UNISON Edinburgh policy2

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INDUSTRIAL ACTION FUND (AGM 2005)

In accordance with Branch Rule D (12) (1) this Annual General Meeting agrees to transfer 10% of Branch Remission for 2004 from the General Account to the Industrial Action Fund (i.e. the Branch Hardship Fund).

(Branch Rule (12) (1) It shall be funded by money transferred from the General Fund as agreed by the Branch from time to time limited to no more than 10% of branch remission in any one year, from donations or fund-raising activities and from any levy agreed by the branch under National Rules.)

INQUIRIES

See Analysis of the 2003 O'Brien Report

AGM 2004

his Branch deplores the sensationalist responses to the O'Brien Inquiry and supports its Social Work members against the lust for blame and the unfair attacks on them and their service.

This Branch welcomes the measures taken by officers and stewards as outlined in the Annual Report and the key role UNISON has played in speaking up for Social Work staff and their profession.

This AGM also extends its support to all members directly affected by the Inquiry and pledges to continue that through advice, representation, moral support and other action as necessary.

While the effects on individuals have been devastating, the possible effect on the whole of the Social Work service is just as concerning. This Branch recognises the work already done by officers and stewards to challenge reorganisation and remuneration plans and commits itself to continue campaigning on the following principles:-

a) A lack of resources is the key element and must be tackled before anything else.

b) The O'Brien Report is a flawed document which must not be used as a basis for reorganising child protection. This must only be done on the basis of good hard evidence and with the resources to back it up.

c) While not opposed to reorganisations in principle, this is not the time or the context to be embarking on wholesale restructuring. If money is available it must be firstly used to regenerate existing services.

d) We oppose plans to split up the Social Work Department. Such a move flies in the face of findings by Inquiries and of the poor experience of authorities that have gone down this route.

e) Fragmentation would damage the Social Work ethos which serves to protect practice from being compromised by resource pressures and political expediency.

f) The only long term solution to the crisis in recruitment and retention is a Scottish review, similar but not identical to the McCrone review in Education.

g) Any local initiatives for better remuneration must therefore only be seen as an interim measure and must be applied fairly and equally.

This Branch therefore resolves to:

1. Oppose reorganisation of this type at this stage and demand a much increased consultation period.

2. Continue to campaign for an understanding that Social Work staff work with risk and need to be supported in that rather than blamed and vilified.

3. Continue to campaign for a national review and for an emergency injection of new resources.

4. Working alongside other organisations which share our aims and values, to promote the above via measures like submissions, conferences, lobbying and rallies.

5. Take all measures possible, including a ballot on industrial action if necessary, to secure an extended consultation period and to defend members and their services.

Furthermore, this Branch believes that the proposals contained in the Chief Executive's report on the 'Organisation and Management of Social Work Services' has serious implications for a wide variety of council employees.

Although centred on the Social Work Department the options for change impact also on UNISON members in the Education and Housing Departments.

However, there is a real danger that members will split along departmental lines rather than adopting a unified approach to the Council's proposals. There is therefore a need for all members in the departments concerned to be fully consulted and involved in the decision making process.

As a first step this Branch will urgently set up a group comprising representatives from the Education, Housing and Social Work Shop Stewards Committees and from the Service Conditions Team to progress UNISON's response.

Secondly this Branch will call a Special General Meeting where UNISON's position be discussed and ratified so that all members will have an opportunity to air their views before the final UNISON response is made.

Allegations of Child Abuse (AGM 1998)

This branch notes with dismay the continuing allegations of abuse in Edinburgh childrens homes and allegations that abuse has been 'covered up'. It deplores the betrayal of trust and the misuse of power inherent in such abuse and expresses its deep sympathy for victims who should have a right to be safe in local authority care.

UNISON members who work with children will be horrified by these events. The overwhelming majority of residential staff are selflessly committed to providing sensitive and professional care, often under very trying circumstances. They too will suffer from the public image created by these events.

The awareness of abuse is much greater today and more effective procedures now exist for dealing with concerns. However, the fact that abuse can and does occur, highlights the need for:

1. A properly resourced residential care service with appropriately trained and qualified staff

2. Accountable management structures with professional support and supervision systems

3. Efficient but fair procedures which allow the concerns of children, young people and staff to be taken seriously, while protecting the right to natural justice

4. Trade union support and advice for staff who have justified reason to believe abuse is occurring or has occurred and are facing obstacles in securing proper investigation.

(From additional emergency motion AGM 1998)

"We believe the Social Work Department has a duty to protect as well as investigate staff involved in these allegations. We call upon UNISON to do all in its power to support our members and to bring to the attention of senior managers the real fears and concerns that members of staff are experiencing, in terms of allegations which may be made about events in the past, which remain on a persons record whether proved or not.

There are likely to be further allegations in this context and staff need to feel they have the support of this union and their employers, at least until it is proved anything improper has happened."

INTERNATIONAL
We are opposed to imperialism and to the undermining of states which are trying to build fair and accountable economic systems and equality for their people. This does not preclude criticism where we believe equality to be compromised. As a general rule, we believe our support should be defined by those in struggle. We support and should give practical help in the fight for trade union rights internationally.

Specifically we oppose the blockade of Cuba.

PLAN INTERNATIONAL UK
(AGM 2000) This Branch supports the objectives of Plan International UK who co-ordinate the direct sponsorship of children in under-developed countries. Sponsorship costs £144 per annum and would provide a child with access to educational support or would be directed towards their Health Care.

We agree to enter into a sponsorship agreement and remit the specifics to the Policy and Finance Committee for processing.

War in Iraq (AGM 2003)

Following Tony Blair's speech at the spring conference of the Scottish labour Party, it has become clear that the UNISON supported demonstrations in London and Glasgow would not be sufficient on their own to change his mind and stop the drive for war.

Therefore this branch reconfirms its opposition to war on Iraq and:

1. Calls on its members to take part in further protests organised by the Scottish Coalition for Justice Not War and the Edinburgh Stop the War Coalition, in particular in Parliament Square at 5pm on the day the war starts and on the Saturday following at 12 noon on the Mound.

2. Calls on the UNISON National Executive committee to call for the reconvening of the Trades Union Congress under Rule 8 (k) of its Rules and Standing Orders in the event of war to discuss industrial action.

TUC Rules and Standing Orders - Rule 8 (k) In order that the trade union movement may do everything which lies in its power to prevent future wars, the General Council shall, in the event of there being a danger of an outbreak of war, call a special Congress to decide on industrial action, such Congress to be called, if possible, before war is declared.

IRELAND
We support the peace process and urge all parties to continue talks and desist from violence. A lasting settlement will only be achieved through negotiation and a permanent settlement is most likely through a united Ireland by negotiation. We do not support a 'Troops Out Now' position.

JOB SHARING/ PART TIME WORKERS
We believe that everyone has the right to job share and that this should be automatic, with the onus on the employer to demonstrate extenuating circumstances. We believe that Job Sharers and Part Time workers should have full time rights.

JOB EVALUATION

(AGM 2005)

In light of the Council's proposals to apply the Greater London Provincial Council Job Evaluation Scheme as opposed to the Scheme negotiated through the Scottish Joint Council this branch agrees that Branch Officers should

· explore the details of both schemes
· seek advice from UNISON Scotland Local Government
· provide a report on the pros and cons of each scheme

Branch Officers should bring forward recommendations to a future Special General Meeting of the branch and to initiate a ballot of the Branch Membership if required.

JOB EVALUATION

(AGM 1998) We call upon Branch Officers to enter into an open dialogue with management on the possible future involvement of the Branch in a Job Evaluation Scheme. No firm decision should be taken until such times as a detailed report has been tabled to the Branch Committee and Stewards have had the opportunity to discuss the details of any such report with their members.

JOINT FUTURE

(AGM 2002) This meeting recognises the benefits of closer working between Local Government and Health Services but is concerned about the limited timescales for consultation on issues like a Human Resources statement of intent and a Developmental and Training Plan.

This branch is concerned that:-

1. Indications suggest management structures will consist of Partnership Boards. This would create a democratic deficit with responsibility to the Scottish Executive rather than the communities they serve.

2. While welcoming the avoidance of duplication in service provision, we cannot ignore the potential for Job Loss and the implications for Service Conditions with staff transferring between agencies.

We note discussions have started between local branches in Local Government and Health to ensure local negotiating teams are in place as soon as possible. We welcome the efforts of UNISON officers involved in the development of Human Resources proposals but consider it imperative a UNISON agenda for "Joint Futures" be drafted with the active involvement of those members who stand to be affected.

A framework must be put in place forthwith to facilitate that involvement. This meeting requests Branch Officers initiate discussion processes with members who would potentially be affected by Joint Futures.

LIFELONG LEARNING (AGM 2005)

This meeting welcomes the Scottish Executive's commitment to providing educational opportunities in the workplace for those with literacy and numeracy problems but note with regret there is no legislative requirement for the employer to provide paid time off.

Given these members are generally found in groups of workers on low pay (e.g. home helps, catering staff, gardeners) this creates a disincentive to participation in any courses held during working time.

We call upon COSLA to demonstrate their commitment to the principles of Lifelong Learning by giving a collective commitment to the effect that all time spent on Lifelong Learning during the working day will be on the basis of Paid Leave.

LIVERPOOL DOCKERS

This Branch Meeting applauds the political campaigning and fund-raising work carried out by the Women on the Waterfront, in support of their sacked partners and families.

This Branch meeting also agrees to write to Tony Blair, prime Minister, to ask that he do everything within his power to bring about the re-instatement of the sacked Liverpool Dockers.

As the Government is the largest shareholder in the Mersey Docks and Harbour Company, which sacked the Dockers in September 1995, we believe his intervention could be crucial.

The Liverpool Dockers were sacked for refusing to cross a picket line - a basic principal for the trade union movement.

This meeting also agrees to send a further message of support both to the Women on the Waterfront and to the Liverpool Dockers on their struggle and to take a collection at the end of the meeting.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT FINANCE

See also Commission on Local Govt & Scottish Parliament

(agm 2002) This meeting views with concern the actions of the Scottish Executive which are leading to a growing percentage of Grant Assisted Expenditure (GAE) being ringfenced for initiatives determined by the Executive and not locally elected councils. This undermines the principles of local government where councils are elected on the basis of local manifestos rather than national issues.

We note the intent to grant councils the power of wellbeing and the right to direct expenditure to new initiatives which councils consider to be of benefit to their local communities but consider such powers to be worthless without the power to determine all areas of expenditure without interference from the Executive.

We call on the Scottish Executive to cease the practice of ringfencing and to put in place a financial framework which allows councils to determine their own priorities.

Lone Working (AGM 2005)

This branch considers the dangers inherent in Lone Working are far greater for women and believe the practice of Lone Working places women at risk of harm in their employment.

These dangers are well known to employers who's response is generally to carry out a Risk Assessment which is full of good statements but totally lacking in substance because of financial restraints. We believe employers are not meeting their Duty of Care to their staff.

It is well recognised the only real way to address the issue of Lone Working is increasing staffing levels but this is almost always opposed by employers because of cost.

We do not accept financial restraints are a good reason to leave our members at risk in their employment and call upon the union at all levels to intensify the campaign to cease Lone Working practices.

MEMBERS SERVICES

(AGM 1999) This Branch notes members' benefits have been frozen at those levels applicable at time of merger.

We consider these benefits to be of great assistance to many members and a positive attraction in terms of recruitment.

We call upon the NEC to bring to the 2000 Annual Conference proposals which would ensure there is a direct link between the monetary value of those benefits and any increases in subscription levels.

MINIMUM WAGE
We support a national minimum wage of half male median earnings.

NEW PRIVATISATION

(AGM 1998) This branch deplores the 'pontius pilate' approach of the City of Edinburgh Council in privatising catering services in sports and leisure centres.

Despite an exemption for catering contracts, this privatisation went ahead under the control of the 'arms length' Recreation Trust established by the council.

We note that cheapness, rather than quality, was the prime factor in this contract. We believe this to be the start of a process whereby the council can sidestep its responsibility to the staff that provide its services,and to the users of those services.

We consider the creation of these trusts to be blatant privatisation of council services and call upon the union at all levels, including the APF, to campaign:
- against all forms of privatisation and outsourcing
- and for efficient high quality services for Edinburgh.

NHS
We believe in a national health service, with national pay bargaining. We believe it should be free at the point of need. We oppose private medicine in the NHS.

FUNDING CRISIS IN NHS
(AGM 2000) This Branch notes:

1. That the problems in the Health Service over the last two months are not due to a flu crisis but are a product of a much deeper crisis of the National Health Service.

2. It is a scandal that France has double the number of hospital beds in Britain, meaning delays in admissions for many. A situation in which cancer patients can have their operations cancelled up to 4 times, leading to position where those cancers can become inoperable.

3. Tony Blair was elected on the promise of increased funding for the NHS. Yet, the truth is that today Britain spends less on health care than Portugal, Spain and Greece.

4. That 17% of hospital beds were axed between 1980 and 1987 and that there is a serious shortage of nurses.

This Branch agrees:

1. With the Labour peer and top surgeon, Lord Winston, that NHS funding must be immediately increased and this may necessitate raising taxes. We believe this would best be done through a progressive system to taxation.

2. That UNISON should launch a more vigorous campaign highlighting Labour's failure to break from Tory policies on the NHS such as PFI. Our Branch should campaign for this within UNISON.

PARTNERSHIP (Click here for branch submission)

(BM 10/11/97) This branch believes:

1. that cuts in jobs and standards of service, outsourcing, the use of consultants and privatisation will lead to the destruction of services.

2. that radical alternatives are needed to modernise local government, break down internal barriers, and move away from ad hoc solutions.

3. that workers want to deliver efficient quality services but are often thwarted not only by cuts but by a lack of direction and inflexible systems.

4. that the best people to involve in developing services are the people who actually deliver them, yet this valuable resource is largely ignored. It would be far better to consult the people actually doing the job, than wastefully using consultants or reorganising from the top down.

5. that the council has only been able to maintain services due to the commitment of the vast majority of staff, but that they currently feel undervalued and morale is at an all time low.

This branch therefore resolves

a. to promote a partnership between councillors, officials, trade union, workers, the voluntary sector and service users to seek radical solutions to protect and develop accountable and directly provided local services.

b. to develop and consult upon detailed plans for this.

c. to propose 'Partnership Groups' at council, departmental and sectional level to consult and directly involve workers in planning and developing services and better ways of delivering them.

d. to call for a training and development plan, responsive to the views of workers, which will allow workers to develop updated skills, new skills and transferable skills.

This branch recognises that such initiatives cannot be successful unless they are geared towards saving jobs and services. It also recognises that any such exercise would have to be based on trust and a belief that it will be approached constructively. Fundamental to this would be guarantees on protection and on no compulsory redundancies.

See "Partnership Document"

PATERNITY LEAVE (AGM 2005)

This meeting welcomes the provisions for Statutory Paternity Leave but notes with concern the low level of take-up which we believe is caused by the low level of Statutory Paternity Pay (currently £102.80 per week).

We call upon the union to campaign for Paternity Pay to be set at an individual's normal take-home pay.

PAY
This branch believes that a flat rate claim benefits the lowest paid most. Pay claims should be clear and easily campaignable on.

PAY AGM 2005

This Branch reiterates its policy of campaigning for a Pay Commission for Scotland to address the long recognised deep-rooted problems in local government pay.

This Branch also recognises the need to involve members much more widely in the consultation before any Scottish pay claim is submitted.

This branch therefore resolves to set up a machinery for workplace meetings, polls, questionnaires and briefings to run through 2005 to ensure the widest possible involvement in developing the pay claim and setting the mandate for our delegates to the national structures.

This AGM recognises the view of many members that the improvement in low pay is not being funded by councils but is being funded by limiting the conditions of other workers. The 2006 pay settlement must deliver real improvements for all staff.

This meeting acknowledges the concerns of our members over the protracted and un-defined consultation period of the joint trade unions over the current pay deal.

Whilst UNISON carried out a relatively quick and efficient consultation with its members, both the TGWU and the GMB's consultation period was significantly longer.

This meeting recognises that every unions consultation mechanism may differ due to their own rules and constitutions; however there must be co-ordination of timescales between the joint trade unions on the completion of consultations.

The failure to do this has merely served to undermine the position of trade unions within their membership and within the national bargaining process.

This meeting therefore instructs that:

1. The Scottish Local Government Executive enters into dialogue with the other joint trade unions to secure an agreement on co-ordinating jointly and timeously all future pay and national bargaining consultations.

2. That the terms of this motion are submitted to the Annual Scottish Local Government Conference.

Pay (AGM 2003)

This meeting notes the end of our 3 year pay deal following the final installment being put in place in April 2003.

We commit this Branch to oppose any attempt by the employers to move away from our national collective bargaining framework for pay increases

Further we recognise the application of a 3 year deal allowed for increases in pay beyond inflation rates and that it provided for an agreement which recognised the impact of the Scottish Executive's 3 year funding package for local government.

We note with concern, however, the problems of recruitment and retention of staff in local government with pay being a major impediment to attracting new recruits.

We call upon UNISON's Scottish Local Government Sector Group to enter into early discussions with the employers with a view to seeking full funding by the Scottish Executive for a 3 year pay deal which will maintain above-inflation awards whilst giving cognisance to other awards in the public sector.

Any pay award must also be inflation proofed, in that the award must be maintained at a minimum of 1% above the rate of inflation.

Furthermore, we call upon the Scottish Local Government Sector Group to initiate the setting up of a Local Government Pay Commission to try to help resolve not only the historical degradation in real terms of Local Government pay but also the problems mentioned above of recruitment and retention.

Pay Review (AGM 2001 and 2002)

Recognising that the problems are so severe that they are unlikely to be solved by the normal pay negotiations, this branch are-iterates its call for the Government at UK and Scottish level to set up a comprehensive review of local government pay to address the long term problems, recognising that respect for the users of public services is directly related to respect for those who deliver them.

Defending Manual Workers Conditions

(AGM 1998) This meeting recognises a major impact of the 1997 budget cuts was on manual workers with many posts lost through early retirement and reviews within DSOs.

We view with concern indications that to achieve spending limits in the current budget crisis, management are targeting conditions such as manual worker bonus schemes and overtime rates as areas for achieving savings.

The consequences of this will greatly affect the earnings of many of our lowest paid members. Branch officers are instructed to take whatever necessary measures to protect current earning levels.

PENSIONS

(See also SUPERANNUATION)

We believe in an adequate state pension as of right, which is linked to earnings.

For equality in Local Government scheme for gender and sexuality.

AGM 2005

This Branch condemns Government proposals to change the Pension Regulations with the effect of

1. Raising the age for early retirement from 50 to 55, and

2. Reducing pension levels of any member of the superannuation scheme taking retirement before the age of 65 (excepting ill-health retirals)

We believe these attacks on pensions will lead to higher levels of poverty amongst those retiring in the future.

We welcome UNISON's role in leading the TUC's campaign against these proposals.

This meeting agrees to support all initiatives within the TUC's campaign up to and including strike action. To that purpose we urge all members to vote YES in the ongoing industrial action ballot and to work with all other public sector unions to ensure the initial day of strike action planned for 23 March 2005 is a resounding success involving as many members as possible.

We also instruct Branch Officers to target a local campaign on this issue with MPs and MSPs throughout the Lothian's being the focus. This campaign should be with the involvement of the full branch membership.

AGM 2004

This Branch welcomes the government's commitment to put in place legislation to allow same gender couples access to works pensions benefits equal to those enjoyed by married couples.

Whilst this initiative is a major step forward we note with concern this provision is not to be extended to heterosexual couples who are not married.

We call upon the union at all levels to continue campaigning for all members of works pensions to have equal access irrespective of the status of their relationship with their partner.

AGM 2003

We view with extreme concern government comments that final salary pensions are no longer sustainable and that alternative provisions will have to be considered.

We note pension contributions are a form of deferred pay and that Local Government Pension Schemes have a reputation for stability in times of economic unrest. No evidence has been brought forward to suggest this would change in the future.

We call upon the National Executive Council to mount a campaign seeking protection of our pension rights being retained on the basis of final salary and to continue the fight to eradicate inequalities from our pension schemes.

In doing so we commit the union to take whatever measures required (up to and including Industrial Action) to achieve success in our campaign.

(AGM 2002) This meeting welcomes the support of employer's bodies for amendments to the Local Government Pension Scheme to the purpose of removing/amending those regulations which discriminate against non-married partners.

We note this matter now lies with the Government and that they have failed to progress the necessary changes to date as they are considering the financial implications of similarly amending other pension schemes.

We call on the National Executive Committee to actively campaign for immediate positive action on this issue and to seek the support of the Affiliated Political Fund in raising this mater within the Labour Party.

Review of Political Funds (AGM2003)

This Branch welcomes UNISON's review of its Political Funds but notes with regret the report to the 2003 National Conference has not been circulated in time to allow full consideration at branches' Annual General Meetings.

We note the legislation requires affiliation to a political party to be organised through a specific fund which members can choose to pay into if they so wish and that only those payments can be used in participating in the affairs of a political party.

It is our belief any review outcome must retain this element of choice. Whilst supporting affiliation to the Labour Party as a means by which we can influence party policy, we recognise there will always be elements of conflict between the aspirations of the union and those of the party.

Any review outcome must ensure the Affiliated Political Fund pursues UNISON's policies through Labour Party structures and not the reverse.

We urge the APF to review its workings and structures to create an open and democratic forum which facilitates the involvement of all those who choose to pay into it.

We believe the current structures of the General Political Fund meet the requirements of the membership in relation to broader campaigning and see no reason for radical change.

This meeting agrees to delegate powers to the Branch Committee to allow that body to submit suitable amendments to the Final report based on the terms of this motion and the following peinciples:

We believe that the APF has to:-

1. be more systematic about the alliances and actions necessary to influence Labour Party policy;

2. become more open about how it works;

3. become more accountable to its members through adopting delegate-based structures like the rest of the union;

4. have a degree of accountability to the bodies of the union which make the policies which the APF pursues, while protecting the principle that only APF levy-payers can determine the actions of the APF;

5. fight to change undemocratic policy-making structures in the Labour Party which have hindered the promoting of our policies

PFI
We are opposed to Private Finance Initiative and believe it to be privatisation that involves more expensive 'public' borrowing.

(See also Schools Private Finance Illusion)

TRANSFER OF STAFF (AGM 2005)

We note with concern the extent of services transferred to the private sector on the back of PPP/PFI schemes. The majority of these services are predominantly staffed by women (e.g. catering and cleaning). These transfers were generally carried out on the basis of transfer of risk.

We welcome government comments to the effect that these "soft" services need not be transferred in future which is a recognition that the "transfer of risk" was fictional and was solely a means by which services could be privatised.

Given this recognition we call upon the government to apply their new policies retrospectively thereby bringing all those services so transferred back into the public sector.

PPP Transfer of Staff (AGM 2003)

This meeting notes the recent PPP protocol which ensures a common set of Conditions of Service will apply to all staff involved in PPP schemes and those conditions will be those applied to those staff forced to transfer to the new service provider from the council employment.

Whilst reinforcing our commitment to continue to campaign against PPP schemes and their funding mechanisms which create huge profits for the private sector, we consider the implementation of this protocol will be a deterrent to the future involvement of potential Private Sector partners as they will no longer be able to profit from savings on the conditions of service applicable to workers, many of whom are amongst the lowest paid.

We call upon the Scottish Local Government Sector Group to build upon this protocol and to seek agreement with the employers at a national level on a policy of no future transfers of staff in any PPP scheme.

PRIVATISATION OF SERVICES - PPP / PFI
(AGM 2000) We view with concern Council's stated intention to include ancillary services including elements of cleaning, catering and janitorial services within the terms of any PPP or PFI contract.

This intent is contradictory to the assurances provided by Labour Party spokespersons to UNISON's National Affiliated Political Forum. In particular we support the consideration that the " risk factor " required to validate a PFI or PPP " need only be attached to the capital project and not to the services provided therein.

The use of PFI/PPP will over the next few years increase the financial drain on local authorities as they pay increased charges for capital, rent and maintenance. The long term effect of this continuation of the Tory policy will be to further tighten local authority budgets.

We call upon UNISON at all levels in Scotland to intensify the campaign of opposition to the principles of PFI / PPP and, as an interim measure pending the final removal of the imposition of PFIs / PPPs as the only means to fund major capital projects, seek the required agreements that our members' jobs should not be privatised as a result of the Council entering into a PFI or PPP.

Professional Registration Fees (AGM 2003)

This Branch recognises that professional registration is a necessary requirement for workers in many areas of the Council and that it demonstrates professional competence, responsibility and development.

We acknowledge that some professions employed by the Council have been required to maintain registration in order to practice for many years and that the cost of registration has been the responsibility of the individual workers.

However, there is a recruitment and retention crisis across many parts of the Council. We recognise that the Branch is already in some discussion with the Council to look at solutions to this crisis.

This Branch resolves, as part of these discussions, to gain agreement that registration fees will be paid by the Council for all employees who are required to maintain registration or alternatively, that salaries will be uprated to cover the cost of registration.

PUBLIC SERVICES (AGM 2002)

This Branch notes the widespread demoralisation of local government and voluntary sector staff due to continued attacks on public services and the pay and conditions of the workers who provide them.

Yet it notes that a UNISON MORI poll shows people in Scotland value their services and 91% are opposed to the private sector running public services. This branch notes the success of its campaign to draw attention to the crisis in Childrens Services. It also notes that it has resulted in united calls to the Scottish Executive to provide more funding for councils.

We resolve to take this strategy further to national level and locally by by developing well-researched critiques on all of the services we provide, to build and maintain public support.

This Branch calls on the Council and the Government to abandon outdated privatisation and PFI schemes and to look at imaginative ways to modernise public services by giving them the public investment they need.

Whilst we recognise industrial action may be needed to defend our members, we also need to lobby politically and in partnership with community and other organisations to address the policy issues that create the threats to jobs and services and the undermining of pay and conditions.

We therefore resolve to to intensify the campaign for the themes of UNISON's 'Positively Public' and '...for World Class Public Services' campaigns in Scotland.

Plus

"We believe that at any time there will be a need to be putting forward our views and policies on specific or general issues, so, to these ends, we agree to set up a Campaigns Working Group in the branch, accountable to the Branch Committee via P&F, which can co-ordinate campaigning activities and generate participation by activists and members."

A FAIR DEAL FOR PUBLIC SERVICES
(AGM 2000)

This meeting notes that:

• The current Best Value regime and the City of Edinburgh Council's procedures have in-built biases towards tendering and 'externalisation'.

• That the imposition of Public Private Partnerships and private Finance Initiative is entirely unnecessary but creates additional costs on the public sector as well as privatisation of jobs and assets.

• That the funding of most local government services has not benefited from the Comprehensive Spending Review, and that constant downward pressure on budgets is exerted by the failure to fund wage settlements in full.

• That the proportion of the GNP committed to the public sector is the lowest of all governments since the mid 1960's.

• That the government uses a measure of public borrowing (the PSBR) which artificially restricts the capacity of public organisations to borrow (the PSBR) which artificially restricts the capacity of public organisations to borrow for capital investment and is used nowhere else in Europe.

• That the government's economic and taxation policies are failing to deliver sufficient resources to fund the services which the public want, need and voted for.

• That budget limitations threaten the high hopes of the Scottish Parliament.
For these reasons we believe that the public sector is not getting a fair deal and that the danger of privatisation and 'externalisation' is increasing. Within the framework of 'Serving Scotland', UNISON should campaign publicly on the theme of a 'fair deal for public services' in the period leading up to the next UK elections, and seek the co-operation of other unions, the STUC and the TUC. For these purposes we:

1. Request that UNISON prepares campaigning material about:

• The under funding of public services and the consequences of 'externalisation'.

• How proper funding of other public services and the welfare state in Scotland can be achieved - simultaneously addressing social exclusion and unemployment.

• The practical alternatives to austerity in the public services, increased means-testing and erosion of the welfare state.

2. Call on the government to:

(I) Give the public sector freedom to borrow for capital investment.

(ii) Abolish PFI/PPP and;

(iii) Generate adequate levels of public resources by redistributive taxation which will reverse the massive increase in the share of national income going to corporate dividends and the wealthy seen under Conservative governments.

3. Call on Labour Councillors, MSP's MP's and MEP's to support our call for a fair deal for the public sector, to express their commitment to retaining public services in-house and reducing out-sourcing and their opposition to the unreasonable restrictions on public enterprise and public sector funding; and to press for a new Best Value regime which favours quality and publicly-run services.

(AGM1999) Serving Scotland Campaign

This Branch welcomes the UNISON Scotland "Serving Scotland" campaign for public services in the run-up to the Scottish Parliament elections.

We recognise this is a positive campaign raising the issues which concern UNISON members and the general public. It is a campaign without fear of or favour from any party political self interest, seeking a parliament that is positive about Scotland's public services.

It notes the campaign themes are

Our services must be responsive to the needs and wishes of the Scottish people - giving them a say in their services.
Our services must be the best that can be delivered - choosing quality
Our services must be provided by a public services team, a workforce trained and qualified, treated fairly and equally, with the resources to deliver - choosing teamwork.

The campaign will call for services that are

Publicly owned and run, rather than owned and run by private consortia set up under Private Finances Initiatives
Democratically controlled rather than hived off to quangos and other non-democratic bodies
Properly resourced to ensure a proper quality of service rather than the "cheapest is best" philosophy of Best Value.

This Branch resolves to:-

1. Give its full backing to the campaign

2. Participate in joint branch initiatives across services in the Lothians

3. Organise briefings for Shop Stewards Committees

4. To seek out practical examples to campaign on locally

5. To secure the widest participation by forging links with community groups on areas of common interest.

Policy Index

PUBLIC OWNERSHIP
We believe in the principle of public ownership and that all privatised industries should be re-nationalised. However we also recognise that it may not be practical to bring all privatised industries back into traditional public ownership.

AGM 2000

EXPOSING THE EFFECTS OF CUTS AND PRIVATISATION

This Branch believes that the potential £12million cuts in Edinburgh this year are likely to be followed by similar cuts over the next three years. These come on top of massive cuts before, during and since reorganisation.

Local Government cannot continue to provide quality services, accountable to the people of Edinburgh, in these circumstances.

We welcome Cosla's call for stability of funding for local government and we call on the Council to join with us in lobbying the Scottish Parliament to deliver this.
Attempts to privatise jobs and services are unacceptable. We back UNISON's Serving Scotland
Campaign which calls for public service to be:

• Publicly owned and run
• Democratically controlled
• Properly resourced.

We accept that dialogue with the council is essential to minimise the threats to jobs and services arising from Best Value and PFI/PPP's but that dialogue must be effective and on a partnership basis.

This AGM instructs branch officers to:

Co-ordinate a year-long campaign with members, the public, community and user groups and the media to break the silence about the effects of cuts and ensure the full impact on services is known to the people of Edinburgh. The campaign must draw attention to:-

1. The continual undermining and undervaluing of the valuable role of local government and voluntary sector staff. No recognition is given to the efforts staff have made to maintain services through years of cuts.

2. Excessive workload pressures on staff in central departments and stresses caused by continual restructuring and reorganisations.

3. A crisis in many areas of Social Work leading to higher expectations with less resources. Morale is affected by lack of resources for preventative work and the concentration of high risk crisis work.

4. Increasing pressure on Residential staff, more incidents of violence and a failure to upgrade the status and remuneration of this neglected staff group.

5. Undermining of national conditions in 'outsourced' and privatised services, especially affecting manual and lower paid workers.

6. Continual funding crises for voluntary sector organisations and the growing effect on pay and conditions.

In addition, this Branch resolves:

(a) To restate its absolute opposition to compulsory redundancies and to maintain its resolve to fight these with industrial action if necessary.

(b) To build community links to challenge withdrawals of services through campaigns, lobbying and legal action. To consider industrial action if competent and necessary to expose jobs and service cuts.

(c) To demand that the council reinstate all annual inflationary elements within all grants and contracts to the voluntary sector, including cost of living awards.

REDUNDANCIES

-(AGM 1998) This Branch recognises the successful union campaign in Edinburgh which ensured no compulsory redundancies took place as a result of the Council's budget crisis in 1997.

The tactics of maintaining dialogue with officials allied to a high profile media campaign and an intensive membership communications strategy ensured a steady flow of information. This lent itself to creating workplace unity and ensured the Council had to take all possible measures to avoid a compulsory redundancy situation.

This branch recognises that campaigning against cuts has to continue to follow this strategy alongside preparing for industrial action. The strategy should be based on existing policies and involve:-

a) Continuing talks with officials and councillors

b) Maximum publicity and information for our members and the public

c). Concerted political pressure to make the case for increased funding and increased flexibility for local government.

d) A campaign in partnership with the community to urge the council to do all in its power to protect directly provided jobs and services.

This AGM therefore instructs branch officers to:-

Call an immediate stewards meeting to brief them on the updated cuts situation and to consider tactics.

Call an immediate branch meeting if and when compulsory redundancies are announced

Seek an urgent meeting with senior UNISON officials to prepare arrangements and tactics for industrial action against compulsory redundancies.

(AGM 1999)

This Branch records its concern that the 1999/2000 Council Budget will bring about more attacks on jobs and services.
Since Local Government Reorganisation over 2,000 jobs have been lost in the Council along with many in the voluntary sector. Each lost job has an adverse impact on services and a subsequent loss of provision to the most vulnerable and needy in society.

It is clear the forthcoming Council Budget carries the real threat of Compulsory Redundancies within the Council and an increase in redundancies in the Voluntary Sector caused directly through funding problems.

We support the Branch commitment to industrial action in the event of any member being made Compulsory Redundant and instruct Branch Officers to

- Call upon the Council to set a budget which protects jobs and services

- Join with appropriate community based organisations to campaign against cuts

- Ensure the issue of cutbacks becomes a focus in the May Local Government Elections

Further, the APF should work within the City of Edinburgh Labour Party for a Budget based on Service Provision and not on setting the lowest possible Council tax level.

REGIONAL ORGANISATION
We believe that regional organisation in UNISON should be a key element of the union and we should play the fullest part possible at Scottish level. We are in favour of more delegation to regions.

We believe that motions/amendments to national conferences should be put to Scottish Council/Service Group Conference first. We also believe that branches should have the right to put motions directly to Conference but that motions put through regions should have priority.

Salary Protection (AGM 2003)

This Branch notes with concern comments from lead council officials and councillors to the effect that the current agreement which provides for salary protection with no time limit will have to be withdrawn if the authority is to be able to afford application of the National Job Evaluation Scheme (due to be completed in April 2004).

The inevitable proposal will be to protect salaries for a period not exceeding three years. It is anticipated the outcome of Job Evaluation will be salary increases for approximately 20% of staff, no change for 60% and salary decreases for 20% of staff. This would lead to a potential 20% of members suffering salary decreases in 2006.

Such a proposal is unacceptable. We call upon Branch Officers to vigorously oppose any attempt to amend our current conditions for Salary Protection and to embark on a programme of Industrial Action if necessary.

SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT
We support a Scottish Parliament in terms of the objectives of the 'Claim of Right' as adopted by the Constitutional Convention and reflected in the white paper. We do not support any dilution of local authority functions. We support subsidiarity, ie that decisions should be taken at the most feasible local level.

(added) We support 50,50 womens representation in the Parliament.

See also Serving Scotland Campaign

See also Commission on Local Govt & Scottish Parliament

TRANSFER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT POWERS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
This Branch views with concern the growing number of instances where Scottish Executive consultation papers indicate a desire to give a greater involvement to non Local Government agencies in the provision of local services.

The latest example of such rationale is the consultation paper on the creation of :

- a Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care to regulate Care Services and

- a Scottish Social Services Council to regulate the Social Services workforce

We recognise the Scottish Local Government Sector Committee has consistently opposed this
transferring of duties as individual consultation processes are initiated but consider we require to develop a more tangible campaign to address the self-evident desire of the Scottish Executive to remove powers and responsibilities from Local Government.

Such a campaign should build upon the principles of the Serving Scotland campaign, involving a programme of activities which would facilitate the participation of UNISON members throughout Scotland.

SUPERANNUATION

(See also PENSIONS)

Discrimination in Pension Schemes

(AGM 2002) This meeting welcomes the support of employer's bodies for amendments to the Local Government Pension Scheme to the purpose of removing/amending those regulations which discriminate against non-married partners.

We note this matter now lies with the Government and that they have failed to progress the necessary changes to date as they are considering the financial implications of similarly amending other pension schemes.

We call on the National Executive Committee to actively campaign for immediate positive action on this issue and to seek the support of the Affiliated Political Fund in raising this mater within the Labour Party.

Local Government Superannuation Scheme

(AGM 1999) Given the experience of Private Pension Schemes, which were endorsed by the Thatcher Government and are now having to make compensation payments due to their poor performance in comparison to Local Government Superannuation Schemes, this Branch views with concern the latest Government proposal regarding new stakeholder pension schemes.

We call on this union at all levels to mount a campaign highlighting the benefits of membership of the Local Government Superannuation Schemes. Such a campaign should have the twin objectives of retaining those currently in membership and actively seeking recruitment from employees who are non-members of the Scheme.

Superannuation Schemes

(AGM 1999) Conference welcomes the work done nationally by UNISON on pensions to date, however this AGM notes with concern the comments of Baroness Blackstone, a Labour peer in the House of Lords, in opposing the Sexual Orientation Discrimination Bill for the Government, where she cited the increased costs of extending contributory superannuation schemes as "placing an unacceptable high price on other contributors."

Superannuation forms part of staff service conditions and as such should be disbursed equally and without discrimination, whereas currently, single people and couples living together or in a financially interdependent relationship, actually subsides the pensions of married couples.

Conference recognises that developments such as the judgement of the European Court of Justice in the Lisa Grant case, the current review of sex discrimination and equal pay legislation being carried out by the Equal Opportunities Commission and the current negotiations with civil service trade unions on civil service pension schemes, need to be taken into account by UNISON in pursuing the campaign for non-discriminatory pension schemes.

Given an insight into current Governmental political and fiscal leanings by Baroness Blackstone's comments, conference calls upon the National Executive Council to consider the most effective means by which UNION can pursue the campaign, including, subject to legal advice, initiating or supporting a test case through the European Courts for two surviving partners (one heterosexual and one same sex) to push the government into adopting an immediate and positive stance in the equal treatment of contributors to all pension schemes for equal benefit.

TEMPORARY STAFF
Should be permanent after one year and only used for short term cover or specific projects where expertise not available in council.

TIME OFF FOR TRADE UNION DUTIES
Activists should not get distant from their workplace and job.

TRADE UNION EDUCATION
We support the education of activists on practical and general policy issues. We support the involvement of lay officials in the organisation and tuition of courses. There should also be facilities for member education.

TRADE UNION LAW
Initial policy: We oppose the anti-trade union legislation imposed since 1979. We do not rule out breaking the law to defend our members but we do not support this action if there is any other means available. We must ensure we protect members but also that we protect our trade union from bankruptcy.

Update 2001/2002: Branch Committee June 2001 recognised that the debate had sinced moved on and gave the National Conference Delegation the power to vote for a 'charter of trade union rights' rather than blanket opposition to all legislation since 1979, but also to listen to that debate. The Delegation supported the charter (motion on outright opposition not heard at Conference) and its report was backed by the Branch Committee in August 2001. The Scottish Council delegation has since promoted this policy at Scottish Council in February 2002.

TRADE UNION STRUCTURES
We believe that all functions of the union should be subject to direct lay control, involvement and accountability, recognising the need to work in partnership with professional full time staff. So far as is possible, the union should provide services 'in house' and we should resist most forms of 'outsourcing'.

COMMUNICATIONS AND REVIEW OF LAY STRUCTURES
(AGM 2000) Conference notes that Conference resolutions have stressed the importance of direct lay control and involvement in an efficient and co-ordinated communications strategy across the union. Conference believes this reflects the success of a communications ethos that has involved members and employees throughout the union and given UNISON a profile which, after only a few years, far exceeds that of other unions and indeed the previous partner unions.

It believes that direct and effective lay control over and involvement in communications:-

1. Is a key element in the concept of a member-led union.

2. Is absolutely central to lay control and involvement throughout the union.
Conference therefore instructs the NEC to ensure a national lay structure for Communications that:

(a) is accountable to the NEC and the membership via Conference

(b) has Communications policy, strategy and implementation both within the union and with wider society as specific remits;

(c) has the powers and ability to develop communications strategies in partnership with officers;

(d) is inclusive and ensures each part of the union has access to all of the union's resources;

(e) has the ability to build formal and informal links at National, Regional and Branch level to ensure the maximum involvement in the union's campaigns.

Conference also recognises that a corporate communications strategy for members and the public is essential to campaigning in our members interests, is crucial to recruitment and retention and benefits the trade union movement as a whole. It also recognises that UNISON must capitalise on the strength of its size and importance in the trade union movement and in British society.

In accordance with the will of Conference since UNISON's inception, Conference instructs the NEC to ensure that a communications strategy is maintained that delivers:-

1. Strategic planning of communications at a time when a co-ordinated and professional approach is more important than ever,

2. An approach that can combat the formidable corporate communications machines of employers and political parties.

3. Professional services maintained in-house, avoiding outsourcing wherever possible.

4. An integrated service, avoiding the expense and waste of fragmented, compartmentalised and uncoordinated planning and provision.

5. Practical and effective devolution to Regions, while maintaining the central structures and resources necessary for the leadership, professional support, exchange of ideas and clear strategic planning essential to national campaigns and projects.

6. Systems that ensure that all services, sectors and groups in the union have equal access to the whole of the union's campaigning and communication resources, according to need and in line with Conference priorities.

Employment Tribunals

This meeting notes the growing number of issues which require to be taken to Employment Tribunals for resolution and recognises the skills required for representing members in such forums require to be developed through structured training programmes.

We call upon UNISON Scottish Region to put in place as a matter of urgency suitable training programmes for those who represent members in Tribunals.

TRUSTS

(AGM 1998) We consider the creation of these trusts to be blatant privatisation of council services and call upon the union at all levels, including the APF, to campaign:- against all forms of privatisation and outsourcing- and for efficient high quality services for Edinburgh.

TUTITION FEES (AGM 2005)

This meeting notes with concern the recent passing of a Bill through Parliament which seeks to allow introduction of Top Up Fees at Universities in England.

Furthermore, we note with disappointment that a number of Scottish Labour MP's chose to vote in this debate and that they chose to vote with the Government despite the fact that presently the Scottish Parliament does not intend to introduce Top Up Fees in Scotland.

Their support of this Bill can only be seen to lend credence to those Scottish Universities such as Edinburgh who are calling for the introduction of Top Up Fees in Scotland.

This Bill has still to pass through the House of Lords and as such the campaign against it must continue and in doing so the following should be actioned.

1. That UNISON re-affirms its opposition to the introduction of Top Up Fees anywhere in the United Kingdom.

2. That UNISON continue to actively support the National Union of Students in their ongoing campaign on a local and national level.

3. That UNISON members be encouraged to write to and lobby their members of Parliament and members of the House of Lords over this bill.

4. That the Affiliated Political Fund both in Scotland and in the United Kingdom as a whole be requested to try to use its influence in this matter.

5. That the Affiliated Political Fund through its interaction with the Labour Party be asked to raise the grave concerns we have that Scottish Labour MP's are being used as voting fodder for the Government over issues which do not directly concern their constituencies and furthermore that their actions in this case only serve to undermine the position taken by the Scottish Parliament on Top Up Fees.

6.That UNISON mounts a campaign for a review of how the United Kingdom Parliament conducts its business where it is clear that the issues being debated and voted on are already devolved to other Regional Assemblies or Parliaments i.e. "The West Lothian Question".

7. That the terms of this motion be submitted to National Delegates Conference.

WELFARE BENEFITS
We support a comprehensive benefits system. It should be simplified, it should meet real need and should avoid means testing. We support reinstatement of benefits for 16-18 year olds and oppose dilution of child benefit.

Benefit Cuts

- (AGM 1998) This Branch Meeting condemns the Labour Government's plans to stick to Conservative plans by cutting welfare benefits. We deplore their decision to cut One Parent Benefit last year and we applaud those Labour MP's, in particular Malcolm Chisholm, who made a principled stand and voted against this act.

We are appalled by the Government's decision to cut £2.5million in benefits to people with disabilities over the next 2 years. Industrial Injury Benefit for pensions will be scrapped. Disability Living Allowance will be withdrawn for hospital patients and for 65 year olds. The first £2,500 compensation is to be claimed back from injured people. Lastly, the largest cut will be made by continuing the Tory policy of replacing Invalidity Benefit by Incapacity Benefit.

We believe that people voted massively for Labour in the last General Election to reject policies like these which attack some of the most vulnerable in society. We further believe that UNISON, as a public service union has a role to play in building opposition to these proposals in active partnership with disability rights groups and the voluntary sector.

We therefore resolve to:

1. circulate a petition to workplaces which calls on the Government to withdraw any such threats
2. encourage members to write to MP's urging them to vote against such proposals regardless of Party instructions
3. lobby local Labour MP's
4. liaise with and support protests by disability rights organisations and in particular a local demonstration to highlight opposition to the proposals. An obvious focus might be the visit of Tony Blair's "Welfare Roadshow"
5. campaign within UNISON nationally for such an approach
6. refer the issue to the Affiliated Political Fund to raise within the Labour Party at all levels

Benefit Cuts

This branch recognises that many of its members rely on benefits either through low pay, family circumstances or disability. Many more in the wider community sustain a hand to mouth existence on benefit rates that are already insufficient.Contrary to myth, the vast majority of people on benefit would rather have the choice to work and to earn a decent living. However, many people are denied that choice by the lack of jobs, by disability or illness or by the need to care for a dependant.

This branch does not oppose a constructive review of the benefits system,but such a review must not target the most vulnerable to protect the affluent. Any benefits review must have as its baseline:

1. real alternatives and real jobs
2. a serious attempt to mitigate poverty

We therefore resolve to:

A. campaign against benefit changes that do not engender these principles

B. forge links with appropriate campaigns

C. urge the APF to raise the matter within the Labour Party

VIOLENCE TOWARDS WOMEN
We support Zero Tolerance. We believe it to be a trade union issue within and outwith the workplace.

WOMEN'S REPRESENTATION IN THE BRANCH
(AGM 2000) Women members make up 64% of the Branch, yet only 43% of women are workplace stewards. Women also only make up 37% of delegation to Branch Committees and only hold 32% of Branch Officer positions.

Quite clearly we must do more to encourage women members, including Women from Minority Ethnic Groups, Disabled Women and Lesbian Women to participate within our structures.

We therefore call on the Equalities Officer, working with the self-organised groups to undertake a survey. The survey would be issued to all women members within the Branch with a view to establishing what practical assistance the Branch can offer to encourage and support women members to participate.

Although this in itself would not achieve higher levels of Women's representation, it would be a starting point allowing us a valuable insight as to what issues or barriers currently prevent women members from becoming active.

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