Tuesday 23 December 2008
Community Service Supervisors within Glasgow City Council’s Social Work Department are set to strike from Tuesday 6 January 2009.
UNISON members employed as Community Service Supervisors voted overwhelmingly in favour of continuous strike action following the refusal of Glasgow City Council to pay them the right rate for the job.
UNISON members have been telling the Council for some time now that their pay is incorrect. Members had been told by the Council that the new pay and grading system would resolve their issues, but it has not.
Brian Smith, UNISON Glasgow City Branch said “Members are angry that despite promises the employers continue to fail to recognise the job they do and pay them a fair rate for the job. Members don’t want to take action and cause problems but they have been left with no other option”.
Community Service Supervisors in Glasgow oversee Community Service Offenders working in the Community. This strike will mean that this alternative to Prison Service in Glasgow will stop as of 6 January 2009.
UNISON. Scotland's biggest and liveliest trade union, representing members delivering public and related services.
Tuesday, 23 December 2008
Friday, 19 December 2008
UNISON member wins case against lawyer
Date: 19 December 2008
Thousands of council and NHS workers in Scotland who signed up with an English lawyer to fight their equal pay claims are in line for windfall payments after a home help took him to court and won.
The Court of Session ruled yesterday that Newcastle-based Stefan Cross’s contract with Edinburgh council worker Jacqueline Quinn is unlawful and unenforceable in Scotland, and banned him for pursuing her for his bill of £500.
But the real winners could be low-paid health and local authority workers all over Scotland who can now reclaim the 10% plus VAT that Mr Cross routinely deducted from their equal pay settlements – some of which were in excess of £10,000.
UNISON’s Scottish secretary Matt Smith said: "Having your own contract with your clients declared unlawful by the Courts must be the ultimate humiliation for a lawyer.
"The unions have always warned against the false allure of commercial solicitors who claim that they can deliver compensation more effectively or quickly than a trade union.
"We urge all our members to claim back the thousands of pounds Mr Cross has unlawfully deducted from their settlements.
"We all owe a huge debt of gratitude to Mrs Quinn for exposing the flaws in these contracts.”
Home help Jacqueline Quinn, from Edinburgh, said:"I thought Mr Cross would get me a quick settlement of my equal pay claim, but I didn't realise there was a horrific penalty clause in his contract.
"When I got fed up waiting for him to do something and went back to the union lawyers, he started demanding £500 and that made me really angry – especially since he had done nothing.
"I am delighted to have won my case and will be even more pleased if it means colleagues can keep all of their hard-earned equal pay settlements."
Syd Smith of Thompsons Solicitors, who fought the case on the union’s behalf, explained: "The Court of Session ruled against Mr Cross because his contract gives him a financial interest in the outcome of the case, but the Scottish Courts have held that, for the protection of clients, such contracts are unlawful and therefore unenforceable.
"Nor can solicitors in Scotland charge blanket fees regardless of the work involved as Mr Cross tried to do in Mrs Quinn's case.
"Mr Cross chose not to defend Mrs Quinn's action."
See: Home help takes equal pay lawyer to court
Also: UNISON UK News
Thousands of council and NHS workers in Scotland who signed up with an English lawyer to fight their equal pay claims are in line for windfall payments after a home help took him to court and won.
The Court of Session ruled yesterday that Newcastle-based Stefan Cross’s contract with Edinburgh council worker Jacqueline Quinn is unlawful and unenforceable in Scotland, and banned him for pursuing her for his bill of £500.
But the real winners could be low-paid health and local authority workers all over Scotland who can now reclaim the 10% plus VAT that Mr Cross routinely deducted from their equal pay settlements – some of which were in excess of £10,000.
UNISON’s Scottish secretary Matt Smith said: "Having your own contract with your clients declared unlawful by the Courts must be the ultimate humiliation for a lawyer.
"The unions have always warned against the false allure of commercial solicitors who claim that they can deliver compensation more effectively or quickly than a trade union.
"We urge all our members to claim back the thousands of pounds Mr Cross has unlawfully deducted from their settlements.
"We all owe a huge debt of gratitude to Mrs Quinn for exposing the flaws in these contracts.”
Home help Jacqueline Quinn, from Edinburgh, said:"I thought Mr Cross would get me a quick settlement of my equal pay claim, but I didn't realise there was a horrific penalty clause in his contract.
"When I got fed up waiting for him to do something and went back to the union lawyers, he started demanding £500 and that made me really angry – especially since he had done nothing.
"I am delighted to have won my case and will be even more pleased if it means colleagues can keep all of their hard-earned equal pay settlements."
Syd Smith of Thompsons Solicitors, who fought the case on the union’s behalf, explained: "The Court of Session ruled against Mr Cross because his contract gives him a financial interest in the outcome of the case, but the Scottish Courts have held that, for the protection of clients, such contracts are unlawful and therefore unenforceable.
"Nor can solicitors in Scotland charge blanket fees regardless of the work involved as Mr Cross tried to do in Mrs Quinn's case.
"Mr Cross chose not to defend Mrs Quinn's action."
See: Home help takes equal pay lawyer to court
Also: UNISON UK News
Glasgow NHS ‘twists the knife’ over car parking charges - UNISON
Date: Friday 19 December 2008
NHS union UNISON today accused Glasgow’s health chiefs, and NHSGGC of ‘twisting the knife’ after they announced that car parking on Board NHS sites would be limited to 4 hours, with fines of up to £40 for drivers who go over the 4 hour period.
This will impact primarily on staff, who are the main group who need to park vehicles for longer periods of time.
UNISON Branch Secretary Cathy Miller said, “UNISON appreciates that we can’t go back to the free-for-all parking systems that applied historically on some sites, but this latest dictate from Dalian House shows just how out of touch with staff these people really are.”
The proposal, announced yesterday, comes into force on 1 January and is supposed to comply with previous Scottish Government decisions that car parking charges should be abolished in the NHS.
UNISON Regional Organiser Matt McLaughlin said, “Glasgow and Clyde’s track record on this issue is not very impressive. Consistently they have taken an over-aggressive approach and punished the workforce and genuine users of car parking facilities on NHS sites, because there is a limited problem on a limited number of sites.
“It’s clear that they simply do not care or comprehend that staff - many of whom are specialists - live some distance from their place of work. They need to travel to work, but will now be fined if they can’t find a designated parking space. It’s no wonder that morale across this board is at an all time low.”
NHS union UNISON today accused Glasgow’s health chiefs, and NHSGGC of ‘twisting the knife’ after they announced that car parking on Board NHS sites would be limited to 4 hours, with fines of up to £40 for drivers who go over the 4 hour period.
This will impact primarily on staff, who are the main group who need to park vehicles for longer periods of time.
UNISON Branch Secretary Cathy Miller said, “UNISON appreciates that we can’t go back to the free-for-all parking systems that applied historically on some sites, but this latest dictate from Dalian House shows just how out of touch with staff these people really are.”
The proposal, announced yesterday, comes into force on 1 January and is supposed to comply with previous Scottish Government decisions that car parking charges should be abolished in the NHS.
UNISON Regional Organiser Matt McLaughlin said, “Glasgow and Clyde’s track record on this issue is not very impressive. Consistently they have taken an over-aggressive approach and punished the workforce and genuine users of car parking facilities on NHS sites, because there is a limited problem on a limited number of sites.
“It’s clear that they simply do not care or comprehend that staff - many of whom are specialists - live some distance from their place of work. They need to travel to work, but will now be fined if they can’t find a designated parking space. It’s no wonder that morale across this board is at an all time low.”
Monday, 15 December 2008
UNISON welcomes Committee backing for Health Board Elections
Date: 15 Dec 2008
UNISONScotland today welcomed the report of the Scottish Parliament's Health and Sport committee, which gives conditional backing to the Government Bill introducing directly elected members to Scottish Health Boards.
The union, which is the largest in the Health Service, backed a previous private members bill on the topic.
Dave Watson, UNISON's Scottish Organiser said: "Although the committee's support is conditional, their backing for the pilot projects proposed in the bill, is positive. Since it was created in 1948, the NHS has not been directly accountable to or engaged with the public. It has been a top-down organisation, a 'we-know-best' organisation that thinks that all the issues are far too complicated for mere mortals to understand and that democracy is therefore not appropriate. We have to change that culture, and that is why we need direct elections."
UNISONScotland today welcomed the report of the Scottish Parliament's Health and Sport committee, which gives conditional backing to the Government Bill introducing directly elected members to Scottish Health Boards.
The union, which is the largest in the Health Service, backed a previous private members bill on the topic.
Dave Watson, UNISON's Scottish Organiser said: "Although the committee's support is conditional, their backing for the pilot projects proposed in the bill, is positive. Since it was created in 1948, the NHS has not been directly accountable to or engaged with the public. It has been a top-down organisation, a 'we-know-best' organisation that thinks that all the issues are far too complicated for mere mortals to understand and that democracy is therefore not appropriate. We have to change that culture, and that is why we need direct elections."
Wednesday, 10 December 2008
Government should accept public view and extend FoI to private contractors - UNISON
Date: Wed 10 December 2008
UNISONScotland today, welcomed new research that shows the Scottish public backs extending Freedom of Information to cover private companies building schools and hospitals under PPP/PFI contracts, and other non-public bodies delivering public services.
Research for the Scottish Information Commissioner published today, shows 75%-79% support for making private companies subject to FOI legislation. UNISON is pleased that there is also very strong public support for including other organisations such as private prisons, housing associations and trusts providing local authority health and leisure services.
UNISON's Scottish Communications Officer, Chris Bartter said: "The public rightly thinks that all bodies delivering public services should be subject to the same accountability as the public sector.
"Such high levels of support will hopefully make the Scottish Government think again about its disappointing approach in the discussion paper, where, for example, Ministers have argued that hospital cleaning services may not be a public function!
"UNISON believes that changes to the legislation should be based on the principle that any organisation which provides a public service should be accountable to the public.
"It is unacceptable that information that is open to people where a service - such as social housing - is provided by a public authority, could be hidden from them where private or other non-public bodies deliver it.
"In the case of PPP/PFI contracts, the scandalous waste of public funds on these could have been greatly reduced if full information about the projects had been open to scrutiny, letting the public see the credit card levels of charges being run up for the next generation to pay."
UNISONScotland today, welcomed new research that shows the Scottish public backs extending Freedom of Information to cover private companies building schools and hospitals under PPP/PFI contracts, and other non-public bodies delivering public services.
Research for the Scottish Information Commissioner published today, shows 75%-79% support for making private companies subject to FOI legislation. UNISON is pleased that there is also very strong public support for including other organisations such as private prisons, housing associations and trusts providing local authority health and leisure services.
UNISON's Scottish Communications Officer, Chris Bartter said: "The public rightly thinks that all bodies delivering public services should be subject to the same accountability as the public sector.
"Such high levels of support will hopefully make the Scottish Government think again about its disappointing approach in the discussion paper, where, for example, Ministers have argued that hospital cleaning services may not be a public function!
"UNISON believes that changes to the legislation should be based on the principle that any organisation which provides a public service should be accountable to the public.
"It is unacceptable that information that is open to people where a service - such as social housing - is provided by a public authority, could be hidden from them where private or other non-public bodies deliver it.
"In the case of PPP/PFI contracts, the scandalous waste of public funds on these could have been greatly reduced if full information about the projects had been open to scrutiny, letting the public see the credit card levels of charges being run up for the next generation to pay."
Friday, 5 December 2008
Stop Climate Chaos Scotland welcomes Scottish Climate Change Bill
For immediate release 05/12/08
Stop Climate Chaos Scotland – the leading coalition of environment, faith and development organisations – welcomes the Climate Change Bill introduced to the Scottish Parliament and calls on all MSPs to ensure it becomes a genuinely world leading piece of legislation.
Stop Climate Chaos includes UNISON Scotland amongst its main supporters.
Mike Robinson, Chair of Stop Climate Chaos Scotland said,
‘The Scottish Government had more than 21,000 people respond to its consultation process, and Stop Climate Chaos Scotland welcomes this strong Scottish Climate Change Bill with enthusiasm. This Bill could be the most significant for a generation and is warmly welcomed by the members of more than 30 of Scotland’s most respected organisations campaigning on climate change.
‘But, as Lord Turner’s report for the UK Climate Committee showed on Monday, there is no reason to back down, and every reason to be even more ambitious in investing for a green economy.
‘We call upon MSPs from all parties to back strong measures already in the bill, and to work constructively to improve it further so it becomes genuinely world leading legislation.
‘Poor people around the world are already feeling the real impacts of climate change – changing weather patterns undermine their ways of life while increased disasters threaten their lives. Our natural environment is already showing changes and heralding the devastating problems ahead if we don't cut greenhouse gas emissions. Scotland has had huge benefit from fossil-fuel based energy; we can and should be leading efforts to shift to a more efficient and sustainable low-carbon economy.’
ENDS
For more press information please contact:
Claire Aston, Christian Aid on 0131 240 1523; 07961 303481 or caston@christian-aid.org or Mandy Carter, WWF Scotland on 01350 728200; 07771 818677 or mcarter@wwfscotland.org.uk
For more information about Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, please contact:
Ruth Dawkins, SCCS on 0131 311 6512, 07790 386 329 or ruth@stopclimatechaosscotland.org
Notes to editors
1. Stop Climate Chaos Scotland (SCCS) is a diverse, growing coalition of organisations campaigning on climate change. The SCCS Coalition has 40 Scottish members, representing more than 1.5 million supporters, ranging from environment and development groups to faith organisations, trade unions, student societies, care providers and many more. For full details visit www.stopclimatechaosscotland.org
2. SCCS will be holding a Climate Change Rally in April 2009. All coalition members and their supporters are being encouraged to spring into action for a strong Scottish Climate Change Bill. We will be gathering to lobby MSPs outside the Scottish Parliament, from 11am – 2pm, on Wednesday 22nd April 2009. For further details of the rally contact SCCS Co-ordinator Ruth Dawkins (contact details above)
3. SCCS is calling for the Scottish Climate Change Bill to:
* Set a target to cut all greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80% by 2050
* Establish statutory annual targets to reduce emissions by at least 3% year on year
* Include all emissions from international aviation and shipping in the targets.
Saturday, 29 November 2008
UNISON Scotland on the march against racism and fascism
UNISON Scotland's banner joined with other unions, political parties and community organisations on the streets of Glasgow for this year's St Andrews Day Anti Racism March and Rally. The demonstration against racism and fascism is an annual event organised by the STUC and GARA (Glasgow Anti Racist Alliance).
More pics from the demo at the UNISON Scotland Picasa gallery
Friday, 28 November 2008
Water strike across Scotland: a "handy success" on the picket lines
The 24 hour Scottish Water strike which began yesterday at noon moved into Friday morning with pickets out across Scotland.
Edinburgh and East: a "handy success" on the picket lines
Report: 9:15am
UNISON Scotland Regional Organiser Dougie Black reports "a handy success" from the Fairmilehead site in Edinburgh. There have been pickets on each gate and not much sign of anyone crossing in to work.
"Quite a quite a few turned away when they saw the pickets, and some contractors and the mail did not cross," Dougie told the blog.
Also in the East, the Livingston picket has been well supported this morning and the site was so quiet it appeared to be shut completely.
Aberdeen and Dundee: "very, very successful"
Update: 10:30am
Scottish Water Branch Chair Dave Wilkins was on the picket line at Kingshill House. Dave reports that the only people going in were the occasional consultant and contractor. He counted only 4 direct Scottish Water employees at work and the car park was virtually empty.
Branch Secretary Steve Scott also reports that Bullion House in Dundee have been successsfully picketed.
Picture update 13:00 - pics from Aberdeen this morning:
Looks like more people were on picket duty...
...than on work duty!
Further picture update - Dumfries and Fort William
There were many places around Scotland where the strike was unfolding and pickets were active...
Edinburgh and East: a "handy success" on the picket lines
Report: 9:15am
UNISON Scotland Regional Organiser Dougie Black reports "a handy success" from the Fairmilehead site in Edinburgh. There have been pickets on each gate and not much sign of anyone crossing in to work.
"Quite a quite a few turned away when they saw the pickets, and some contractors and the mail did not cross," Dougie told the blog.
Also in the East, the Livingston picket has been well supported this morning and the site was so quiet it appeared to be shut completely.
Aberdeen and Dundee: "very, very successful"
Update: 10:30am
Scottish Water Branch Chair Dave Wilkins was on the picket line at Kingshill House. Dave reports that the only people going in were the occasional consultant and contractor. He counted only 4 direct Scottish Water employees at work and the car park was virtually empty.
Branch Secretary Steve Scott also reports that Bullion House in Dundee have been successsfully picketed.
Picture update 13:00 - pics from Aberdeen this morning:
Further picture update - Dumfries and Fort William
There were many places around Scotland where the strike was unfolding and pickets were active...
from the Highlands like these stalwarts in Fort William....
...to the South of Scotland, and this happy bunch of activists in Dumfries, the message from UNISON and the ther unions was: Cut My Pay - No Way!
Thursday, 27 November 2008
STV video: Scottish Water workers in pay row walkout
 |
| The organisation says plans are in place to cope with the strike |
Several hundred workers with Scottish Water are taking part in a 24-hour walk-out in a dispute over pay.
Union leaders say the industrial action, which started at noon on Thursday, will affect Scottish Water operations across the country.
Employees are protesting a pay increase which they claim is unfair.
Dougie Black, a negotiator with Unison, said: "Clearly it is an issue which our members feel very strongly about.
"I would invite Scottish Water and the Scottish Government, even at this late stage, to come back to the negotiating table.
"We are always ready to talk about a way to settle this dispute."
The Herald: Scottish Water workers begin strike
Herald Video: Scottish Water workers begin strike
Hundreds of workers from Scottish Water walked out today in a dispute over pay which could hit services across the country.
Unions leaders expect up to 2,000 staff to take part in the action across Scotland.
Workers started the 24-hour strike at midday in protest at a pay rise they claim is unfair.
But Scottish Water said it was "deeply disappointed" with the decision to strike. The company added contingency plans were in place to ensure normal services were maintained during the strike.
Dougie Black, a negotiator with Unison, said the strike action was going ahead because of the pay award and the manner in which it was imposed.
He said: "The employers imposed a pay award on our members this year and undermined the whole of the industrial relations machinery in Scottish Water.
"I hope the strike sends a really strong message to Scottish Water that our members are serious about winning a fair pay award this year.
"We want the employers to come back to the negotiating table and speak to us about how they can improve upon this offer."
Scottish Water staff from the Unison, Unite and GMB unions are involved in the action. They are angry about a pay rise from Scottish Water of 3% over 15 months.
Mr Black predicted the strike could cause disruption for customers.
"For the 24 hours the strike is taking place, Scottish Water services are going to be affected," he said.
"There won't be responses to individual incidents such as burst pipes."
He added if there was a "significant public health risk", union members would be asked to respond.
He added: "I hope Scottish Water customers understand clearly why we need to take this action."
Peter Farrer, Scottish Water's customer service delivery director, said: "We have a committed team in place, determined to maintain a normal service for our customers.
"I am confident we can continue to deliver this."
Director of communications Chris Wallace added: "We are deeply disappointed; this decision is not the right action for Scottish Water.
"We have been in continuous dialogue with unions for a considerable time regarding this year's pay award.
"We are aware of the demands on everyone's pay in today's tough economic climate, but we believe we have given the best possible deal under the circumstances."
He added it was the only pay deal Scottish Water could give "under public sector guidelines".
Hundreds of workers from Scottish Water walked out today in a dispute over pay which could hit services across the country.
Unions leaders expect up to 2,000 staff to take part in the action across Scotland.
Workers started the 24-hour strike at midday in protest at a pay rise they claim is unfair.
But Scottish Water said it was "deeply disappointed" with the decision to strike. The company added contingency plans were in place to ensure normal services were maintained during the strike.
Dougie Black, a negotiator with Unison, said the strike action was going ahead because of the pay award and the manner in which it was imposed.
He said: "The employers imposed a pay award on our members this year and undermined the whole of the industrial relations machinery in Scottish Water.
"I hope the strike sends a really strong message to Scottish Water that our members are serious about winning a fair pay award this year.
"We want the employers to come back to the negotiating table and speak to us about how they can improve upon this offer."
Scottish Water staff from the Unison, Unite and GMB unions are involved in the action. They are angry about a pay rise from Scottish Water of 3% over 15 months.
Mr Black predicted the strike could cause disruption for customers.
"For the 24 hours the strike is taking place, Scottish Water services are going to be affected," he said.
"There won't be responses to individual incidents such as burst pipes."
He added if there was a "significant public health risk", union members would be asked to respond.
He added: "I hope Scottish Water customers understand clearly why we need to take this action."
Peter Farrer, Scottish Water's customer service delivery director, said: "We have a committed team in place, determined to maintain a normal service for our customers.
"I am confident we can continue to deliver this."
Director of communications Chris Wallace added: "We are deeply disappointed; this decision is not the right action for Scottish Water.
"We have been in continuous dialogue with unions for a considerable time regarding this year's pay award.
"We are aware of the demands on everyone's pay in today's tough economic climate, but we believe we have given the best possible deal under the circumstances."
He added it was the only pay deal Scottish Water could give "under public sector guidelines".
BBC NEWS | Scotland | Water workers warn of more action
BBC NEWS | Scotland | Water workers warn of more action:
Page last updated at 14:57 GMT, Thursday, 27 November 2008
A 24-hour walkout by hundreds of Scottish Water employees could be followed up with further action.
A Unite spokesman said unions involved were open to fresh talks on pay, but he said more stoppages were possible.
The unions involved are Unison - which said more than 1,000 staff were taking action - Unite and the GMB. Thursday's action is to end midday on Friday.
Director of communications Chris Wallace added: "We are deeply disappointed; this decision is not the right action for Scottish Water."
Page last updated at 14:57 GMT, Thursday, 27 November 2008
A 24-hour walkout by hundreds of Scottish Water employees could be followed up with further action.
A Unite spokesman said unions involved were open to fresh talks on pay, but he said more stoppages were possible.
Scottish Water said the action involved 802 union members and it had contingency plans to maintain services.
The unions involved are Unison - which said more than 1,000 staff were taking action - Unite and the GMB. Thursday's action is to end midday on Friday.
The Unite spokesman said: "If Scottish Water want to talk then we are up for that.
"Union members are really disappointed by the actions of Scottish Water for imposing what is a pay cut whilst still undertaking negotiations."
It is the latest in a series of separate pay disputes affecting thousands of public service workers in Scotland, including local authority employees and coastguards.
Scottish Water said the pay award it had made was within public sector guidelines.
It was paid in the September salaries of the company's 3,685 employees and was backdated to April. The award equates to 3% over 15 months.
'Pay cuts'
But Unison said Scottish Water could afford more.
Dave Watson, the union's Scottish organiser, said: "In recent years our members have helped to save Scottish Water over £1bn through reduced operating costs and improved efficiencies.
"Customers and directors have benefited, while workers have faced real terms pay cuts due to inflation."
Peter Farrer, Scottish Water's customer service delivery director, was confident usual services could be maintained during the action, which will finish at midday on Friday.
He said: "We have a committed team in place, determined to maintain a normal service for our customers."
Director of communications Chris Wallace added: "We are deeply disappointed; this decision is not the right action for Scottish Water."
Dundee: UNISON pickets active at Scottish Water sites
UNISON Scottish Water Branch Secretary Steve Scott reports that pickets were active on both Scottish Waters sites in Dundee - at Riverside Drive (from 12 - 2pm) and Bullion House (12 - 2.30pm).
A flurry of members were leaving work at 12 noon. Lorries delivering chemical supplies for the labs turned away rather than cross the picket line. Good to see solidarity in action.
Steve was interviewed by the Herald and reiterated UNISON's position: Scottish Water and the Scottish Government should come back to the negotiating table and bring forward a fair settlement for Scottish Water workers.
Picket cover at the two sites will be active from 8am tomorrow.
A flurry of members were leaving work at 12 noon. Lorries delivering chemical supplies for the labs turned away rather than cross the picket line. Good to see solidarity in action.
Steve was interviewed by the Herald and reiterated UNISON's position: Scottish Water and the Scottish Government should come back to the negotiating table and bring forward a fair settlement for Scottish Water workers.
Picket cover at the two sites will be active from 8am tomorrow.
Aberdeen: Scottish Water picketed from noon
UNISON Scotland Local Organiser Jane Fielding reports that the Aberdeen picket line at Kingshill House was on from 12 noon - 2pm. The pickets included Scottish Water Branch Chair Dave Wilkinson and Regional Organiser Sarah Duncan.
The vast majority of UNISON members in Scottish Water Aberdeen left work at 12 noon to join the strike. STV Aberdeen did an interview with Dave Wilkinson (which will hopefully be shown tonight) and the TV cameras were also going to the Shipping Water Office which is being covered by the GMB.
The Scottish Water unions in the North East are working together in the fight for fair pay.
The picket line will be back on again tomorrow (Friday 28 November) from 9am.
The vast majority of UNISON members in Scottish Water Aberdeen left work at 12 noon to join the strike. STV Aberdeen did an interview with Dave Wilkinson (which will hopefully be shown tonight) and the TV cameras were also going to the Shipping Water Office which is being covered by the GMB.
The Scottish Water unions in the North East are working together in the fight for fair pay.
The picket line will be back on again tomorrow (Friday 28 November) from 9am.
View from Dumfries: Scottish Water strike action seems to be biting
Some pics from the Scottish water dispute as it is happening down in Dumfries.
UNISON Scotland Regional Officer Joe Lynch reports effective action in the South.
"The other depots across the region are being picketed throughout the day and the action seems to be biting. Management have brought in Border Utilities to carry out essential maintenance. Not going down well with
the pickets or members but shows that SW are worried.
"Indications are that there will be an even better turnout tomorrow morning."
BBC NEWS | Scotland | Scottish Water staff go on strike
BBC NEWS | Scotland | Scottish Water staff go on strike
The firm said the action involved 802 union members and it had contingency plans in place to maintain services.
The unions involved are Unison - which said more than 1,000 staff were taking action - Unite and the GMB.
It is the latest in a series of separate pay disputes affecting thousands of workers in Scotland, including bus drivers and coastguards.
Scottish Water said the pay award it had made was within public sector guidelines. It was paid in the September salaries of the company's 3,685 employees and was backdated to April. The award equates to 3% over 15 months.
'Pay cuts'
But Unison said Scottish Water could afford more.
Dave Watson, the union's Scottish organiser, said: "In recent years our members have helped to save Scottish Water over £1bn through reduced operating costs and improved efficiencies.
"Customers and directors have benefited, while workers have faced real terms pay cuts due to inflation."
Peter Farrer, Scottish Water's customer service delivery director, was confident usual services could be maintained during the action, which will finish at midday on Friday.
He said: "We have a committed team in place, determined to maintain a normal service for our customers."
Director of communications Chris Wallace added: "We are deeply disappointed; this decision is not the right action for Scottish Water."
Page last updated at 13:09 GMT, Thursday, 27 November 2008
Hundreds of employees at Scottish Water have started a 24-hour strike over wages.
The firm said the action involved 802 union members and it had contingency plans in place to maintain services.
The unions involved are Unison - which said more than 1,000 staff were taking action - Unite and the GMB.
It is the latest in a series of separate pay disputes affecting thousands of workers in Scotland, including bus drivers and coastguards.
Scottish Water said the pay award it had made was within public sector guidelines. It was paid in the September salaries of the company's 3,685 employees and was backdated to April. The award equates to 3% over 15 months.
'Pay cuts'
But Unison said Scottish Water could afford more.
Dave Watson, the union's Scottish organiser, said: "In recent years our members have helped to save Scottish Water over £1bn through reduced operating costs and improved efficiencies.
"Customers and directors have benefited, while workers have faced real terms pay cuts due to inflation."
Peter Farrer, Scottish Water's customer service delivery director, was confident usual services could be maintained during the action, which will finish at midday on Friday.
He said: "We have a committed team in place, determined to maintain a normal service for our customers."
Director of communications Chris Wallace added: "We are deeply disappointed; this decision is not the right action for Scottish Water."
Glasgow Evening Times: Pay-row water staff to walk out
Glasgow Evening Times: Pay-row water staff to walk out
By Gordon Thomson
AROUND 2000 Scottish Water staff were expected to walk out on strike today in protest at a below inflation pay rise.
Strikers included engineers who repair water bursts and staff responsible for water quality at a network of 44 treatment plants in and around Glasgow.
More industrial action was expected to be taken by members of Unison, GMB and Unite if the utility giant fails to return to the negotiating table to resolve the dispute.
Scottish Water which employs almost 3700 workers has imposed a wage rise worth 3% over 15 months.
Strike leaders say it's the equivalent of an annual rise of just 2.4%.
They are demanding a bigger increase and point to hefty pay hikes of up to 40% executive board members have awarded themselves in the past two years.
Unison official Dave Watson said: "In recent years our members workers have helped to save Scottish Water over £1billion through reduced operating costs and improved efficiencies.
"Customers and directors have benefited, while workers have faced real terms pay cuts due to inflation.
"Scottish Water has the money to make a reasonable pay deal - the problem is the Scottish Government is blocking them from doing so."
Union negotiator Dougie Black said: "I would invite Scottish Water and the Scottish Government, even at this late stage, to come back to the negotiating table.
"We are always ready to talk about a way to settle this dispute."
Unite has not commented but GMB negotiator Richard Leonard has likened Scottish Water to a "Victorian Mill owner", adding: "We are looking for public support.
"This dispute is about looking after people who look after our environment, our public health and our natural resources."
Scottish Water claims the pay rise meets public sector wage constraints and insisted the 24-hour strike due to begin at noon would have little or no effect.
Edinburgh Evening News: Scottish Water look to calm fears over staff strike
Published Date: 27 November 2008
BOSSES at Scottish Water moved today to reassure customers as workers started a 24 hour strike over pay.
The stoppage, which started at noon, was expected to affect the company's operations across the whole country.
Three unions Unison, Unite and the GMB, are involved in the dispute, which centres on a three per cent rise over 15 months which the unions say Scottish Water has imposed on employees.
Today Scottish Water said contingency plans had been put in place to ensure that normal service was maintained during the strike.
Peter Farrer, Scottish Water's Customer Service Delivery Director, said: "We have a committed team in place, determined to maintain a normal service for our customers. I am confident we can continue to deliver this."
Unison Scottish organiser Dave Watson said as a highly successful public corporation which answers to the Scottish Government, Scottish Water could afford a better rise for its workers but claimed the Government was preventing a settlement.
He said the deal was effectively worth 2.4 per cent this year while inflation had been running at more than twice that rate.
He added: "Scottish Water has the money to make a reasonable pay deal - the problem is the Scottish Government is blocking them from doing so."
Three unions Unison, Unite and the GMB, are involved in the dispute, which centres on a three per cent rise over 15 months which the unions say Scottish Water has imposed on employees.
Today Scottish Water said contingency plans had been put in place to ensure that normal service was maintained during the strike.
Peter Farrer, Scottish Water's Customer Service Delivery Director, said: "We have a committed team in place, determined to maintain a normal service for our customers. I am confident we can continue to deliver this."
Unison Scottish organiser Dave Watson said as a highly successful public corporation which answers to the Scottish Government, Scottish Water could afford a better rise for its workers but claimed the Government was preventing a settlement.
He said the deal was effectively worth 2.4 per cent this year while inflation had been running at more than twice that rate.
He added: "Scottish Water has the money to make a reasonable pay deal - the problem is the Scottish Government is blocking them from doing so."
BBC Good Morning Scotland: Dougie Black interviewed by Gary Robertson
BBC Good Morning ScotlandThursday 27 November 2008
08:40am Dougie Black, UNISON Scotland interviewed by Gary Robertson on the Scottish Water strike.
Wednesday, 26 November 2008
Scottish Water pay strike going ahead
Embargo: For immediate Release
Date: Wed 26 November 2008
More than a thousand members of UNISON Scotland who work for Scottish Water will begin a 24 hour strike tomorrow (Thursday 27 November) in pursuit of their claim for a fair pay increase. The action will be going ahead from 12 noon on Thursday (27 November) through to 12 noon on Friday (28 November). It will affect Scottish Water operations across the whole country.
UNISON Scotland is taking action jointly with Unite and GMB, the other unions represented in Scottish Water.
Dougie Black, UNISON's main negotiator, said:
"It is unfortunate that Scottish Water has not take the chance to reconsider the issue prior to tomorrow's action.
"Clearly it is an issue which our members feel very strongly about.
"I would invite Scottish Water and the Scottish Government, even at this late stage to come back to the negotiating table. We are always ready to talk about a way to settle this dispute."
UNISON Scotland believes that Scottish Water - a highly successful public corporation, which answers to the Scottish Government - can afford to pay more than the rise of 3% over 15 months which it has imposed on staff. The deal is effectively worth 2.4% this year while inflation has been running at more than twice that rate. The union has called on the Scottish Government, which is blocking a fair pay deal, and Scottish Water to recognise the contribution of staff, and reward its members with a fair and proper pay award.
Dave Watson, Scottish Organiser, said:
"In recent years our members workers have helped to save Scottish Water over £1 billion through reduced operating costs and improved efficiencies. Customers and directors have benefited, while workers have faced real terms pay cuts due to inflation.
"Scottish Water has the money to make a reasonable pay deal - the problem is the Scottish Government is blocking them from doing so."
ENDS
For Further Information Please Contact:
Dougie Black (Regional Organiser) - 07958 121 851 (m)
Malcolm Burns (Information Development Officer) - 0141 342 2811
Dave Wilkinson (UNISON Scottish Water Branch Chair) - 07875 872 819 (m)
Steve Scott (UNISON Scottish Water Branch Secretary) - 07875 879 388 (m)
http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/water/waterpay.html
Notes for Editors
UNISON is one of Scotland’s largest trade unions representing over 160,000 members, and is the biggest union in the Scottish Water industry. Our 1,100 members in Scottish Water work in offices and depots throughout Scotland. They are represented in all the functions of the authority, including water and sewage treatment, water and sewer networks, laboratories, call centres and the design and construction of capital works.
In September 2008 Scottish Water breached six years of partnership working with its staff in order to impose a 15 month pay rise of 3% (which equates to an annual offer of 2.4%). In November 2008 UNISON’s Scottish Water Branch members voted by 2-1 in a ballot to take strike action for fair pay.
Further information on the Scottish Water strike is available on our website at:
http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/water/waterpay.html
This includes the UNISON Scotland briefing to MSPs:
http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/briefings/MSPBriefingScottishWaterPayStrikeNov08.pdf
in support of the motion S3M-02939 Scottish Water Dispute lodged by Bill Butler MSP in the Scottish Parliament:
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/business/motions/Default.aspx?motionid=15195
UNISON Scotland news releases:
Stay in touch with UNISON Scotland's latest news releases on our website http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/news/index.html and frequent updates on our blog http://unison-scotland.blogspot.com/
Date: Wed 26 November 2008
More than a thousand members of UNISON Scotland who work for Scottish Water will begin a 24 hour strike tomorrow (Thursday 27 November) in pursuit of their claim for a fair pay increase. The action will be going ahead from 12 noon on Thursday (27 November) through to 12 noon on Friday (28 November). It will affect Scottish Water operations across the whole country.
UNISON Scotland is taking action jointly with Unite and GMB, the other unions represented in Scottish Water.
Dougie Black, UNISON's main negotiator, said:
"It is unfortunate that Scottish Water has not take the chance to reconsider the issue prior to tomorrow's action.
"Clearly it is an issue which our members feel very strongly about.
"I would invite Scottish Water and the Scottish Government, even at this late stage to come back to the negotiating table. We are always ready to talk about a way to settle this dispute."
UNISON Scotland believes that Scottish Water - a highly successful public corporation, which answers to the Scottish Government - can afford to pay more than the rise of 3% over 15 months which it has imposed on staff. The deal is effectively worth 2.4% this year while inflation has been running at more than twice that rate. The union has called on the Scottish Government, which is blocking a fair pay deal, and Scottish Water to recognise the contribution of staff, and reward its members with a fair and proper pay award.
Dave Watson, Scottish Organiser, said:
"In recent years our members workers have helped to save Scottish Water over £1 billion through reduced operating costs and improved efficiencies. Customers and directors have benefited, while workers have faced real terms pay cuts due to inflation.
"Scottish Water has the money to make a reasonable pay deal - the problem is the Scottish Government is blocking them from doing so."
ENDS
For Further Information Please Contact:
Dougie Black (Regional Organiser) - 07958 121 851 (m)
Malcolm Burns (Information Development Officer) - 0141 342 2811
Dave Wilkinson (UNISON Scottish Water Branch Chair) - 07875 872 819 (m)
Steve Scott (UNISON Scottish Water Branch Secretary) - 07875 879 388 (m)
http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/water/waterpay.html
Notes for Editors
UNISON is one of Scotland’s largest trade unions representing over 160,000 members, and is the biggest union in the Scottish Water industry. Our 1,100 members in Scottish Water work in offices and depots throughout Scotland. They are represented in all the functions of the authority, including water and sewage treatment, water and sewer networks, laboratories, call centres and the design and construction of capital works.
In September 2008 Scottish Water breached six years of partnership working with its staff in order to impose a 15 month pay rise of 3% (which equates to an annual offer of 2.4%). In November 2008 UNISON’s Scottish Water Branch members voted by 2-1 in a ballot to take strike action for fair pay.
Further information on the Scottish Water strike is available on our website at:
http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/water/waterpay.html
This includes the UNISON Scotland briefing to MSPs:
http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/briefings/MSPBriefingScottishWaterPayStrikeNov08.pdf
in support of the motion S3M-02939 Scottish Water Dispute lodged by Bill Butler MSP in the Scottish Parliament:
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/business/motions/Default.aspx?motionid=15195
UNISON Scotland news releases:
Stay in touch with UNISON Scotland's latest news releases on our website http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/news/index.html and frequent updates on our blog http://unison-scotland.blogspot.com/
Friday, 21 November 2008
Meat inspectors vote 2-1 for strike action in run-up to Christmas
Embargo: For immediate Release
Date: Fri 21 November 2008
Britain’s meat hygiene inspectors have voted two to one in favour of strike action in a dispute over cuts to overtime payments and the introduction of a "work anytime" system.
The inspectors, members of UNISON, who make sure that the meat on our plates is safe to eat, voted in favour of strike action by 65.7% to 34.3%. They also voted by 79.5% to 20.5% for action short of a strike.
A strike in the meat hygiene service would seriously disrupt supplies of meat to supermarkets in the crucial pre-Christmas period.
Simon Watson, UNISON National Officer for Meat Inspectors, said:
"This is a decisive vote for strike action and shows the strength of feeling of meat inspectors. Unless the employers abandon their plans and get back around the table to negotiate a settlement, the industry could lose millions of pounds in lost meat production in the run up to Christmas."
UNISON Scotland Regional Officer Joe Lynch said:
"In Scotland we have demonstrated a high quality of meat inspection. This is another attack on that. Our members feel demoralised about how they been treated, given their commitment to this vital public service over the years.
"UNISON meat inspectors were originally part of local authority environmental health departments, so they have seen plenty of change and are not scared of it. However the changes proposed - which involve taking away their terms and conditions - is a step too far."
The union meets on Monday (24 November) to discuss the next steps.
ends
Notes for editors:
UNISON represents 1000 members of the Meat Hygiene Service, who inspect red meat, white meat, and poultry plants across the UK.
The MHS is a UK agency, and around 160 UNISON members are meat inspectors working for the MHS in Scotland. They are based across the country in 26 major abbatoirs from Carlisle to Orkney. They inspect and certify meat as fit for human consumption after it has been slaughtered.
Please also see previous news release:
Strike threat to meat inspections warns UNISON, 3 Nov 2008
http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/news/2008/novdec/0311.htm
For further information please contact:
Sophie Madden – UNISON Press Office – 07957 505 675
Joe Lynch (Regional Organiser - Scottish Meat Inspectors) 07958 121 063(m)
Date: Fri 21 November 2008
Britain’s meat hygiene inspectors have voted two to one in favour of strike action in a dispute over cuts to overtime payments and the introduction of a "work anytime" system.
The inspectors, members of UNISON, who make sure that the meat on our plates is safe to eat, voted in favour of strike action by 65.7% to 34.3%. They also voted by 79.5% to 20.5% for action short of a strike.
A strike in the meat hygiene service would seriously disrupt supplies of meat to supermarkets in the crucial pre-Christmas period.
Simon Watson, UNISON National Officer for Meat Inspectors, said:
"This is a decisive vote for strike action and shows the strength of feeling of meat inspectors. Unless the employers abandon their plans and get back around the table to negotiate a settlement, the industry could lose millions of pounds in lost meat production in the run up to Christmas."
UNISON Scotland Regional Officer Joe Lynch said:
"In Scotland we have demonstrated a high quality of meat inspection. This is another attack on that. Our members feel demoralised about how they been treated, given their commitment to this vital public service over the years.
"UNISON meat inspectors were originally part of local authority environmental health departments, so they have seen plenty of change and are not scared of it. However the changes proposed - which involve taking away their terms and conditions - is a step too far."
The union meets on Monday (24 November) to discuss the next steps.
ends
Notes for editors:
UNISON represents 1000 members of the Meat Hygiene Service, who inspect red meat, white meat, and poultry plants across the UK.
The MHS is a UK agency, and around 160 UNISON members are meat inspectors working for the MHS in Scotland. They are based across the country in 26 major abbatoirs from Carlisle to Orkney. They inspect and certify meat as fit for human consumption after it has been slaughtered.
Please also see previous news release:
Strike threat to meat inspections warns UNISON, 3 Nov 2008
http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/news/2008/novdec/0311.htm
For further information please contact:
Sophie Madden – UNISON Press Office – 07957 505 675
Joe Lynch (Regional Organiser - Scottish Meat Inspectors) 07958 121 063(m)
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