Thu 29 April 2010
Glasgow’s major cultural and leisure trust, set up to attract extra private sector finance and provide increased service to the public, faces major disruption tomorrow (Friday) due to the first of a series of strikes by four separate unions that represent the Trust’s around 1600 staff. Culture and Sport Glasgow (CSG) runs libraries, museums and sports and leisure centres across Glasgow, on behalf of Glasgow City Council, and is proposing a series of attacks on staff conditions and pay since it was set up in 2008.
The staff are members of UNISON, Unite, the GMB and BECTU, all of whom have returned positive ballots for industrial action after the trust – cut 10% from the wages of almost 200 workers; declared a unilateral pay freeze for all other workers and cut public holidays and overtime rates.
Brian Smith, Branch Secretary for UNISON’s Glasgow City Branch – which has the largest single number of members in CSG said:
“All the trade unions in CSG are united in their opposition to the attacks on their members pay and conditions. The trade unions have attempted to negotiate to persuade CSG not carry out these attacks. However workers have been left with no option other than to use strike action in an effort to defend their pay and conditions. Our members provide culture and sport services across Glasgow and recognise the wide disruption that strike action will cause.”
CSG was established as an “arms-length” Trust by Glasgow City Council as a tax scam; to draw in private money and to get grants from charitable trusts. It has failed to deliver on most of these. Ultimately the standard of service which the public will receive in their libraries, sports centres, museums and community centres will be affected if workers wages and conditions are cut.
The strikers are asking for public support by asking people to send protests to Bridget McConnell, CSG Chief Executive, and to Councillor Liz Cameron, Chair of the CSG Board. Messages of support to the strikers should be sent to enquiries@glasgowcityunison.co.uk or to the UNISON Branch, 18 Albion Street, G1 1LH
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UNISON. Scotland's biggest and liveliest trade union, representing members delivering public and related services.
Thursday, 29 April 2010
Tuesday, 27 April 2010
UNISON calls for action to end work-related deaths and injuries
Tue 27 April 2010
Further action must be taken to combat "unacceptable levels" of deaths at work, and of work-related injuries and illnesses. That’s the message from UNISON on International Workers Memorial Day.
In a move welcomed by UNISON, International Workers Memorial Day, held annually on 28 April, is being officially recognised by the UK Government for the first time.
UNISON Scottish Secretary, Matt Smith will attend the main Workers Memorial Day ceremony in Glasgow's George Square, where he will lay a wreath on behalf of UNISON Scotland's 170,000 members in memory of all workers who have died as a result of their work.
Speaking ahead of the ceremony he said;
"70% of workplace accidents are due to poor management on health and safety. This means deaths at work are avoidable. But the alarming cuts in public spending which all the main parties have been proposing can only result in more danger for people at work.
"We welcome the official recognition of International Workers Memorial Day by the UK Government. Formal recognition reinforces the significance of the Day and raises awareness of the number of people who are killed, disabled, injured or made unwell through their work.
"We know, however, that recognition of International Workers Memorial Day will only be of value if it results in greater awareness of the unacceptable levels of deaths at work, and of work-related injuries and illnesses - and in practical action to combat these."
Scott Donohoe, Chair of UNISON Scotland’s Health & Safety Committee said:
“At a time when business and other vested interests are campaigning for proper health and safety laws to be replaced by deregulation, with companies being allowed to carry out their own health & safety audits, trade unions need to ensure that these hard-fought for rights are not eroded when employers campaign against red tape. Health & safety rules and regulations are an essential protection from employers who would put profit above the safety of their staff and the public.”
UNISON branches across Scotland will take part in ceremonies organised by local Trade Union Councils, and some will participate in activity organised jointly with local authorities.
UNISON Staff and members will hold a minute's silence at UNISON offices across Scotland.
Notes for editors
Full details of these events can be found at www.stuc.org.uk, the website of the Scottish TUC which is co-ordinating International Workers Memorial Day in Scotland.
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Further action must be taken to combat "unacceptable levels" of deaths at work, and of work-related injuries and illnesses. That’s the message from UNISON on International Workers Memorial Day.
In a move welcomed by UNISON, International Workers Memorial Day, held annually on 28 April, is being officially recognised by the UK Government for the first time.
UNISON Scottish Secretary, Matt Smith will attend the main Workers Memorial Day ceremony in Glasgow's George Square, where he will lay a wreath on behalf of UNISON Scotland's 170,000 members in memory of all workers who have died as a result of their work.
Speaking ahead of the ceremony he said;
"70% of workplace accidents are due to poor management on health and safety. This means deaths at work are avoidable. But the alarming cuts in public spending which all the main parties have been proposing can only result in more danger for people at work.
"We welcome the official recognition of International Workers Memorial Day by the UK Government. Formal recognition reinforces the significance of the Day and raises awareness of the number of people who are killed, disabled, injured or made unwell through their work.
"We know, however, that recognition of International Workers Memorial Day will only be of value if it results in greater awareness of the unacceptable levels of deaths at work, and of work-related injuries and illnesses - and in practical action to combat these."
Scott Donohoe, Chair of UNISON Scotland’s Health & Safety Committee said:
“At a time when business and other vested interests are campaigning for proper health and safety laws to be replaced by deregulation, with companies being allowed to carry out their own health & safety audits, trade unions need to ensure that these hard-fought for rights are not eroded when employers campaign against red tape. Health & safety rules and regulations are an essential protection from employers who would put profit above the safety of their staff and the public.”
UNISON branches across Scotland will take part in ceremonies organised by local Trade Union Councils, and some will participate in activity organised jointly with local authorities.
UNISON Staff and members will hold a minute's silence at UNISON offices across Scotland.
Notes for editors
Full details of these events can be found at www.stuc.org.uk, the website of the Scottish TUC which is co-ordinating International Workers Memorial Day in Scotland.
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Tuesday, 20 April 2010
STUC: Sharks are circling again for Scottish Water
UNISON's Dave Watson warned that 'the sharks are circling again' as the CBI and right wing think tanks campaign for Water privatisation. UNISON's Dave Watson warned that 'the sharks are circling again' as the CBI and right wing think tanks campaign for Water privatisation. Read more at http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/stuc2010/9.html
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STUC: Rebuilding collective prosperity - a charter for public services
STUC: UNISON's Matt Smith lays out a strategy for public services. "saying to the people of Scotland that we will not stand idly by while attempts are made to make the many pay for the greed and folly of a wealthy few". Read more at http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/stuc2010/8.html
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STUC: Alliance to challenge local government cuts: 'Service users pay three times as Edinburgh Council prepares for sell-off Proposals', says UNISON
UNISON's John Stevenson pledges that, standing up for jobs and services, the union would make sure that the public knew exactly what is happening. "Edinburgh is Not for Sale", he said. Read more at http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/stuc2010/7.html
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Monday, 19 April 2010
STUC: Re-visit bus deregulation to address failures of Thatcher
Fractured and inconsistent bus services with not enough new build means bus services cannot be left exclusively to the private market, said the STUC backing a motion from Unite. "There is no bigger barrier for disabled people than the design of, and access to public transport. Although Charlie's bill was a small step for disabled people, it was nevertheless, an important one", says UNISON's John Nisbet.
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STUC: Children must have a right to music in schools
Seconding a Musicians' Union motion, UNISON's John Stevenson said that the chance to learn a musical instrument is crucial to encouraging creativity.
See more at http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/stuc2010/5.html
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See more at http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/stuc2010/5.html
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STUC: Councils must deliver on additional support needs for children
The STUC urged all local authorities to make sure that children with additional support needs continue to get thre services they are entitled to in law to support them to achieve their potential.
Supporting a motion from the Educational Institute of Scotland, UNISON's Sam McCartney stressed the key role of UNISON members like classroom assistants andsupport for learning auxiliaries in providing support to ensure children can access all parts of the school curriculum.
"Sadly these can be the very posts most vulnerable to cutbacks with the resulting impact on the education of our most vulnerable children. This must not be allowed to happen.", said Sam.
More STUC news at http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/stuc2010/index.html
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Supporting a motion from the Educational Institute of Scotland, UNISON's Sam McCartney stressed the key role of UNISON members like classroom assistants andsupport for learning auxiliaries in providing support to ensure children can access all parts of the school curriculum.
"Sadly these can be the very posts most vulnerable to cutbacks with the resulting impact on the education of our most vulnerable children. This must not be allowed to happen.", said Sam.
More STUC news at http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/stuc2010/index.html
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STUC: Building a sustainable economy: Invest in training and jobs and restore trade union rights
The 113th Scottish Trade Union Congress kicked off today by slamming the 'unjust and inefficient' banking model that led to the financial crisis.
http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/stuc2010/2.html
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http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/stuc2010/2.html
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Pensions – private sector cutbacks threaten burden on the state
The action of private sector bosses in cutting staff’s pensions is likely to threaten the UK’s economy, UNISON's Mike Kirby told the STUC today. Mike, UNISON Scotland Convener, pointed to the closure of large numbers of decent private sector pension schemes, and raise the spectre of a huge increase in benefits demands by their shortchanged staff.He said, “Far from the tired old myth peddled by the CBI and the Tax Dodgers Alliance - that public sector pensions are unsustainable, and a huge drain on the taxpayer - the real demand on the taxpayer is likely to come from employees of their own members who have had fair pensions cut, while their bosses protect their own large pensions. The private sector wants the public purse to bail out their employees pensions shortfall, just as it bailed out the busted banks and caused this recession.”
The STUC called on government to maintain fair and decent public sector pensions, and not to heed misleading calls by the private sector and the media condemning public service workers to reliance on means-tested benefits.
Mike said, “The real time-bomb for the taxpayer is the means-tested benefits bill, and increased take up of social care and health services to support people who have been shut out of saving for their retirement. We already face such demands thanks to the irresponsible actions of the banking fat cats like those at Goldman Sachs, and the selfish actions of private firms cutting their own staff pensions. Closing public sector schemes would see the bill to the taxpayer rocket by billions.”
The STUC unanimously backed a call for decent pensions for all workers, public and private sector, and go on to call for an increased state pension, linked to earnings.
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Monday, 12 April 2010
Rally in sunshine to Stop the Cuts - video
UNISON Scotland public service workers marched in Glasgow on Saturday 10 April with comrades and friends to demonstrate against cuts in public funding. Here's the 4 minute video of the march around Glasgow's west end in glorious sunshine.
And this is Matt Smith, Scottish Secretary, explaining what the demo is all about in just a minute.
More videos at our YouTube channel http://www.youtube.com/user/UNISONScotland
And don't forget to check the UNISON Scotland website: http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk for more on our Public Works and Stop the Cuts campaigns.
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And this is Matt Smith, Scottish Secretary, explaining what the demo is all about in just a minute.
More videos at our YouTube channel http://www.youtube.com/user/UNISONScotland
And don't forget to check the UNISON Scotland website: http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk for more on our Public Works and Stop the Cuts campaigns.
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Saturday, 10 April 2010
BBC News: UNISON protest over public sector cuts
BBC News - Protest over public sector cuts:
Thousands of union members have joined a demonstration in Glasgow against public service cuts.
Unison, the public services union, has held a march and rally in the city's west end to urge Scots to defend their services as the general election looms.
Unison said about 2,500 people took part in the event.
Unison's Scottish convenor said the cuts were threatening various services, from classroom assistants' hours to mobile libraries and meals on wheels.
Convenor Mike Kirby said: "Unison members, who deliver services across Scotland, are reporting that cuts are already threatening services for Scots from the cradle to the grave.
"And this is just the start of a sustained period of attacks on the public sector.
"As politicians vie with one another to out trump each other's cuts to pay for the bail out of the banks, we urge our members and community campaigns to join Unison's Public Works campaign.
"We will urge them to tell politicians at all levels - in Westminster, in Holyrood and locally, that you will not accept cuts in our vital public services to bail out the fat cats."
Unison's UK president, Gerry Gallagher, STUC general secretary, Grahame Smith, and the Scottish president of the Public and Commercial Services Union, Janice Godrich, also spoke at the rally.
'Own story'
A similar demonstration was held in London's Trafalgar Square at the same time.
Mr Gallagher said: "In Glasgow and in London today our key message is that public services should not suffer because of the bank bailout.
"Our members didn't cause the crash, and neither did the people we serve every day in communities across Scotland.
"You all have your own story to tell. And tell them you should.
"Because it is the combined voice of public service workers and service users that need to be heard in corridors of power."
The marchers set off from Kelvin Way, walked through the west end before holding a rally in Kelvingrove Park.
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Thousands of union members have joined a demonstration in Glasgow against public service cuts.
Unison, the public services union, has held a march and rally in the city's west end to urge Scots to defend their services as the general election looms.
Unison said about 2,500 people took part in the event.
Unison's Scottish convenor said the cuts were threatening various services, from classroom assistants' hours to mobile libraries and meals on wheels.
Convenor Mike Kirby said: "Unison members, who deliver services across Scotland, are reporting that cuts are already threatening services for Scots from the cradle to the grave.
"And this is just the start of a sustained period of attacks on the public sector.
 |  Our members didn't cause the crash, and neither did the people we serve every day in communities across Scotland  Gerry Gallagher Unison UK president |
"As politicians vie with one another to out trump each other's cuts to pay for the bail out of the banks, we urge our members and community campaigns to join Unison's Public Works campaign.
"We will urge them to tell politicians at all levels - in Westminster, in Holyrood and locally, that you will not accept cuts in our vital public services to bail out the fat cats."
Unison's UK president, Gerry Gallagher, STUC general secretary, Grahame Smith, and the Scottish president of the Public and Commercial Services Union, Janice Godrich, also spoke at the rally.
'Own story'
A similar demonstration was held in London's Trafalgar Square at the same time.
Mr Gallagher said: "In Glasgow and in London today our key message is that public services should not suffer because of the bank bailout.
"Our members didn't cause the crash, and neither did the people we serve every day in communities across Scotland.
"You all have your own story to tell. And tell them you should.
"Because it is the combined voice of public service workers and service users that need to be heard in corridors of power."
The marchers set off from Kelvin Way, walked through the west end before holding a rally in Kelvingrove Park.
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UNISON demo urges - stop to 'cradle to grave' cuts
Sat 10 April 2010
UNISON – Scotland’s largest public service union, is holding a major march and rally in Glasgow’s West End today (Saturday) where speakers representing thousands of UNISON members from different public services across Scotland will urge Scots to defend their services. The union will also be supported by its UK President, Gerry Gallagher, STUC General Secretary, Grahame Smith, and PCS Scottish President, Janice Godrich.
UNISON’s Scottish Convenor, Mike Kirby said:
“UNISON members, who deliver services across Scotland are reporting that cuts are already threatening services for Scots from the cradle to the grave. Fewer full time places will be available for under fives in Edinburgh. Play groups or under fives groups might have funding withdrawn in East Ayrshire, classroom assistants hours are being cut in Falkirk, Dumfries & Galloway, Highland, Inverclyde, and others.
“Many communities will see their mobile library service withdrawn, eg in Falkirk, Clackmannan and Moray. If you find yourself out of work due to the recession, better get yourself up to speed on how the benefit system works as Welfare Rights Units employed by councils to make sure you get your due entitlement are cut back or closed in Aberdeen, Glasgow, and East Lothian.
“The annual spring clean that some elderly people receive is being abolished in Fife. The cost of meals on wheels for the elderly and vulnerable is going up in the Borders or switching from fresh to frozen food in Midlothian. And the cuts don’t stop when you die as the cost of being buried or cremated is increased to more closely reflect charges at private crematoria in Fife. No-one is exempt.
“And this is just the start of a sustained period of attacks on the public sector. As politicians vie with one another to out trump each other’s cuts to pay for the bail out of the banks, we urge our members and community campaigns to join UNISON’s Public Works campaign and tell politicians at all levels – in Westminster, in Holyrood and locally, that you will not accept cuts in our vital public services to bail out the fat cats.”
UNISON UK President, Gerry Gallagher will bring greetings to the marchers from a similar rally in London.
He will say:
“In Glasgow and in London today our key message is that public services should not suffer because of the bank bailout. Our members didn’t cause the crash, and neither did the people we serve every day in communities across Scotland.
“Cuts will damage recovery from recession; Cuts will hit public services we all depend on; Cuts will threaten the wellbeing of our members and their families. You all have your own story to tell. And tell them you should. Because it is the combined voice of public service workers and service users that need to be heard in corridors of power.”
UNISONScotland’s Public Works campaign will now target the election, with hustings at Scottish and local level, and by questioning political parties and individual candidates.
ENDS
March and Rally - Map and details
View Stop the Cuts - UNISON March & Rally - Glasgow 10 April 2010 in a larger map
Assemble (green marker) from 9.30am in Kelvin Way for march off at about 10am.
March Route (in blue) via Gibson Street, Woodlands Road, Great Western Road, Byres Road and University Avenue back to Kelvin Way
End of march - Kelvin Way - enter park (purple marker)
11am Rally in Kelvingrove Park.
Rally plus fun stuff for kids will be held on grassy slope below Park Circus (pink marker)
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UNISON’s Scottish Convenor, Mike Kirby said:
“UNISON members, who deliver services across Scotland are reporting that cuts are already threatening services for Scots from the cradle to the grave. Fewer full time places will be available for under fives in Edinburgh. Play groups or under fives groups might have funding withdrawn in East Ayrshire, classroom assistants hours are being cut in Falkirk, Dumfries & Galloway, Highland, Inverclyde, and others.
“Many communities will see their mobile library service withdrawn, eg in Falkirk, Clackmannan and Moray. If you find yourself out of work due to the recession, better get yourself up to speed on how the benefit system works as Welfare Rights Units employed by councils to make sure you get your due entitlement are cut back or closed in Aberdeen, Glasgow, and East Lothian.
“The annual spring clean that some elderly people receive is being abolished in Fife. The cost of meals on wheels for the elderly and vulnerable is going up in the Borders or switching from fresh to frozen food in Midlothian. And the cuts don’t stop when you die as the cost of being buried or cremated is increased to more closely reflect charges at private crematoria in Fife. No-one is exempt.
“And this is just the start of a sustained period of attacks on the public sector. As politicians vie with one another to out trump each other’s cuts to pay for the bail out of the banks, we urge our members and community campaigns to join UNISON’s Public Works campaign and tell politicians at all levels – in Westminster, in Holyrood and locally, that you will not accept cuts in our vital public services to bail out the fat cats.”
UNISON UK President, Gerry Gallagher will bring greetings to the marchers from a similar rally in London.
He will say:
“In Glasgow and in London today our key message is that public services should not suffer because of the bank bailout. Our members didn’t cause the crash, and neither did the people we serve every day in communities across Scotland.
“Cuts will damage recovery from recession; Cuts will hit public services we all depend on; Cuts will threaten the wellbeing of our members and their families. You all have your own story to tell. And tell them you should. Because it is the combined voice of public service workers and service users that need to be heard in corridors of power.”
UNISONScotland’s Public Works campaign will now target the election, with hustings at Scottish and local level, and by questioning political parties and individual candidates.
ENDS
March and Rally - Map and details
View Stop the Cuts - UNISON March & Rally - Glasgow 10 April 2010 in a larger map
Assemble (green marker) from 9.30am in Kelvin Way for march off at about 10am.
March Route (in blue) via Gibson Street, Woodlands Road, Great Western Road, Byres Road and University Avenue back to Kelvin Way
End of march - Kelvin Way - enter park (purple marker)
11am Rally in Kelvingrove Park.
Rally plus fun stuff for kids will be held on grassy slope below Park Circus (pink marker)
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Friday, 9 April 2010
Stop the Cuts - join the UNISON Scotland Rally to defend public services - Glasgow, Saturday 10 April
The weather forecast is for sunshine in Glasgow on Saturday. And you couldn’t do much better than to spend some of it with friends and colleagues from UNISON demonstrating your support for the services that our members provide.
Join us at Kelvin Way in Glasgow's Kelvingrove Park from 9.30am on Saturday 10 April. Bring your family and friends, there’s plenty for children to do too – bouncy castle, face painting, story telling, balloons, beat the goalie – and of course everything that Kelvingrove Park has to offer.
Why you should demonstrate on Saturday
Public services should not suffer because of the bank bailout. Our members didn't cause the crash, and neither did the people we serve every day in our communities.
Public services should not suffer because of the bank bailout. Our members didn't cause the crash, and neither did the people we serve every day in our communities.
Cuts will damage recovery from recession; cuts will hit public services we all depend on; cuts will threaten our members and their families.
March and Rally - Map and details
View Stop the Cuts - UNISON March & Rally - Glasgow 10 April 2010 in a larger map
Assemble (green marker) from 9.30am in Kelvin Way for march off at about 10am.
March Route (in blue) via Gibson Street, Woodlands Road, Great Western Road, Byres Road and University Avenue back to Kelvin Way
End of march - Kelvin Way - enter park (purple marker)
11am Rally in Kelvingrove Park.
Rally plus fun stuff for kids will be held on grassy slope below Park Circus (pink marker)
See you on Saturday!
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Main healthcare union to quiz candidates and Cabinet Secretary
UNISON - Scotland's largest healthcare union, will hold its annual health conference today (Friday) in Glasgow, and will hear from the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, who will give the keynote speech.
In addition the group conference, involving representatives of the 50,000+ UNISON members working in Scotland's Healthcare, will hold an election hustings, where candidates from the four main parties in Scotland will put forward their policies on healthcare, and other issues.
Chair of UNISON's Scottish Health Group, Tom Waterson said "We are taking the opportunity of this election, to promote our Public Works campaign, and quiz candidates on their party's policies to defend our public services and those who provide them, in the teeth of the business campaign to cut them.
"We know that our Health Service is vital, that its spending actually boosts our economy, and that we can afford to provide decent care."
Nicola Sturgeon MSP will also address the conference on the current issues facing Scotland's NHS, she will answer questions from the delegates UNISON is Scotland's largest Healthcare union and has continued to increase its membership for the third year running.
In addition the group conference, involving representatives of the 50,000+ UNISON members working in Scotland's Healthcare, will hold an election hustings, where candidates from the four main parties in Scotland will put forward their policies on healthcare, and other issues.
Chair of UNISON's Scottish Health Group, Tom Waterson said "We are taking the opportunity of this election, to promote our Public Works campaign, and quiz candidates on their party's policies to defend our public services and those who provide them, in the teeth of the business campaign to cut them.
"We know that our Health Service is vital, that its spending actually boosts our economy, and that we can afford to provide decent care."
Nicola Sturgeon MSP will also address the conference on the current issues facing Scotland's NHS, she will answer questions from the delegates UNISON is Scotland's largest Healthcare union and has continued to increase its membership for the third year running.
Thursday, 8 April 2010
UNISON slams water sell-off report as ideological dogma
Date: 8 April 2010
UNISON Scotland today condemned the conclusions of the report published by the Centre for Public Policy and Regions (CPPR), calling for private sector take over of Scottish Water, as bizarre, saying that Scotland’s water is a national asset - not a pool for multinationals to drain profits from.
UNISON Scottish Organiser Dave Watson said;
“This report is simply another attempt by consultants to exploit the financial crisis to advocate privatisation. The CPPR report correctly says that Scottish Water is a ‘notable success’, but then, bizarrely, goes on to recommend failed private sector models like PPP/ PFI or even privatisation. Given the ‘success’ of private sector banks recently this sounds like the recipe for disaster, poorer service and higher water charges.
“The report says that the Scottish Government can no longer afford the small borrowing line it provides to Scottish Water, and it should be spent elsewhere on ‘front line’ services. Since when is providing quality water supplies and removing sewage not a front line service? All their ‘alternatives’ are failed privatising schemes.
“Scottish Water gave up on PFI some 12 years ago for good reasons - because it costs a fortune. Even the pro-privatisation Water Industry Commission has stated that the schemes are not cost effective.
“Privatisation or mutualisation would mean selling off public assets built up over many years, at taxpayers expense, at a knock down price. Add to that dividends, profits, fat cat salaries and consultancy fees - all to be funded by the water charge payer. Ask any fan of Manchester Utd if they think bringing in a new debt laden owner is a good business model!.
“There appears to be no logical rationale behind this rehashed report. The real reason for it is that the usual suspects just hate a successful public sector model. It goes against their dogma - it doesn't fit the ideology.
“People want Scotland’s water to remain a public service – not a pool that multi nationals drain for profit."
ENDS
Note for Editors:
1) The unions have produced a discussion paper It’s Scotland’s Water outlining ways to greater accountability for Scottish Water. It is available on the UNISON website at http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/water/scotland's_water.pdf
For Further Information Please Contact:
Dave Watson (Scottish Organiser) 07958 122 409 (m)
Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0771 558 3729 (m)
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UNISON Scotland today condemned the conclusions of the report published by the Centre for Public Policy and Regions (CPPR), calling for private sector take over of Scottish Water, as bizarre, saying that Scotland’s water is a national asset - not a pool for multinationals to drain profits from.
UNISON Scottish Organiser Dave Watson said;
“This report is simply another attempt by consultants to exploit the financial crisis to advocate privatisation. The CPPR report correctly says that Scottish Water is a ‘notable success’, but then, bizarrely, goes on to recommend failed private sector models like PPP/ PFI or even privatisation. Given the ‘success’ of private sector banks recently this sounds like the recipe for disaster, poorer service and higher water charges.
“The report says that the Scottish Government can no longer afford the small borrowing line it provides to Scottish Water, and it should be spent elsewhere on ‘front line’ services. Since when is providing quality water supplies and removing sewage not a front line service? All their ‘alternatives’ are failed privatising schemes.
“Scottish Water gave up on PFI some 12 years ago for good reasons - because it costs a fortune. Even the pro-privatisation Water Industry Commission has stated that the schemes are not cost effective.
“Privatisation or mutualisation would mean selling off public assets built up over many years, at taxpayers expense, at a knock down price. Add to that dividends, profits, fat cat salaries and consultancy fees - all to be funded by the water charge payer. Ask any fan of Manchester Utd if they think bringing in a new debt laden owner is a good business model!.
“There appears to be no logical rationale behind this rehashed report. The real reason for it is that the usual suspects just hate a successful public sector model. It goes against their dogma - it doesn't fit the ideology.
“People want Scotland’s water to remain a public service – not a pool that multi nationals drain for profit."
ENDS
Note for Editors:
1) The unions have produced a discussion paper It’s Scotland’s Water outlining ways to greater accountability for Scottish Water. It is available on the UNISON website at http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/water/scotland's_water.pdf
For Further Information Please Contact:
Dave Watson (Scottish Organiser) 07958 122 409 (m)
Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0771 558 3729 (m)
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Tuesday, 6 April 2010
Stop the Cuts: UNISON march & rally in Glasgow, Sat 10 April
Stop the Cuts: Public Works! The fightback starts here... UNISON March & Rally against cuts on 10 April in Glasgow. Assemble from 9.30am at Kelvin Way for march off around 10am. See route in Google map below.
Click here to view a larger map of the route for Stop the Cuts - UNISON March & Rally - Glasgow 10 April 2010 - opens in new window
See UNISON Scotland website for more info on the demo.
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Click here to view a larger map of the route for Stop the Cuts - UNISON March & Rally - Glasgow 10 April 2010 - opens in new window
See UNISON Scotland website for more info on the demo.
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Thursday, 1 April 2010
New Glasgow Clyde Health branch video
We've favourited this new video by NHS Greater Glasgow, Clyde & CVS Branch.
"This film was made to represent the work of UNISON NHS Glasgow Clyde & CVS branch in 2009. In was shown at our branch Annual General Meeting."
More videos at our YouTube channel http://www.youtube.com/user/UNISONScotland
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"This film was made to represent the work of UNISON NHS Glasgow Clyde & CVS branch in 2009. In was shown at our branch Annual General Meeting."
More videos at our YouTube channel http://www.youtube.com/user/UNISONScotland
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