Date: 2 November 2010
UNISON, Scotland’s largest public sector trade union, says it is relieved that the long running increments row with Aberdeen City Council is now resolved, and wants to get on with defending public services in the city in the face of crippling budget proposals.
Aberdeen city councillors voted to approve the deal brokered by ACAS which means that all council staff due a pay increment in April 2010 will now receive it. The unions and the council are hopeful that all payments, including back pay, can be made before Christmas. The unions and the council have agreed to enter into immediate and meaningful talks on a range of issues connected to the Council’s budget proposals.
Karen Davidson, Branch Secretary of Aberdeen City UNISON, said: “We are relieved that council staff will now get the agreed rate of pay for their job and we are glad that this distracting issue is behind us. With-holding the increment was a breach of our contract and it affected hundreds of low paid workers who were entitled to an increment for the first time this year. Individuals will not get huge amounts of money out of this – a personal carer helping someone to stay in their own home will get £9.99 more a week after a year in the job, when she has got more skills and experience which enables her to give a better service to her clients.
“We have established a vital principle here – that employers cannot use the current tough financial climate as an excuse to break contracts of employment. Our members stood up for their rights this year and carried on doing their jobs in very difficult circumstances. Our employer now knows that they must work with their staff and the unions to achieve savings.”
Karen continued: “UNISON knows there are difficult decisions to be made in Aberdeen about the vital services that we all depend on. We want to be fully involved in the decisions about what our services should be in the future. It’s not buildings and equipment and complicated processes that ensure people get care, receive high quality education, can enjoy parks, libraries and leisure centres and have their bins emptied – all of this comes down to the commitment and effort of council workers.”
ends
.
Showing posts with label pay. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pay. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Anger on pay but members decide to defend services first
Members in local government are angry about pay and worried that the imposed pay cut will hit the low paid the hardest. However, their priority at this time is to protect and defend vital public services as councils up and down the country slash budgets, jobs and services.
This was the message from a consultation with members across Scotland on the councils' imposition of a 0.65% pay offer this year with a two years' pay freeze, as delegates met to consider the next steps and agreed a plan of action to defend vital jobs and services and to press for decent pay which values public service workers.
Branches had consulted members and they were clear that, despite the anger, their main aim was for a campaign that will....
· urge all our members in local government to join with other unions and service groups to support the STUC "There is a better way" Demonstration on 23rd October in Glasgow.
· lobby political leaders with the message that there is an alternative to cutting jobs and services
· link with branches to co-ordinate a campaign of opposition to the cuts, and to get out the message that public service cuts will damage the economy and local communities and that there is a better way
· keep pressing the employers for a decent pay rise for council workers through the conciliation (ACAS) service if possible
· work with the other public service unions for a decent pay rise next year and the year after.
"Pay is inextricably linked with cuts and job losses as local authorities axe vital services," said Dougie Black, lead negotiator.
"Whilst the loss of these services impacts dramatically on members' jobs it also has a huge impact on local communities. UNISON as the largest public sector trade union in Scotland recognises this and is actively encouraging and strengthening links with local community groups and voluntary organizations."
The Scottish Employers (CoSLA) have imposed a non negotiated pay settlement of 0.65% for 2010/11, 0% in 2011/12 and 0% in 2012/13 for all council and related staff. This represents a pay cut in real terms for all our members and hits the lowest paid hardest.
The Trade Unions have consistently sought to resolve this dispute through discussion and negotiation and laterly were seeking the involvement of ACAS to arbitrate however the employers have refused to cooperate and are simply ignoring the established Scottish Bargaining Machinery.
Despite previous statements from the employers about how they value their workforce the reality is that they are treating their employees with contempt.
Click here for the full Local government briefing
.
This was the message from a consultation with members across Scotland on the councils' imposition of a 0.65% pay offer this year with a two years' pay freeze, as delegates met to consider the next steps and agreed a plan of action to defend vital jobs and services and to press for decent pay which values public service workers.
Branches had consulted members and they were clear that, despite the anger, their main aim was for a campaign that will....
· urge all our members in local government to join with other unions and service groups to support the STUC "There is a better way" Demonstration on 23rd October in Glasgow.
· lobby political leaders with the message that there is an alternative to cutting jobs and services
· link with branches to co-ordinate a campaign of opposition to the cuts, and to get out the message that public service cuts will damage the economy and local communities and that there is a better way
· keep pressing the employers for a decent pay rise for council workers through the conciliation (ACAS) service if possible
· work with the other public service unions for a decent pay rise next year and the year after.
"Pay is inextricably linked with cuts and job losses as local authorities axe vital services," said Dougie Black, lead negotiator.
"Whilst the loss of these services impacts dramatically on members' jobs it also has a huge impact on local communities. UNISON as the largest public sector trade union in Scotland recognises this and is actively encouraging and strengthening links with local community groups and voluntary organizations."
The Scottish Employers (CoSLA) have imposed a non negotiated pay settlement of 0.65% for 2010/11, 0% in 2011/12 and 0% in 2012/13 for all council and related staff. This represents a pay cut in real terms for all our members and hits the lowest paid hardest.
The Trade Unions have consistently sought to resolve this dispute through discussion and negotiation and laterly were seeking the involvement of ACAS to arbitrate however the employers have refused to cooperate and are simply ignoring the established Scottish Bargaining Machinery.
Despite previous statements from the employers about how they value their workforce the reality is that they are treating their employees with contempt.
Click here for the full Local government briefing
.
Friday, August 27, 2010
COSLA imposing 3 year pay deal is kick in teeth to local government workers
COSLA today imposed a revised three year pay deal on Scottish local government workers. The employers withdrew their earlier offer and imposed one made up of 0.65% this year and a pay freeze for the next two years. See BBC report www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-11113306
UNISON today reacted angrily to COSLA’s decision to impose a three year pay deal, calling it a kick in the teeth to local government workers.
Stephanie Herd, Chair of UNISON’s Scottish Local Government Committee, said: “COSLA has misrepresented the unions’ negotiating position and has said they value employees, while kicking them in the teeth today.
“Imposing a deal is not the way to do pay bargaining and is totally unfair to hard working local government workers across Scotland.
“UNISON has made the case that there is an alternative to the cuts agenda, an alternative that delivers the quality services Scotland needs, with decent pay and conditions for staff.”
Dougie Black, UNISON trade union side secretary and lead negotiator, said: “All three trade unions jointly sought talks with COSLA and these took place yesterday.
“Our position was that we wanted to look at re-shaping the offer and we were not asking for more money. We simply wanted to talk about re-shaping their offer.
“COSLA had budgeted for 1% this year but have chosen to impose a lower figure than the Tory/Liberal Democrat coalition are prepared to pay public sector workers south of the border.
“It is contemptible that they say they value public service workers. They can’t possibly when they are reducing wages, taking an offer off the table and imposing something worth less.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
Three unions make up the trade union side of the Scottish Joint Council: UNISON, Unite and GMB.
.
UNISON today reacted angrily to COSLA’s decision to impose a three year pay deal, calling it a kick in the teeth to local government workers.
Stephanie Herd, Chair of UNISON’s Scottish Local Government Committee, said: “COSLA has misrepresented the unions’ negotiating position and has said they value employees, while kicking them in the teeth today.
“Imposing a deal is not the way to do pay bargaining and is totally unfair to hard working local government workers across Scotland.
“UNISON has made the case that there is an alternative to the cuts agenda, an alternative that delivers the quality services Scotland needs, with decent pay and conditions for staff.”
Dougie Black, UNISON trade union side secretary and lead negotiator, said: “All three trade unions jointly sought talks with COSLA and these took place yesterday.
“Our position was that we wanted to look at re-shaping the offer and we were not asking for more money. We simply wanted to talk about re-shaping their offer.
“COSLA had budgeted for 1% this year but have chosen to impose a lower figure than the Tory/Liberal Democrat coalition are prepared to pay public sector workers south of the border.
“It is contemptible that they say they value public service workers. They can’t possibly when they are reducing wages, taking an offer off the table and imposing something worth less.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
Three unions make up the trade union side of the Scottish Joint Council: UNISON, Unite and GMB.
.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Overwhelming rejection of local government pay offer
Date: 2 August 2010
UNISON Scotland today announced the result of a consultative pay ballot of its local government members.
A total of 80% voted to reject the council pay offer, which was for a 3 year deal of 1% in the first year, 0% in the second and 0.5% in the third.
UNISON and the other main unions had recommended a no vote.
Stephanie Herd, Chair of UNISON’s Scottish Local Government Committee, said: “This overwhelming rejection shows how strongly our members feel about an offer that is in reality a three year pay cut.
“Not only would our members and their families lose out, it would be bad news for local economies across Scotland as members have less money to spend in local shops and businesses.
"It is not surprising that our members feel angry and voted no, when chief officials in local authorities were awarded 2.5% and teachers 2.4%.
“It is unacceptable to attempt to tie many of the lowest paid public sector workers, who deliver essential front line services, into a 3 year deal worth 1.5%.”
Dougie Black, UNISON trade union side secretary and lead negotiator, said: “We are meeting with members of our Local Government Committee today and with the other unions later this week to decide on the next steps in our pay campaign.
“Industrial action is one of a range of possible options we will be considering.
“We will also be seeking an early meeting with the employers to re-open negotiations following this decisive rejection of their offer.”
Notes for editors:
1. Three unions make up the trade union side of the Scottish Joint Council: UNISON, Unite, GMB.
2. Both Unite and GMB held their own consultative arrangements over a similar timescale, resulting in rejection of the offer.
3. UNISON represents around 100,000 Scottish Council staff.
4. The unions’ claim is for a one year deal of 3% or £600, whichever is the greater. It includes a £7 per hour minimum wage, with the settlement weighted towards the lower paid.
.
UNISON Scotland today announced the result of a consultative pay ballot of its local government members.
A total of 80% voted to reject the council pay offer, which was for a 3 year deal of 1% in the first year, 0% in the second and 0.5% in the third.
UNISON and the other main unions had recommended a no vote.
Stephanie Herd, Chair of UNISON’s Scottish Local Government Committee, said: “This overwhelming rejection shows how strongly our members feel about an offer that is in reality a three year pay cut.
“Not only would our members and their families lose out, it would be bad news for local economies across Scotland as members have less money to spend in local shops and businesses.
"It is not surprising that our members feel angry and voted no, when chief officials in local authorities were awarded 2.5% and teachers 2.4%.
“It is unacceptable to attempt to tie many of the lowest paid public sector workers, who deliver essential front line services, into a 3 year deal worth 1.5%.”
Dougie Black, UNISON trade union side secretary and lead negotiator, said: “We are meeting with members of our Local Government Committee today and with the other unions later this week to decide on the next steps in our pay campaign.
“Industrial action is one of a range of possible options we will be considering.
“We will also be seeking an early meeting with the employers to re-open negotiations following this decisive rejection of their offer.”
Notes for editors:
1. Three unions make up the trade union side of the Scottish Joint Council: UNISON, Unite, GMB.
2. Both Unite and GMB held their own consultative arrangements over a similar timescale, resulting in rejection of the offer.
3. UNISON represents around 100,000 Scottish Council staff.
4. The unions’ claim is for a one year deal of 3% or £600, whichever is the greater. It includes a £7 per hour minimum wage, with the settlement weighted towards the lower paid.
.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
UNISON comprehensively rejects the Independent Budget Review proposals
Date: Thursday 29 July 2010
UNISON Scotland today comprehensively rejected the Independent Budget Review proposals as an assault on public services that will damage the economy.
“Once the Scottish people realise that this means handing over their water service to the bankers, reducing the quality of their child’s education and cutting back on their elderly relatives’ care, they will reject this agenda.”
As well as up to 60,000 job losses, the report includes a range of proposals that run the risk of putting us back into recession.
Glyn added:
“Job losses on this scale will of course hit services. And their insistence on redundancies and pay freezes run the risk of taking us back into recession. With 70p in every pound spent on public services finding its way back into the local economy the programme of mass redundancies and real terms wage cuts will be a real blow to many local economies across Scotland.”
UNISON, the largest public services union, has said all along that the real issue is the kind of services our society wants and how we pay for them. It is wrong for politicians to be willing to make cuts on such a scale, yet not to consider fair taxation. The Scottish Parliament has tax varying powers and the people of Scotland voted for it to have them.
The report suggests the council tax freeze is unsustainable and that is correct, but UNISON would also say it is unsustainable not to look at asking those who can pay more in tax to do so.
Glyn said:
“Cuts on this scale will hit middle and low income families hard and will be especially hard on women. If classroom assistants lose their jobs, mums will be expected to volunteer. They also face cuts in before and after school services that could affect whether they can work.”
UNISON response to the Report’s chapter conclusions and recommendations:
Public Spending Environment
UNISON believes all public services are valuable, and should be ring fenced. Why should the ordinary people of Scotland pay for the bankers’ greed? Let us be clear though - the Independent Budget Review argues for a policy of no protected areas in public sector: this means health and education will face cuts along with the rest of our public services.
Fair taxes and government borrowing remain the most cost-effective ways of funding public spending.
Efficiency
The Review accepts that efficiencies will become ever more "challenging" - and then sets a minimum 2% annual efficiency target. The real agenda however is revealed in the well worn recommendations for shared services arrangements across the public sector; and "mainstream roles" for the private and voluntary/third sectors in the delivery of public services. These are not plans for efficient and effective public services - they are in fact costly and inefficient ways of opening up public services to profiteers.
Remuneration and workforce
The loss of up to 60,000 jobs will have a major impact on services. The proper place to deal with public sector pay is in negotiations. Pay freezes and pay cuts for public service workers will damage economic recovery, and hit local communities and small businesses too. UNISON will continue to campaign for fair pay as inflation rises around 5%.
Flexibility would open up issues of equal pay which we are only now resolving after 40 years of the Equal Pay Act.
Universal services
Introducing charges and means testing to services that currently benefit everyone creates an expensive new bureaucracy. If there is a concern that some people are receiving services they can well afford, the value for money option is to charge them via taxation rather than setting up a ‘department for social insecurity’ to administer charging.
Capital
Scottish Water should remain in democratic control. Setting it up as a ‘public interest company’ would be privatisation by stealth.
An enhanced role for the Scottish Futures Trust is likely to see further wasteful use of private financing for public sector projects. Lessons must be learned from the hugely expensive PFI/PPP projects.
Shaping the future
Scotland’s Parliament should provide leadership by working to fund quality public services and resisting a cuts and privatisation agenda.
ends
Notes to Editors:
1. UNISON responses to the report, including two earlier releases today, are here on our frequently updated blog at: http://unison-scotland.blogspot.com/
2. UNISON’s alternative budget is at: www.unison.org.uk/acrobat/18887.pdf
3. UNISON’s submission to the Independent Budget Review is at: http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/response/UNISONResponse_IndependentBudgetReviewApril2010.pdf
For Further Information Please Contact:
Glyn Hawker, Scottish Organiser (Bargaining & Equal Pay) 07876 441 237
Fiona Montgomery, Communications Officer 0141 342 2877 (o) 07908 672 890 (m)
Malcolm Burns, Communications Officer 0141 342 2877 (o) 07958 063 182 (m)
UNISON Scotland today comprehensively rejected the Independent Budget Review proposals as an assault on public services that will damage the economy.Scottish Organiser Glyn Hawker said:
“This is not an attempt to balance the books. It is a major assault on vital public services and it is about opening up profit opportunities for the fat cats.
“The report hides behind a rhetoric of ‘tough choices’ and ‘targeting’, but what these proposals will do is reduce the quality of life for all but the richest, as the services we use are removed or run down.
“Once the Scottish people realise that this means handing over their water service to the bankers, reducing the quality of their child’s education and cutting back on their elderly relatives’ care, they will reject this agenda.”
As well as up to 60,000 job losses, the report includes a range of proposals that run the risk of putting us back into recession.
Glyn added:
“Job losses on this scale will of course hit services. And their insistence on redundancies and pay freezes run the risk of taking us back into recession. With 70p in every pound spent on public services finding its way back into the local economy the programme of mass redundancies and real terms wage cuts will be a real blow to many local economies across Scotland.”
UNISON, the largest public services union, has said all along that the real issue is the kind of services our society wants and how we pay for them. It is wrong for politicians to be willing to make cuts on such a scale, yet not to consider fair taxation. The Scottish Parliament has tax varying powers and the people of Scotland voted for it to have them.
The report suggests the council tax freeze is unsustainable and that is correct, but UNISON would also say it is unsustainable not to look at asking those who can pay more in tax to do so.
Glyn said:
“Cuts on this scale will hit middle and low income families hard and will be especially hard on women. If classroom assistants lose their jobs, mums will be expected to volunteer. They also face cuts in before and after school services that could affect whether they can work.”
UNISON response to the Report’s chapter conclusions and recommendations:
Public Spending Environment
UNISON believes all public services are valuable, and should be ring fenced. Why should the ordinary people of Scotland pay for the bankers’ greed? Let us be clear though - the Independent Budget Review argues for a policy of no protected areas in public sector: this means health and education will face cuts along with the rest of our public services.
Fair taxes and government borrowing remain the most cost-effective ways of funding public spending.
Efficiency
The Review accepts that efficiencies will become ever more "challenging" - and then sets a minimum 2% annual efficiency target. The real agenda however is revealed in the well worn recommendations for shared services arrangements across the public sector; and "mainstream roles" for the private and voluntary/third sectors in the delivery of public services. These are not plans for efficient and effective public services - they are in fact costly and inefficient ways of opening up public services to profiteers.
Remuneration and workforce
The loss of up to 60,000 jobs will have a major impact on services. The proper place to deal with public sector pay is in negotiations. Pay freezes and pay cuts for public service workers will damage economic recovery, and hit local communities and small businesses too. UNISON will continue to campaign for fair pay as inflation rises around 5%.
Flexibility would open up issues of equal pay which we are only now resolving after 40 years of the Equal Pay Act.
Universal services
Introducing charges and means testing to services that currently benefit everyone creates an expensive new bureaucracy. If there is a concern that some people are receiving services they can well afford, the value for money option is to charge them via taxation rather than setting up a ‘department for social insecurity’ to administer charging.
Capital
Scottish Water should remain in democratic control. Setting it up as a ‘public interest company’ would be privatisation by stealth.
An enhanced role for the Scottish Futures Trust is likely to see further wasteful use of private financing for public sector projects. Lessons must be learned from the hugely expensive PFI/PPP projects.
Shaping the future
Scotland’s Parliament should provide leadership by working to fund quality public services and resisting a cuts and privatisation agenda.
ends
Notes to Editors:
1. UNISON responses to the report, including two earlier releases today, are here on our frequently updated blog at: http://unison-scotland.blogspot.com/
2. UNISON’s alternative budget is at: www.unison.org.uk/acrobat/18887.pdf
3. UNISON’s submission to the Independent Budget Review is at: http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/response/UNISONResponse_IndependentBudgetReviewApril2010.pdf
For Further Information Please Contact:
Glyn Hawker, Scottish Organiser (Bargaining & Equal Pay) 07876 441 237
Fiona Montgomery, Communications Officer 0141 342 2877 (o) 07908 672 890 (m)
Malcolm Burns, Communications Officer 0141 342 2877 (o) 07958 063 182 (m)
Monday, June 21, 2010
UNISON consults members over "unacceptable" council pay offer
Date: Mon 21 June 2010
UNISON has today (Monday 21 June) started to ballot all members that work for Scotland's councils on acceptance or rejection of the pay offer made by the employers.
The offer made is a 3 year deal of 1% in the first year, 0% in the second and 0.5% in the third. UNISON and the other main unions are recommending that the offer be rejected as it is effectively a three year pay cut.
Dougie Black, UNISON's lead negotiator said:
"A three year deal is simply not acceptable. This is effectively a three year pay cut, as prices continue to rise. Our claim was for a single year deal in line with the Scottish Government’s pay strategy for other public bodies.
"At a time when chief officials in local authorities are getting 2.5% and teachers 2.4%, the attempt to tie many of the lowest paid public sector workers, who deliver essential front line services into a 3 year deal worth 1.5% cannot be justified."
Stephanie Herd, chair of UNISON's Scottish Local Government Committee said:
"I would urge the employers to return to the table and renegotiate this offer. It is not acceptable to continue to slash budgets and expect the lowest paid to fill the gap or bear the brunt.
"Nor is it acceptable for these members to have to face a three year pay cut to satisfy political expediency due to Scottish Parliament elections taking place in 2011 and Local Government elections in 2012."
UNISON's consultative ballot will run from today 21 June 2010 and close at midday on 29 July 2010.
ends
Notes for editors:
1. Three unions make up the trade union side of the Scottish Joint Council: UNISON, Unite, GMB
2. Both Unite and GMB will conduct their own consultative arrangements over a similar timescale.
3. UNISON represents around 100,000 Scottish Council staff
.
UNISON has today (Monday 21 June) started to ballot all members that work for Scotland's councils on acceptance or rejection of the pay offer made by the employers.
The offer made is a 3 year deal of 1% in the first year, 0% in the second and 0.5% in the third. UNISON and the other main unions are recommending that the offer be rejected as it is effectively a three year pay cut.
Dougie Black, UNISON's lead negotiator said:
"A three year deal is simply not acceptable. This is effectively a three year pay cut, as prices continue to rise. Our claim was for a single year deal in line with the Scottish Government’s pay strategy for other public bodies.
"At a time when chief officials in local authorities are getting 2.5% and teachers 2.4%, the attempt to tie many of the lowest paid public sector workers, who deliver essential front line services into a 3 year deal worth 1.5% cannot be justified."
Stephanie Herd, chair of UNISON's Scottish Local Government Committee said:
"I would urge the employers to return to the table and renegotiate this offer. It is not acceptable to continue to slash budgets and expect the lowest paid to fill the gap or bear the brunt.
"Nor is it acceptable for these members to have to face a three year pay cut to satisfy political expediency due to Scottish Parliament elections taking place in 2011 and Local Government elections in 2012."
UNISON's consultative ballot will run from today 21 June 2010 and close at midday on 29 July 2010.
ends
Notes for editors:
1. Three unions make up the trade union side of the Scottish Joint Council: UNISON, Unite, GMB
2. Both Unite and GMB will conduct their own consultative arrangements over a similar timescale.
3. UNISON represents around 100,000 Scottish Council staff
.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
UNISON members to strike against pay cuts at Culture Sport Glasgow
Date: Wednesday 26 May 2010
UNISON workers in libraries, sports centres, museums and community centres across Glasgow will take strike action on Friday 28 and Monday 31 May in a dispute over wage cuts.
Unions at Culture Sport Glasgow (CSG) are fighting a 10% wage cut for 150 workers, a pay freeze for all other staff and cuts in public holidays and overtime rates.
UNISON Glasgow Branch Secretary Brian Smith said: “Our members provide culture and sport services across Glasgow, and we want to defend the quality services which the people of Glasgow deserve. Along with the other unions, Unite, GMB and BECTU, we have tried to persuade Culture Sport Glasgow not to carry out these attacks. Whilst we recognise the wide disruption that this strike action will cause, we have been left with no option.”
Glasgow UNISON is calling on people to support their case by sending protest emails to Bridget McConnell, CSG Chief Executive at info@csglasgow.org and to Glasgow City Councillor Liz Cameron, Chair CSG Board at liz.cameron@councillors.glasgow.gov.uk.
Messages of support to the strikers should be sent to enquiries@glasgowcityunison.co.uk
Brian Smith said: “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. 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.”
Brian Smith said: “Public services workers, many low paid, should not have to pay for the failures of CSG and Glasgow City Council. Working people in general should not be asked to pay for the bail out of the banks and the mistakes of the bankers. It is important that all trade unionists and working people stand together at this time.”
ends
For Further Information Contact:
Brian Smith (Glasgow Branch Secretary) 07870 914 361 (m) 0141 552 7069 (o)
Sam Macartney (Glasgow Branch Service Conditions) 0780 3952 264 (m)
.
UNISON workers in libraries, sports centres, museums and community centres across Glasgow will take strike action on Friday 28 and Monday 31 May in a dispute over wage cuts.
Unions at Culture Sport Glasgow (CSG) are fighting a 10% wage cut for 150 workers, a pay freeze for all other staff and cuts in public holidays and overtime rates.
UNISON Glasgow Branch Secretary Brian Smith said: “Our members provide culture and sport services across Glasgow, and we want to defend the quality services which the people of Glasgow deserve. Along with the other unions, Unite, GMB and BECTU, we have tried to persuade Culture Sport Glasgow not to carry out these attacks. Whilst we recognise the wide disruption that this strike action will cause, we have been left with no option.”
Glasgow UNISON is calling on people to support their case by sending protest emails to Bridget McConnell, CSG Chief Executive at info@csglasgow.org and to Glasgow City Councillor Liz Cameron, Chair CSG Board at liz.cameron@councillors.glasgow.gov.uk.
Messages of support to the strikers should be sent to enquiries@glasgowcityunison.co.uk
Brian Smith said: “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. 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.”
Brian Smith said: “Public services workers, many low paid, should not have to pay for the failures of CSG and Glasgow City Council. Working people in general should not be asked to pay for the bail out of the banks and the mistakes of the bankers. It is important that all trade unionists and working people stand together at this time.”
ends
For Further Information Contact:
Brian Smith (Glasgow Branch Secretary) 07870 914 361 (m) 0141 552 7069 (o)
Sam Macartney (Glasgow Branch Service Conditions) 0780 3952 264 (m)
.
Friday, May 14, 2010
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.”
.
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.”
.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
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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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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Monday, March 8, 2010
Executives and CoSLA have undermined bargaining machinery - UNISON
Monday 8 March
UNISON, the union representing around 100,000 Scottish Council staff, today responded to the news that 32 high paid local council officials had agreed to waive their agreed pay rise.
Dougie Black, UNISON Regional Organiser, and Lead Negotiator said:
“It is unfortunate that the chief executives did not see fit to raise this first through the negotiating machinery, which delivers their pay. Neither should the employers have engaged in deals with one group which undermine the agreed procedures that affect a much larger number. Cosy deals with their most senior employees would seem to be more important than delivering for the low-paid workers, who are at the sharp end of service delivery.”
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UNISON, the union representing around 100,000 Scottish Council staff, today responded to the news that 32 high paid local council officials had agreed to waive their agreed pay rise.
Dougie Black, UNISON Regional Organiser, and Lead Negotiator said:
“It is unfortunate that the chief executives did not see fit to raise this first through the negotiating machinery, which delivers their pay. Neither should the employers have engaged in deals with one group which undermine the agreed procedures that affect a much larger number. Cosy deals with their most senior employees would seem to be more important than delivering for the low-paid workers, who are at the sharp end of service delivery.”
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Thursday, February 25, 2010
Union fury at slap in face for low paid
Date: Thu 25 February 2010
Unions representing around 150,000 Scottish Council staff, today reacted with anger at what they said was CoSLA’s high-handed dismissal of their pay claim. UNISON, along with fellow unions Unite and GMB had submitted the claim for 3% for 2010-2011, but at a meeting yesterday, the claim was simply dismissed without any negotiations.
Dougie Black, UNISON Regional Organiser, and Lead Negotiator said: “Despite the fact that CoSLA have already agreed to pay teaching staff 2.4% and their senior managers 2.5% this year, as part of multi-year deals, it appears that the value that they put on the main group of staff who deliver their services is nothing. These staff include the lowest paid in Scottish Local Government. For them it is a slap in the face.”
The unions are also angry that the employers chose not to address the detail of the trade unions’ claim but simply dismissed it in its entirety.
Jimmy Farrelly, Senior Industrial Organiser Unite, said: “Just as the rejection of their claim shows how little councils value their staff, the brusque and dismissive treatment of their negotiators is further proof of the lack of understanding that these employers have. It is similar to the treatment that lords offered to their serfs.”
John Begley, GMB Organiser, said: “Despite many authorities making provision for pay for SJC employees this year they now appear to want to backtrack on this and leave our members high and dry.”
Further talks have been offered by the employers, and the unions will now consult with their branches and consider if there is any likelihood of serious negotiations.
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Unions representing around 150,000 Scottish Council staff, today reacted with anger at what they said was CoSLA’s high-handed dismissal of their pay claim. UNISON, along with fellow unions Unite and GMB had submitted the claim for 3% for 2010-2011, but at a meeting yesterday, the claim was simply dismissed without any negotiations.
Dougie Black, UNISON Regional Organiser, and Lead Negotiator said: “Despite the fact that CoSLA have already agreed to pay teaching staff 2.4% and their senior managers 2.5% this year, as part of multi-year deals, it appears that the value that they put on the main group of staff who deliver their services is nothing. These staff include the lowest paid in Scottish Local Government. For them it is a slap in the face.”
The unions are also angry that the employers chose not to address the detail of the trade unions’ claim but simply dismissed it in its entirety.
Jimmy Farrelly, Senior Industrial Organiser Unite, said: “Just as the rejection of their claim shows how little councils value their staff, the brusque and dismissive treatment of their negotiators is further proof of the lack of understanding that these employers have. It is similar to the treatment that lords offered to their serfs.”
John Begley, GMB Organiser, said: “Despite many authorities making provision for pay for SJC employees this year they now appear to want to backtrack on this and leave our members high and dry.”
Further talks have been offered by the employers, and the unions will now consult with their branches and consider if there is any likelihood of serious negotiations.
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Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Angry reaction from UNISON on attempts to curb public service pay
Wed 9 December 2009
UNISON has reacted angrily to the possibility of a future cap on public sector pay and pensions, floated in Chancellor Alistair Darling's pre-budget report. He said "I can announce that, for the two years from 2011, we will seek to ensure that all public sector pay settlements be capped at 1 per cent."
Dave Prentis, UNISON's General Secretary said:
"I am not going to sign up to this. I know how our members feel - they feel angry and betrayed. It is just not on to make nurses, social workers, dinner ladies, cleaners and hospital porters pay the price for the folly of the bankers.
"The people who earn most should pay the most. Instead we have the disgraceful spectacle of rich bankers threatening to leave the country if they don't get their massive bonuses. Where is their loyalty? In tough times the rich should show leadership, not run off to the nearest tax haven."
In Scotland, both public service pay and pensions are devolved and any similar aspirations will need to be decided by the Scottish Government.
Glyn Hawker, Scottish Organiser for Bargaining and Equality said
"We will be pressing the Scottish Government not to adopt similar measures. It is their responsibility and they must take a responsible decision that benefits the economy and public services here.
"For every £1 a public sector work earns they spend 70p in their local community. Any squeeze on their pay will put a stranglehold on local businesses and services, cutting off much needed income.
UNISON has welcomed the proposals to impose a one-off levy on large bonuses in the banking sector and the introduction of measures to tackle tax avoidance and evasion. The potential increase in Scottish public finances as a result of the Barnett formula received a cautious welcome.
Glyn said
"We don't know yet where the Treasury - announced additional moneys will be spent, but it is important that public services in Scotland and those who deliver them are fully funded to drive us out of recession, and continue to deliver quality services."
The union also reacted strongly against Tory suggestions of even more damaging cuts in public services.
Dave Prentis said
"We know that if our public services are cut just when our communities need them most, the manufacturing industry will also go into crisis. Manufacturing is dependent on public procurement to keep going. Attacking public service jobs and pay is misguided. It will make the recession worse. It will undo all the work that has been done towards giving our communities world-class services."
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Glyn Hawker, Scottish Organiser 07876 441 237(m)
Dave Watson, Scottish Organiser 07958 122 409(m)
Chris Bartter, Communications Officer 07715 583 729(m)
.
UNISON has reacted angrily to the possibility of a future cap on public sector pay and pensions, floated in Chancellor Alistair Darling's pre-budget report. He said "I can announce that, for the two years from 2011, we will seek to ensure that all public sector pay settlements be capped at 1 per cent."
Dave Prentis, UNISON's General Secretary said:
"I am not going to sign up to this. I know how our members feel - they feel angry and betrayed. It is just not on to make nurses, social workers, dinner ladies, cleaners and hospital porters pay the price for the folly of the bankers.
"The people who earn most should pay the most. Instead we have the disgraceful spectacle of rich bankers threatening to leave the country if they don't get their massive bonuses. Where is their loyalty? In tough times the rich should show leadership, not run off to the nearest tax haven."
In Scotland, both public service pay and pensions are devolved and any similar aspirations will need to be decided by the Scottish Government.
Glyn Hawker, Scottish Organiser for Bargaining and Equality said
"We will be pressing the Scottish Government not to adopt similar measures. It is their responsibility and they must take a responsible decision that benefits the economy and public services here.
"For every £1 a public sector work earns they spend 70p in their local community. Any squeeze on their pay will put a stranglehold on local businesses and services, cutting off much needed income.
UNISON has welcomed the proposals to impose a one-off levy on large bonuses in the banking sector and the introduction of measures to tackle tax avoidance and evasion. The potential increase in Scottish public finances as a result of the Barnett formula received a cautious welcome.
Glyn said
"We don't know yet where the Treasury - announced additional moneys will be spent, but it is important that public services in Scotland and those who deliver them are fully funded to drive us out of recession, and continue to deliver quality services."
The union also reacted strongly against Tory suggestions of even more damaging cuts in public services.
Dave Prentis said
"We know that if our public services are cut just when our communities need them most, the manufacturing industry will also go into crisis. Manufacturing is dependent on public procurement to keep going. Attacking public service jobs and pay is misguided. It will make the recession worse. It will undo all the work that has been done towards giving our communities world-class services."
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Glyn Hawker, Scottish Organiser 07876 441 237(m)
Dave Watson, Scottish Organiser 07958 122 409(m)
Chris Bartter, Communications Officer 07715 583 729(m)
.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
UNISON warns CoSLA ‘ Back off on pay freeze’
Date: Thursday 27 August 2009
In advance of discussions by council leaders at CoSLA tomorrow (Friday), UNISON, the largest union representing Scottish local council workers, warned council bosses not to threaten a five year pay cut, and to enter pay negotiations with an open mind.
Leaked discussion documents have suggested that up to a five year pay freeze will be on the table as council leaders sit down behind closed doors to discuss their response to the current recession.
Matt Smith, UNISON’s Scottish Secretary said:
"CoSLA leaders would be well advised to back off from any decision to freeze pay at all, far less for five years. Leaked papers suggest that CoSLA recognise the serious problem of low pay in local councils. Any freeze would increase that problem, de-motivate the workforce, impact negatively on services and damage communities.
"Knee jerk reaction to financial difficulties is no way to run local government. It is completely unfair that low-paid cooks, cleaners, care workers and clerical staff should be told that they are to pay the price of the financial incompetence of well-heeled bankers and financiers. Council leaders should talk to staff trade unions about funding, council tax and business rates rather than threatening their staff."
Dougie Black, UNISON Regional Organiser and lead negotiator said:
"It is disgraceful that CoSLA could think it is acceptable to threaten pay cuts to staff that deliver our services. There are appropriate bargaining arrangements to discuss pay. Why doesn’t CoSLA use these rather than leaking material to the media?
"Despite the persistent claims of the private sector, council staff are not well-paid, and have had below inflation pay increases in four out of the last five years. To suggest that it is acceptable for them to continue to have their pay cut for the next five years seems to indicate a macho, bullying attitude that CoSLA would do well to avoid, unless they are keen to provoke a dispute."
The previous pay agreement of a two-year deal ended with the award of 2.5% in April this year.
Negotiations for future years pay increases are scheduled to start in the autumn.
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Matt Smith, Scottish Secretary 07771 548 997(m)
Dougie Black, Regional Officer – Secretary, TU negotiators 07958 121 851(m)
Chris Bartter, Communications Officer 07715 583 729(m)
.
In advance of discussions by council leaders at CoSLA tomorrow (Friday), UNISON, the largest union representing Scottish local council workers, warned council bosses not to threaten a five year pay cut, and to enter pay negotiations with an open mind.
Leaked discussion documents have suggested that up to a five year pay freeze will be on the table as council leaders sit down behind closed doors to discuss their response to the current recession.
Matt Smith, UNISON’s Scottish Secretary said:
"CoSLA leaders would be well advised to back off from any decision to freeze pay at all, far less for five years. Leaked papers suggest that CoSLA recognise the serious problem of low pay in local councils. Any freeze would increase that problem, de-motivate the workforce, impact negatively on services and damage communities.
"Knee jerk reaction to financial difficulties is no way to run local government. It is completely unfair that low-paid cooks, cleaners, care workers and clerical staff should be told that they are to pay the price of the financial incompetence of well-heeled bankers and financiers. Council leaders should talk to staff trade unions about funding, council tax and business rates rather than threatening their staff."
Dougie Black, UNISON Regional Organiser and lead negotiator said:
"It is disgraceful that CoSLA could think it is acceptable to threaten pay cuts to staff that deliver our services. There are appropriate bargaining arrangements to discuss pay. Why doesn’t CoSLA use these rather than leaking material to the media?
"Despite the persistent claims of the private sector, council staff are not well-paid, and have had below inflation pay increases in four out of the last five years. To suggest that it is acceptable for them to continue to have their pay cut for the next five years seems to indicate a macho, bullying attitude that CoSLA would do well to avoid, unless they are keen to provoke a dispute."
The previous pay agreement of a two-year deal ended with the award of 2.5% in April this year.
Negotiations for future years pay increases are scheduled to start in the autumn.
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Matt Smith, Scottish Secretary 07771 548 997(m)
Dougie Black, Regional Officer – Secretary, TU negotiators 07958 121 851(m)
Chris Bartter, Communications Officer 07715 583 729(m)
.
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