabout rhetoric – but sadly not as amusing as his nemesis Boris Johnson. He blamed everyone but himself and the failed Tory no-hope austerity agenda that is dragging this country down.

“His speech may get applause in the Birmingham Tory bubble but back in the real world he had no vision, no hope for the millions of people struggling to find jobs where there are none. His claims of job creation by the private sector are over-inflated by jobs transferred out of public services.

“And his claims that new businesses are springing up across the country simply ignore the shattered dreams and hopes of those forced to shut up shop or make staff redundant. With so many jobs under threat people have no confidence to go out and spend.”


UNISON UK website story here.

The speech is one more reason to march in Glasgow for the STUC A Future that Works event
Sat Oct 20 #SCOct20


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#StrongerTogether in UNISON - spotted our Adtrailer in Glasgow?

9 October 2012

UNISON's Adtrailer is in Glasgow this week. Have you spotted it? Or any of our bus, bus shelter and phone box advertising?

The ads are backing up our recruitment campaign Stronger Together in UNISON.

Send us pictures if you see the ads out there? And help us encourage people to #joinUNISON and to march in Glasgow on Sat 20 October. #SCOct20.

Recruitment activity is taking place across Scotland. Here's a  couple of pictures from our event at Scottish Water in Glasgow yesterday.

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#StrongerTogether in UNISON - autumn recruitment campaign launched

4 Oct 2012 

UNISON has launched a recruitment campaign highlighting the many benefits to members of being part of Scotland’s largest union.

The message is that members will be ‘Stronger Together in UNISON’, that union membership helps ensure people get a fair deal at work, that their rights are protected and that they have a voice in the workplace.

Branches nationwide are taking part in the autumn campaign with a range of local events and activities, supported by some targeted Stronger Together advertising on billboards, buses and in railway stations.

UNISON Scotland Convener Lilian Macer launched the campaign in Glasgow.

Sitting at the wheel of a taxi emblazoned with one of the adverts, she said: “Times are really tough for so many people in Scotland just now with attacks on jobs, pay, pensions and terms and conditions.

“It is more important than ever to have the backup of a strong union and UNISON delivers for its members.

“Our message is that there is no need to face these situations alone. We fight on members’ behalf to ensure they get the best deal from employers. And research shows that there is a union premium, with average earnings as much as 10 per cent higher in unionised workplaces.”

Branches will use blogs, Facebook, Twitter and other social media to provide updates and the campaign will also be urging all members, new recruits and everyone who wants A Future That Works to join the STUC march and rally in Glasgow on Sat October 20.

Suggested hashtags include #strongertogether #joinunison and the STUC's #SCOct20.

Materials for the recruitment campaign are on the UNISON Scotland website here. 

Full details of the Oct 20 march and rally in Glasgow are here.

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Raise your banners for A Future That Works in George Square 20 October

@ScottishTUC #SCOct20 http://bit.ly/O2HIqv
The labour movement will return triumphantly to George Square on October 20

Following protracted negotiations and helpful interventions from elected councillors we are now able to say with confidence that George Square will not be considered a no-go zone for peaceful protest in the future.

Assemble at 11.00am to hear a range of speeches before marching to Glasgow Green with your banners waving! The rally at Glasgow Green will feature speeches, music (original compositions on the theme of social justice from Scottish Schools) and projected scenes from the London march and rally.

From STUC Oct 20 page website http://www.stuc.org.uk/20-oct

Coalition has 'declared war on our people' Prentis tells TUC - UNISON UK release

Monday 10 September 2012

Today UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis told the TUC Congress that now was the ‘time for action’ to end the government’s damaging austerity measures.

He addressed Congress to make the case for– ‘A future that works’ – urging the TUC to renew its fight aginst the government’s unwelcome and failing austerity agenda, and promising coordinated action if they refuse.

He said that the 20 October Demonstration must be a ‘launch pad’ for an organised, united campaign against austerity.

Saying the coalition had ‘declared war on our people’ through the pay freeze, pushing workers closer and closer to economic oblivion while the rich remain untouched, he added that industrial action would be the inevitable response that if the government refuses to bring an end to austerity.

The full speech can be found below:

“At the start I want to pay tribute, like Brendan, to the fantastic athletes who made the Olympics so successful and the volunteers, but Congress I also want to pay tribute to the 80,000 women, men and children in the Olympic stadium who showed George Osborne exactly what they thought of him.

“The day George Osborne was rumbled and the crowd who spoke for all of us weren’t booing pantomime villains, but real life villains who are destroying Britain.

“Tory Britain; an economy in crisis; the longest recession for 50 years; 625 public service jobs gone every single day of this coalition – and more to come; the worst child poverty record of any government for a generation.

“A Britain where last week Save The Children, an international charity, launched an appeal to help UK families plunged into poverty by cuts and recession. Stories of kids going without hot meals, winter clothes, missing out on school trips. Working families struggling with rocketing prices, plummeting pay.

“An Oxfam report warning of inequality in Britain not seen since Victorian times – heart rending stories that shame this government and anyone who supports it.

“And in Britain – walk down any high street, open any newspaper, turn on the TV, legalised loan sharks offering pay-day loans, interest rates reaching 4000%. An industry that is now worth £2bn a year, and six in ten using money to pay their household bills or to buy essentials, trapping families in a downward spiral of debt and despair.

“Our people. Our kids.

“The cost of food going up again by another 10%, the cost of gas and electric rising even more. We know, Congress, that it takes just a £50 increase in monthly outgoings, and that would plunge one third of families into financial ruin.

“Britain is changing beyond recognition.

“Employment rights are under attack, sacking workers to be made easier than ever before.  Britain where ‘sit alone’ judges –not tribunals – decide unfair dismissal claims; where ‘zero hours’ contracts are all the norm.

“A world where bankers with no shame are now speculating on food prices as millions face starvation. 

“Britain where everything is up for sale: our NHS, our care services, our education services – essential services being privatised.

“£27bn of contracts are to be signed in the coming year alone – despite the scandals, despite the failures. A4E; Southern Cross; G4S; ATOL and its discredited benefits tests; and failed council contracts.

“And the Tories, the Tories, with no road to recovery, know their policies aren’t working, and are using austerity, the recession to destroy our public services, to destroy our welfare state. Without austerity, they couldn’t privatise our NHS, privatise policing, close libraries, attack the hard-won rights of working people.

“A coalition which has declared war on our people – our people facing a third year of pay freeze. Living standards slashed, while the rich and the powerful remain untouched.

“And congress this is the point: it is our job to lead the fight back. To protect our heritage. To defend that fairer society that those who went before us fought for. To fight for a future that works. To ensure that 20 October is the biggest anti-cuts demonstration in our history. A day that will give hope to our people, hope for a better, fairer society.

“And the 20 October has to be more – much more than just a march. It must be a launch pad for our campaign against austerity. After that day we must march on, united, coordinated.

“The Tory posh boys think our members are afraid – afraid of losing their jobs, afraid of asking for better pay. But it’s our job as leaders, as trade unionists, to raise them up, and to show our members what they are really worth.

“And as a TUC we must be out there campaigning, organising, building a movement, building alliances of all unions.

“We are never stronger than when we coordinate industrial action, when we speak with one voice. Yes, we will seek decent pay, fair pay. Yes, we will negotiate – that is what our membership expect us to do.

“But make no mistake, if employers refuse to negotiate; if the attacks continue – we will deliver the coordinated action which is called for in this composite.

“Now is the time for action."

ends


News release from UNISON UK
http://www.unison.org.uk/asppresspack/pressrelease_view.asp?id=2806


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