UNISON. Scotland's biggest and liveliest trade union, representing members delivering public and related services.
Tuesday, 30 September 2008
Monday, 29 September 2008
UNISON response to CoSLA talks offer
Council leaders invite unions for more talks "with a view to reaching a settlement"
The three trade unions will have further talks with CoSLA leaders on Thursday 2nd October after Councillor Cook, CoSLA's Human Resources spokesperson, extended the invitation "with a view to reaching a settlement" following a meeting of council leaders on 26th Sept 2008.
In response to the offer, Matt Smith, UNISON's Scottish Secretary said "We welcome this offer of talks, as we have always said that this dispute will only be settled by a negotiated settlement which is realistic and not merely a repeat of the last offer."
Mon 29 September
The three trade unions will have further talks with CoSLA leaders on Thursday 2nd October after Councillor Cook, CoSLA's Human Resources spokesperson, extended the invitation "with a view to reaching a settlement" following a meeting of council leaders on 26th Sept 2008.
In response to the offer, Matt Smith, UNISON's Scottish Secretary said "We welcome this offer of talks, as we have always said that this dispute will only be settled by a negotiated settlement which is realistic and not merely a repeat of the last offer."
Mon 29 September
Friday, 26 September 2008
Industrial action campaign starts in Scottish Water
UNISON Scotland News release
Date: Fri 26 September 2008
Scottish Water's decision to unilaterally impose a pay award on their staff has sparked a UNISON campaign for industrial action by their members. UNISON has reacted angrily to the failure to agree the changes. The union is starting a campaign that may lead to industrial action, and has also written to the Chief Executive terminating the 6 year old partnership agreement - in place since Scottish Water was created.
Dave Wilkinson, Chair of UNISON's Scottish Water Branch said, "Scottish Water is acting recklessly. This unilateral action is ill thought out and unnecessary, and it means UNISON and the other trade unions have no option but to terminate the agreement that the employer has ignored, and to campaign for action to press them to improve the offer."
Branch Secretary, Steve Scott said, "The imposition amounts to a 2.4% rise over a single year. It is simply not acceptable when inflation is rising at 5%, energy prices are rising by anything up to 30% and food by 11%. The Joint trade unions met on Thursday to co-ordinate the industrial action campaign."
Date: Fri 26 September 2008
Scottish Water's decision to unilaterally impose a pay award on their staff has sparked a UNISON campaign for industrial action by their members. UNISON has reacted angrily to the failure to agree the changes. The union is starting a campaign that may lead to industrial action, and has also written to the Chief Executive terminating the 6 year old partnership agreement - in place since Scottish Water was created.
Dave Wilkinson, Chair of UNISON's Scottish Water Branch said, "Scottish Water is acting recklessly. This unilateral action is ill thought out and unnecessary, and it means UNISON and the other trade unions have no option but to terminate the agreement that the employer has ignored, and to campaign for action to press them to improve the offer."
Branch Secretary, Steve Scott said, "The imposition amounts to a 2.4% rise over a single year. It is simply not acceptable when inflation is rising at 5%, energy prices are rising by anything up to 30% and food by 11%. The Joint trade unions met on Thursday to co-ordinate the industrial action campaign."
Thursday, 25 September 2008
BBC News: Council workers to strike again
BBC NEWS | Scotland:
Page last updated at 17:35 GMT, Thursday, 25 September 2008 18:35 UK
Page last updated at 17:35 GMT, Thursday, 25 September 2008 18:35 UK
| | |
Unions have set a date for fresh strike action by council workers in a continuing dispute over pay. The announcement came a day after a 24-hour walkout by 150,000 local government staff. Unions are unhappy with a 2.5% pay offer and want 5% instead. Council bosses called for more talks. A Unison spokesman said the forthcoming action would target particular services and would involve lower numbers of workers than previous strikes. He declined to give any indication how long it would last. 'Reality' check However council bosses claim they have already made concessions and the resources are not available to meet the workers' demands. Local authority employers' group Cosla called on the unions to bring more realistic demands to the table. A Cosla spokesman said: "We are prepared to meet with the unions at any time. "We do not want the people of Scotland inconvenienced by unnecessary strike action." He urged the unions to come to any meeting with "a degree of reality in their position". "We have moved twice already firstly to get to 2.5 % (from 2.2%) and then a one-year deal from three. The unions have not moved an inch." Unison Scottish secretary Matt Smith said strike action was "only taken with the greatest of reluctance" and said he hoped the union and Cosla could come to a "negotiated settlement". | |
UNISON calls on Council Leaders to resolve pay dispute
UNISON, Scotland’s largest council union, today wrote to CoSLA’a lead negotiator and all of Scotland’s council leaders calling for negotiations on the current pay dispute ahead of further action.
This letter follows a successful second day of action by all three council unions - UNISON, GMB and Unite - which disrupted council services across Scotland yesterday.
Matt Smith, UNISON’s Scottish Secretary said:
“We are seeking to break the impasse reported in the press today. Despite CoSLA’s claim that the unions refuse to negotiate, we have always known that the best way to resolve this matter is through a negotiated settlement. Both parties need to be prepared to negotiate and this continues to be our position.”
UNISON points out in the letter that it will also be writing to Scottish Councils warning them of further selective strikes, due to begin on the 6 October should they be required.
This letter follows a successful second day of action by all three council unions - UNISON, GMB and Unite - which disrupted council services across Scotland yesterday.
Matt Smith, UNISON’s Scottish Secretary said:
“We are seeking to break the impasse reported in the press today. Despite CoSLA’s claim that the unions refuse to negotiate, we have always known that the best way to resolve this matter is through a negotiated settlement. Both parties need to be prepared to negotiate and this continues to be our position.”
UNISON points out in the letter that it will also be writing to Scottish Councils warning them of further selective strikes, due to begin on the 6 October should they be required.
The Herald: More action planned after second council pay row strike
More Action Planned After Second Council Pay Row Strike:
The Herald Thursday 25 September 2008
"Unions are planning a further round of council strikes for next month after yesterday's action by some 150,000 workers failed to bring a settlement to the protracted pay dispute any closer.
The second one-day strike in five weeks by Unison, GMB and Unite members led to widespread closure of schools, libraries, museums, community centres and the cancellation of bin collections and ferry services across Scotland.
Plans are now being drawn up for a series of smaller strikes targeting specific local authority areas from October 6 and initially lasting a fortnight."
More...
The Herald Thursday 25 September 2008
"Unions are planning a further round of council strikes for next month after yesterday's action by some 150,000 workers failed to bring a settlement to the protracted pay dispute any closer.
The second one-day strike in five weeks by Unison, GMB and Unite members led to widespread closure of schools, libraries, museums, community centres and the cancellation of bin collections and ferry services across Scotland.
Plans are now being drawn up for a series of smaller strikes targeting specific local authority areas from October 6 and initially lasting a fortnight."
More...
Wednesday, 24 September 2008
Evening Times: Kelvingrove closed as 200,000 strike over pay
by Gordon Thomson
Glasgow Evening Times
Wednesday 24 September 2008
GLASGOW'S top tourist attraction was shut today - with staff accused of taking "unlawful" strike action. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and 13 other museums across the city failed to open, along with the Tramway Theatre, as staff joined 200,000 council workers from across the country in a day of action over pay.
The city's museums, libraries, leisure sites and community facilities are now run by Culture and Sport Glasgow.
All the major unions say its 2000-strong workforce were eligible to take part in today's stoppage. Bosses, however, dispute that claim. A spokesman said: "Despite unlawful industrial action, the majority of sport and leisure facilities managed by Culture and Sport Glasgow on behalf of the city remain open."
As the row erupted, council services across Scotland ground to a halt.
More from the Evening Times site...
Glasgow Evening Times
Wednesday 24 September 2008
GLASGOW'S top tourist attraction was shut today - with staff accused of taking "unlawful" strike action. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and 13 other museums across the city failed to open, along with the Tramway Theatre, as staff joined 200,000 council workers from across the country in a day of action over pay.
The city's museums, libraries, leisure sites and community facilities are now run by Culture and Sport Glasgow.
All the major unions say its 2000-strong workforce were eligible to take part in today's stoppage. Bosses, however, dispute that claim. A spokesman said: "Despite unlawful industrial action, the majority of sport and leisure facilities managed by Culture and Sport Glasgow on behalf of the city remain open."
As the row erupted, council services across Scotland ground to a halt.
More from the Evening Times site...
Strong support in the Western Isles and Highlands
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| From Western Isles Wed 24 Sep |
All fired up on the picket lines in the Western Isles
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| From Western Isles Wed 24 Sep |
HQ in Stornoway
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| From Highland Wed 24 Sep |
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| From Highland Wed 24 Sep |
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| From Highland Wed 24 Sep |
Pickets at Muirtown Primary School
More Western Isles photos. More Highlands photos.
Edinburgh Rally - more photos from a hugely successful day of action
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| From Edinburgh Wed 24 Sep |
North Ayrshire marchers hold their banner high
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| From Edinburgh Wed 24 Sep |
It's nearly lift-off for this UNISON ballooning trio
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| From Edinburgh Wed 24 Sep |
Scottish Secretary Matt Smith welcomes some youthful supporters
More Photos from Edinburgh
Evening Express: Council services cut to the bone in North East
Schools and centres forced to shut doors
By Andrew Whitaker and Neil Evans
Published: 24/09/2008
COUNCIL services were today cut to the bone as a second wave of strike action hit the North-east.
Most schools , community centres and libraries in Aberdeen and Aberdeen were forced to shut their doors as employees protested over their pay packets.
Households now face having to wait up to a week to have rubbish collected.
A total of 103 schools across the region were closed or faced disruption.
Aberdeen City Council was forced to close 30 schools or nurseries, with lesson times axed at a further 14.
Another 39 schools and nurseries were shut in Aberdeenshire Council’s area, with 20 closed or disrupted in Moray
More from the Evening Express site
Evening News: Thousands of pupils stay home as strike closes city schools
24 September 2008
THOUSANDS of school pupils in the Capital stayed at home today as industrial action again forced schools to close their doors.
Council workers are striking over pay for the second time in two months.
A total of 25 primary schools, three nurseries and six special schools in Edinburgh are closed during the 24-hour strike, with a further 16 secondary schools and 12 primaries and nurseries open only to certain year groups.
Industrial action on August 20 closed schools on the first day of the new term and crippled scores of vital services across the city.
Union leaders today called for further local government strike action after pay talks left them "extremely disappointed".
More from the Evening News site
5,000 rally in Edinburgh to support the strike
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| From Edinburgh Wed 24 Sep |
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| From Edinburgh Wed 24 Sep |
UNISON NEC member Jane Carolan spoke at the demo in Princes Street Garden. The Ross Bandstand was festooned with UNISON colours.
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| From Edinburgh Wed 24 Sep |
Party atmosphere as the rain stayed away - sunhats and deckchairs show the eternal optimisim of the UNISON supporters. Venceremos!
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| From Edinburgh Wed 24 Sep |
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| From Edinburgh Wed 24 Sep |
Parents angry at children being put at risk - East Ayrshire
FROM EAST AYRSHIRE UNISON
The good news - more pickets on picket lines than the last day of action - with lots of schools having picket lines on. At Kirkstyle Primary the pickets said that many parents turned up at the school with the children and, after reading the leaflet the Branch had produced about the Health & Safety issues, turned and took their children home. Many were disgusted that the Council had put their children at risk and had not given the parents full details when informing them the schools would be open.
The Rally at The Cross in Kilmarnock saw two monkeys giving peanuts to the public - telling them the price of the packet of nuts was what the employer thought they were worth. The Branch handed out several hundred bags of nuts to the public - who were very supportive of the action.
All in all a very successful day
More photos.
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| East Ayrshire pickets |
The good news - more pickets on picket lines than the last day of action - with lots of schools having picket lines on. At Kirkstyle Primary the pickets said that many parents turned up at the school with the children and, after reading the leaflet the Branch had produced about the Health & Safety issues, turned and took their children home. Many were disgusted that the Council had put their children at risk and had not given the parents full details when informing them the schools would be open.
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| Employers reckon we're worth peanuts |
The Rally at The Cross in Kilmarnock saw two monkeys giving peanuts to the public - telling them the price of the packet of nuts was what the employer thought they were worth. The Branch handed out several hundred bags of nuts to the public - who were very supportive of the action.
All in all a very successful day
More photos.
North Lanarkshire pickets convince sly 'strike breaker' to give up
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| There were lots of smiles on picket lines across North Lanarkshire today - not just at the strength of support for the strike... |
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| A sly strike breaker approached one picket line... |
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| But after thinking it over... |
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| He decided not to cross. |
North Lanarkshire Photos. More strike photos.
We told you so - questions over pupil safety
UNISON warned on Monday that some Scottish councils are risking children's safety by trying to open schools during today's strike action
Councils put schoolchildren at risk in desperate attempt to undermine staff strike
This viewer comment, posted to the BBC website strike story, appears to confirm that councils that force teachers to open schools are taking risks with pupil safety.
BBC:News: Scotland:Workers in Strike Action:Viewer Comment
Anon, Central Scotland
"I am the head teacher of a large primary school in Central Scotland. Despite my request to my local authority to close my school on safety grounds, having no janitor or support staff, and on health grounds, down to the fact classrooms and toilets will not be cleaned and the bins not emptied, my request was declined. Local Authorities are not willing to support school staff and as a result are putting pupil safety at risk.
I am unwilling to provide my contact details as I know that I will be targeted by the education authority as a result. I also know that I am one of many head teachers who are being forced to put pupils at risk today."
More
Councils put schoolchildren at risk in desperate attempt to undermine staff strike
This viewer comment, posted to the BBC website strike story, appears to confirm that councils that force teachers to open schools are taking risks with pupil safety.
BBC:News: Scotland:Workers in Strike Action:Viewer Comment
Anon, Central Scotland
"I am the head teacher of a large primary school in Central Scotland. Despite my request to my local authority to close my school on safety grounds, having no janitor or support staff, and on health grounds, down to the fact classrooms and toilets will not be cleaned and the bins not emptied, my request was declined. Local Authorities are not willing to support school staff and as a result are putting pupil safety at risk.
I am unwilling to provide my contact details as I know that I will be targeted by the education authority as a result. I also know that I am one of many head teachers who are being forced to put pupils at risk today."
More
BBC News: Strike suspends ferry and schools
Page last updated at 08:28 GMT, Wednesday, 24 September 2008 09:28 UK
BBC News Scotland Highlands & Islands Strike suspends ferry and schools
Strike suspends ferry and schools
Many schools on the Western Isles and in the Highlands are closed as a result of industrial action by council staff.
The walkout involves hundreds of employees of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Highland Council.
Large schools on the islands are affected, while almost 50 primaries in the Highlands are shut to pupils.
Recycling centres are closed, refuse collections not being made, registration offices shut and Highland Council's Corran Ferry did not operate.
In the Highlands, 10 secondary schools are shut and eight are limiting classes to older year groups.
Nurseries are also affected and almost 50 primary schools are closed.
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar said its offices in Stornoway and Balivanich are closed.
Offices in Castlebay and Tarbert are open, but may be subject to limited services.
Many islands schools, particularly the larger ones, are closed due to a lack of support staff and disruption to local authority-run bus services.
More
BBC News Scotland Highlands & Islands Strike suspends ferry and schools
Strike suspends ferry and schools
Many schools on the Western Isles and in the Highlands are closed as a result of industrial action by council staff.
The walkout involves hundreds of employees of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Highland Council.
Large schools on the islands are affected, while almost 50 primaries in the Highlands are shut to pupils.
Recycling centres are closed, refuse collections not being made, registration offices shut and Highland Council's Corran Ferry did not operate.
In the Highlands, 10 secondary schools are shut and eight are limiting classes to older year groups.
Nurseries are also affected and almost 50 primary schools are closed.
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar said its offices in Stornoway and Balivanich are closed.
Offices in Castlebay and Tarbert are open, but may be subject to limited services.
Many islands schools, particularly the larger ones, are closed due to a lack of support staff and disruption to local authority-run bus services.
More
Council services grind to a halt across Scotland
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| Sunshine for rally in Dumfries. Great public support, cars hooting all the time.. Very good support from the EIS.Dumfries Wed 24 Sep |
UNISON Scotland Press Statement
Embargo: For immediate Release
24 September 2008
Council services grind to a halt across Scotland.
UNISON, Scotland’s largest council union, said that today’s strike has been massively successful, with similar numbers (around 150,000) taking part as in the last strike on 20 August. That strike prompted employers to offer further talks and ‘to look to a settlement which takes account of the rise’ in inflation since their first offer. The failure of the employers to improve their offer at that meeting – whether this was because of internal inability to agree or reneging on public commitments - led directly to this further strike by the three unions involved in the action (UNISON, GMB and Unite).
The action is hitting council services across Scotland, disrupting schools, nurseries and community education, social care services, cleansing and environmental health, housing, planning, roads and transport – including closing ferry services in Argyll and the Highlands – registry services, parks, leisure and recreation, libraries and museums, halls and theatres and many more.
Matt Smith, UNISON’s Scottish Secretary said
“Attitudes have hardened on behalf of the unions since last month's Day of Action because our members feel really let down by the employers. There is not a penny more on the table, despite their public recognition of the need to reconsider the offer.
“CoSLA badly needs a reality check. The employers told us 5 weeks ago that they would make an offer in terms of the increases in inflation, but they have refused to put another penny on the table.
“Until CoSLA makes a better offer strike action will continue."
A major demonstration will take place in Edinburgh, with a rally at 1.00pm at the Ross bandstand at Princes Street Gardens. Speaking will be UNISON’s Scottish Organiser, Glyn Hawker, and Angela Nicoll, a low paid nursery nurse from West Dunbartonshire. There will also be speakers from the GMB and Unite.
Whilst this will be the main focus, other rallies will take place in parts of Scotland where members would have difficulty attending Edinburgh. Rallies are planned in Aberdeen, Inverness, Dundee, and Dumfries. Details are on our website at http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/localgovt/pay2008/strikeday.html
Glyn Hawker said,
“Taking further industrial action is regrettable, but our members and their colleagues have no alternative. The employers’ betrayal has angered our members. Our members are not the causes of inflation or the credit crunch, they are the victims of it. The success of today’s action shows that they simply want to be treated fairly by their employers.”
Attempts by a number of councils to open schools that were closed last month, have been condemned by the union. These have been done with no or untrained staff covering fire safety and health and safety, with no lunches or no hot lunches – even where children get free school lunches, with pupils drafted in to keep schools clean, and planning to abandon procedures to warn parents if pupils fail to arrive, or to enable parents to contact the school.
Tracey Dalling, UNISON’s Regional Organiser for local government said
“It is extremely worrying that some councils are risking our kids’ safety in order to try and claim some kind of one-upmanship over their striking staff, and it is very confusing for parents. These frantic half-baked plans to try to open schools not only put children at risk, but mean that parents don’t know whether to send children to school or not. Councils have had weeks to give a clear message to parents, where they are trying this tactic they are not only angering support staff, but alienating teachers and parents.”
Standing firm on the Glasgow City Chambers picket
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| From Glasgow Wed 24 Sep |
More Glasgow pics including 60 years-young birthday picket Shirley Buchanan at the Glasgow strike day folder on the UNISON Scotland web gallery.
Press Association: Council workers stage second strike
from Press Association
SCOTLAND Strike
24 Sep 2008 - 09:05
By Lucinda Cameron and Sam Reeves, Scottish Press Association (ScotFile:News special)
Tens of thousands of local government workers staged a another one-day strike today in a dispute over pay.
The action - the second in five weeks - disrupted schools, rubbish collections, ferry services and other council services.
Union leaders predicted about 150,000 staff across Scotland were taking part in the one-day walkout, in the continuing stand-off with council bosses.
It comes just over a month after a first council workers strike over the same issue brought widespread disruption.
Discontent at an offer of 2.5% for each of the next three years is at the heart of the row.
Many councils have listed services affected by the strike on their website.
Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne said that today's sailings between Gourock and Dunoon and between Wemyss Bay and Rothesay have been cancelled because of industrial action by Argyll and Bute council staff.
Unison, the main union involved in the strike, said council chiefs had failed to live up to their promise of improving the offer after the first strike.
Glyn Hawker, Scottish organiser of Unison, said the action was going well so far today.
She said: "It's still very early but the indications are that there are a lot of people involved.
"Reports I've had from colleagues show it's going very well and there is a lot of support for the strike.
"We hope that it will bring our employers back into negotiation with a revised and improved pay offer for our members.
"We hope they will recognise the strength of feeling and unhappiness and agree to meet."
Unison represents about 100,000 local government workers. The other unions involved are GMB and Unite.
A major demonstration is taking place in Edinburgh, with a rally in Princes Street Gardens.
Other rallies were being held in Aberdeen, Dumfries, Dundee and Inverness.
Unison also expressed concern that councils plan to open some schools that were closed during last month's strike.
It said there will be a lack of trained staff in the schools and children will be put at risk.
Local authority employers' group Cosla said it was disappointed the workers were set to bring further misery to communities.
It said compromises had been made over the pay issue and said the unions should be more realistic in their demands.
A spokesman said: "We are disappointed that the unions are putting communities through another day of unnecessary action.
"Striking is not the way to resolve this. As employers we are always willing to talk - we want to settle this dispute - but there must be a reality check from our unions .
"We have already moved in terms of a one-year deal and the time has now come for the unions to be more realistic in their demands."
ends
SCOTLAND Strike
24 Sep 2008 - 09:05
By Lucinda Cameron and Sam Reeves, Scottish Press Association (ScotFile:News special)
Tens of thousands of local government workers staged a another one-day strike today in a dispute over pay.
The action - the second in five weeks - disrupted schools, rubbish collections, ferry services and other council services.
Union leaders predicted about 150,000 staff across Scotland were taking part in the one-day walkout, in the continuing stand-off with council bosses.
It comes just over a month after a first council workers strike over the same issue brought widespread disruption.
Discontent at an offer of 2.5% for each of the next three years is at the heart of the row.
Many councils have listed services affected by the strike on their website.
Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne said that today's sailings between Gourock and Dunoon and between Wemyss Bay and Rothesay have been cancelled because of industrial action by Argyll and Bute council staff.
Unison, the main union involved in the strike, said council chiefs had failed to live up to their promise of improving the offer after the first strike.
Glyn Hawker, Scottish organiser of Unison, said the action was going well so far today.
She said: "It's still very early but the indications are that there are a lot of people involved.
"Reports I've had from colleagues show it's going very well and there is a lot of support for the strike.
"We hope that it will bring our employers back into negotiation with a revised and improved pay offer for our members.
"We hope they will recognise the strength of feeling and unhappiness and agree to meet."
Unison represents about 100,000 local government workers. The other unions involved are GMB and Unite.
A major demonstration is taking place in Edinburgh, with a rally in Princes Street Gardens.
Other rallies were being held in Aberdeen, Dumfries, Dundee and Inverness.
Unison also expressed concern that councils plan to open some schools that were closed during last month's strike.
It said there will be a lack of trained staff in the schools and children will be put at risk.
Local authority employers' group Cosla said it was disappointed the workers were set to bring further misery to communities.
It said compromises had been made over the pay issue and said the unions should be more realistic in their demands.
A spokesman said: "We are disappointed that the unions are putting communities through another day of unnecessary action.
"Striking is not the way to resolve this. As employers we are always willing to talk - we want to settle this dispute - but there must be a reality check from our unions .
"We have already moved in terms of a one-year deal and the time has now come for the unions to be more realistic in their demands."
ends
BBC News: Admin Worker's Happy 60th Birthday on the picket line!
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| From Glasgow Wed 24 Sep |
Shirley Buchanan, an admin assistant at Glasgow City Council, will be celebrating her 60th birthday while taking part in the strike.
"It will be something to remember it by," she said...
She has been involved in a number of strikes during her 20 years as a council employee, but thinks this dispute is one of the worst.
"I think it's more serious because of the current rate of inflation," she said. "No one has extra money.
"Prices are shooting up daily. Food, fuel, everything is going up except our wages."
Ms Buchanan said low-paid female workers were suffering most.
She said: "They have families to support and they've got a pay rise that's the equivalent of just 42p a week."
Ms Buchanan said she believed she had no choice but to take part in the walkout.
"It's a big thing for anyone to get involved in strike action, but it's the only way to get employers round the table," she said.
More
Just capital: UNISON picket on Edinburgh's High Street, 7.30am
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| From Edinburgh Mon 24 Sep |
On the picket line at the city chambers in Edinburgh at 7.30am
Early bird pickets out across Scotland
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| From Falkirk Mon 24 Sep |
Scottish Organiser Glyn Hawker was out on the picket lines first thing this morning. This photo is from maintenance depot at Denny. Well done Falkirk Council UNISON and GMB.
UNISON Scottish Secretary lays it on the line for COSLA
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| Matt Smith says CoSLA needs a reality check |
7am newsflash: Matt Smith on Good Morning Scotland radio programme
UNISON's Scottish Secretary Matt Smith speaking on BBC Radio's Good Morning Scotland said that:
"Attitudes have hardened on behalf of the unions since last month's Day of Action because our members feel really let down by the employers. There is not a penny more on the table.
CoSLA badly needs a reality check
The employers told us 5 weeks ago that they would make an offer in terms of the increases in inflation.
They have refused to put another penny on the table.
Until CoSLA makes a better offer this strike action will continue."
For the employers Councillor Michael Cook claimed CoSLA had demonstrated flexibility, having improved the offer in March and said that jobs and services were at stake as a result of inflation and wage demands.
Matt Smith responded by saying: "We're always told that by employers. We have made a claim, and we want to negotiate around it.
Our members are the victims of inflation, not the cause of it. They need a decent pay rise, certainly not at half the level of inflation."
Round one to Matt!
Dumfries set for first demo of the day
DUMFRIES demonstration & rally Demonstration at Council Offices, English Street, Dumfries on the 24th September from 8.00–10.00
Queensberry Hotel, English Street, Dumfries for a Rally (start 10) with guest speakers: Dave Watson (UNISON Scottish Organiser); John Dennis (EIS); Archie Dryburgh (Labour Councillor); Ann Patterson (Unite)
BBC News: Council staff set to strike again
BBC NEWS | Scotland | Glasgow, Lanarkshire and West | Council staff set to strike again:
Page last updated at 23:18 GMT, Tuesday, 23 September 2008 00:18 UK
Schools, ferry services and rubbish collections are to be disrupted again as Scottish council workers stage the second strike over pay in two months.
Up to 150,000 members of the Unite, Unison and GMB unions were due to take part in the 24-hour walkout.
It comes after the rejection of an amended offer from local authority umbrella group Cosla to reduce the 2.5% pay offer from three years to one year.
The unions are calling for a 5% increase in line with inflation.
Dougie Black, Unison Scotland regional officer said the employers' offer amounted to a pay cut.
He said: 'The action will send a very clear message to the employers. Your failure to improve your offer after making public commitments to do so has angered your staff.
'Taking further industrial action is regrettable, but we have no alternative given the employer's behaviour over this.'
More...
Page last updated at 23:18 GMT, Tuesday, 23 September 2008 00:18 UK
Schools, ferry services and rubbish collections are to be disrupted again as Scottish council workers stage the second strike over pay in two months.
Up to 150,000 members of the Unite, Unison and GMB unions were due to take part in the 24-hour walkout.
It comes after the rejection of an amended offer from local authority umbrella group Cosla to reduce the 2.5% pay offer from three years to one year.
The unions are calling for a 5% increase in line with inflation.
Dougie Black, Unison Scotland regional officer said the employers' offer amounted to a pay cut.
He said: 'The action will send a very clear message to the employers. Your failure to improve your offer after making public commitments to do so has angered your staff.
'Taking further industrial action is regrettable, but we have no alternative given the employer's behaviour over this.'
More...
Aberdeen to host strike rally
A rally in Aberdeen has been organised for the union’s local government branches in the North East today (Wed Sep 24). It will be held in the Castlegate from 11.00am to 12 noon. Speakers will include UNISON’s Scottish Organiser John Keggie, and Alison Law, a low-paid UNISON member and Home Carer from Aberdeenshire. Speakers from fellow striking trade unions GMB and Unite have also been invited. 
“In the event that it becomes needed we now have authorisation for further action after the 24 September. We hope that the employers will make sure we don’t need to take that action, by looking at a settlement which takes account of the subsequent surge of inflation – as they promised after the last strike. But given their track record then, we need to ensure we have further action planned if this doesn’t happen.”
"All we want is a decent settlement and to be treated with respect. We hoped that the employers would see from our action last month that we are very serious and determined about this, but once more they don't seem to be listening."
More info at Aberdeenshire UNISON website
A national march and rally, involving all three trade unions, will also be held in Edinburgh. Click here for details of the Edinburgh Rally.
Tuesday, 23 September 2008
First strike pictures from East Ayrshire Branch
 |
| From East Ayrshire 24 Sep |
East Ayrshire Branch Welfare Officer, Vera Murchie, got ready early for her stint on the Picket Line. The Branch's theme for the day is that the pay rise is worth no more than a bag of nuts!!
More monkey pics at the East Ayrshire 24 Sep web gallery
STUC: Widespread support for public sector pay action shows Scottish Government and COSLA must act now
STUC General Secretary's Statement - Tuesday 23 September 2008:"Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s local government strike amongst members of GMB, UNISON and UNITE Grahame Smith, Scottish TUC General Secretary, said:
“I have every reason to believe that local government workers will show massive support for tomorrow’s action. Thousands of low paid public service workers simply cannot afford to see their standard of living fall further. There is enormous disappointment that, having recognized the justice of the pay claim, COSLA has not increased its original offer of 2.5%. They will need to do so if future action is to be averted.”"
More at www.stuc.org.uk
BBC News: New offer for court strike staff
BBC NEWS | Scotland | New offer for court strike staff: Page last updated at 11:59 GMT, Tuesday, 23 September 2008 12:59 UK
An improved pay offer is to be made to hundreds of court staff in Scotland who are holding a day of strike action, BBC Scotland understands.
The Public and Commercial Service (PCS) union said the action had caused major disruption to the justice system.
However, a new deal for members of the Crown Office and court administration staff is being assessed by ministers before being put to the union.
More...
Monday, 22 September 2008
Border TV captures the CoSLA Olympics
UNISON Scotland activists featured on Border TV's Lookaround teatime news magazine programme on Monday 22 September after their campaigning stunt in Eyemouth to illustrate the way inflation has raced ahead of wages. The team were in the Borders ward of Councillor Michael Cook who is the CoSLA chief pay negotiator.
Last month's council service disruption to be repeated on Wednesday
News Release - Monday 22 September 2008
UNISON, Scotland's largest Council union, said today that the day's strike on Wednesday (24 September)is to go ahead and is likely to involve the same numbers as the last strike on 20 August.
That strike saw massive disruption to local services and prompted employers to offer further talks and 'to look to a settlement which takes account of the rise' (letter from CoSLA) in inflation since their first offer. The failure of the employers to improve their offer at that meeting - whether this was because of duplicitous reneging on public commitments OR internal inability to agree - led directly to this further action from the three unions involved in the action (UNISON, GMB and Unite).
The action on Wednesday will affect council services across Scotland, and will disrupt schools, nurseries and community education, social work services, cleansing and environmental health, housing, planning, roads and transport - including some ferry services in Argyll and the Highlands - registry services, parks, leisure and recreation, libraries and museums, halls and theatres and many more.
Dougie Black, UNISON Scotland Regional Officer and Secretary to the joint trade union negotiating team said, "The action on Wednesday will send a very clear message to the employers. Your failure to improve your offer after making public commitments to do so has angered your staff. Taking further industrial action is regrettable, but we have no alternative given the employers' behaviour over this."
A major demonstration will take place in Edinburgh, with a rally at 1.00pm at the Ross bandstand at Princes Street Gardens. Speaking will be UNISON's Deputy General Secretary, Keith Sonnet, And Angela Nicoll, a low paid nursery nurse from West Dunbartonshire. There will also be speakers from the GMB and Unite.
Whilst this will be the main focus, other rallies will take place in parts of Scotland where members would have difficulty attending Edinnburgh. Rallies will take place in Aberdeen, with UNISON's Scottish Organiser John Keggie, and Aberdeenshire home care worker, Alison Law speaking, Dumfries - speakers Dave Watson (UNISON); Councillor Archie Dryburgh and Ann Patterson (Unite), Dundee and Inverness. Details of these events are on the UNISON strike day page http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/localgovt/pay2008/strikeday.html
UNISON has expressed concern that a number of councils plan to open schools that were closed last month, suggesting that untrained staff can cover fire safety and health and safety, that no lunches or no hot lunches will be provided - even where children get free school lunches, that pupils as young as five will be drafted in to keep schools clean, and that they propose to abandon procedures to warn parents if pupils fail to arrive, or to enable parents to contact the school.
Tracey Dalling, UNISON's Regional Organiser for local government said "It is extremely worrying that some councils seem to be prepared to risk our kids' safety in order to try and claim some kind of one-upmanship over their striking staff. We have asked all our local government branches to ask for the risk assessments for the individual schools that they propose to open. Strangely enough we haven't received too many, indeed we do know that some councils have not even completed them but are still saying that schools will be open!"
UNISON, Scotland's largest Council union, said today that the day's strike on Wednesday (24 September)is to go ahead and is likely to involve the same numbers as the last strike on 20 August.
That strike saw massive disruption to local services and prompted employers to offer further talks and 'to look to a settlement which takes account of the rise' (letter from CoSLA) in inflation since their first offer. The failure of the employers to improve their offer at that meeting - whether this was because of duplicitous reneging on public commitments OR internal inability to agree - led directly to this further action from the three unions involved in the action (UNISON, GMB and Unite).
The action on Wednesday will affect council services across Scotland, and will disrupt schools, nurseries and community education, social work services, cleansing and environmental health, housing, planning, roads and transport - including some ferry services in Argyll and the Highlands - registry services, parks, leisure and recreation, libraries and museums, halls and theatres and many more.
Dougie Black, UNISON Scotland Regional Officer and Secretary to the joint trade union negotiating team said, "The action on Wednesday will send a very clear message to the employers. Your failure to improve your offer after making public commitments to do so has angered your staff. Taking further industrial action is regrettable, but we have no alternative given the employers' behaviour over this."
A major demonstration will take place in Edinburgh, with a rally at 1.00pm at the Ross bandstand at Princes Street Gardens. Speaking will be UNISON's Deputy General Secretary, Keith Sonnet, And Angela Nicoll, a low paid nursery nurse from West Dunbartonshire. There will also be speakers from the GMB and Unite.
Whilst this will be the main focus, other rallies will take place in parts of Scotland where members would have difficulty attending Edinnburgh. Rallies will take place in Aberdeen, with UNISON's Scottish Organiser John Keggie, and Aberdeenshire home care worker, Alison Law speaking, Dumfries - speakers Dave Watson (UNISON); Councillor Archie Dryburgh and Ann Patterson (Unite), Dundee and Inverness. Details of these events are on the UNISON strike day page http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/localgovt/pay2008/strikeday.html
UNISON has expressed concern that a number of councils plan to open schools that were closed last month, suggesting that untrained staff can cover fire safety and health and safety, that no lunches or no hot lunches will be provided - even where children get free school lunches, that pupils as young as five will be drafted in to keep schools clean, and that they propose to abandon procedures to warn parents if pupils fail to arrive, or to enable parents to contact the school.
Tracey Dalling, UNISON's Regional Organiser for local government said "It is extremely worrying that some councils seem to be prepared to risk our kids' safety in order to try and claim some kind of one-upmanship over their striking staff. We have asked all our local government branches to ask for the risk assessments for the individual schools that they propose to open. Strangely enough we haven't received too many, indeed we do know that some councils have not even completed them but are still saying that schools will be open!"
Border Olympics brings message home to CoSLA pay chief
 |
| From Border Olympics Mon 22 Sep |
UNISON Scotland activists in the Scottish Borders staged a mock Olympic race today (Monday 22 September) to bring home the message that a 2.5% pay offer is unfair, right in the back yard of CoSLA's pay chief Councillor Michael Cook.
 |
| From Border Olympics Mon 22 Sep |
In fetching fancy dress, they played out the racing costs of housing, fuel and food while the poor council worker is left behind, tied to the ball and chain of a pay offer which is half the inflation rate.
 |
| From Border Olympics Mon 22 Sep |
Councillor Cook was clearly rattled by the stunt when facing UNISON chief negotiator Dougie Black on the radio this morning. He will come under increasing pressure as the very real strike action for Fair Pay is stepped up on Wednesday for the second Day of Action.
 |
| From Border Olympics Mon 22 Sep |
BBC News: Union in 'cost of living' protest
BBC NEWS | Scotland | Scotland politics | Union in 'cost of living' protest:
Page last updated at 09:04 GMT, Monday, 22 September 2008 10:04 UK
"Union in 'cost of living' protest
The trade union Unison is staging a 'cost of living' protest as part of its dispute over a 2.5% pay offer to council workers across Scotland.
Union members will dress up as various items in the family budget to highlight their local government pay concerns."
more...
Page last updated at 09:04 GMT, Monday, 22 September 2008 10:04 UK
"Union in 'cost of living' protest
The trade union Unison is staging a 'cost of living' protest as part of its dispute over a 2.5% pay offer to council workers across Scotland.
Union members will dress up as various items in the family budget to highlight their local government pay concerns."
more...
Councils put schoolchildren at risk in desperate attempt to undermine staff strike
News release - Immediate Monday 22 September
UNISON, Scotland's largest council staff union, today said that they have evidence that some Scottish councils are risking children's safety by trying to open schools when key members of staff are on strike on Wednesday.
Councils such as East Ayrshire and Perth and Kinross are preparing to open schools that were closed last month, by suggesting that untrained staff can cover fire safety and health and safety, that no lunches will be provided - even if the children get free school lunches, that pupils as young as five will be drafted in to keep schools clean, and that they propose to abandon procedures to highlight whether pupils have arrived at school, or to enable parents to contact the school.
Tracey Dalling, UNISON's Regional Organiser for local government said "Our branches have been getting reports that councils are preparing to cut safety corners and use non-striking teaching staff, and even the pupils themselves to try to cover vital work provided by cleaners, janitors and school admin staff. A number of councils who closed schools as a safety measure during the strike are proposing to try to open them this time - although the same staff will be on strike.
"It is extremely worrying that some councils seem to be prepared to risk our kids' safety in order to try and claim some kind of one-upmanship over their striking staff. We have asked all our local government branches to ask for the risk assessments for the individual schools that they propose to open. Strangely enough we haven't received too many, indeed we do know that some councils have not even completed them but are still saying that schools will be open!"
UNISON, Scotland's largest council staff union, today said that they have evidence that some Scottish councils are risking children's safety by trying to open schools when key members of staff are on strike on Wednesday.
Councils such as East Ayrshire and Perth and Kinross are preparing to open schools that were closed last month, by suggesting that untrained staff can cover fire safety and health and safety, that no lunches will be provided - even if the children get free school lunches, that pupils as young as five will be drafted in to keep schools clean, and that they propose to abandon procedures to highlight whether pupils have arrived at school, or to enable parents to contact the school.
Tracey Dalling, UNISON's Regional Organiser for local government said "Our branches have been getting reports that councils are preparing to cut safety corners and use non-striking teaching staff, and even the pupils themselves to try to cover vital work provided by cleaners, janitors and school admin staff. A number of councils who closed schools as a safety measure during the strike are proposing to try to open them this time - although the same staff will be on strike.
"It is extremely worrying that some councils seem to be prepared to risk our kids' safety in order to try and claim some kind of one-upmanship over their striking staff. We have asked all our local government branches to ask for the risk assessments for the individual schools that they propose to open. Strangely enough we haven't received too many, indeed we do know that some councils have not even completed them but are still saying that schools will be open!"
Saturday, 20 September 2008
UNISON gets Labourstart photo of the week
UNISON Organiser and sometime picture snapper Peter Hunter tells us:
"One of our August strike photos will the LabourtStart photo of the week next week. http://www.labourstart.org/ Gets posted on Sunday apparently. Good way to remind activists of the power of their blog contributions ahead of Wednesday. 15 mins of global fame for Deborah! Thanks to Fiona for setting it up."
As if our activists need reminding of their power!
Here's the pic:
Thursday, 18 September 2008
Google map for Day of Action 24 Sep 2008
We aim to make our second Day of Action and Strike for Fair Pay on 24 September even bigger and better than the successful events on 20 August. Click on the map to move around or zoom in and find what's happening near you. And don't forget to send us a message of support... we'll add them to the map.
Click here to view a larger, indexed 24 September Day of Action map in a new browser window
(especially if you find the embedded map too small or the pop-up information windows too large on this page)
(Click here to view the archived 20 August map)
Wednesday, 17 September 2008
BBC News: Union warns over council strike
 A strike last month disrupted services |
BBC NEWS | Scotland:
Page last updated at 17:40 GMT, Wednesday, 17 September 2008 18:40 UK
Union officials have warned there could be more action beyond a one-day strike planned for next week, in a dispute over local government pay.
The Unison union has rejected a 2.5% pay offer and members are due to strike on Wednesday 24 September. Rallies are planned for Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Inverness.
Day of Action rally details for September 24
Further strikes planned in local government dispute
News release: Immediate Wed 17 September 2008
UNISON, Scotland's largest council staff union, today indicated that a series of events and rallies would mark 24 September as the next day of strike action in Scotland's local government pay dispute, and further action would be announced unless employers improved the below-inflation 2.5% offer they are clinging to. The union also announced that they had agreed further action after the 24th, should that be required.
The union, with around 100,000 members working for Scotland's local councils will be arranging a major demonstration and rally on Wednesday the 24 September in Edinburgh. This will start at 12.30pm and rally in the Ross bandstand in Prince's Street Gardens.
Whilst many branches across Scotland will be attending this rally, there will also be rallies organised in localities where people may have difficulty getting to Edinburgh. In particular there will be a rally in Aberdeen, in the Castlegate from 11.00am to 12 noon, and a repeat of last months successful rally outside Inverness castle at 11.00am. Further events and more details of these, will be notified later.
In an event preceding the 24 September, UNISON is also to stage a 'Cost-of-living' race in the Scottish Borders on Monday 22 September. UNISON colleagues dressed as items from the family budget (food, fuel, housing costs etc.) will show how their costs are oustripping the pay of the local government worker. This will take place in Eyemouth, in the Scottish Borders, the ward of Cllr Michael Cook, chair of the employers' negotiators. (Further information on this event will be sent out separately)
Tracey Dalling, UNISON's Regional Organiser said: "If the employers thought that promising to reconsider their pay offer and then refusing to deliver was a clever tactic, then this next action will show them the error of their ways. Whether this was a piece of sleight-of-hand or the inability of the employers' reps to agree a new offer, it has backfired badly. All the reports indicate that this has made members much angrier. And this is likely to be demonstrated on the 24th."
"In the event that it becomes needed we now have authorisation for further action after the 24 September. We hope that the employers will make sure we don't need to take that action, by looking at a settlement which takes account of the subsequent surge of inflation - as they promised after the last strike. But given their track record then, we need to ensure we have further action planned if this doesn't happen."
News release: Immediate Wed 17 September 2008
UNISON, Scotland's largest council staff union, today indicated that a series of events and rallies would mark 24 September as the next day of strike action in Scotland's local government pay dispute, and further action would be announced unless employers improved the below-inflation 2.5% offer they are clinging to. The union also announced that they had agreed further action after the 24th, should that be required.
The union, with around 100,000 members working for Scotland's local councils will be arranging a major demonstration and rally on Wednesday the 24 September in Edinburgh. This will start at 12.30pm and rally in the Ross bandstand in Prince's Street Gardens.Whilst many branches across Scotland will be attending this rally, there will also be rallies organised in localities where people may have difficulty getting to Edinburgh. In particular there will be a rally in Aberdeen, in the Castlegate from 11.00am to 12 noon, and a repeat of last months successful rally outside Inverness castle at 11.00am. Further events and more details of these, will be notified later.
In an event preceding the 24 September, UNISON is also to stage a 'Cost-of-living' race in the Scottish Borders on Monday 22 September. UNISON colleagues dressed as items from the family budget (food, fuel, housing costs etc.) will show how their costs are oustripping the pay of the local government worker. This will take place in Eyemouth, in the Scottish Borders, the ward of Cllr Michael Cook, chair of the employers' negotiators. (Further information on this event will be sent out separately)Tracey Dalling, UNISON's Regional Organiser said: "If the employers thought that promising to reconsider their pay offer and then refusing to deliver was a clever tactic, then this next action will show them the error of their ways. Whether this was a piece of sleight-of-hand or the inability of the employers' reps to agree a new offer, it has backfired badly. All the reports indicate that this has made members much angrier. And this is likely to be demonstrated on the 24th."
"In the event that it becomes needed we now have authorisation for further action after the 24 September. We hope that the employers will make sure we don't need to take that action, by looking at a settlement which takes account of the subsequent surge of inflation - as they promised after the last strike. But given their track record then, we need to ensure we have further action planned if this doesn't happen."
Monday, 15 September 2008
Day of Action campaign gathers pace
The 24 September Day of Action campaign gathers pace as a major March and Rally is announced for Edinburgh.
Assemble 12.30 outside City Chambers High Street
March 13.00.
Rally at Ross Bandstand, West Princes Street Gardens 13.45
Assemble 12.30 outside City Chambers High Street
March 13.00.
Rally at Ross Bandstand, West Princes Street Gardens 13.45
Drop off and pick up point for buses is Castle Terrace.
Wednesday, 10 September 2008
UNISON condemns Scottish Futures Trust quango to promote PPP
UNISON Scotland Press Statement
Embargo: For immediate Release
Date: Wed 10 September 2008
UNISON condemns Scottish Futures Trust quango to promote PPP
UNISON Scotland today hit out at the creation of the Scottish Futures Trust and the appointment of Sir Angus Grossart to spearhead the company.
Scottish Organiser Dave Watson said, "In opposition the SNP were highly critical of PPP, yet today, in Government, they have established a hugely expensive PPP quango headed up by a merchant banker.
"The Strategic Business Case for the SFT showed it will start off with five staff who will each earn on average more than the Chief Executive of Scotland's largest local authority.
"It is difficult to see how this body will be anything other than a vocal proponent of more PPP in Scotland, wasting yet more billions of taxpayers' money.
"Already Ministers have said it will drive forward 'hub' developments, which are PPP projects based on the English LIFT schemes, strongly criticised in a House of Commons Public Accounts Committee report in 2006. UNISON Scotland believes that conventional financing of new schools, hospitals and other public infrastructure provides the best value for money."
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
UNISON's summary evidence to the Finance Committee for its 9 Sept meeting on the SFT is available from Fiona Montgomery (0141 342 2852) or at f.montgomery@unison.co.uk
For Further Information Please Contact:
Dave Watson (Scottish Organiser) - 07958 122 409(m)
Fiona Montgomery (Information Development Officer) 0141 342 2852
Embargo: For immediate Release
Date: Wed 10 September 2008
UNISON condemns Scottish Futures Trust quango to promote PPP
UNISON Scotland today hit out at the creation of the Scottish Futures Trust and the appointment of Sir Angus Grossart to spearhead the company.
Scottish Organiser Dave Watson said, "In opposition the SNP were highly critical of PPP, yet today, in Government, they have established a hugely expensive PPP quango headed up by a merchant banker.
"The Strategic Business Case for the SFT showed it will start off with five staff who will each earn on average more than the Chief Executive of Scotland's largest local authority.
"It is difficult to see how this body will be anything other than a vocal proponent of more PPP in Scotland, wasting yet more billions of taxpayers' money.
"Already Ministers have said it will drive forward 'hub' developments, which are PPP projects based on the English LIFT schemes, strongly criticised in a House of Commons Public Accounts Committee report in 2006. UNISON Scotland believes that conventional financing of new schools, hospitals and other public infrastructure provides the best value for money."
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
UNISON's summary evidence to the Finance Committee for its 9 Sept meeting on the SFT is available from Fiona Montgomery (0141 342 2852) or at f.montgomery@unison.co.uk
For Further Information Please Contact:
Dave Watson (Scottish Organiser) - 07958 122 409(m)
Fiona Montgomery (Information Development Officer) 0141 342 2852
Monday, 8 September 2008
SFT is a costly and unnecessary new quango with staff on six figure salaries
UNISON Scotland Press Statement
Embargo: For immediate Release
Date: Mon 8 September 2008
SFT is a costly and unnecessary new quango with staff on six figure salaries
UNISON Scotland will tomorrow warn MSPs that the Scottish Futures Trust (SFT) will be an unnecessary and costly new quango, promoting PFI/PPP policies and employing staff on six figure salaries.
Scottish Organiser Dave Watson will tell the Scottish Parliament’s Finance Committee that the SFT proposal has been turned from a simple idea (for Scottish Government Bonds) into a complex one, losing the original purpose and instead pursuing largely the same PFI/PPP policies.
Giving evidence to the Committee’s ongoing inquiry into the funding of public capital investment projects, he will point out that the SFT’s continuation of the hub PPP initiative is a Trojan horse for introducing parts of the English public sector model here.
Dave will say “Ministers are establishing a new quango with most of its important work barely sketched out in this Strategic Business Case. “It has allocated initial payroll costs of £1 million for six or seven staff. “UNISON research (click here) has shown that PFI/PPP is wasting billions of pounds of taxpayers money. The SFT originally was supposed to tackle this waste but the current plans simply set up a new quango to deliver more of the same.”
ENDS
For Further Information Please Contact: Dave Watson (Scottish organiser - Policy) 07958 122 409 (m) Fiona Montgomery/Malcolm Burns (Information Development Officers) 0141 342 2852/2811
Notes for editors
Dave Watson will give evidence to the Committee at 2pm on Tuesday 9 Sept. He is taking part in a round table discussion involving several witnesses. UNISON's summary evidence to the Finance Committee for the 9 Sept meeting is available from Fiona Montgomery on Tues am (0141 342 2852 or at f.montgomery@unison.co.uk ) It is also now (Mon 9 Sep) on the Cttee website at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/committees/finance/papers-08/fip08-19.pdf
UNISON also provided evidence to the Finance Committee in May. This is at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/committees/finance/papers-08/fip08-13.pdf
The main evidence submitted in Dec 2007 to the Finance Committee's Inquiry is at: http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/response/capitalinvest.html
UNISON's submission to the Scottish Government consultation on the Scottish Futures Trust is at: http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/response/sftresponsemarch08.html
* 'At What Cost' is on the UNISON Scotland website at: http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/comms/atwhatcostoct07.pdf
Embargo: For immediate Release
Date: Mon 8 September 2008
SFT is a costly and unnecessary new quango with staff on six figure salaries
UNISON Scotland will tomorrow warn MSPs that the Scottish Futures Trust (SFT) will be an unnecessary and costly new quango, promoting PFI/PPP policies and employing staff on six figure salaries.
Scottish Organiser Dave Watson will tell the Scottish Parliament’s Finance Committee that the SFT proposal has been turned from a simple idea (for Scottish Government Bonds) into a complex one, losing the original purpose and instead pursuing largely the same PFI/PPP policies.
Giving evidence to the Committee’s ongoing inquiry into the funding of public capital investment projects, he will point out that the SFT’s continuation of the hub PPP initiative is a Trojan horse for introducing parts of the English public sector model here.
Dave will say “Ministers are establishing a new quango with most of its important work barely sketched out in this Strategic Business Case. “It has allocated initial payroll costs of £1 million for six or seven staff. “UNISON research (click here) has shown that PFI/PPP is wasting billions of pounds of taxpayers money. The SFT originally was supposed to tackle this waste but the current plans simply set up a new quango to deliver more of the same.”
ENDS
For Further Information Please Contact: Dave Watson (Scottish organiser - Policy) 07958 122 409 (m) Fiona Montgomery/Malcolm Burns (Information Development Officers) 0141 342 2852/2811
Notes for editors
Dave Watson will give evidence to the Committee at 2pm on Tuesday 9 Sept. He is taking part in a round table discussion involving several witnesses. UNISON's summary evidence to the Finance Committee for the 9 Sept meeting is available from Fiona Montgomery on Tues am (0141 342 2852 or at f.montgomery@unison.co.uk ) It is also now (Mon 9 Sep) on the Cttee website at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/committees/finance/papers-08/fip08-19.pdf
UNISON also provided evidence to the Finance Committee in May. This is at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/committees/finance/papers-08/fip08-13.pdf
The main evidence submitted in Dec 2007 to the Finance Committee's Inquiry is at: http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/response/capitalinvest.html
UNISON's submission to the Scottish Government consultation on the Scottish Futures Trust is at: http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/response/sftresponsemarch08.html
* 'At What Cost' is on the UNISON Scotland website at: http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/comms/atwhatcostoct07.pdf
Friday, 5 September 2008
The Herald: Union sets date for new strike by public sector staff
The Herald Sat 6 Sep
"Scotland will face another day of disruption later this month following yesterday's confirmation by Unison members that they will strike on September 24.
Union chiefs felt they had "no alternative" but to take further strike action as part of a dispute over council workers' pay...
A Unison local government conference in Glasgow yesterday agreed to stage the further one-day stoppage.
The union is also planning selective action involving groups of council workers from the start of October, with the possibility of these lasting up to a week."
More...
See also UNISON press statement UNISON Scotland set to step up strike action as councils fail to improve pay offer
"Scotland will face another day of disruption later this month following yesterday's confirmation by Unison members that they will strike on September 24.
Union chiefs felt they had "no alternative" but to take further strike action as part of a dispute over council workers' pay...
A Unison local government conference in Glasgow yesterday agreed to stage the further one-day stoppage.
The union is also planning selective action involving groups of council workers from the start of October, with the possibility of these lasting up to a week."
More...
See also UNISON press statement UNISON Scotland set to step up strike action as councils fail to improve pay offer
BBC News: Council union in one-day strike
 Unions took strike action last month |
A local government union has called another one-day strike across Scotland in pursuit of its pay claim.
About 100,000 Unison members will walk out on Wednesday 24 September.
The action could be followed by a programme of disruption involving groups of council workers being brought out for up to a week at a time.
Last month 150,000 members of Unison, Unite and the GMB took one-day strike action. The other unions are yet to decide if they will walk out again.
The unions said an offer of a 2.5% pay rise was, in effect, a pay cut.
Talks between local government body Cosla and the three unions broke down earlier this week.
More...
UNISON Scotland set to step up strike action as councils fail to improve pay offer
UNISON Scotland Press Statement
Embargo: For immediate Release
Date: Fri 5 September 2008
UNISON Scotland set to step up strike action as councils fail to improve pay offer
Scotland’s largest council union, UNISON, is stepping up strike action following the failure of local government employers to come up with an improved offer in the current pay dispute.
UNISON Scotland members this afternoon overwhelmingly agreed to a programme of further industrial action over pay at the union’s Local Goverment Conference which took place in Glasgow today (Friday).
Speaking after the conference Stephanie Herd, Chairperson of the UNISON Scotland Local Government Committee said: "This decision today clearly shows the anger our members feel at the employers’ failure to improve their offer, and also the determination of our members to win a fair and just pay settlement. I am confident that the other two trade unions, GMB and Unite will also feel just as strongly.”
Dougie Black, UNISON Scotland Regional Officer and Secretary to the joint trade union negotiating team said: "Today's conference sends a very clear message to the employers. Your failure to improve your offer despite previous commitments given in public to do so will not be tolerated by our members. Taking further industrial action is regrettable, but now unavoidable. We have no alternative given the employers’ behaviour over this.”
Embargo: For immediate Release
Date: Fri 5 September 2008
UNISON Scotland set to step up strike action as councils fail to improve pay offer
Scotland’s largest council union, UNISON, is stepping up strike action following the failure of local government employers to come up with an improved offer in the current pay dispute.
UNISON Scotland members this afternoon overwhelmingly agreed to a programme of further industrial action over pay at the union’s Local Goverment Conference which took place in Glasgow today (Friday).
Speaking after the conference Stephanie Herd, Chairperson of the UNISON Scotland Local Government Committee said: "This decision today clearly shows the anger our members feel at the employers’ failure to improve their offer, and also the determination of our members to win a fair and just pay settlement. I am confident that the other two trade unions, GMB and Unite will also feel just as strongly.”
Dougie Black, UNISON Scotland Regional Officer and Secretary to the joint trade union negotiating team said: "Today's conference sends a very clear message to the employers. Your failure to improve your offer despite previous commitments given in public to do so will not be tolerated by our members. Taking further industrial action is regrettable, but now unavoidable. We have no alternative given the employers’ behaviour over this.”
In the mood for striking...
Tuesday, 2 September 2008
UNISON angry at failure to tackle car parking charges
UNISON Scotland Press Statement
Embargo: For immediate Release
Date: Tue 2 September 2008
UNISON angry at failure to tackle car parking charges
NHS union UNISON has today welcomed the decision to remove Car Parking Charges from most NHS sites in Scotland, but is angry that the Ministerial announcement seems to fail to remove Car Parking Charges completely after it was decided that it was too expensive to remove charges on PFI/PPP sites.
UNISON Glasgow and Clyde Branch Secretary, Cathy Miller said:
“Obviously we are pleased that the Government has decided to give way to pressure from UNISON and the public. No one agreed with this additional tax on staff, patients and visitors. But we are angry that the Minister seems unwilling to be bold enough to remove charges from PPP/PFI sites. This decision will create a two tier system with staff and patients who are unlucky enough to be on a PFI site such as Glasgow Royal Infirmary being charged for the pleasure.”
UNISON has continued to campaign on Car Parking Charges in the NHS and is now demanding a meeting with NHS bosses to find out what can be done about charges at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
Cathy added:
“If car parking charges are to remain on site at GRI, then staff will see it as a real kick in the teeth. We want to meet with the NHS employers immediately to find out what they are going to do to help staff and patients. If they can’t or wont do anything we’ll take the matter up again with Government.”
Embargo: For immediate Release
Date: Tue 2 September 2008
UNISON angry at failure to tackle car parking charges
NHS union UNISON has today welcomed the decision to remove Car Parking Charges from most NHS sites in Scotland, but is angry that the Ministerial announcement seems to fail to remove Car Parking Charges completely after it was decided that it was too expensive to remove charges on PFI/PPP sites.
UNISON Glasgow and Clyde Branch Secretary, Cathy Miller said:
“Obviously we are pleased that the Government has decided to give way to pressure from UNISON and the public. No one agreed with this additional tax on staff, patients and visitors. But we are angry that the Minister seems unwilling to be bold enough to remove charges from PPP/PFI sites. This decision will create a two tier system with staff and patients who are unlucky enough to be on a PFI site such as Glasgow Royal Infirmary being charged for the pleasure.”
UNISON has continued to campaign on Car Parking Charges in the NHS and is now demanding a meeting with NHS bosses to find out what can be done about charges at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
Cathy added:
“If car parking charges are to remain on site at GRI, then staff will see it as a real kick in the teeth. We want to meet with the NHS employers immediately to find out what they are going to do to help staff and patients. If they can’t or wont do anything we’ll take the matter up again with Government.”
Monday, 1 September 2008
Further action "inevitable" over council pay following CoSLA failure to improve offer
UNISON Scotland Press Statement
Embargo: For immediate Release
Date: Mon 1 September 2008
Further action "inevitable" over council pay following CoSLA failure to improve offer
UNISON, the largest union representing over 100,000 council staff in Scotland has reacted with "bitter disappointment" at the failure of the local government employers body CoSLA to improve the rejected pay offer which led to strike action last month. "Further action is now inevitable," said Stephanie Herd, Chairperson of UNISON’s Local Government Service Group.
UNISON along with the other trade unions involved in the pay dispute, Unite and GMB, met with the employers (COSLA) today (Monday 1 September) to continue talks on this years pay settlement. Regrettably the meeting broke up with no new offer being made. The only concession being made by the employers is to make their offer of 2.5% effective for one year instead of the three previously offered.
Dougie Black, UNISON Regional Officer and Secretary to the Trade Union Negotiators said: "Whilst we are pleased that our day of action forced the employer back to the negotiating table and they retracted the three year element of their final offer, we are bitterly disappointed and angry that the value of the offer has not been improved. The employers publicly stated that they required to look at a settlement that took account of the rises in inflation and to subsequently make no new offer is disingenuous on their part."
Stephanie Herd, Chairperson of UNISON’s Local Government Service Group said:
"Our members will be extremely angry at the way their employers are treating them. Many of our members are amongst the lowest paid in the public sector and to give indications that the offer would be improved and then subsequently not will simply strengthen their resolve in pursuing a better offer. Further action is now inevitable and we will be talking to our fellow trade unions to pursue this."
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