Read it and Weep Trade Union Bill: Most Ballot of Fire draconian legislation and Rescue PUBLIC in the western world support staff WORKS: ’s library Build for Parliament lobby. Final attempt to reach a million staff speak out - p3 London 2 November - p2 collective agreement p3 voices 1994 for public Scotland UNISON services in October 2015 No 115 scottish council activists bulletin Use these stories in your branch newsletter or circulate the pdf version to members Holyrood and councils can combat austerity

NISON Scotland has launched Ua campaign calling on the , local authorities and public bodies to do all they can to mitigate UK government austerity. The union is calling for a range of financial and industrial policies to create investment in Scottish infrastructure, green energy production and jobs. Every sensible ‘mitigation measure government and local authorities can take reduces the number of job losses and damage to vital services’ MIKE KIRBY For example, with interest rates at an all time low, it is cheaper to buy out or refinance PPP/PFI contracts saving up to £12bn. Pension funds could be a source of badly needed investment for infrastructure; we need a political consensus on reform of local PHILLIPS taxation; and councils should collaborate in

using bonds as a means of financing O: DANNY borrowing rather than routinely using the PHOT Public Works Loan Board. Delegates to UNISON Scotland’s Local Government conference line up to say ‘refugees are Mike Kirby, UNISON Scottish secretary, said: “Every sensible mitigation measure welcome here’. Use these photos to get the message out - International Special, page 4 government and public authorities £2bn by refinancing PFI/PPP projects. can take “Some councils are already using Morale at rock bottom in reduces the pension funds to invest in affordable number of job housing, but we need to do this on a losses and national scale.” our colleges damage to vital Scottish local government has already UNISON survey of staff in public seen over 40,000 job losses and many Scottish colleges has exposed services.” more jobs have been lost in the NHS, A problems caused by cuts, college Dave Watson, police, community and voluntary sector. mergers and unaccountable senior head of Dave stressed that UNISON would managers, with staff concern that UNISON continue to campaign with the STUC education services for students are Scotland and others against austerity. declining. bargaining and “However we are ready to work with Over 6 in 10 staff think college campaigns, said: Scottish Government and public services have declined; 7 in 10 blame the Government to make “We are expecting a authorities to do all we can to mitigate Scottish Government’s merger policy; that vital difference. But it is getting further £2bn of cuts to local against the worst effects of these cuts”, and the vast majority of staff are increasingly difficult. public services across he added. extremely doubtful that services will “It’s time warm words are translated into Scotland. We could save UNISON is seeking improve within the next year. better pay and conditions for staff who are views on the paper from Chris Greenshields, chair of the delivering despite real problems. If we don’t those who share the UNISON FE Committee said: “College do something soon we can expect real union’s objectives. management and the Scottish industrial relations problems in the sector.” See the full report Government need to listen to the staff. See the report ‘Learning the Hard on the website; click on We are here to work with the Scottish Way’ on the website. Public Works. www.unison-scotland.org.uk ScotlandinUNISON page 2 october 2015

Personal injury settlements NISON Scotland won Fight ‘draconian’ U£154,794 in personal injury settlements for members in August 2015 alone. End the cuts anti union bill and rethink by Kate Ramsden an outdated response. That is Communications & Campaigns Cttee Mass lobby particularly true in post- policing ranches across devolution Scotland.” of Parliament UNISON is encouraging NISON Scotland police Scotland and the UK are B members to write to their MPs staff have called for the gearing up to fight the Tory U 2 November and MSPs and to join the suspension of ‘all cuts and government’s Trade Union national demonstrations against reforms while we re-think Bill, described by UNISON London the bill. Scottish policing’. General Secretary Dave See the website for details As we went to press a huge George McIrvine, secretary of Prentis as ‘the most demonstration was expected at UNISON Police Scotland branch, draconian legislation in the employers will be able to break the Conservative Party made the call at a public meeting in western world’. strikes by bringing in agency conference on 4 October and a Dundee attended by shadow justice The bill, which passed its workers to cover for strikers - a mass lobby of Westminster will spokesperson Graeme Pearson MSP. second reading on 14 September, move that could have serious be held on 2 November, with an The MSP is travelling the proposes huge restrictions on safety implications, lead to event planned for at country speaking to rank and file peaceful picketing and protests worse public services, and the end of November. officers, civilian staff, community and is widely seen as an attack on undermine the right to strike. Dave added: “Both party groups, victim support staff and basic human rights. Astonishingly, striking leaders in Scotland have made others as part of Scottish Labour’s Workers will only be able to workers will have to tell their the link between the bill and the wide-ranging review of policing. take strike action if 50% or more employers of all their plans - Tory approach to the workplace George pointed out that cuts mean of eligible members vote in the including what they will post on not to co-operate with attacks on generally. that: “It’s police civilian staff like industrial action ballot. Facebook or Twitter - two weeks facility time or check-off (which “They support the idea that control room operators, crime For action in ‘important public before they strike. enables union dues to be paid employees working together for analysts, and criminal justice staff services’ which includes health So extreme are the proposals direct from wages). better wages, terms and who are losing their jobs. and education, 40% of all that there is wide support across Dave Watson, head of “We need to suspend all cuts members eligible to vote would Scotland to oppose them. bargaining and campaigns, said: conditions makes for a more and reforms while we re-think have to vote yes for a union to Last week CoSLA announced: “The Trade Union Bill weakens productive workforce - good for Scottish policing before we have a strike mandate. That “Scotland’s Councils have come our voice at work, and weakens business and good for society. completely dismantle modern means if 50% of members vote, out in force today to stand our campaigning voice. It “Both the Scottish and the policing in Scotland and take the 80% of those must vote yes. shoulder to shoulder with their undermines the right to strike, Welsh governments support force back to the 1970s. It is worth remembering that trade union colleagues against union organisation and aims to UNISON’s position that, “UNISON welcomes this the government trying to bring the UK Government’s Trade make it harder for unions to win a although industrial relations is a particular Review. This is an this in was elected on only 24% Union Bill.” fairer deal at work. reserved matter, some parts of the opportunity for police staff and of those eligible to vote. Earlier Glasgow, Edinburgh “The bill has been described bill will need legislative consent public to have their say on For the first time in 40 years, and Renfrewshire councils voted even by employer organisations as by devolved parliaments.” policing in Scotland.” But be warned: “UNISON will be up for a fight if we continue with these cuts and keep the Show your colours for uncosted manifesto pledge to maintain 1,000 police officers.” Gas job cuts Climate, Justice and Jobs

a ‘harsh blow by Fiona Montgomery Information and Devt officer to loyal limate, justice and jobs workforce’ Care the themes for Scotland’s Climate March NISON has described on Saturday 28 November in UBritish Gas plans to shed Edinburgh. thousands of jobs as a Branches are urged to send ‘harsh blow to a loyal representatives to Edinburgh in workforce’. support of the worldwide The union was responding after demonstrations that weekend, an announcement by calling for a strong deal at the Centrica/British Gas of 6,000 posts United Nations climate talks in and just deal that delivers on the Gardens for an inspirational rally meeting soon for new people to to be axed between now and 2020. Paris in December. urgency of climate science. at 1pm. join UNISON Scotland’s green The majority of these are likely to Marchers are asked to wear Dave added: “We will be Please volunteer names for network and plan for the be gone by the end of 2017. bright colours for joining in the standing up for people affected members willing to help out as Edinburgh march, and about The company provided little weekend of global action. There by rising global temperatures and stewards. Please email transport to Paris for 12 detail but indicated that around are also marches in Cardiff on half of the job losses could be showing support for a low carbon [email protected] December will be available as compulsory redundancies. Saturday 28, and in London on society that will create green Further details about a soon as possible. UNISON Regional Organiser Sunday 29 November. jobs, improve our transport and Janet Stewart said: “This is a bitter Dave Watson, Head of food systems and protect our STUC St Andrew’s Day Rally blow especially considering the Bargaining and Campaigns, said: land, air and water.” Glasgow 28 November efforts made by British Gas staff “Scotland needs to show its International trade unions in recent years. colours in Paris and beyond with working on the UN talks are he Climate march message and wants to ensure as “Our members have been very strong action on climate change.” focusing on Just Transition Tunavoidably clashes high a turnout as possible. loyal to the company, providing It’s feared that world leaders in policies, arguing that there are no with the STUC’s annual St Branches are encouraged to excellent services to customers Paris will not agree a strong enough jobs on a dead planet. Andrew’s Day Anti Racism be represented at both events whilst under great external programme to prevent dangerous Leaflets and posters are March and Rally, which and to support and promote pressure and despite the absence of runaway climate change. downloadable from the Stop takes place in Glasgow, both through social media, systems that are fit for purpose. So branches are also Climate Chaos Scotland website also on Saturday 28 including Facebook and Twitter. We expect that loyalty to be encouraged to support a massive www.stopclimatechaos.org/march November. The STUC march assembles repaid. march in Paris on Saturday 12 Meet at the Meadows in This year’s STUC march has at 10.30am at Glasgow Green, “If the company needs to December, which aims to state Edinburgh at 12 noon. Set off at a special theme: “No Racism. setting off at 11am, with a rally Refugees Welcome Here.” at the Glasgow Film Theatre at restructure, it should not be on the loudly at the end of the talks that 12.30 and head to the Ross UNISON strongly supports this 12 noon. backs of the poorest paid.” we won’t stop fighting for a fair Bandstand in Princes Street page 3 october 2015 ScotlandinUNISON Fire & Rescue Service conditions ballot Libraries need cottish Fire and entered a formal consultation Union members should also more than SRescue Service (SFRS) period in August. Both unions be clear that the SJC pay members are being are clear that the revised pay awards will no longer apply ‘fine words balloted from 3 October in and reward package now on the and that there will be direct a final attempt to reach a table is the limit that can be negotiations with SFRS from 1 and ideals’ collective agreement. achieved through negotiations: ò Implementation date of April 2016. NISON has published a Ballot papers must be Further details are included revised pay scales will be 1 SFRS have stated that if report ‘Read It and Weep’, returned by NOON on in the ballot letter sent to August 2015 and the there is no collective agreement U which outlines the experience of Friday 23rd October 2015. UNISON SFRS members implementation date for then they will go to voluntary members working in Scotland’s UNISON and UNITE which includes terms and conditions will be offers and thereafter dismissal libraries. members failed to agree with 1 November 2015 and re-engagement on the ò Pay protection for all It raises the SFRS on the harmonisation of employees in detriment until ò Outwith core hours revised terms. Members are concerns and terms and conditions and 28 February 2017 allowance increased to 7.5% urged to use their vote. difficulties of staff who are simultaneously being expected to Prentis opens UNISON expand services while being in the front line of cuts. centre in new hospital The report is Gray Allan based on qualitative research from UNISON members NISON general secretary working across Scotland’s libraries. The Dave Prentis opened U frustration on the part of staff is clear. UNISON’s shop and They are well aware that the resource centre in the new services they provide are not as good Queen Elizabeth University as they could be and they highlight the Hospital in August. impacts that cuts are making. The Glasgow Clyde and CVS Library services have been Branch shop is in the main undergoing massive change in recent thoroughfare of the hospital years yet staff numbers have been building. going down, buildings are closing and The initiative follows opening hours reduced. Lothian Health Branch’s shop in Gray Allan, UNISON Falkirk the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary Council branch spokesperson (and a which was recently visited by librarian), said: “There is no shortage First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. of people willing to say libraries are a And in September, Nicola good thing. But what our libraries Wood, patron of Simpson’s need isn’t just fine words and ideals Memory Box Appeal (SiMBA), but proper financing and investment. opened a shop in Livingston’s St “The Scottish Government has John’s Hospital. endorsed a national strategy for public The branch has a partnership in libraries that talks of libraries being both shops with the charity which part of a shared civic ambition. responds to the needs of those “There isn’t much point in giving affected by the loss of a baby. every child in Scotland a library card Dave and UNISON’s Above: Dave Prentis cuts the ribbon at the Queen Elizabeth if their local library is being closed or national head of health Christina Hospital. Right: Nicola Wood opens the St John’s shop its hours have reduced so much it isn’t McAnea were given a tour of accessible. the Queen Elizabeth Hospital by many new members every join up, get advice and support, “Staff are keen to see their service senior NHS managers week. and report problems. move forward but that isn’t They met patients and staff “It’s important that I hear “It’s impossible to build a happening.” and spent time listening to direct from them about both hospital as big and complex as have good ideas about how we UNISON members talking good and bad issues they face this and for it not to have a few can improve patient care. about their early experiences of when providing day to day teething problems. “If everyone works together, Local govt working in the new buildings. patient care. “Our members see things that this fantastic new hospital could Dave said: “UNISON is the “The new UNISON shop will hospital managers who are meet its vision of providing members vote biggest union in the new be great asset. It will be a place running a big hospital can world-leading patient care for hospital and we are recruiting where UNISON members can sometimes miss. And they will many years to come.” to accept two year pay offer Edinburgh beats privatisation but job cuts loom ver 88% of local NISON’s City of Ogovernment members UEdinburgh Branch is voting in their pay ballot have celebrating a brief victory accepted a two year offer after the council rejected with a new Living Wage deal. council officers’ plans to plans to privatise “Our mandate from our Staff will now get a 1.5% rise from privatise Facilities over 4,000 jobs in members remains. Industrial 1 April 2015 and 1% from April 2016. Management. the capital under action remains a real possibility Importantly, the Scottish Local The victory is brief because the campaign in the event of compulsory Government Living Wage of £7.85 per there is also a threat of banner of Our redundancies.” hour will be put in place before the compulsory redundancies with City’s Not For Sale. While opposing all job cuts, 1.5% rise, making it £7.97 an hour. hard negotiations to go on In recent weeks the branch will be pushing the And in April 2016, the Living Wage Amanda Kerr and Gerry Stovin put UNISON’s it had revisited that council for better voluntary throughout October. case to the council committee will be increased to the recommended Amanda Kerr, Edinburgh campaign with the terms for members who wish to figure of the Living Wage Foundation, UNISON branch secretary, said: Committee on 29 October. new slogan of Our City’s still leave. again before the 1% rise. There will “Following concerted UNISON “Our campaign has brought Not For Sale. UNISON’s Gerry Stovin also be talks on removing the pay pressure, we welcome this re- this to the public eye and that Lead negotiator Tom warned councillors that staff left points below the Living Wage level. think and the dropping of campaign will continue. Connolly explained: “This is an behind after voluntary Negotiators succeeded in getting the privatisation plans. “We warned that the level of important victory. The damage redundancies need to be initial offer of two years at 1.25% “We also welcome the delay cuts envisaged would be privatisation would have caused considered too. front-loaded to 1.5% in 2015 which is on redundancies, however we devastating for services. cannot be overestimated. He said: “Staff that do remain above inflation and slightly increases still have a long way to go and “After years and years of cut “The union will now focus on will be under increasing the value of the 1% in 2016. we will be building for a major after cut, no council can sustain protecting jobs and conditions, pressure, stress and anxiety. In August inflation was 0.0% on the lobby of the next Council more massive cuts like these.” engaging with our members and There will be serious problems Consumer Prices Index and 1.1% on Finance and Resources In 2012 the union beat off building towards the lobby.” for the services we all support.” the Retail Prices Index. INTERNATIONAL page 4 october 2015 ScotlandinUNISON International Refugees welcome here Seminar goes from strength ..the message in photos to strength ewcastle was the Nvenue for this year’s by John Stevenson UNISON joint region SiU editor I can’t imagine any human being witnessing this and not international seminar, an NISON is urging doing anything to help. Shame on the governments who are event that has been ‘ growing from strength to Umembers to campaign to turning their back on humanity!’ AMAL AZZUDIN say ‘Refugees welcome here’ strength. by using photos taken at last The weekend saw month’s Scottish Local discussions and information Government Conference. on Nicaragua, Venezuela, The photos, like the one on our Colombia, Kurdistan, front page, can now be Kobane, Palestine, European downloaded through the website trade unions, Qatar Playfair by clicking onto our Picasa link. campaign, Bangladeshi “The power of these pictures is garment workers and Show that these are the local government Racism the Red Card. workers who will plan, organise, Delegates attended from manage and deliver the services Northern and North West that refugees so badly need. The Regions, Northern Ireland clear message is ‘refugees are and Scotland. welcome and we stand ready to do our best’”, said communications Solidarity officer Danny Phillips. Members are also encouraged message from to share information about the host Hampden of humanitarian initiatives from cotland supporters Scottish campaigns like the one we Sdisplayed a “Refugees report on here. Welcome” banner before Glasgow campaigners the UEFA EURO Qualifying match against help refugees in Greece ‘Glasgow Girl’ Amal Azzudin with Afghan refugee Ilhaam and her brother after they and their mother climbed from a dinghy arriving at Lesvos. Germany at Hampden on A delegation from the Glasgow 7 September, in a proud Campaign to Welcome Refugees imitation of the actions of visited Athens and Lesvos in the boats and get water, food and a “I can’t imagine any human said: “In Syria we may die once football supporters across September at their own expense to change of clothes as they were being witnessing this and not through a bullet or explosion but Germany. assist volunteers helping refugees. wet”, she said. doing anything to help! Shame on being a refugee we die a hundred Backed by UNISON Along with human rights “Each boat had 50 people in the governments who are turning times.” Scotland, Unite and United activist Pinar Aksu and social them. To cross to the island costs their back on humanity!” Glasgow FC and organised justice campaigner Margaret around 1,200 euros each. The people The next day the group went to How you can help by the Scottish Football Woods was ‘Glasgow Girl’ Amal arriving in the island were so a self organised refugee camp You can donate or offer time, Supporters Association, the Azzudin, a Somalian refugee who relieved that they made it here while which has space for 100 refugees skills and housing to support event included getting arrived in Scotland as a child. others burst into tears because of the but recently had over 300. refugees coming to Scotland on a supporters to tweet with As teenagers, the Glasgow traumatic experience. The workers are all volunteers. new Scottish Refugee Council hashtags #refugeeswelcome Girls’ campaign for the rights of “One mother from Afghanistan and they spend about 12 hours a website set up on behalf of the and #reclaimthegame to make asylum seekers inspired a gave me her child to hold while day helping refugees. Scottish Government at sure the message was spread UNISON Scotland asylum she got out of the life jacket and “The food, shelter and clothing www.scotlandwelcomesrefugees.scot as far and as clear as children guide, TV documentaries looked for her husband and other is provided through solidarity You can also join the 1,750 possible. and even a West End musical! kids. It was an experience I will donations. Some of the donations households across Scotland and The display gave Germany Amal sent reports back via never forget. are also used to bury people who the UK that have registered with and Scotland fans the opportunity to express their Facebook. On 21 September she “One of the doctors told me the drowned”, explained Amal. Positive Action in Housing to host support and solidarity for wrote of seeing three or more best thing we could do is to say The desperation of the situation refugees for free. More those affected by the refugee refugee dinghies arriving in Lesvos. welcome and smile as soon as they was summed up in the haunting information from crisis. “We helped people get out of arrive. words of one Syrian refugee who www.roomforrefugees.com Kurdish trade unionist calls for Scottish solidarity tephen Smellie, South Stephen Smellie, and Roza Salih SLanarkshire branch, (a Glasgow Girl like Amal above), Sarah Collins, East Ayrshire, met film maker Lisa (centre). She and Viv Thomson, Scottish lost both legs when a bomb was targeted at a Kurdish political Healthcare branch, took part rally, killing five and injuring 400. in a delegation to Diyarbakir With friends she is trying to raise in Kurdistan/Turkey in money to travel to Germany to September. get prosthetic legs. “She was an The purpose of the visit was to inspiration”, said Stephen. find out how trade unions were say they can't go back to Iraq due workers for trade union solidarity affected by the crisis in the region to the very real fear of ISIS and in their struggle for a peaceful and and how the Ezidi refugees who they do not feel safe in another democratic end to the current had fled from ISIS threatened Muslim country. Instead they The delegation met DISK union reps. Zeynip, the Co-President of the conflict. genocide were seeking to deal would like to seek asylum in union’s Diyarbakir region, is third from the left. with the situation. Europe.” Stephen said: “As well as the unions in the Kurdish region. The delegation visited the The delegation are producing a We want to hear your refugee crisis, in recent months “We met the co-president of the camp for the Ezidi refugees and report which will tell the story of news the Turkish government has local health workers branch who spoke to the camp organisers as the ordinary people they met such SiU is your paper, we want to hear launched a series of strikes against reported that the branch office had well as some of the 3,000 people as Dakhill who fled ISIS, Lisa your stories. John Stevenson the Kurdish group the PKK. In been raided by the police, living in tents for over a year. who lost both legs in a bomb (Editor) 0131 558 7488, addition they have began to crack vandalised and staff terrorised. Stephen said: “Their situation attack on a Kurdish political rally john.stevenson@unison- down on their political opponents The police used anti-terrorist is desperate. The camp is well run and Zeynip the woman trade edinburgh.org.uk at home. This includes the trade legislation to justify the raid.” but it isn't permanent. The Ezidis unionist who appealed to Scottish

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