COSLA imposing 3 year
pay deal is kick in teeth to
local government workers

UNISON has reacted angrily to COSLA’s decision to impose a three year pay deal of 0.65% followed by a pay freeze for two years, calling it a kick in the teeth to local government workers. This offer followed the partner unions rejection of the three year pay offer of 1%, 0% and .5%.

Stephen Smellie said "We had not called for more money but a reshaping of the offer, and instead were met with this contemptible offer.

“COSLA had budgeted for 1% this year but have chosen to impose a lower figure than the Tory/Liberal Democrat coalition are prepared to pay public sector workers south of the border."...Watch here for more information...

Green Workers - Make A Change

South Lanarkshire UNISON's exciting new project Green Workers - Make a Change, will help UNISON members to save energy and resources at home.

Loraine Barkley Wales and Paul Nicoll are the project officers who will be visiting members in their workplaces. 

By participating in the survey you could reduce your cost of living. UNISON members participating will be entered into a Prize Draw with the chance of winning an energy saving device of your choice.

Read more...

 
UNISON's campaign to stop the cuts... add your voice

Further Delay in
Four Weekly Pay

It looks likely that the implementation of 4 weekly pay will be delayed into the New Year. The changeover will still include the option of an interest free 'advance pay' to be paid back over 23 pay periods.

The UNISON Fun Day was a smashing day out for members and their families and friends in the beautiful and sunny setting of New Lanark World Heritage Site on Sunday August 29th.

With a bouncy castle, face painting and balloon modelling, there were lots of things for the children to do, whilst a variety of music, films and talks offered an entertaining and interesting programme for the grown ups.

Rodney Bickerstaffe, Defending Public Services, Pay and Pensions

Rodney Bickerstaffe, ex UNISON General Secretary was one of the highlights at the UNISON Fun Day. An inspirational union leader, Rodney explained that the current Government could learn a lot from Robert Owen the mill manager at New Lanark in the early 1800s and his transformation of the Village by giving all decent housing, a decent education and a free health service.

Rodney said that public sector cuts will mean a loss of essential services to your children, your parents and your grandparents. He warned of the knock on effect of no pay rises for workers to the local communities. He slammed the myth of the gold plated public service pensions, with local government pensions being around £3,500 per annum.

Designated Car User Scheme Proposals

Following consultation at Area Meetings, UNISON withdrew its grievance in relation to the proposed changes to the Designated Car User Scheme.

The Pool Car Scheme pilot is due to go live on 1st August and will be available initially to those who have lost their designated car user status.

It is planned that the scheme will be rolled out for all business car use next April. UNISON have agreed to evaluate the scheme separately from the Council, so we want to hear from you.

In the meantime, those who retain the designated car user status for this year will receive a one off payment of £500 in August or September. Read more..

 

Budget 2010
Dave Prentis, UNISON General Secretary says

There IS an alternative to public service cuts

"Freezing public sector pay when inflation is running at 5.1% and VAT is going up, will mean a real cut in living standards for millions of ordinary workers and their families - already struggling to pay rising bills."

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