UNISON condemns savage cuts being imposed on Glasgow’s colleges

Friday 21 January 2011

UNISON says the savage cuts being imposed across Glasgow’s colleges will have a devastating impact on employers, families and entire communities.

Last month the Scottish Funding Council announced that colleges across the country must reduce their budgets by more than 10 per cent this year alone. College bosses have already indicated that this will lead to a loss of courses, a loss of staff and, in turn, a loss of educational opportunities for students.

UNISON’s City of Glasgow branch says it will continue to oppose cuts and says it will not rule out industrial action if forced job cuts are imposed.

Jim Snell, of UNISON’s City of Glasgow branch, said:

“Cutting funding for higher and further education will not help to rebuild the economy. These cuts will not only affect students, it will affect employers, families and entire communities.

“We want to work with colleges to protect our services and ensure there is no need for forced job cuts, however, if compulsory redundancies are imposed we will not rule out industrial action.

“UNISON will continue to oppose cuts, as every cut affects the services we can provide to our students. Scotland’s students didn’t cause this crisis, so why should they be left to pay the price for the bankers’ mistakes?”



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UNISON branches on STUC St Andrew's Day march against racism and fascism

UNISON Scotland Kinneil Brass Band on the St Andrew's Day March

UNISON Scotland's Edinburgh and Glasgow branches and the Kinneil Brass band were to the fore once again at this year's STUC March and Rally against racism and fascism in Glasgow.

The event took place on Saturday 27 November, in a combination of sunshine, snow and freezing temperatures. Around two thousand people joined the march to demonstrate value of unity amongst races and cultures in Scotland and to protest against the fascist and racist BNP, and their unwelcome acolytes the Scottish and English Defence Leagues.

More pics of the march at UNISON Scotland Picasa gallery


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UNISON on the Edinburgh demo - NHS Glasgow Clyde CVS branch

Here's the UNISON NHS Glasgow Clyde and CVS branch video of yesterday's 20,000 strong march in Edinburgh, as featured on UNISON Scotland YouTube channel


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We've got the argument. We've got the alternatives. We've got the vision - get out there and organise for it

There is an alternative to savage cuts in public services is the message from a strategy meeting of unions and community groups hosted by UNISON Scotland.  The 270 delegates united behind a call from Dave Prentis, UNISON General Secretary, to build "Our vision of a good society. A society based on fairness, solidarity, and democracy. A society in which public services are there to enable everyone to participate.

"This vision, and these values, have always been fundamental to our ethos as a union. Because it's what our members try to turn into reality every day when they go to work.

"So let's not be fooled by the scaremongering about the debt", said Dave. "And let's not fall for the lie that that this society can't afford decent public services. The money is there in our economy, if we want to raise it and put it to good use. But this government doesn't want you to realise that.

"Not because half of the cabinet are millionaires who don't want to pay their share…although half of the cabinet are millionaires who don't want to pay their share.

"It's because of an ideology. An ideology that hates public services. An ideology that loves privatisation. An ideology that sees public service employment - millions of people caring and helping and educating - not as an achievement to be celebrated - but as a problem to be tackled."

Underlining the point, the STUC's Stephen Boyd exploded the myths about the crisis, blow by blow. The STUC's new 'There is a Better Way' campaign (http://www.thereisabetterway.org/) is a crucial resource for showing not only that the cuts are ideologically rather than financial driven - but also how they will hinder a recovery and possibly throw us into a further recession.

But this meeting was not just a talking shop. It was there as the first step in a series of events as participants moved into workshops to develop practical plans to take the campaign forward.

Nobody underestimated the task. As Dave Prentis told UNISON's National Conference in June, "the next four years will test us all. Test our resolve. Test our nerve. But we will pass the test. The world has changed - new worries, new fears. And our members look to us to lead. This is no time to hang our heads. It is time to stand tall."

He returned to that theme in Glasgow "We've got the argument. We've got the alternatives. We've got the vision. What we need to do is get out there and organise for it".

Glasgow branch backs vital service for women who have experienced sexual violence

The Herald 2 August 2010
Rape victim support centre to close as council cuts back
The Evening Times 2 August 2010 
Alert on threat to rape victim advice service as staff quit


UNISON's Glasgow branch today urged Glasgow City Council to keep open a vital service for women who have experienced sexual violence.


Brian Smith, branch secretary, told The Herald and the Evening Times that Breakthrough for Women provides essential advice, support and counselling, helping hundreds of women each year from across the city.


He added: “After meeting with council officers on 29 July, UNISON is of the view that the Council intend to close Breakthrough for Women.

"We would ask that this important service to women who have experienced sexual violence is retained. The demand for the service remains and is valued by the women who use it, other frontline social work staff and other agencies.

"We hope that the Council demonstrates its commitment to this group of vulnerable women by continuing to offer the current services.”

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Unions step up action at culture and sports body over Glasgow Fair weekend

Unions campaigning for fair pay and conditions at culture and sport body Glasgow Life will step up selective strike action over the weekend and build to an all out strike day on Glasgow Fair Monday.

Three of Glasgow's best known attractions, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the Gallery of Modern Art and the People's Palace museum will be targeted for strike action on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 July.

And unions will call all Glasgow Life members out on a full day of strike action on Glasgow Fair Monday 19 July.

Sam Macartney, Service Conditions Officer for Glasgow UNISON said: "The message to Glasgow Life is clear - our members are calling for a fair deal over this Glasgow Fair weekend.

"UNISON along with the other Glasgow Life unions - Unite, GMB and BECTU - opposes Glasgow Life's unfair 10% pay cut for 150 workers and pay freeze for all other staff; and we want to protect existing conditions, including public holiday arrangements and overtime rates.

"We know that the people of Glasgow support us in this fight for a fair deal. Glasgow citizens know that our members provide an excellent service for the city, delivering the culture, leisure and sports services which they value. We believe that the people of Glasgow want their culture and leisure organisation to pay fair and play fair."

UNISON has criticised Glasgow Life management for breaching employment regulations by encouraging third party agencies to cross lawful picket lines in "desperate attempts" to break successful strike actions over recent weeks.

Sam Macartney said: "Our members have faced obstruction and hassle from third parties which management have hired. These unwanted intruders backed off when we started videoing their unacceptable behaviour. We believe the people of Glasgow do not want such actions to force unfair pay cuts and poorer conditions on the workers who provide them with much-valued services."

Glasgow culture services strike will hit city centre venues this weekend

Date: Fri 2 July 2010



Glasgow's Gallery of Modern Art and the People's Palace museum will be targeted for strike action this weekend as UNISON and other unions fight cuts in pay and terms of employment by Glasgow Life.

The Gallery of Modern Art will be picketed on Saturday and Sunday, while the People's Palace on Glasgow Green will be targeted on Sunday.*

Sam Macartney, Service Conditions Officer for Glasgow UNISON said:
"Our members provide an excellent service for the city of Glasgow and its people and we believe the people of Glasgow support us in our campaign to have fair pay and conditions.
"We are expecting another effective strike at two of the city's most prestigious venues. UNISON along with the other Glasgow Life unions - Unite, GMB and BECTU - is committed to defend the pay and conditions of our members."

Further targeted strike action is planned by the unions in the coming week.

ends


* The People's Palace is scheduled to be closed on Saturday for other reasons relating to parades in the area.


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Glasgow UNISON warns employers over 'desperate' action to break solid strikes

Solid trade union action over the weekend successfully shut down the high profile Glasgow Boys exhibition at Kelvingrove Art Gallery despite 'desperate' attempts by the city's leisure agency to break the strike, the local UNISON branch has stated.

The branch has warned that unions will report the employer for breach of regulations in such cases.

Brian Smith, Secretary of Glasgow UNISON said: "The high profile Glasgow Boys exhibition at Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery was shut down by our rock solid strike, and remained closed all weekend.

"However, we believe that Culture and Sport Glasgow may have been engaged in a desperate attempt to undermine the perfectly lawful and highly effective industrial action by all unions. Activists have reported that a small number of agency workers were encouraged by management to cross official picket lines and work at the Kelvingrove Museum.

"This is unacceptable behaviour, and we will report the employer for breach of regulations in such cases."

Brian Smith said: "UNISON believes that Culture and Sport Glasgow - now 'rebranded' as Glasgow Life - would be better spending more effort trying to resolve the dispute with its own workforce than trying to persuade others to intervene in such an unacceptable manner."

Further targeted strike action is planned by the unions in the coming week.

ends

Notes for editors:

1. It is unlawful for an employment business to help an employer try to break a strike by supplying blackleg labour (Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003). An offender may be prosecuted by the Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate (EAS) — part of the UK Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). In addition, any person who suffers loss as a result of an infringement may sue the offender for compensation.

2. UNISON, Unite, GMB and BECTU members who work for Culture and Sport Glasgow (Glasgow Life) are engaged in industrial action to oppose a 10% pay cut for 150 workers and a pay freeze for all other staff; and to protect existing conditions, including public holiday arrangements and overtime rates.

3. Further targeted actions will take place over the next week at the People's Palace and the Gallery of Modern Art (Sat 3 and Sun 4 July) and at Scotstoun Stadium where the UK Super 8 athletics championships are being held (Wed 7 July). Another all out one day strike is also planned if no progress is made with the Culture Sport management.

BBC Interview: UNISON branch says Glasgow city council should defend public services

Brian Smith, Secretary
Glasgow City UNISON Branch

UNISON's Glasgow city branch secretary hit out today at Glasgow city council in a BBC interview.

Brian Smith urged councillors to defend public services and warned of the impact on services, families and the local economy of the council "implementing Tory cuts".

He said: "The workforce in Glagow would want to ask the council leader Gordon Matheson 'what are you going to do to protect services? Stand up to the government. Don't cut services.'"

Listen to the interview on BBC Radio Scotland's 'Scotland Live' programme here

Brian's interview starts at about 17 minutes and 40 secs into the programme.

The BBC report on the council warning it needs to make a further £40m worth of savings is here

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Glasgow: Budget cuts rally George Square 12.15pm Tuesday 22 June 2010

Budget Day Protest against Tory/ Libdem Cuts!
Rally George Square, 12.15pm Tuesday 22nd June 2010

From UNISON Glasgow City branch
http://www.glasgowcityunison.co.uk/

Budget Statement June 22nd

The newly elected Tory/ Lib dem coalition is wasting no time in announcing attacks on public sector spending and its our jobs and the vital services that we provide that are due for the axe!

This financial crisis is not of our making and is the biggest con trick for years – use public money to bail out the banks then bankers and politicians announce that the public sector must pay with cuts in jobs and services.

We reject the government and media campaign that places the blame for the crisis at the door of public sector workers/ public sector services.

We reject the idea ‘private good/ public bad’.

We need a united campaign of service providers and service users to fight cuts described as “worse than during Thatcher’s time”.
 
 
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UNISON and Stow students plan balloon protest over funding threats

Tuesday 1 June 2010


Staff and students from Glasgow’s Stow College will hold a mass protest outside Anniesland College on Wednesday 2 June at 9 a.m.

Representatives from the Scottish Funding Council are chairing a conference in the College on the same day.
Following the protest, 75 balloons will be released in Glasgow city centre, representing the 75 years Stow College has been serving the people of Scotland.

This double event is part of the campaign to fight the Funding Council’s decision to transfer over half of Stow’s courses into the proposed new City of Glasgow College, endangering more than 300 jobs and 4,000 student places.

Staff, students and the wider community which Stow College represents are fighting the Funding Council’s decision to transfer these courses, which could effectively render the College unviable.

The plans, which have been questioned by other Colleges and Universities, include spending £300m on a city centre development. This comes at a time when demand for College places during the recession is not being met due to a lack of funds to pay for additional courses.

UNISON believes that Stow is being victimised after refusing to become involved in the New City College project which has already cost countless millions, 19 jobs and 54 childcare places with the closure of Thistle Nursery at the Nautical College.

A UNISON spokesperson from Stow College said:
“Following our successful lobby at the Scottish Parliament, UNISON members have united with concerned students and plan to take the fight directly to the Funding Council.

“The Funding Council has arranged a conference to discuss their plan for education in the city centre without including the representatives of unions or students who will be directly affected.”

A spokesperson for Stow Students Against the Cuts said:
“As students at Stow College, we are horrified to learn of the proposed cuts that the Scottish Funding Council wants to make. The college is such a valuable resource for so many people, both in Glasgow, and from further afield.

“The opportunities it provides for adult learners and asylum seeking students, in particular, are absolutely vital, especially in this uncertain climate of employment.

“We wish to show our support to Stow College, the staff and lecturers, and the students of the future. We can't let the Scottish Funding Council run such a well respected college into the ground”.

The joint protest organised by the education union, UNISON, and Stow Students Against the Cuts will take place at Anniesland College at 9.00 a.m. and the balloon release will be in Buchanan Street at the Royal Concert Hall steps at 12.30 p.m. on Wednesday the 2nd of June.

ends


Stay in touch with UNISON Scotland's latest news releases on our website
http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/news/index.html



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Glasgow culture and leisure staff step up action

Date: Fri 14 May 2010

Two further days of strike action are planned this month at Culture and Sport Glasgow as staff step up their pay dispute.

Staff will also begin an overtime ban from the 21st of May.

Culture and Sport Glasgow (CSG) The arms length company set up by Glasgow City Council intend to cut the pay of some staff and institute a pay freeze for the rest. There are also cuts planned in Public holidays and overtime rates.

In a message to CSG UNISON members Glasgow City Branch Secretary Brian Smith said:

“All the trade unions in CSG are united in their opposition to these attacks on their members pay and conditions. We have tried to negotiate with CSG, but we have been left with no option other than to use strike action in an effort to defend ourselves.

Our members provide culture and sport services across Glasgow and we take no pleasure in the wide disruption that strike action will cause.

CSG was established at “arms length” from Glasgow City Council to obtain a tax advantage, to draw in private money and grants from charitable trusts. It has failed to live up to the promise.

Staff at Culture and Sport Glasgow, many of them low paid, should not have to pay for the failures of CSG and Glasgow City Council. And working people in general should not be asked to pay for the bail out of the banks and the mistakes of bankers. It is important that all trade unionists and working people stand together at this time.

Ultimately the standard of service which the public will receive in their libraries, sports centres and community centres will be affected if workers wages and conditions are cut.”


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Attacks on staff pay and conditions spark strike action in Culture and Sport Glasgow

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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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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Troubled city college merger faces further challenge

One of the Colleges making up the new proposed 'super college' in Glasgow is being referred to the Equalities and Human Rights Commission over their closure of a staff and student nursery, the education union, UNISON said today.

A complaint is being made to the EHRC by the union, and they have asked for an enforcement order to be served against the college to ensure the nursery remains open.

The College of Nautical Studies has been in a wrangle with its staff unions over the closure of the Thistle Nursery with the loss of 23 full time jobs, since July 2009.

Despite a successful industrial action ballot, a campaign to save the nursery, and a commitment to examine the union's case, the college subsequently reconfirmed its decision to shut the nursery from July this year.

Assistant UNISON branch secretary Scott Donohoe said: "Despite admitting the closure of the nursery would impact unfairly on female staff, the Equalities Impact Assessment provided by the college is totally inadequate, and was only done after the decision hade been taken, when UNISON asked to see it. The college seems to be simply ticking boxes, and even then only after they are pushed by UNISON."

UNISON maintains that the closure of the nursery is connected with the merger, where, despite the large amount of public money invested, no nursery provision is planned. News of the complaint comes just a day after teaching unions warned the new City of Glasgow College about concerns regarding compulsory redundancies and terms and conditions. UNISON argues that the new college should have a nursery on campus.

Scott Donohoe said "Many parents, students and staff use the nursery. Closing the facility will threaten the chances of many women to take life changing opportunities. In particular, forcing low paid women out to the expensive private sector could mean having to choose between study and the dole."

ENDS

Notes for Editors: The Equality Act 2006 amended the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 and introduced an Equality Duty on public authorities when carrying out their functions to ensure services, practices and policies are developed with the different needs of men and women in mind.


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UNISON's Dave Prentis launches Public Works - video

More video at http://www.youtube.com/user/UNISONScotland


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UNISON General Secretary launches Scottish 'Public Works' campaign

Date: Sat 6 Feb 2010

UNISON's general Secretary, Dave Prentis, today launched the public service union's major 'Public Works' campaign fighting back against cuts in public services.

Speaking at a rally in Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, he attacked all political parties' 'Macho Politics' and announced that the union's research has uncovered cuts of £300m across Scottish local government with a planned job loss of over 3,000.

"No school cleaner gambled billions on the stock exchange." He said, "None of them created this recession. Why should they be expected to pay for it?"

Dave also pointed to the danger of cuts plunging the economy back into recession as public spending is the only engine of growth we have. "Spending on public services makes sense if you are trying to grow the economy. "

He said, "for every pound spent on public services, 64 pence goes back into the local economy."

Dave made it clear that all the major parties were to blame in a rush to the bottom, but reserved particular criticism for David Cameron's Tories who, he said, hadn't changed

"They are calling for savage cuts - using the crisis to dismantle the welfare state. 20% cut in public expenditure over two years, but tax cuts for the rich . a world of haves and have nots."

He also urged Gordon Brown to learn from President Barack Obama's decision to stand up to American bankers. "Lets hear more about pay freezes for bankers," He said. "Lets hear Gordon calling for every last dime to be paid back to the taxpayer."

The rally, was attended by around 400 UNISON delegates from branches all ac ross Scotland, and invited guests from communities fighting cuts. It agreed to build towards a mass march and rally later in the spring and decided to make public spending a major campaign issue in the forthcoming General Election campaign

ENDS

Note for editors:

UNISON's Public works campaign is part of the union's UK Million voices for change campaign. Details at http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/publicworks/

UNISON's Alternative Budget can be found at http://www.unison.org.uk/million/resources/Alternative_Budget.pdf

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UNISON General Secretary to launch Scottish campaign with attack on £300m local service cuts

Date: Fri 5 Feb 2010

UNISON, Scotland’s largest public service union, will hold a rally in Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, tomorrow (Saturday) at which the union’s General Secretary – Dave Prentis will launch their Public Works – anti cuts campaign.

Dave will announce that the union’s research has uncovered cuts of £300m across Scottish local government with a planned job loss of over 3,000.

The rally, will be attended by around 400 UNISON delegates from branches all across Scotland, and invited guests from communities fighting cuts. It will take place at 12 noon in the exhibition hall of the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow.

Dave Prentis will urge the government to call time on financiers who say that public spending isn’t sustainable at the same time as taking million pound bonuses.

“No nurse got a million pound bonus for gambling other people’s money,” he will say. “None of our members created this recession, why should they be expected to pay for the recovery?”

He will also point to the danger of cuts plunging the economy back into recession as public spending is the only engine of growth we have.

The media are welcome to attend the rally and to photograph or film. Dave Prentis will be available for interviews. Please contact Chris Bartter, below for access and to arrange any interview.
ENDS

Note for editors: UNISON’s Public works campaign is part of the union’s UK million voices for change campaign. It will be formally launched by UNISON General Secretary Dave Prentis at a rally in Glasgow’s Royal Concert hall on Saturday 6 February at 12 noon.
Details at http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/publicworks/

UNISON’s Alternative Budget can be found at
http://www.unison.org.uk/million/resources/Alternative_Budget.pdf


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UNISON reaches out to community in campaign against cuts

Date: Thurs 21 January 2010


Glasgow City Council’s largest trade union is to reach out to community organizations and the people of Glasgow to build a broad campaign against the public service cuts being proposed by the council and its arms length trusts and companies.

The 12,000 strong city branch are organizing an open meeting for trade unions, public service workers, community organisations and the citizens of Glasgow on Saturday 23 January @ 11am, UNISON Branch office, 4th Floor (lift), 18 Albion Street, Candleriggs, Glasgow.

Cuts proposed by the council across Glasgow include:
* 12 Community Centres, a Pool and a Library to close
* Cuts in home care services and support to disabled people
* Welfare rights jobs lost and community workers cut by 50%
* Grants to voluntary and community organisations cut by 20% by 2013
* Over 600 jobs in the city lost

UNISON Branch Secretary Brian Smith said “Neither the people of Glasgow nor public service workers caused this economic crisis and they should not have to pay to bail out irresponsible bankers. UNISON has started a Scotland-wide campaign to unite users and providers of public services to stand up against the political demand to cut our services. This is a first step in building that Public Works campaign in Glasgow”

UNISON’s Public Works campaign points out that maintaining current levels of council spending would not only maintain services, but help the Glasgow economy during the recession by protecting jobs, and keeping contracts to private sector firms, many of which are under great trading pressure.

Brian Smith said “As unemployment rises and the social fallout of the recession grows the demands on Glasgow’s services increases. The council is proposing to cut services just as the demand for those very services increases.

“This policy also threatens economic recovery. Firms often rely on public sector contracts to keep them going during hard times like these. UNISON wants to:
* Protect vital council and community services
* Protect jobs in the city during the recession
* Build a united campaign of workers, service users and local communities”

ENDS


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The Jags Show Racism the Red Card

Date: 02 December 2009

On Thursday 3rd December 2009, Partick Thistle will host a Show Racism the Red Card stadium event. The event, which will be held at Firhill Stadium will involve young people from 6 local primary schools and UNISON - the sponsors of the new Partick Thistle / Show Racism the Red Card squad poster which will be launched on the day.

Now an annual event in the calendars of Partick Thistle and Show Racism the Red Card, the aim is to provide anti-racist education in an enjoyable and focussed environment.

The young people attending the event will have the opportunity to explore issues around racism through watching a Show Racism The Red Card film and joining a Q&A panel session with Show Racism the Red Card's Education Worker Atta Yaqub and the club's Assistant Manager Gerry Britton, alongside players David Rowson and Ian Maxwell.

Gerry Britton, a long-time supporter of the campaign said, "Partick Thistle are once again delighted to welcome Show Racism the Red Card to Firhill Stadium for their latest workshops with local schoolchildren. The work done by SRTRC is vital if future generations are to be educated on the evils that racism can cause in our society. The new squad poster is a welcome addition to our resources."

Partick Thistle's first team squad will also be in attendance to meet the young people and provide the opportunity to get autographs, as well as win prizes for their input in the discussion session.

Steven Gilliland, Active Schools Coordinator said "This event is a great opportunity for the children and young people involved! It is another opportunity to encourage them to get their 60 minutes of physical activity each day whilst learning more about challenging racism. It is also great that it's at the home of the local football club, Partick Thistle."

Billy Singh, Campaign Manager with Show Racism the Red Card, said "Club events are an excellent way for our campaign to promote the message of anti-racism to young people. They have seen the players at matches, on TV and in the newspapers, and if the message is coming from the footballers, then they stand up and take notice that racism is totally unacceptable in our Scottish society. It also shows the strong links between Show Racism the Red Card and its supporters Partick Thistle and UNISON. Our education team, across the UK, deliver workshops in schools, and this part of their remit is crucial in getting our message out there".

Shireen Bonner, (Black Members Officer UNISON's NHS Glasgow Clyde & CVS Branch) "We are proud to be here today on behalf of UNISON supporting 'Show Racism the Red Card'. It is another great day for the campaign and for Scottish football. We are proud today to say we won't put up with racism - NOT IN OUR NAME AND NOT IN OUR GAME."

Cathy Miller (Branch Secretary of UNISON's NHS Glasgow Clyde & CVS Branch) said "UNISON has always been opposed to racism and discrimination. We have been in the forefront of campaigns against those who perpetrate racism and will continue to actively support Show Racism the Red Card."

-- ENDS --

Note to editors:

1. Thursday 03 December 2009. 12:00pm - 2:45pm

2. Event takes place at the Jackie Husband Stand, Firhill Stadium

3. UNISON NHS Glasgow, Clyde and CVS Branch are sponsoring the 2009/10 Partick Thistle FC / Show Racism The Red Card squad poster 4. Further information on Show Racism The Red Card: www.theredcardscotland.org

Stay in touch with UNISON Scotland's latest news releases on our website http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/news/index.html and frequent updates on our blog http://unison-scotland.blogspot.com/


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