Council loses bid to block games bonus row protests

UNISON has successfully defended a Glasgow City council bid to win a court order to block a Commonwealth Games pay protests - in workers' own time - at the city chambers.

The protests related to council company Glasgow Life's refusal to pay enhancements whereas workers in the council, other council run companies and the city’s transport companies will be paid enhanced rates and specific payments for working more hours during the Games.

UNISON Scottish Secretary Mike Kirby said: "The judge has ruled that the council and Glasgow Life were wrong in their view that UNISON members were acting outside the law.

"People have a right to peaceful protest in their own time. We'd call on Glasgow Life and the council to work with the trade union to address the underlying issues rather than spending money in the courts."

See the story in the Herald at http://www.heraldscotland.com/mobile/sport/commonwealth-games/cwg-news/council-legal-threat-to-block-games-bonus-row-protests.24826754

All workers deserve a fair deal for Commonwealth Games, says UNISON

Trade union members in Glasgow’s Sports Centres and Museums are in dispute with their employer Glasgow Life, a company run by Glasgow City Council. The dispute is over payments for working during the Commonwealth Games.

Workers in Glasgow City Council, other council run companies and the city’s transport companies will be paid enhanced rates and specific payments for working more hours during the Games.

However, workers in the city’s Sports Centres and Museums will receive only their basic pay rate for any additional hours they work. Many workers are already on a low income, and many have had shift changes forced on them without their agreement. And many have also had their annual leave curtailed during school holidays.

Brian Smith, UNISON’s City of Glasgow branch secretary, said, ‘Glasgow Life workers are working hard to make Glasgow Commonwealth Games a success. We want these games to succeed just like everyone else. But these workers earn an average of £16,500 per year. These are the people who are working hard to deliver the Commonwealth Games but can’t afford tickets to go. They deserve fair treatment.’

Glasgow Life staff ballot on strike action after Commonwealth talks break down

Glasgow Life must stop treating staff as a second class workforce, says UNISON, as it calls for a fair deal for those working during the Commonwealth Games.

In contrast to other organisations, Glasgow Life has offered no enhancements for working overtime and has altered some workers shifts without agreement. UNISON believes that Glasgow Life workers who work overtime should be afforded the same deal as other council workers.

£16,000 compensation for UNISON member who fell down lift shaft at work

16 Jan 2013

Trade union solicitors Thompsons has secured damages totalling £16,000 for a UNISON member who suffered a serious trauma at work. Irene Turnbull was left with physical and psychological damage after falling down a lift shaft which she believed to be a cupboard.

In July 2009 Mrs Turnbull was tasked with showing a maintenance man around the Mitchell Library where she worked as a venue officer. Her employers Culture and Sport Glasgow had supplied her with a building map which indicated where she was to take the maintenance man and included what was clearly marked as a cupboard.

Mrs Turnbull opened what she believed to be the cupboard door, and as she reached forward to turn on the light she fell down what was actually a lift shaft.

Mrs Turnbull sustained a radial fracture and injuries to her lower back and right hip. As well as this there was significant psychological suffering due to the nature of the accident including anxiety and adjustment disorder.

As a Unison member Mrs Turnbull was entitled to the legal services of Thompsons at no cost and they raised the claim on the member’s behalf.

Mrs Turnbull said: “I was very happy with the service I received from Thompsons and was pleased with the outcome. This is the first time I’ve had an accident at work and the whole experience was very traumatic. Having someone who could help make this easier was a huge relief.”

In this case liability was not disputed but the insurers made a pre litigation offer of only £6,000. Thompsons were able to negotiate a further £10,000 on top of this. Anne Marie Harbison, who represented Mrs Turnbull said: “This was a horrible experience for the client which will have a lasting affect on her, long after the physical injuries heal. This has been reflected in the damages awarded and I’m pleased we were able to argue successfully for this on behalf on Mrs Turnbull.” 

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15,000 of the 'real big society' brave the rain to say 'Put People First'

15,000 hardy souls braved torrential rain to demonstrate in Glasgow on 1 October to demand the Government 'puts people first' through a redistribution of wealth across Scotland through fair taxes and living wage jobs and protection for the hardest hit through decent services and fair benefits.

Faith, equality, anti-poverty and trade union groups across Scotland came together to campaign for the alternative to cuts and to say 'there is a better way'.

Ex government minister and veteran campaigner Tony Benn addressed the rally and slammed the excesses of the bankers while working people were being forced to 'pay the cost'.

Calling for 'dignity' for working people, Tony praised the spirit of the march and rally. With that spirit and with so many young people turning out, Tony told the rally 'We will win!".

UNISON Scottish Secretary Mike Kirby, this year's STUC President, praised the trade unions, community groups, faith groups and wider public who had braved the rain to turn out in their thousands. "You are the real big Society", Mike told them.

More photos on the website at http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/publicworks/1oct.html

Unions step up action at culture and sports body over Glasgow Fair weekend

Unions campaigning for fair pay and conditions at culture and sport body Glasgow Life will step up selective strike action over the weekend and build to an all out strike day on Glasgow Fair Monday.

Three of Glasgow's best known attractions, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the Gallery of Modern Art and the People's Palace museum will be targeted for strike action on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 July.

And unions will call all Glasgow Life members out on a full day of strike action on Glasgow Fair Monday 19 July.

Sam Macartney, Service Conditions Officer for Glasgow UNISON said: "The message to Glasgow Life is clear - our members are calling for a fair deal over this Glasgow Fair weekend.

"UNISON along with the other Glasgow Life unions - Unite, GMB and BECTU - opposes Glasgow Life's unfair 10% pay cut for 150 workers and pay freeze for all other staff; and we want to protect existing conditions, including public holiday arrangements and overtime rates.

"We know that the people of Glasgow support us in this fight for a fair deal. Glasgow citizens know that our members provide an excellent service for the city, delivering the culture, leisure and sports services which they value. We believe that the people of Glasgow want their culture and leisure organisation to pay fair and play fair."

UNISON has criticised Glasgow Life management for breaching employment regulations by encouraging third party agencies to cross lawful picket lines in "desperate attempts" to break successful strike actions over recent weeks.

Sam Macartney said: "Our members have faced obstruction and hassle from third parties which management have hired. These unwanted intruders backed off when we started videoing their unacceptable behaviour. We believe the people of Glasgow do not want such actions to force unfair pay cuts and poorer conditions on the workers who provide them with much-valued services."

Glasgow culture services strike will hit city centre venues this weekend

Date: Fri 2 July 2010



Glasgow's Gallery of Modern Art and the People's Palace museum will be targeted for strike action this weekend as UNISON and other unions fight cuts in pay and terms of employment by Glasgow Life.

The Gallery of Modern Art will be picketed on Saturday and Sunday, while the People's Palace on Glasgow Green will be targeted on Sunday.*

Sam Macartney, Service Conditions Officer for Glasgow UNISON said:
"Our members provide an excellent service for the city of Glasgow and its people and we believe the people of Glasgow support us in our campaign to have fair pay and conditions.
"We are expecting another effective strike at two of the city's most prestigious venues. UNISON along with the other Glasgow Life unions - Unite, GMB and BECTU - is committed to defend the pay and conditions of our members."

Further targeted strike action is planned by the unions in the coming week.

ends


* The People's Palace is scheduled to be closed on Saturday for other reasons relating to parades in the area.


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Glasgow UNISON warns employers over 'desperate' action to break solid strikes

Solid trade union action over the weekend successfully shut down the high profile Glasgow Boys exhibition at Kelvingrove Art Gallery despite 'desperate' attempts by the city's leisure agency to break the strike, the local UNISON branch has stated.

The branch has warned that unions will report the employer for breach of regulations in such cases.

Brian Smith, Secretary of Glasgow UNISON said: "The high profile Glasgow Boys exhibition at Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery was shut down by our rock solid strike, and remained closed all weekend.

"However, we believe that Culture and Sport Glasgow may have been engaged in a desperate attempt to undermine the perfectly lawful and highly effective industrial action by all unions. Activists have reported that a small number of agency workers were encouraged by management to cross official picket lines and work at the Kelvingrove Museum.

"This is unacceptable behaviour, and we will report the employer for breach of regulations in such cases."

Brian Smith said: "UNISON believes that Culture and Sport Glasgow - now 'rebranded' as Glasgow Life - would be better spending more effort trying to resolve the dispute with its own workforce than trying to persuade others to intervene in such an unacceptable manner."

Further targeted strike action is planned by the unions in the coming week.

ends

Notes for editors:

1. It is unlawful for an employment business to help an employer try to break a strike by supplying blackleg labour (Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003). An offender may be prosecuted by the Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate (EAS) — part of the UK Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). In addition, any person who suffers loss as a result of an infringement may sue the offender for compensation.

2. UNISON, Unite, GMB and BECTU members who work for Culture and Sport Glasgow (Glasgow Life) are engaged in industrial action to oppose a 10% pay cut for 150 workers and a pay freeze for all other staff; and to protect existing conditions, including public holiday arrangements and overtime rates.

3. Further targeted actions will take place over the next week at the People's Palace and the Gallery of Modern Art (Sat 3 and Sun 4 July) and at Scotstoun Stadium where the UK Super 8 athletics championships are being held (Wed 7 July). Another all out one day strike is also planned if no progress is made with the Culture Sport management.

Glasgow culture and leisure staff target strike action on Kelvingrove

Date: 24 June 2010

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum will be the focus of strike action this weekend in the ongoing pay and conditions dispute at Culture and Sport Glasgow.

UNISON, Unite, GMB and BECTU members are targeting the premier Glasgow visitor attraction with a two day strike on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 June.

The popular Glasgow Boys exhibition is currently at Kelvingrove and will be affected by the weekend action.

Brian Smith, Glasgow UNISON branch secretary, said: “This dispute is because Culture and Sport Glasgow is attacking our members’ pay and conditions.

“People from Glasgow, across Scotland and around the world enjoy the culture and leisure facilities in the city.

“We believe they deserve quality services and our ongoing action is to defend these services.”

Trade union membership has risen in Culture and Sport Glasgow since the start of the dispute.

More than 150 workers face a pay cut of up to 10%, due to changes in sports facilities opening hours. Members are also opposing a pay freeze for all other staff and are fighting to protect existing conditions, including public holiday arrangements and overtime rates.

Brian added: “Culture and Sport Glasgow should be focusing on resolving these issues and not wasting thousands of pounds on new signage, paper and uniforms to rebrand as Glasgow Life.”



ENDS


Notes for Editors:

1. Strikers will be picketing at Kelvingrove from 7am on Saturday and Sunday. UNISON members will be available there for interview.

2. Further targeted action will take place in coming weeks at the People’s Palace, the Gallery of Modern Art and at Scotstoun Stadium, where the UK Super 8 Athletics Championships are being held.

3. Another all out one day strike is also planned if no progress is made with the Culture and Sport management.


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Unions call in Health & Safety Executive in Glasgow pay strike

Unions today questioned health and safety arrangements at a major UK swimming event being targeted by strike action.

Members of UNISON, Unite and GMB are on strike for three days, from today to Sunday 20 June, at Tollcross Centre in Glasgow where the UK Swimming Masters event is being held.

Glasgow branch secretary Brian Smith said today that the unions have contacted the Health & Safety Executive.

He said: “Our strike is rock solid. The only Culture and Sport staff on site are managers. We think they are getting help to run the event from volunteers from the Scottish Swimming organisation.

“However, we have serious concerns that these managers, and the volunteers, have not had the necessary health and safety training specific to this building.”

Today’s targeted action follows a series of successful one day strikes.

Brian added: “The people of Glasgow want properly funded public services, and fair pay for public service workers.

“We are fighting to protect the wages of over 150 workers at Culture and Sport Glasgow who are facing a pay cut of up to 10% due to the changes in sports facilities opening hours.

“We want Culture and Sport Glasgow to offer an acceptable 2010/11 pay rise to all its workers. CSG is the only organisation within the 'Glasgow City Council Family' that has adopted a pay freeze for the current year.”

The unions are also seeking to protect existing conditions including public holiday arrangements and overtime rates.

Brian Smith said:

“Our campaign for fair pay and conditions is attracting increasing support. Trade union membership has actually risen in Culture Sport Glasgow since the dispute began. More and more workers are joining the action despite the propaganda being put out by Culture Sport Glasgow.”

Further targeted actions will take place over the next few weeks at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the People's Palace, the Gallery of Modern Art and at Scotstoun Stadium where the UK Super 8 athletics championships are being held. Another all out one day strike is also planned if no progress is made with the Culture Sport management.


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UNISON members to strike against pay cuts at Culture Sport Glasgow

Date: Wednesday 26 May 2010


UNISON workers in libraries, sports centres, museums and community centres across Glasgow will take strike action on Friday 28 and Monday 31 May in a dispute over wage cuts.

Unions at Culture Sport Glasgow (CSG) are fighting a 10% wage cut for 150 workers, a pay freeze for all other staff and cuts in public holidays and overtime rates.

UNISON Glasgow Branch Secretary Brian Smith said: “Our members provide culture and sport services across Glasgow, and we want to defend the quality services which the people of Glasgow deserve. Along with the other unions, Unite, GMB and BECTU, we have tried to persuade Culture Sport Glasgow not to carry out these attacks. Whilst we recognise the wide disruption that this strike action will cause, we have been left with no option.”

Glasgow UNISON is calling on people to support their case by sending protest emails to Bridget McConnell, CSG Chief Executive at info@csglasgow.org and to Glasgow City Councillor Liz Cameron, Chair CSG Board at liz.cameron@councillors.glasgow.gov.uk.

Messages of support to the strikers should be sent to enquiries@glasgowcityunison.co.uk

Brian Smith said: “CSG was established at ‘arms length’ from Glasgow City Council to obtain a tax advantage, to draw in private money and grants from charitable trusts. It has failed to live up to the promise. Ultimately the standard of service which the public will receive in their libraries, sports centres and community centres will be affected if workers wages and conditions are cut.”

Brian Smith said: “Public services workers, many low paid, should not have to pay for the failures of CSG and Glasgow City Council. Working people in general should not be asked to pay for the bail out of the banks and the mistakes of the bankers. It is important that all trade unionists and working people stand together at this time.”

ends

For Further Information Contact:

Brian Smith (Glasgow Branch Secretary) 07870 914 361 (m) 0141 552 7069 (o)

Sam Macartney (Glasgow Branch Service Conditions) 0780 3952 264 (m)


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Glasgow culture and leisure staff step up action

Date: Fri 14 May 2010

Two further days of strike action are planned this month at Culture and Sport Glasgow as staff step up their pay dispute.

Staff will also begin an overtime ban from the 21st of May.

Culture and Sport Glasgow (CSG) The arms length company set up by Glasgow City Council intend to cut the pay of some staff and institute a pay freeze for the rest. There are also cuts planned in Public holidays and overtime rates.

In a message to CSG UNISON members Glasgow City Branch Secretary Brian Smith said:

“All the trade unions in CSG are united in their opposition to these attacks on their members pay and conditions. We have tried to negotiate with CSG, but we have been left with no option other than to use strike action in an effort to defend ourselves.

Our members provide culture and sport services across Glasgow and we take no pleasure in the wide disruption that strike action will cause.

CSG was established at “arms length” from Glasgow City Council to obtain a tax advantage, to draw in private money and grants from charitable trusts. It has failed to live up to the promise.

Staff at Culture and Sport Glasgow, many of them low paid, should not have to pay for the failures of CSG and Glasgow City Council. And working people in general should not be asked to pay for the bail out of the banks and the mistakes of bankers. It is important that all trade unionists and working people stand together at this time.

Ultimately the standard of service which the public will receive in their libraries, sports centres and community centres will be affected if workers wages and conditions are cut.”


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