Scotland’s largest public service union, UNISON, has written to all SNP leadership candidates today (Monday) urging them to prioritise public services if they become the next First Minister.
The union is calling on all three candidates to publicly state their support for public services. UNISON acknowledges the positive working relationship between First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and trade unions and hopes to build on this with the next First Minister.
UNISON is calling on the candidates to commit to increased funding for local government; to deliver action on the NHS staffing crisis and to commit to tackling the climate emergency. The union welcomes the Scottish government pausing the new National Care Service Bill, but wants the new First Minister to go a step further and withdraw the Bill entirely.
Tracey Dalling, UNISON Scotland’s regional secretary, said: “UNISON members are the heart of public services, delivering the essential services that protect, enrich and change lives. But they don’t just work in public services, they and they’re families use them too, and they want to know that public services are top of the list for all SNP leadership candidates
“It is vital that our new First Minister continues to work closely with UNISON to ensure public services remain a priority for Scotland.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
- You can read the full letter on our website here.
For more information contact:
- Trisha Hamilton, communications officer, on 07943 507 307 or t.hamilton@unison.co.uk
- Danny Phillips, communications officer, on 07944 664 110 or d.phillips@unison.co.uk