You can shape what happens by coming to the Branch
AGM
Duncan Smith, Branch Chairperson
Events in 2007 have shown why we need a strong Branch.
In June the Council announced a budget deficit of
£10m and refused to rule out compulsory redundancies.
Along with this came a plan to close 22 schools and
four Community Centres.
UNISON was right to oppose these cuts and ballot
for strike action. Our strike on 23rd August and the
lobby at the City Chambers was boosted by hundreds
of parents and students protesting against the closures.
The combined pressure split the Council and forced
it to withdraw the proposals. The action proved to
the Council that UNISON cannot be ignored and channels
of communication were re-opened. The Corporate JCC,
where unions, councillors, and senior managers meet,
was revived.
Talks began with the Chief Executive about the Council
Budget and Heads of Department were instructed to
start speaking to local stewards. But the Council's
apparent commitment to open dialogue was tarnished
by the surprise announcement that 820 posts were to
be cut under the Shared Services program.
Despite management's subsequent assurances that the
consultant's figures were exaggerated there is little
doubt that the jobs will come under threat as services
are streamlined or centralised. We need to keep a
close eye on the process. Members should report unfilled
vacancies or attempts to delete posts.
Talks on Single Status/ Job Evaluation resumed in
November following the union's rejection of earlier
proposals from the Council. For further detai see
the Service Conditions Report.
Our Branch supported colleagues in the Glasgow UNISON
who were forced to strike last year over attempts
to devalue and downgrade their work. In Edinburgh
we have consistently argued that staff should not
suffer detriment as a result of the process.
A fair deal for all staff requires extra funding
from the Scottish Government. The Branch Service Conditions
team will also be tackling the Modernising Pay programme.
UNISON has resisted attempts by management to merge
discussion of these changes to terms and conditions
of service with negotiations over Job Evaluation.
2008 will be very busy year for us.
We will be balloting on the Council's proposed Pay
and Grading package. We will also be voting to accept
or reject the Local Authorities' annual Pay Offer
and the outcome of the review of our Pension Scheme.
So there are many challenges ahead. Whether we meet
these challenges depends on members being well informed
about the issues and being well organised in the workplace.
Every member counts and every member has the right
to take part in the decision-making process.
You can shape what happens in 2008 by coming to the
Branch AGM.
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