UNISON WEEK 218 – 22 January 2018

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The Contribution Local Government makes to our Communities
and the Local EconomyAs agreement of the Scottish Government Budget for 2018/2019 reaches a critical stage, the Jimmy Reid Foundation publishes a significant new report, commissioned by UNISON Scotland, on the contribution of local government to local communities and local economies. With funding for local government in the proposed Scottish Budget viewed as inadequate by many and with the Scottish Green Party again making its support for the Budget dependent upon some £150m extra funding for local councils, the report identifies and analyses the economic and social rationales for the public sector delivering services and owning assets collectively on behalf of communities and society.UNISON Scotland Head of Policy & Public Affairs, Dave Watson said: ‘This report is a timely analysis of the positive social and economic impact councils have on the local economy. Cuts to local government not only damage local services, but they also undermine economic growth’
UNISON Scotland Wins Two Equal Pay Victories in Glasgow

After years of fighting long running equal pay claims, Glasgow City Council have finally decided to end it’s legal fight and focus on negotiating a settlement with the (mainly) women claimants. These workers have been pursuing the council for equal pay since the council introduced its current pay and grading system in 2007. “Our members have waited long enough for the fair and equal pay they have worked hard for and deserve.”

In our second victory, UNISON’s successfully appealed to the Court of Session challenging Glasgow City Council’s Workforce, Pay and Benefits Review. They ruled in favour of our women members. It has sent a clear message to Glasgow City Council that it cannot continue to defend these discriminatory practices any longer.
Pick of the Media

18/01/18       unison.org.uk
UNISON General Secretary, Dave Prentis, explains why Carillion’s collapse has shown the true face of privatisation. 18/01/18        theguardian.com
Taxpayers to foot £200bn bill for PFI contract – cost of privately financing projects ‘can be 40% higher’ than using public money. 16/01/18         theconversation.com
Nationalising Britain’s railways is the only way to fix chronic problems – here’s why. 15/01/18       tuc.org
Why investment in public services, skills and working conditions can restore public trust in immigration system. 13/01/18    unison-scotland.org
UNISON calls for the Scottish government to stop the closure of 12 care homes run by Bield Housing and Care
UNISON Scotland Communication Awards 2018
UNISON Campaign Awards closing date has been extended until Thursday 25 January 2018 at noon, giving an extra week to get applications in. It helps to build a stronger union and get some well deserved recognition for your hard work.

UNISON Week is produced by UNISON Scotland’s Bargaining and Campaigns Team. UNISON HOUSE, 14 West Campbell Street, Glasgow, G2 6RX 

Tel: 0141 342 2811
Questions or comments? Email: UNISON Scotland Week