Fair Pay Day of Action around Scotland - and in Dundee for #AusterityUncovered

#YestoFairPay Please help publicise UNISON Scotland's next Fair Pay Day of Action on Tuesday 25 June. Branches are campaigning across Scotland for Fair Pay for local government workers and Yes to Strike Action for Fair Pay.

Also on 25 June, Our Fair Pay Day Family Fun and Rally in Dundee is part of the STUC's Austerity Uncovered There is a Better Way tour from 21-29 June.

#austerityuncovered in Scotland with #STUC's There is a Better Way 21-29 June

13 June 2013
The STUC is organising a series of events and meetings this month under the banner of Austerity Uncovered and There is a Better Way.

Details from There is a Better Way website...

"AUSTERITY UNCOVERED:

"A nationwide tour, gathering the evidence to convict government policies. Austerity is hurting, but it isn’t working.

Queen's speech - UNISON reaction

Wed 8 May 2013

QUEEN’S SPEECH – UNISON REACTION

UNISON General Secretary, Dave Prentis, said:

“There is little comfort in this programme for the young, the unemployed, the working poor, the sick, the vulnerable or the millions who have seen their living standards fall drastically since this coalition government came to power.

“It’s a typical Tory tactic to distract attention from the real problems we face by fostering a ‘blame immigrants’ culture, instead of tackling the huge divide between the rich and the poor.

“This government should face facts and accept that its policies are not working for the majority of people. What we need is a programme that will boost growth and create jobs not one that boosts insecurity and fear and creates division.”



More UNISON UK news here:
http://www.unison.org.uk/news/



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Public services face death by a thousand cuts #stuc13

16 April 2013

UNISON's Scottish Secretary Mike Kirby writes in today's Morning Star..

"It's a sad fact that as the STUC gathers in Perth today Scotland's public services are under sustained and severe assault.

Not that this has played a great part in public debate in the last year. Scotland's politicians and media far prefer to obsess and catcall over the independence referendum.

But while they have the luxury of speculating on Scotland's future, we have to focus on the increasingly grim reality of Scotland's present.

Not the least of our tasks in the year ahead is to remind our governors that while the fate of the nation is important, it is the state of the nation that should be their principal concern.

The difficulties facing public services here are certainly different in form from those being endured by our colleagues in England.

Rather than the axe, they resemble more closely the proverbial death by a thousand cuts.

Budgets decline, services are cut back, staff are let go and those who remain struggle on with fewer people trying to cope with often increased demand using fewer resources...."

Read the rest of the article here


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Check UNISON Scotland website for #stuc13 reports 16-18 Apr

15 April 2013

 

 

STUC 2013

 

We will be reporting all the UNISON speakers on the main issues every day at the 116th STUC Congress in Perth from 16-18 April. Reports on UNISON Scotland website. www.unison-scotland.org.uk/stuc2013

 

Reports will also appear in Scotland inUNISON's May issue.

 

For an overview of the whole Congress go to the STUC website

This year's STUC Annual Congress in Perth will highlight the 'There is a better way' campaign which promotes a clear and distinct economic alternative to current policies of the coalition government.

Congress will attract over 330 trade union delegates representing almost 630,000 members. There will be 38 trade unions attending, 20 trades union councils as well as a number of international guests and speakers from the world of politics.

UNISON's delegation is 33 strong and includes NEC members, delegates elected by Scottish branches and staff. Congress will be chaired by President Agnes Tolmie of Unite.


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STUC on labour market statistics

Wed 20 Feb 2013

STUC News release:

Commenting on the new labour market statistics for Scotland published today, Grahame Smith, Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) General Secretary said:

“Once again, today’s figures make grim reading for Scotland. Although the headline unemployment rate has fallen quarter on quarter the reality is that it is that people are leaving the labour force rather than finding jobs. Employment has now fallen by 40,000 over the last six months and 55,000 more people have become economically inactive. This situation simply cannot be spun into good news.

“This prolonged period of stagnant growth, high unemployment, rising underemployment and falling real wages is the inevitable consequence of the Coalition’s failed economic strategy. Unless the Chancellor introduces a targeted, time limited stimulus in his Budget next month there’s little prospect of a robust demand led recovery taking hold anytime soon."

http://www.stuc.org.uk/news/999/stuc-on-labour-market-statistics

Multi-million pound cuts to council services and thousands of local government jobs lost

15 Feb 2013

A range of news reports today highlight multi-million pound cuts to council services and the loss of thousands of local government jobs around Scotland.

BBC Scotland reported on a third of Scotland’s councils setting budgets.

The Herald's front page headline was: “Thousands of jobs go as councils wield the axe.”

And STV said that millions of pounds and hundreds of jobs have been cut.

UNISON Scotland highlighted last week how council services are taking the brunt of spending cuts and called for a review of funding.

Stephanie Herd, chair of the Local Government Committee, said:

“Essential services provided by councils, including education, home care for elderly and disabled people, social work, environmental health, trading standards and many more are all affected by cuts and job losses.

“The austerity measures imposed by governments at Westminster and Holyrood are not needed. There is a better way and we will fight to retain good quality services. Paying off council and other public sector workers does not help local economies.”

UNISON Scotland works with the STUC to show that There is A Better Way 

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STUC Lobby of Scottish Liberal Democrat Conference 16 March, Dundee

As part of the wider national campaign for fair welfare and an end to the attack on benefits, there is an STUC Lobby of the Scottish Liberal Democrat Conference in Dundee, 16 March at Westpark conference centre in Dundee. It is still not too late for the Government to change its position on welfare including reversing its decision on the horrific bedroom tax and abandoning its attempt to cap benefits for many of the poorest in society.

Full details and how you can support the lobby are on 'There is a Better Way' website  

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Scottish Budget – council services hit hardest – UNISON calls for funding review

6 Feb 2013

Public services union UNISON today warned that vital council services are being hit hardest by budget cuts and called for a review of local government funding.

UNISON Scotland warned that already councils have lost 34,500 jobs since 2008/9, with severe impacts on services right across the country. And they are taking the brunt of budget cuts in the Scottish Government’s three year spending plans.

Stephanie Herd, chair of the union’s Local Government Committee, said: “Local services that people rely on daily are already under immense strain, with more spending cuts to come.

“Given the scale of the damage that is being done, the further cuts we face and the ongoing unfair council tax freeze, we need a much wider review of how to fund services.”

Stephanie added: “There are stealth cuts too, where staff are struggling with massive workloads and increased demand. We cannot continue like this if we want to retain proper quality services.

“Essential services provided by councils, including education, home care for elderly and disabled people, social work, environmental health, trading standards and many more are all affected by cuts and job losses.

“The austerity measures imposed by governments at Westminster and Holyrood are not needed. There is a better way and we will fight to retain good quality services. Paying off council and other public sector workers does not help local economies.”

UNISON is challenging councillors who are setting budgets this month, asking whether they will be the agents of cuts, or will they instead champion their local communities.

Note to editors:

Already a total of 51,700 jobs have been lost in the public sector in Scotland since 2008/9.  Analysis shows that 66.7% have been from local government, which makes up 57.3% of the workforce. Further details in our public sector workforce briefing.

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Borrowing figures: all pain, no gain - UNISON

Wed 21 Nov 2012

Commenting on the news that public sector net borrowing has increased by £2.7 billion, Dave Prentis, UNISON general secretary, said:

“It is all pain, no gain. Tory cuts are not working; they are making life a misery for millions, sucking the life out of our economy and making the recession worse for the majority. It is madness that we are borrowing to keep people on the dole rather than investing to create jobs. 

“It is time for the government to ditch austerity and give our economy the shot in the arm it so desperately needs. A stimulus package that would protect jobs and end the public sector pay freeze would help to boost much-needed spending.”

ENDS




UNISON UK press release:
http://www.unison.org.uk/asppresspack/pressrelease_view.asp?id=2885


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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

#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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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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#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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#SCOct20 Marching For A Future That Works Sat Oct 20 Glasgow

5 Oct 2012
Have you told everyone you know about the march in Glasgow on Saturday 20 October?

Leaflets with updated information about assembling in George Square at 11am are here.

Bus information is also available on the STUC website. And a UNISON window poster is online here.

Have you helped spread the word on social meda sites too? You can get a Twibbon here and on Twitter please use the #SCOct20 hashtag.

UNISON branches should ensure they have enough stewards for their section and let the Bargaining and Campaigns team know numbers and whether you can help also provide STUC stewards.


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We're Not Broke - European premiere

We’re Not Broke is the globally resonant story of the financial crisis in America, the lobbyists who sought to capitalize on it, and the campaign movements that are opposing it. With the world in the grip of the worst recession since the Great Depression, the conclusion that massive public spending cuts are inevitable seems unquestionable. But is that the whole story? This searing exposé reveals the infuriating facts that brand name corporations are trying to hide: not least their secreting away trillions of dollars in taxation and relationships with government that, according to the filmmakers, are directly responsible for the middle class shrinking and the poor getting poorer.

Take One Action are delighted to welcome Jolyon Rubenstein, star of BBC3’s new political satire The Revolution Will Be Televised, for discussion after this screening alongside Dave Watson (Scottish Organiser, UNISON) and Paul Brannen (Christian Aid).

Tues 2 Oct, 8.30pm
Edinburgh Filmhouse

http://www.takeoneaction.org.uk/calendar/details/758/

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

There is a better way - Start building for 20 October

#undc12 UNISON will continue to put forward an alternative economic strategy focused on building a successful economy in order to support a better society as it builds towards the major demo on 20 October.
http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/conf2012/story5.htm

Budget: Tax cuts for rich and mass unemployment for youth is totally unacceptable - UNISON

Wed 21 March 2012

UNISON Scotland has condemned today's budget as "tax cuts for the rich few while a whole generation is consigned to mass unemployment because of crazy austerity economics".

Scottish Secretary Mike Kirby said that cutting the 50p tax rate was completely unacceptable while unemployment soars across the UK - and Scottish youth unemployment hits record levels.

Scotland's largest union, which represents 160,000 workers across public services, called instead for an alternative budget for jobs, confidence and growth.

Mike Kirby said:
"It is completely unacceptable for the government to cut tax for the rich few in society while a whole generation is consigned to mass unemployment because of crazy austerity economics. 

"Freezing the miminum wage for young people is unfair and will do nothing to address poverty or joblessness.

"Over 100,000 young Scots are now jobless - that's the highest figure for a generation. And that's why the STUC has called for a demonstration at the Tory party's Scottish conference in Troon on Saturday 24 March.

"Youth unemployment in Scotland is higher than the UK average and it is increasing more rapidly. Government should be creating jobs and investing in the infrastructure and services our economy and our people - especially our young people - for a better future. We need a halt to the failed austerity policies that are damaging vital public services.”

UNISON has published an alternative budget which shows that the cuts are not necessary.

The union is arguing for a number of popular options to help kick-start the economy, instead of tax cuts for the rich and spending cuts for the rest. Between £35bn and £70bn could be raised each year by tackling tax evasion by individuals, companies and other organisations - such as the £6bn HMRC let Vodafone off paying.

Mike Kirby said:
"There is plenty of money available to fund decent public services, it is just in the wrong hands. We need to get our people – especially our young people – back to work."


ends


Note to editors:
1. UNISON is Scotland’s largest trade union representing over 160,000 members working in the public sector in Scotland.

2. UNISON’s alternative UK budget is available on the UNISON UK website here: http://www.unison.org.uk/news/budget2012.asp


3. The STUC has called a March and Rally against Youth Unemployment on Saturday 24 March in Troon venue for the Scottish Tory Conference.
Assemble 12 noon South Beach Esplanade (Victoria Drive)
March off: 12.30 pm
Rally 1.00 pm South Beach Esplanade (Titchfield Rd)

More details on the STUC There is a better way site
http://www.thereisabetterway.org/events/59/tory-conference-troon/


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UNISON: Time to kick-start the economy

19/03/2012

“It’s time for the Chancellor to kick-start the economy and stop kicking the public sector” said UNISON Chief, Dave Prentis today (19 March). The union is warning that the Government’s mono-policy of cuts and more cuts* is a road to nowhere and what’s needed is fresh thinking to set the country on a course towards building confidence and growth.

The Government needs to start creating jobs and investing in the infrastructure and services our economy needs. We need a halt to policies that are damaging vital public services. Cutting homecare, closing libraries, shutting day centres for the elderly leave all the people who rely on them high and dry and the people that provide them needlessly without a job.

The government’s pay policy should be reversed and tax and benefit changes that reduce the incomes of those on low to middle incomes shelved.

Dave Prentis, General Secretary of UNISON, said:

“Cameron should have strong words with the Chancellor following his visit to the US. President Obama has shown that you can build the economy by investing in jobs and infrastructure. And Vince Cable hit the nail on the head by describing the Chancellors efforts on economic growth as “piecemeal’.

“Instead of pursuing his mono-policy of cuts and even thinking of tax breaks for the rich, Osborne should look at how investment creates a virtuous circle. Creating more jobs takes people off benefits, renews consumer confidence and spending which in turn boosts small businesses and powers economic growth.

“Fairer taxation would be a good start with the money raised being re-invested in creating jobs and homes. Significant sums could be raised without affecting the incomes of the majority, if the government made sure the financial sector and the super-rich paid their fair share.”

The union is arguing that the Chancellor does have a number of popular options available to him to help kick-start the economy. Between £35bn and £70bn could be raised each year by tackling tax evasion by individuals, companies and other organisations - such as the £6bn HMRC let Vodafone off paying.

In addition, if the Government dropped their hugely unpopular Health and Social Care Bill they could save £1bn, which could be invested in patient care, not creating a profitable private sector market.



* The cuts aren’t working: UNISON’s alternative budget for jobs and public services - attached.

Ends

UNISON's alternative budget (PDF)