UNISON response to North Lanarkshire Council job cuts announcement

Thursday 22 October 2015

John Young, UNISON North Lanarkshire Council steward said,
“This is devastating for everyone living in North Lanarkshire and once again it is the low paid and vulnerable, including children, elderly and disabled people who will be the worst affected.  North Lanarkshire Council are proposing to cut 10% of the workforce which will cause chaos in our vital public services; £26m will be cut from the local economy; and at least 600 jobs are under threat of privatisation which we will oppose.

UNISON will work with the council to fight every job loss. The Scottish Government has promised no compulsory redundancies and at very least we will expect them to stick to that, so far we have not had any guarantees.

We understand it’s a difficult time and Scottish councils are being hit by the UK Government austerity and the Scottish Government’s council tax freeze. However they can do more to mitigate the impact of these cuts like borrow at record low interest rates, refinance, use reserves, reform taxation, and make better use of pension funds. 

UNISON will campaign to end austerity and increase funding from the Scottish Government and fight for all our members who are affected. We will be consulting our members in the next week or so and taking the campaign into communities to discuss the consequences of these cuts on people living in North Lanarkshire.’

North Lanarkshire Council are treating low paid women workers with contempt, says UNISON

UNISON, the trade union representing the equal pay claims of low paid women workers in North Lanarkshire, have reacted with utter disbelief to today’s statement released by North Lanarkshire Council regarding Equal Pay of low paid women workers

Low paid women workers, represented by UNISON, have been fighting for over six years for fair pay.

North Lanarkshire Council eventually conceded at an equal pay tribunal in March 2014 that it had wrongly scored the jobs of thousands of low paid women employees. Many hundreds of low paid women are still waiting for compensation.

'Pay up now' - UNISON demands North Lanarkshire council stops stalling on equal pay claims

Date: Friday 23 May 2014

UNISON Branch to take to streets to pressure council into fairness

UNISON North Lanarkshire is stepping up the pressure on North Lanarkshire Council in the union’s long running campaign to end the unfair treatment of low paid women. UNISON is demanding the Council settle their many outstanding equal pay claims. As well as continuing to use  internal council procedures UNISON is planning to campaign publicly with  leaflets and ad trailers.

The Council has conceded that many of the 1200 equal pay claims that UNISON has brought will be settled.  The Council has had little choice in this after admitting that it had destroyed records, altered results of assessments, and its job evaluations were not reliable

John Mooney, UNISON Branch Secretary said:

“NLC cannot continue to dodge the issue of equal pay. We have been clear all along that the Employment Tribunal claims we have lodged will prove to be successful. We call on NLC to do the right thing and settle all cases now. For an employer to purposely change job scores which lowered pay rates and to admit that they have destroyed the paperwork is astonishing and UNISON demand to know who sanctioned such disgusting behaviour.”

One of the predominant groups affected are Home Support Workers and Mooney said:

 “Home Support Workers receive poor pay for doing an extremely demanding and responsible job. They are charged with looking after our elderly and vulnerable people, but who has looked out for them? Certainly not NLC who deliberately paid lower wages than these workers deserved. 

Home Support Workers have died waiting for the Council to give them what they should rightfully have earned. UNISON has again asked the Council to hear the grievances of this group of workers and settle the matter once and for all.” 

“Despite owning up to deliberately keeping low paid workers on low pay with no justification. North Lanarkshire Council remain at Employment Tribunal spending thousands of pounds of Council Tax tax payers money defending their actions. The Council needs to face up to its responsibility to its workforce and the people of North Lanarkshire and end this charade now” 

UNISON challenges North Lanarkshire Council over damaging cuts

Tue 15 Jan 2013

Local government union UNISON today challenged councillors in North Lanarkshire to get round the table for talks about their damaging cuts proposals.

The council has been trailing a £73 million package of cuts to vital services – with up to 1400 jobs under threat – but postponed a decision in December following a well attended rally called by UNISON in opposition to the plans. UNISON today described the council’s recent consultation exercise on the cuts as “a sham”.

Mike Kirby, UNISON’s Scottish Secretary, said:

“I joined up with our local branch in North Lanarkshire at the rally in December to demand that the council open up a dialogue with us – because we realise just how damaging that £73 million cuts package they have been planning will be to our communities, our services and the local economy.

“In the continued absence of any meaningful consultation from the council and amid the increasing concerns of the workforce we are asking why the jobs and services should go if the need still exists?”

With just over a month until North Lanarkshire Council must set a budget, John Mooney, UNISON’s local Branch Secretary is calling on the council’s Chief Executive to provide information on the final package of cuts.

John Mooney said:

“Our members are calling our office on a daily basis asking their union for more information on the cuts. With just over a month before the council’s budget day, it’s imperative that we know the details – and that we have the opportunity to discuss alternatives with the council.

“Most importantly, we want to know if there are any other cuts being planned following the sham of a consultation process which took place.”

Mike Kirby reinforced the pledge made in December that if North Lanarkshire Council or any other local authority uses compulsory redundancies to achieve cuts to vital jobs and services, UNISON would ballot for industrial action.

Mike Kirby said:

“The cuts we are facing here and across the UK are not about money but about politics. A politics that hates public services and loves to profit from privatisation. We are calling on our public representatives to engage in a different and better course of action to protect the public services on which we all rely.”

ENDS

.

North Lanarkshire council must use £73m cuts decision delay to talk with unions

14 Dec 2012

UNISON’s North Lanarkshire branch today welcomed a delay until the new year on a decision on £73m of cuts that would “destroy the social fabric” of the area, but said the council must use the time for urgent talks with trade unions.

Branch Secretary John Mooney said: "Although we welcome this delay which UNISON has been calling for, it is vital that this time is used by the Council to fully engage the trade unions in meaningful dialogue around these cuts.

"Our stewards across the authority have been frustrated by the lack of information and involvement in the process, especially about the proposed saving suggestions for 2013/14 which, if accepted, would be implemented from April.

"The proposals for cuts to services and jobs need to be looked at. They would destroy the social fabric of North Lanarkshire if accepted. UNISON is urging the Council to use this delay to look again at the proposals and involve the trade unions in discussions.

“We had fantastic community support last week for our rally against the cuts, with people protesting in dreadful winter conditions. Councillors must listen to those whose services and jobs are at risk.”

UNISON Scottish Secretary Mike Kirby said: "Councils are being placed in this position as a result of decisions of the Westminster and Scottish Governments.

"The cuts across the UK are not about austerity measures to meet an economic problem, but about politics - a politics that hates public services and loves to profit from privatisation.

"If North Lanarkshire Council, or any other council, moves to any form of compulsory redundancies, UNISON will consult on industrial action."

See reports on the decision to delay on websites at STV and The Herald.

See blog about last week's rally.

.

Rally at North Lanarkshire Council: Videos - & STV report: 'Grim reapers' in protest at £73m cuts

6 Dec 2012

Great speeches today at the rally in Motherwell against £73m worth of cuts being proposed by North Lanarkshire Council.

You can watch speeches here by UNISON's North Lanarkshire Branch Secretary John Mooney, UNISON's Scottish Secretary Mike Kirby, Marie Quigley, Chair of North Lanarkshire UNISON, and John Milligan, Secretary of North Lanarkshire Trades Council.

Three 'grim reapers' were also in attendance and local community campaign groups also supported the demonstration. STV reported today:

'Grim reapers' in protest at £73m cuts by North Lanarkshire Council

More than 100 protesters have gathered in North Lanarkshire to protest at planned council cuts.

Trade union members from Unison and Unite were joined by other supporters outside North Lanarkshire

Council’s headquarters in Motherwell to show their anger at planned cuts of at least £73m.

Some members of Unison dressed as the grim reaper to highlight their cause.

Protesters gathered at lunch time and heard a number of speeches from union officials, including one from Mike Kirby, the Scottish Secretary of Unison.

After the protest, he said: “I think, in such appalling weather, this was an illustration of the determination of trade union members in North Lanarkshire Council, and supporters from the local community who understand what a devastating impact of these cuts could make.

“Hopefully, we can work with you (the council) but if you move towards compulsory redundancy then we will look at balloting for industrial action.

“This determination we have seen today has been reflected at communities across Scotland. As the councils focus on budgets for next year, people are saying we have had enough.”

One of the groups who offered support to the union was the Save Abronhill High School group, who are fighting to save the Cumbernauld school made famous by the movie Gregory’s Girl.

The proposed closure of the school, with pupils joining those at Cumbernauld High ahead of a new school being built, is one cut being considered by councillors in an effort to save more than £1m a year.

Read the full STV report here


.

UNISON warns against cuts in North Lanarkshire - why should jobs and services go if the need still exists?

30 Nov 2012

Statement in support of UNISON North Lanarkshire branch rally by

Mike Kirby, UNISON Scottish Secretary

"North Lanarkshire Council has announced proposals for cutting £73.3 million from their budget - the deepest cut in the history of the Council. It is clear from the areas that they are looking at that their plans could have a major effect on our members, their jobs and importantly the services provided to vulnerable sections of the community.

"The employees identified for potential redundancies are the very employees who the Council thanked for assisting in the delivery of the previous £55 million cuts package. The Council say they are still committed to improving services and ‘motivating’ staff.

"Local authorities continue to see their budgets squeezed, while demand for services is steadily rising. As part of these challenges, finances and welfare reform are two big issues facing all local authorities.

"The cuts we are facing, in Lanarkshire and across the UK, are not about austerity measures to meet an economic problem, but about politics. A politics that hates public services and loves to profit from privatisation. A politics that sees a workforce engaged in caring and educating not as an achievement to be celebrated but as a problem to be tackled.

"Why should the jobs and services go if the need still exists?

"The Scottish Government allocation has severely constrained local authorities. However the Scottish Government does have a choice - it may be a difficult choice, it may be a very expensive choice, but it is their choice nonetheless, and it could remove the council tax freeze.

"If the council moves to any form of compulsory redundancies, UNISON will consult on industrial action."

Mike Kirby will be speaking at the UNISON North Lanarkshire rally on Thursday 6 December

ENDS

Please go to www.unisonnorthlanarkshire.co.uk for campaign updates

.

STV- Union warns of council strike action over compulsory redundancies

30 Nov 2012

STV reported last night about the campaign against £73m worth of cuts by North Lanarkshire council, and the rally planned for Thursday, December 6.

The report said:

The Scottish Secretary of Unison has warned his union will consider industrial action at councils across Scotland if any compulsory redundancies are made in planned cuts.

Mike Kirby made the comments as his union and Unite plan to protest on December 6 outside North Lanarkshire Council’s headquarters in Motherwell Civic Centre. Members of the GMB union have also been invited to take part in the action.

Unison has confirmed some of its members will dress up as the grim reaper to highlight their opposition to planned cuts of £73m at the local authority.

Mr Kirby said: “North Lanarkshire Council has announced their proposals for cutting £73.3m from their budget and it is clear from the areas that they are looking at that their plans could have a major effect on our members, their jobs and importantly the services provided to vulnerable sections of the community.

“Local authorities continue to see their budgets squeezed, while demand for services is steadily rising. As part of these challenges, finances and welfare reform are two big issues facing all local authorities.

“The cuts we are facing, in Lanarkshire and across the UK, are not about austerity measures to meet an economic problem, but about politics. A politics that hates public services and loves to profit from privatisation.

“The Scottish Government does have a choice - it may be a difficult choice, it may be a very expensive choice, but is their choice nonetheless, and it could remove the council tax freeze.

“If the council moves to any form of compulsory redundancies, Unison will consult on industrial action.”

Full report at http://news.stv.tv/scotland/203273-union-chief-warns-of-strikes-if-compulsory-redundancies-are-made-at-council/

.

Recruiting in North Lanarkshire - #StrongerTogether in @unisonscot - #joinUNISON

Busy at a stall at North Lanarkshire's education headquarters, in Kildonan Street, Coatbridge.

And on the stall - get a free mug if you are successful in recruiting a new member

#StrongerTogether in @unisonscot - Adtrailer in Motherwell #joinUNISON

22 Oct 2012

Here's the Adtrailer at Dalziel House in Motherwell.

North Lanarkshire branch are out and about recruiting.

Keep the pictures coming in!







.

#StrongerTogether in @unisonscot - bus ads at Wishaw General today

22 Oct 2012

Buses with UNISON's Stronger Together recruitment campaign ads were at Wishaw General today.

Lanarkshire Health branch were busy recruiting.



The Adtrailer was also there - as part of recruitment events across Lanarkshire continuing this week.

Do send in pictures and if using Twitter use the #StrongerTogether & #joinUNISON hashtags.

.

#StrongerTogether in @unisonscot - Lanarkshire branches launch recruitment campaign

Convener Lilian Macer and Vice Convener Stephen Smellie joined branch colleagues in Lanarkshire for a rainy launch yesterday of the Stronger Together in UNISON local bus adverts.

Send in pics and other info about your recruitment activity and we'll get them online.

.

UNISON members horrified by attack from SNP minister Alex Neil

Mon 23 January 2012

SNP government minister Alex Neil has caused a storm of anger amongst UNISON members after claiming that North Lanarkshire Council was “not fit for purpose” in his weekly blog on a newspaper website and further comments in The Herald on Saturday.

In a direct attack on council workers, Neil stated that council departments were “bloated with staff”, accused workers of “badgering” residents, “refusing to help” people and being “overly bureaucratic”.

UNISON North Lanarkshire branch secretary Chris Armstrong said:
“Alex Neil’s comments horrified our members, who provide valuable caring services every day to all of our communities in North Lanarkshire.

“UNISON has no problem with the cut and thrust of political debate ahead of local elections in May but this unprovoked attack on our members from an SNP Minister - who is partly responsible for cuts in jobs and services - is completely unacceptable. Mr Neil should apologise to our members.

“To say we should be more worried about redundancies is offensive. UNISON members work hard to maintain public services in the face of financial pressures which come from his own Scottish government's policies as well as those of the Tory-led coalition in Westminster. His comments clearly imply that staff should be put out of their jobs. Our members are already worried about redundancies and find his views hard to credit.

“That’s why we’ve written to him to ask specifically whether his comments reflect personal opinion - or if they reflect the views of the government he serves.”

North Lanarkshire UNISON branch has written to Mr Neil to express the views of union members. The text of this letter is attached below.

ENDS

Note for editors:

Text of letter to Alex Neil from North Lanarkshire UNISON branch – 20 January 2012
Dear Mr Neil

I am writing to you on behalf of seven thousand UNISON members who work within North Lanarkshire Council, in response to your article in the Wishaw Press (‘North Lanarkshire Council not fit for purpose’).

You comments in the above article have horrified our members, who provide valuable caring services on a daily basis to all our communities in North Lanarkshire. UNISON would be interested to know, are these view your personal views, the view of the SNP group on North Lanarkshire Council, or indeed the views of the SNP government as a whole?

At a time when local government faces the implementation of draconian budget cuts and many of our members feel vulnerable and insecure, your statements do little for the morale of thousands of low paid, loyal dedicated and hard-working public servants.

UNISON looks forward to receiving your early response.

Yours sincerely

Chris Armstrong
Branch Secretary
UNISON North Lanarkshire


.