Scotland’s largest public services union, UNISON, is calling on newly elected SNP leader and prospective first minister, Humza Yousaf, to ensure public services remain top of his list.
UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said: “Congratulations to Humza Yousaf. UNISON looks forward to building on the good working relationship the union has shared with him. It’s vital that public services are central to his vision for Scotland.
“Public services are suffering after years of under-investment, with problems mounting. Local services will continue to suffer unless councils get a sustained increase in funding. NHS waiting lists will continue to rise unless urgent action is taken to solve the staffing crisis.
“Profits will come before people unless the proposed national care service bill is scrapped. Students will suffer if college staff vote to strike, and communities will be less safe if police staff cuts go ahead. And so, the list goes on.
“UNISON members don’t just work in public services, they and their families use them too. They’ll all be watching closely to ensure public services remain top of the government’s list.”
Notes to editors: UNISON is Scotland’s largest union. Its 150,000 members in Scotland work across public services – in local government, the NHS, education, police service, energy and water. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.
UNISON media contacts:Danny Phillips: 07717 715277/07944 664110 (d.phillips@unison.co.uk)Trisha Hamilton: 07943 507307 (t.hamilton@unison.co.uk)