255 new jobs. Growth in some areas, bad news in others and vacant posts still to be addressed, but...

Budget brings breathing space for jobs

After years of cuts in the tens of millions, UNISON has cautiously welcomed the Council's 1999 plans which bring 255 jobs with cuts of only £214,000 on a base budget up £30million on last year to nearly £580 million.

Nevertheless over 30 jobs risk redundancy (compared with up to 1,000 in previous years), even though the Council says it will try to avoid this.

"We welcome new jobs and the lowest cut for 15 years. They could not have cut further without a total destruction of services", said Morag Stevenson, Branch Secretary.

"At least this gives a breathing space. We call on the Government and the Council to use it to protect and build on the services that have suffered so much".

Warning

But Morag left councillors in no doubt about UNISON's response to redundancies.

"If there is one compulsory redundancy in any corner of the authority of any of our members, we are mandated to ballot for industrial action. We would win that ballot", she told them.

"The responsibility lies with you to ensure that is an action your workforce does not have to take."

Partnership

"I would remind the Council again of UNISON's offer to work in partnership to deliver quality services, in house, efficiently and effectively.", added Morag.

"We are here to talk to. You only have to agree to listen to us and consider seriously what we are putting to you".

Morag's strongest words were reserved for the plan to cut the subsidy to the Workplace Nursery, with a 20% increase in charges.

"We are upset, confused and angry, at the attack on the Workplace Nursery", she said, pointing out it was only two weeks since the government released the first ever National Carers' Strategy.

The budget brings in a 2.5% Council tax increase.

Click here for text of Morag Stevenson's speech to council meeting.

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Retrospection appeal victory for Housing

An Employment Appeals Tri-bunal has upheld Housing Depar-tment members' case for backdating of a regrading deal.

The longstanding dispute arose after the Council refused to backdate the new grading, even though members had been doing the job. The Council argued that the regrading should apply only from when it was granted, not from when the claim was lodged.

Initially, the previous full time officer refused to back the appeal and the branch was forced into giving informal advice to members who took the case to tribunal themselves.

After further intervention by the branch, UNISON's national structures finally provided full support for the appeal.

"While it is accepted that new grades usually apply from the date of the decision, we will continue to pursue cases where the members have been carrying out the duties friom an earlier date", said John Ross APT&C convener.

"If the employer was to get away without this retrospection, members could end up taking on extra duties and waiting ages to be paid for it. It can take up to a year after a job description is ageed before it is passed at committee".

"Hopefully the branch has put down a marker for the Council and for how these issues are dealt with through UNISON structures", he added.

*UNISONNews understands the Council may be considering an appeal to the Court of Session.
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Disabled members group set up

The Branch now has a new Disabled Members Group.

It was set up after Equalities Officer Irene Stout called a recent meeting attended by disabled members from City Development, Social Work, Finance and the Voluntary Sector.

It was clear the branch has been falling down in meeting the needs of the members, with a particular problem being communications.

Branch Officers stressed the resources were there but sytems to consult on what was needed had to be improved.

For example, literature can be made available in many formats for the visually impaired.

Signers are always at branch meetings but it was recognised we had used meeting venues which did not have a loop system.

Many members stressed their annoyance that they had only got details of the meeting by accident.

Clearly, communications between stewards and members needs improved if the right information is to get to the right members.

It was accepted the Branch Office was far from perfect but assurances of other interview/meeting facilities on demand offered some reassurance.

Many other internal issues were discussed and it was agreed a programme of needs would be made up by the members at a future meeting.

The debate at times was heated but there were specific reasons voiced at to why members were there

The Disabled Members Group is now firmly established and delegates have been elected to the Branch Committee and the Equalities Committee.

Irene Stout, Branch Equalities Officer said
"The creation of the Disabled Members Group is further evidence of the Branch's commitment to furthering the cause of Equalities and ensuring all members are given a voice in the Branch."

"The next task is to build a network of members to revive black members tructures in the branch."

Next meeting of the Disabled Members Self-Organised Group
Wednesday 14th April, City Chambers, 6.00pm.
All Disabled Members are invited to attend. If you or a colleague are visibly impaired, tell the Branch your Requirements - Large Print, Braille, Tape and arrangements will be made to ensure you have access to Branch Magazines, newsflashes and other union literature.
 
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Revenue benefits call for action ballot

Angry Revenue Benefits staff are calling for a ballot on industrial action following the failure of their grading appeal.

The Scottish Joint Council (the national body representing employers and unions) recorded a 'failure to agree' and members are furious at the evidence presented by the Council.

The dispute has dragged on for over a year since the Council Tax Benefits and Housing Benefits functions merged.

Such has been the level of anger that staff walked out on a day's unofficial strike early in the dispute.

"We have now lodged an official request with UNISON's national structures for action", explained branch secretary Morag Stevenson

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Garden Aid sell-off forces seasonal jobs

As UNISON predicted, the Council's decision to put Garden Aid out to voluntary tendering has led to the privatisation of jobs with the contract going to Continental Landsapes.

The branch's major concern is that the successful bid was not framed round 12 month working, but instead will use seasonal workers.

This has implications for existing all-year staff and UNISON is in talks to seek redeployment for the 13 members affected

The branch also fears for the effect on other Grounds Maintenance contracts.

"Pigeon-holing work this way means the Council cannot use staff flexibly, doing different jobs at different times", said branch officer John Ross.

"This ruins economy of scale and could make other contracts more expensive, threatening the whole system.

"That means it is more expensive for the council and the council tax payer, and it puts jobs at risk".

The Garden Aid contract maintains gardens for groups like the elderly.

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Education driving ahead with PFI

Edinburgh faces the waste and cost of the Private Finance Initiative as the Education Department drives forward with its plans to transfer schools to private institutions.

Previous issues of UNISONNews have warned of the long term cost and the loss of control that the Private Finance 'Illusion' will bring.

But now the Council believes it has struck a super wheeze whereby private concerns will take over the schools but the Council will keep the land and lease it back.

It remains to be seem how the big financial concerns who are in this for very attractive profits will cope with the "take up thy school and walk" concept.

UNISONScotland has issued a 'minifesto' on PFI

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Branch launches talks on 'Fairness at Work'

The Branch has called for talks with the Council on improvements to the Family Care Leave agreement in light of the government's "Fairness at Work" white paper.

Branch Service Conditions Co-ordinator John Mulgrew is urging stewards in voluntary and realted organisations to raise the issue with their employers and feed back to him.

John can provide all the information and support stewards need.

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Voluntary Sector Tribunal Victory

UNISON has won an industrial tribunal case for a meber at the Wester Hailes Against Racism project.

The union convinced the tribunal that the dismissal had been unfair.

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COUNCIL BUDGET SPECIAL REPORT

Growth and cuts as budget brings hope for some, but despair for others

255 jobs filled, yet fight on to save 33 at risk

Despite 255 more jobs in the budget, the fight is on to save 33.5 posts that could face redundancy.

UNISONNews looks at the budget department by department to see where new jobs are, but also where the cuts threaten.

Stewards are urged to have meetings at departmental level to feed back the detail and set up plans to protect members at risk.

Education
New growth
Growth: £2.123m
Cuts: £2.123m

New jobs due to rising roles, extension of provision for 3 year olds, restoring Secondary Teaching Standards and raising standards.

As well as more teaching jobs, there will be 85 new jobs in UNISON organised posts. 12 nursery nurses and 73 classroom assistants are among these. Much is financed from additional grants from additional places and other fiscal measures.

Jobs result...
191.5 jobs increase

City Development
Cut: £155,073
Growth: £1.635m
Cuts: £1.79m

The Capital Skills training project takes the brunt with over half of the jobs going as the project is run down.

There is talk of a new project using European money but nothing is in place.

"With the government's welcome New Deal initiative, we are at an absolute loss as to why a Labour administration would even contemplate the closure or run-down of this service", said Morag Stevenson, branch secretary.

"It seems to us that, if government policy were to be taken seriously, the Capital Skills facility would be extended, not written off".

Jobs result...
8 at risk

 

Corporate Services
Up £820,415
Growth: £2.11m
Cuts: £1.29m

The Workplace Nursery suffers due to an increase in charges of 20% and a review of the service. Implications for 24 jobs.

Elsewhere a whopping £252,000 'performance factor' means more vacant posts and more pressure on staff.

One job each to go in Fleet Management and Distribution. A post of photographer was at risk but UNISON was able to show that the savings made by cutting this post could easily be offset by making sure departments used the in-house photographer rather than outside agencies.

It looks like that argument will win through and save the post.

One new job each for Single Status, Personnel computer system and Staff Travel Co-ordinator.

Jobs result...
14 at risk, three new.

DLOs/DSOs
Up £564,000

No jobs targeted in the budget which reflects profits and losse of each of the organisations. However, contract changes, tendering etc could change things

Jobs result...
None targeted

Environmental & Consumer Services
Up £204,565
Growth: £1,142,694, Cuts: £938,129

Despite the increase, mainly from higher charges, job losses are planned. Three to go at Powderhall, four in public conveniences, three due to not filling posts, and one in Analytical Services.

They are looking to save £147,000 by delayed or non filling of vacancies (performance factor).

Jobs result...
11 jobs at risk

Finance
Cut: £935,489
Growth: £674,00, Cuts: £1.6m

There's one new job in Treasury and Investment despite the huge cut.
The biggest single cut of £875,000 comes under the heading of "Housing Benefits - Recovery of Overpayments" signalling more intensive anti-fraud work.

Most of the cuts relate to non staffing matters, although Central Purchasing faces an increased 'performance factor', ie more vacant posts.

Jobs result...
One more post.

 

Housing
Cut: £92,000
Growth: £90,000
Cuts: £182,000

Most of Housing comes under the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) meaning it is financed wholly by rents.

The non HRA part faces cuts of £35,000 to the voluntary sector and 147,000 in the allocation of Temporary Accommodation Service. A £90,000 increase is earmarked for comabting anti-social behaviour. £84,000 is to be saved by the ongoing review.

Jobs result...
13 jobs cut as a result of review.

Lothian Valuation, Fire, Police Joint Boards

£124,012 cut in the Valuation Board means at least two frozen vacancies, but the implications of the £47,020 cut in the Fire Board are not yet clear. The Police (a separate UNISON branch) take a £1.135m cut, but £400,000 of this is a transfer to Social Work for crime prevention and community safety grants.

Recreation
Cut: £161,671
Growth: £1.011m
Cuts: £1.172m

Grounds Maintenance voluntary tendering, Closing Murrayburn Depot, overtime cuts for Park Patrols, a £430,000 cut in subsidy to Edinburgh Leisure and £89,000 cut in theatres subsidy are just some examples of the cuts. Also included are savings from shift allowance cuts.

£47,500 goes into the new Muirhouse Library bringing three jobs. Job cuts feature two from non-filling of vacancies and 2.5 in Forestry/ Arboricultural

Jobs result...
4.5 cut, 3 new

Social Work
Up £848,000
Growth: £2.711m, Cuts: £1.863m

Lifting the 'performance factor' (as recommended by the Edinburgh Inquiry) means 13 new jobs in childrens residential and 12 in Children and Family practice teams.

Niddrie Family Centre and the Outworkers get 4.5 jobs with an extra five in Learning Disabilities/ Residential. Eight jobs go to the Registration and Inspection service and 14 to homes for older people.

Some charges will increase (Meals on Wheels and Lunch Clubs up 10p) and one job is to go in rationalising management of Mental Health residential units.

Jobs result...
55.5 net increase.

Voluntary Sector
Standstill (meaning a cut)

Because 1999 funding is more or less the same as 1998, organisations will have to make cuts because of inflation and pay settlements. "Some agencies have not paid the annual pay deal for three or four years" says voluntary sector convener Steve McCullough.

Jobs result...
Job loss and conditions threat

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Conference backs call for better carers allowance

Edinburgh's call for UNISON's carers allowance to reimburse the full amount paid was backed by this year's National Womens Conference.

The UNISON Scotland motion was originally taken to Scottish Womens Conference from this branch.

The Womens Committee will now raise the matter with UNISON's National Executive (NEC) to change the policy of a set rate for the first dependant and a lower rate for any additional dependants.

We successfully moved two amendments, one on Harassment, calling for more education on representation, the other on Discrimination against Transsexual Members calling for the NECto issue guidelines for consultation..

The agenda for Womens Conference was very full and delegates were kept busy from the moment they arrived.

Seminars included Action against Violence Against Women, Harassment & Support in the Workplace, Northern Ireland Women Seen & Heard Project and Proposals for Changes to the Race Relation Act.

The motions were wide ranging from Child Support Agency to Free Sanitary Protection. The main debates were Imprisonment of Teenage Girls, Action Against Violence Against Women and Harassment.

The standard of the speeches was excellent and surprisingly there was little debate as, in the main, there seemed to be a consensus as to how we take forward our concerns.

National Womens Conference can send two motions to UNISONs National Conference. The delegates choose which two motions should be sent. City Edinburgh branch selected Action Against Violence against Women and Carers allowance. We await the outcome of this ballot.

The Conference finished slightly early having covered all the business on the agenda. This gave delegates a little time to draw breath and to look around all the stalls before collecting their bags and children (if they could tear them out the creche!) before heading home

This is just a brief outline of National Womens Conference and should any member wish more information on how we voted or about Womens Self Organisation in UNISON please contact the Branch Office on 220 5655.

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Serving Scotland campaign

We take it for granted that we have a roof over our heads. When we are thirsty, we turn on the tap and get clean, fresh water. When we are ill, we go to the doctor. We can learn in schools and other centres of education.

In the past, good quality housing, healthcare, education and water were only available to those who could afford it. The poor had to rely on charity and often did not get anything. Public services provide these things we now take for granted.
Scottish people have always embraced the ideals of public services and Scotland's new Parliament is there to give us a voice in our own future. We must ensure that public services will be valued by our representatives in the Scottish Parliament.

That is why UNISONScotland is promoting a major campaign in the run-up to the Scottish Parliamentary and local council elections on May 6.

UNISON wants the Scottish Parliament to maintain and improve our public services. Public services are paid for by the general public and should be accessible and accountable.

UNISON believes:

Only then will we be able to say that our public services are Serving Scotland.

You can help. Take part in our campaign. Quiz your candidates. Raise the issues locally and with other organisations.

Above all,
Vote on May 6.

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Paying for Scotland's Public Services

Building and running Scotland's public service facilities has always cost large amounts of money.

Until recently this was largely obtained by public authorities getting permission to borrow money from the Public Works Loans Board and pay it hack over a period of years.

The interest charged was usually lower than commercial rates but permission had to be granted by the Government.

This changed with the launch of the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) in 1996/97. This initiative was aimed at raising the finance for public sector facilities from the private sector. In return public authorities would 'rent' services (including the staff) from the private sector and at the end of the contract the private sector would still own the facility.

A bit like paying off a 30 year mortgage and the building society keeping your house!

PFI continues to be a favoured method of funding public service facilities. It is part of the scene in local government, the health service, higher and further education, water and sewerage and the transport industry.

Draw the Line

UNISON is clear that PFI is an expensive, bureaucratic, inflexible and unaccountable way of running public services. We call on the new Scottish Parliament to draw a line under this system and to develop new ways of funding essential service facilities.

The private sector has always had a role in public service provision and UNISON does not wish to cut this out. But until now the public sector has hadownership and control of the service.

Choosing teamwork

The best public services are provided by a public service team employed, trained and motivated to deliver these services. Under PFI this team is broken up with some staff such as teachers and clinical staff retained in the public sector, but with support staff, janitors, cleaners, porters, technicians etc working for contractors or a consortium or even sub-contractors.

The end of the public service team is threatened.

Conditions can also be properly delivered and negotiated and in the public sector. As statutory bodies they are also better
at providing genuine equal opportunities, training and fair treatment.

Private contractors have never had a sparkling track record in this regard. Indeed the EOC has already indicated that outsourcing in a previous guise -CCT - discriminated against women in particular.

Serving Scotland

Our Scottish Parliament should demand;

- Financing of Scotland's public service facilities should remain in the public sector

- The abolition of the PSBR and the adoption of the General Government Financial Deficit (GGFD) in line with other European Union countries. This would help free up conventional borrowing for investment. (The decision of the Accounting Standards Board that PFI projects should be counted against the PSBR makes it imperative that alternative methods of finance are adopted - if we are to achieve the Maastricht criteria)

- The integration od services and co-ordination to identify alternative methods of funding - the co-operation netween the local NHS Trusts, Grampian Health Board and the Scottish Office to fund the new Aberdeen Children's Hospital is an object lesson - and the new Bo'ness Community Hospital is similarly funded.

- Where private sector cash is involved the financial details should be open to public scrutiny and not hidden behind the cloak of 'commercial confidentiality'. Recent moves towards greater openness in the Health Service must be extended to Local Government, Water and Sewerage and Higher and Further Education, and published before contracts are signed.

- Alternatives to ownership and running of services by the private sector should be investigated. Projects such as the English Courts Administration, and suggestions in England and Scotland for 'PFI without people' schemes at least leave some control and accountability with the public.
Scotland's public services should be democratically accountable, of the best quality and delivered by a public service team. PFI cannot deliver on any of these criteria and should be scrapped.

UNISONScotland has produced a major manifesto for public services, and as a supplement, there are a number of 'minifestos'.

This has been an extract from the latest 'minifesto' on financing Scotland's public services

This minifesto and a full copy of Serving Scotland, A manifesto For Scotland's Public Services, is on UNlSONScotland's Website at www.unison-scotland. org.uk.

It is also available in different languages and formats from UNISONScotland,
14, West Campbell Street,
Glasgow G2 6RX.
Tel 0141 332 0006,
fax 0141 331 1203,
e-mail
chris.bartter@unison.org.uk

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Election could mean more cuts

Initial reports suggest the council could be looking at a £12 million cut next year as part of its three year spending plan.

But the crisis could be even worse, up to £20 million, if the Labour Party is tempted to go for no council tax rise in the run up to the elections.

A council tax rise of just 3% would bring in between £6 and £8 million, closer to a standstill budget than another round of damaging cuts.

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Campaign for a Living Wage- April 10

Places on UNISONScotland's train for this important demonstration are now all taken up, but there may be cancellations and special buses are now planned.

Members are urged to try to attend this
important national demonstration and show
how united the unions and the public are in
the fight for a decent living wage.

Contact the branch on 0131 220 5655 to
for up to date details about transport.

March details
Assemble 11.00 Gateshead Civic Car Park
Depart 12.00 noon through Newcastle City
Centre (March scheduled to last 90 minutes)

No political party placards or banners will be allowed. UNISON placards will be available.

Train details
Saturday10 April: Depart Edinburgh 09.00, Arrive Newcastle 11.00. Depart Newcastle 18.30
Arrive Edinburgh 20.30

Post March Events
2pm - 8pm outside Telewest Arena,
Marquee for 10,000 free entry.
Speeches, Music, Comedy, Childrens Area etc

3.00pm - 8.00pm (doors open 1.30pm)
inside the arena Cost £3.00: Concert with: Ash, The Devine Comedy, Space (to be confirmed), Travis and Fungus.
See the branch website, or your steward for latest details.

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On the negotiating Line...

Work on new agreements

John Mulgrew, the branch's lead negotiator, has written to the Council outlining UNISON's priorities for harmonising agreements.

On the agenda are:-

"Since the Councils merged three years ago, it has been a huge task drawing together the two sets of agreements. UNISON now wants to drive on with new agreemtns for the new Council, building on the best from the two traditions", said John.

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Harassment Group wants your views

The branch has set up a working group on dealing with harassment, bullying, violence at work and stress.

Since local government reorganisation the branch has seen a dramatic increase in this type of case and that has meant more time and resources being dedicated to meet the workload.

The working group believes many of the problems are brought on by responses to staff shortages and other symptoms of cutbacks.

We need a union strategy to ensure we can minimise the psychological and physical attacks on members. Can you help us

If you have said YES to any of these questions we need to hear from you.

We are looking at resources, support mechanisms and procedures but we need you to help us.

If you have been a victim, give us your comments on how your case was handled (we don't need the details of your situation).

Submissions, signed or anonymous, should be sent to:

Irene Stout,
Equalities Officer
UNISON City of Edinburgh
23 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EN
Help us to help you.

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Back to drawing board on jannie's deal

An inconclusive ballot result on new conditions for school janitors, means more talks are to be held with Education Department officials.

"Members wanted clarification on a number of issues and we will now get round the table to thrash these out", said George Lee, Manual Convener. It will then be back to another ballot, in tandem with the other unions.

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AGM slams catering
'sackings'

The branch's Annual General Meeting slammed management plans to sack school meals staff who had not accepted changes to hours and places of work.

In a move that has implications for every member, the council said it would not offer redundancy, but would sack the members and then offer them jobs back on changed conditions.

"Many members were facing a 20% cut in hours and wages. It was a disgrace that low paid, loyal staff were being treated this way", Morag Stevenson, branch secretary told the meeting.

Fourteen members were affected but negotiations whittled this down to five.

"These five had 92 years service between them, and this is what they get", said Morag.

Now more intervention from the union has brought the number down to three.

As we go to press these three still have the threat of redundancy over them.


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Bank demo against bigotry

Edinburgh UNISON's banner formed the backdrop to the demonstration at the Bank of Scotland on 12 March against the bank's deal with Pat Robertson, the American 'preacher' who promotes bizarre sexist, homophobic and racist views.

"We oppose all bigotry and we call on members to search their consciences as to whether they should deal with this bank", UNISON's Tracy Gilbert told the 100 strong crowd.

Earlier, John Stevenson told Radio Scot FM that the bank had sent "an insulting and degrading message to its customers through this deal".

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Morag takes the helm alone

Morag Stevenson was elected as Branch secretary at last month's AGM after a year as job-share with Dougie Black.

Dougie moves to Assistant Secretary and Gail McInally to one of the Vice Chair posts. Irene Stout fought off a challenge for Equalities from Linda Jackson and Heather Manclark.

Finance newcomer Kevin Duguid displaced Charlie McInally for one of the Service Conditions Officer posts, and Steve McCullough stood down from Education leaving the post vacant just now.

Tom McLeod steps in to share the Recruitment post with City development colleague Ken Scott.

All other posts remain the same. All officers are contactable via the branch office on: 0131 220 5655, email:
branchoffice@unison-edinburgh.org.uk

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Council acts on Edinburgh Inquiry

Filling vacant posts in Social Work residential units and children and family teams are just two examples of where the council has already acted in many of the recommendations of the Inquiry into abuse of children in care.

Despite press reports, this is a report that will have widespread implications throughout Scotland.

UNISON gave evidence to the Inquiry and many of the issues we raised are reflected in the report.

An initial analysis has gone out to Social Work stewards. More details will follow.

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Bert Laver; the loss of a gentleman

Bert Laver died on Sunday 28 February 1999 at the age of 78.

Bert served as Retired Members Secretary in the old Lothian Region Branch and the City of Edinburgh Branch for almost 14 years.

He was a source of enthusiasm, support and advice that would have been beyond the energy of many much younger people.
Bert was always welcome in the branch office. He brought not only that so important smile and courtesy, but also a clarity about what the task was and an efficiency that meant that things were usually already done by the time you got round to asking him about them.

He also built and maintained positive links between the branch and the retired members section which will continue to prosper.

Bert hailed from Helensburgh and after a spell in the Signals Corps in the Army during the war, he spent most of his working life as a registrar in Oban.

He moved to Edinburgh on his retirement and became active in the, then, NALGO retired members section.

Bert knew his retired members section. Your briefing before speaking at the Retired Members AGM would be concise and would leave you in no doubt as to what you should cover, and how you should cover it.

All you have to do is read Bert's Annual Reports to see the amount of work he did, the clear grasp of issues affecting retired members and working members, and the way he and his colleagues were able to campaign on them - gently, politely, but with a staying power that councillors, MPs and trade unionists ignored at their peril.

Bert's trade unionism took its place with other commitments like his lifetime activity in the church. But his first and abiding passion was the joy he clearly had in his family.

Bert was in every sense of the word, a gentleman. Bert will be greatly missed by the branch, but even more so by his colleagues and friends in the retired members section.

The loss of him as an activist and a friend will have a great effect on us all. If we have felt that loss here in the branch, we can only guess at what his family felt. The branch extends to them, and to Jen his wife of over 50 years our thanks, our love and our sympathy.

(John Stevenson branch vice-chair)

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Bickerstaffe slams PFI

UNISON General Secretary Rodney Bickerstaffe slammed the Private Finance Initiative in his speech to the branch AGM last month.

He also criticised the way Best Value was being used an an excuse for "cheapest is best". He praised the branch for its Best Value initiative in being proactive and forcing the council to respond to our agenda for real Best Value, based on quality in-house service.

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Best value draft out for views

Draft 5 of the Best Value definition paper is now out to stewards for consultation.

"Once agreement is reached, this paper will go to the council in the hope that we can agree a joint council/ trade union statement on Best Value", said Best Value co-ordinator Tracy Gilbert.

"Our aim has been to work towards a definition that put quality of service first, with services provided by in-house staff on proper conditions"

 

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About UNISONNews

The views expressed in UNISON News are not necessarily those of UNISON City of Edinburgh Branch or the union.

All articles/comments to John Stevenson, Communications Officer at 0131 220 5655

P&P by UNISON City of Edinburgh Local Government & Related Sectors Branch, 23 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EN

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