New Voluntary Agreement – 6 March 2020
Following formal discussions, UNISON and Cornerstone met on Thursday 5 March 2020 and signed off a new voluntary recognition agreement.
This follows referral to the Central Arbitration Committee which promoted negotiations between the parties.
The agreement provides for trade union recognition and facilities, negotiation and consultation and collective bargaining on a range of workforce matters and an agreed channel for dealing with any matters in dispute. The agreement adopts the principles of the Scottish Government’s Fair Work Convention Framework, embedding the fair work dimensions into collective bargaining and partnership working arrangements. This will offer all employees and relief workers an effective voice, opportunity, security, fulfilment and respect.
Mike Kirby, UNISON Scottish Secretary said, “This agreement establishes new working relations with Cornerstone. We look forward to a constructive engagement which will benefit UNISON members and the whole workforce, will contribute to the development of the organisation and ultimately enhance the service to users and carers.”
Andrew Lockhart, Cornerstone Chair said, “We welcome this new voluntary agreement. The spirit and intent is to promote and maintain the best possible open, respectful and healthy employment relationship between all Cornerstone’s employees and relief workers and UNISON.
We look forward to working with UNISON towards a common objective that drives the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of the organisation whilst promoting security of employment and advancement of employees (and workers).
We also pledge to work collaboratively to highlight the issues facing the social care sector to improve the working conditions for care workers across Scotland and how care is commissioned”.