Date: Tue 26 March 2013
UNISON today praised the work of public service staff clearing roads, working to restore power and supporting snowed-in communities hit by Friday’s storm.
As engineers fight to restore power to areas affected by the snow, the public service union said all those public service and utilities workers involved had made a magnificent effort in appalling conditions.
Scottish Secretary Mike Kirby said: “Communities in several parts of Scotland have been hit in different ways by the storm. Across the country those affected are grateful for the hard work and commitment of public service and utility workers who pull out all the stops to support the most vulnerable. Our emergency services, health and council workers, along with energy and roads staff are all doing a fantastic job.”
Marion Power, UNISON branch secretary in Argyll and Bute, paid tribute to workers in Kintyre clearing snow, restoring power and offering practical support and advice.
She said: “Council workers, health staff and the emergency services pull together at times like this to ensure vulnerable people are supported and services restored as soon as possible. We know people have been working round the clock, some with little or no sleep for days at a time.
“Everyone has faced incredibly difficult conditions but there has been such a team effort, including roads and utilities workers, and people affected helping their neighbours and anyone they see needing help.
“Our members have had to endure several years of pay freeze and real terms pay cuts, but they deliver such an essential service, highlighted in times of crisis.”
Stephanie Herd, UNISON branch secretary in North Ayrshire, added her support, as council and other staff face unprecedented conditions on Arran. She said: “Conditions have been atrocious but, as ever, the dedication of teams from all the services is clear.”
ENDS
Note to editors:
UNISON is Scotland’s largest trade union representing 160,000 members working in the public sector in Scotland..