Transport dominated the debates this morning, but the most powerful contributions were on domestic violence. Two sisters made very moving contributions based on their own tragic experiences including UNISON's Marie Garrity. A real wake up call for everyone.
The living wage debate highlighted again the issue of low pay. The adoption of the living wage by the Scottish Government and some councils is welcome. But it needs a Living Wage Unit, on the London model, to drive this policy forward, particularly through public procurement. That is what Scottish Labour is rightly proposing.
We had a typically polished performance from the First Minister this morning. More statesmanlike, following the parcel bomb story this morning, than his usual style. He pressed many of the right buttons for the audience although still failed to grasp our concerns over the need for a balanced energy policy. He made a good contrast with NHS privatisation in England, and he is entitled to claim credit for a good record. However, he somewhat over egged the case when he claimed no PFI. The Scottish Futures Trust is developing wide scale PFI schemes in Scotland. The Hub Initiative in NHS Scotland is a straight copy of the English LIFT PFI scheme.
At lunchtime I spoke at a fringe meeting organised by the Campaign Against Climate Change. I spoke about what needs to be done to deliver on the targets in the Climate Change (S) Act. In particular on the need for a strong public duty and action on Green Workplaces. The Scottish Government failed to introduce mandatory annual reporting, weakening the duty considerably. There was a good debate on energy and manufacturing strategy issues.
Pensions was the big debate of the afternoon. Led by a motion from UNISON Scotland. This is an issue that unites the movement, particularly over the proposed pension contribution increases. Delegates described this a tax on public service workers because not one penny goes into pension increases. One delegate offered to swop his pension for the one George Osborne approved for the publicly owned bank Chief Executives.
The debate on care for the elderly highlighted today's FAI report on the Uddingston care home fire that resulted in 14 deaths. The report states that the deaths were preventable. Those who argue for less regulation should read this report carefully.
Overall this year's STUC has put a real focus on the Better Way campaign and the alternative to the Con-Dem government's cuts. My only tricky moment, as highlighted in the Herald Diary today, was being mistaken for Bob Crow! My worst nightmare realised!
Showing posts with label STUC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label STUC. Show all posts
Wednesday, 20 April 2011
Tuesday, 19 April 2011
STUC - Day2
Public services dominated the morning session of Congress today. Delegate after delegate highlighted the impact of the Con-Dem coalition's spending cuts on a range of public services. The planned 60,000 job losses will also have a big impact on the economy with a similar number of jobs going in the private sector. Low paid working women will be the most affected, undermining family budgets when they are most under strain.
A UNISON motion focused on services to elderly people. In this sector personalisation is being used as a cover for cuts. UNISON Scottish Convenor, Lilian Macer summed up the argument when she said:
"And it's a low, mean, dishonest trick to try to implement cuts to the services of the most vulnerable people in our society. We believe that everyone should have as much independent, choice and control over their care as they want. But this has to be real choice, not the only option because other facilities and arrangements have been closed or made unavailable."
The afternoon session had a Westminster feel to it. It started with Ian Davidson MP, Chair of the Scottish Affairs Committee setting out the issues his committee planned to investigate this year. He was followed later in the afternoon by the Shadow Secretary of State, Ann McKechin MP. I also attended a lunch time event with colleagues from the energy industry. Not much support for the SNP manifesto plans there. A balanced energy policy retains widespread support from those who work in the sector.
One of the Scottish Affairs Committee investigations is into health and safety in Scotland. We met several of the MPs in the afternoon to highlight our concerns over the impact of cuts at the HSE. Fewer inspections, guidance and projects will inevitably undermine safety in Scotland. As will similar cuts in the other enforcement agency, environment health departments. Stress was the biggest safety risk identified by every union at the meeting. The largest cause of sickness absence and often the product of work intensification and human resource strategies.
A UNISON motion focused on services to elderly people. In this sector personalisation is being used as a cover for cuts. UNISON Scottish Convenor, Lilian Macer summed up the argument when she said:
"And it's a low, mean, dishonest trick to try to implement cuts to the services of the most vulnerable people in our society. We believe that everyone should have as much independent, choice and control over their care as they want. But this has to be real choice, not the only option because other facilities and arrangements have been closed or made unavailable."
The afternoon session had a Westminster feel to it. It started with Ian Davidson MP, Chair of the Scottish Affairs Committee setting out the issues his committee planned to investigate this year. He was followed later in the afternoon by the Shadow Secretary of State, Ann McKechin MP. I also attended a lunch time event with colleagues from the energy industry. Not much support for the SNP manifesto plans there. A balanced energy policy retains widespread support from those who work in the sector.
One of the Scottish Affairs Committee investigations is into health and safety in Scotland. We met several of the MPs in the afternoon to highlight our concerns over the impact of cuts at the HSE. Fewer inspections, guidance and projects will inevitably undermine safety in Scotland. As will similar cuts in the other enforcement agency, environment health departments. Stress was the biggest safety risk identified by every union at the meeting. The largest cause of sickness absence and often the product of work intensification and human resource strategies.
Monday, 18 April 2011
STUC - Day 1
At the STUC Congress in Ayr this week. Bit of a trek from the town centre to the Ayr Racecourse, but a very attractive conference venue. Sunny weather helps!
The morning session on the Better Way campaign was an excellent innovation. Good use of film clips to illustrate the campaign activity undertaken by the STUC and affiliates. But the important contributions came from some 30 community organisations who came along to support the campaign and explain how the cuts are impacting on a wide range of service users. This shows that the alternative to the Con-Dem coalition cuts is building support.
Scottish Labour Leader Iain Gray addressed conference in the afternoon. He focused on workplace issues and jobs. He confirmed Scottish Labour's manifesto commitments on issues like workplace violence and workplace health. He also promised meaningful engagement with the trade unions over economic policy with a new consultative structure on this and in local government. But his real message was on jobs and in particular youth unemployment. Big commitments, but it is clearly an issue he cares deeply about. Anyone who lived through the Thatcher years should share this vision.
Good debate on the economy with a focus on the fair taxation elements of the Better Way campaign. HMRC workers highlighting the £130 billion of avoided tax. This alone would wipe out the deficit.
The morning session on the Better Way campaign was an excellent innovation. Good use of film clips to illustrate the campaign activity undertaken by the STUC and affiliates. But the important contributions came from some 30 community organisations who came along to support the campaign and explain how the cuts are impacting on a wide range of service users. This shows that the alternative to the Con-Dem coalition cuts is building support.
Scottish Labour Leader Iain Gray addressed conference in the afternoon. He focused on workplace issues and jobs. He confirmed Scottish Labour's manifesto commitments on issues like workplace violence and workplace health. He also promised meaningful engagement with the trade unions over economic policy with a new consultative structure on this and in local government. But his real message was on jobs and in particular youth unemployment. Big commitments, but it is clearly an issue he cares deeply about. Anyone who lived through the Thatcher years should share this vision.
Good debate on the economy with a focus on the fair taxation elements of the Better Way campaign. HMRC workers highlighting the £130 billion of avoided tax. This alone would wipe out the deficit.
Wednesday, 21 April 2010
STUC - Day Three
Day three at the STUC is traditionally somewhat quieter in terms of policy. None the less a highlight this morning was the Helen Dowie Award for Lifelong Learning. This year it was won by UNISON and Unite Learning Representatives and Strathclyde Partnership for Transport. I always find the success of trade union learning particularly inspiring. They often give workers who didn’t do well at school the opportunity to benefit from a range of learning opportunities and represent what the trade union movement is all about.
We also heard from the First Minister, Alex Salmond MSP. Like Labour Leader Iain Gray yesterday, there was considerable substance to the speech when focussing on the joint work between the STUC and the Scottish Government. Colleagues from England visiting the STUC are always surprised at the level of joint working with the Parliament and Government in Scotland, irrespective of the party in power. Of course being Alex, the second half of his speech was a typical barnstorming performance promoting SNP positions in the election.
The STUC’s strong international links were once again on display in a series of debates on Europe, Palestine and other parts of the world in struggle. Sadly the restrictions on air travel limited the usual contributions from trade union representatives across the world to Congress.
The afternoon session was dominated by debates on the rise of the far right. The trade union movement has a proud record of opposing fascism in all its forms. The BNP vote in Scotland is not high, but we cannot afford to be complacent. Hope not Hate Scotland have all the campaign materials we need to challenge racists wherever they stand.
We also heard from the First Minister, Alex Salmond MSP. Like Labour Leader Iain Gray yesterday, there was considerable substance to the speech when focussing on the joint work between the STUC and the Scottish Government. Colleagues from England visiting the STUC are always surprised at the level of joint working with the Parliament and Government in Scotland, irrespective of the party in power. Of course being Alex, the second half of his speech was a typical barnstorming performance promoting SNP positions in the election.
The STUC’s strong international links were once again on display in a series of debates on Europe, Palestine and other parts of the world in struggle. Sadly the restrictions on air travel limited the usual contributions from trade union representatives across the world to Congress.
The afternoon session was dominated by debates on the rise of the far right. The trade union movement has a proud record of opposing fascism in all its forms. The BNP vote in Scotland is not high, but we cannot afford to be complacent. Hope not Hate Scotland have all the campaign materials we need to challenge racists wherever they stand.
Tuesday, 20 April 2010
STUC - Day Two
Day 2 at the STUC started with the debate on public services. UNISON Scottish Secretary, Matt Smith opened the debate referring to the STUC Public Services Charter. That Charter sets out a radically different vision for the development of public services in the current financial crisis. A range of speakers highlighted the impact of cuts on all parts of Scotland’s public services.
South Lanarkshire TUC helpfully tabled a motion opposing the privatisation of Scottish Water. This was an opportunity for me to update Congress on the latest sharks circling around Scottish Water, including the Scottish Futures Trust and the Water Industry Commission. The Morning Star newspaper yesterday carried an article from us setting out the case for democratic control in more detail. Congress again made it clear that it’s Scotland’s water and it’s not for sale!
The afternoon session was focussed on young workers. The STUC Unions into Schools project is important in raising awareness of the role of trade unions and we heard inspiring presentations from some of the schools involved. Equally important was the debate on promoting young workers rights including apprenticeships, tips and the minimum wage.
A presentation on the Living Wage campaign also emphasised the importance of making real progress on low pay. The STUC is calling on the Scottish Government to follow the example of Glasgow City Council and Scottish Enterprise.
The final debate of the day was on energy and climate change. There is a cautious welcome to Ed Milliband’s recent recognition that the market isn’t going to deliver the necessary cuts in carbon emissions. This is reflected across Europe where municipalities are ending the privatisation of electricity facilities. The market has also failed the fuel poor. One in four Scottish households are in fuel poverty and rising fuel prices have undermined the work of fuel poverty programmes.
South Lanarkshire TUC helpfully tabled a motion opposing the privatisation of Scottish Water. This was an opportunity for me to update Congress on the latest sharks circling around Scottish Water, including the Scottish Futures Trust and the Water Industry Commission. The Morning Star newspaper yesterday carried an article from us setting out the case for democratic control in more detail. Congress again made it clear that it’s Scotland’s water and it’s not for sale!
The afternoon session was focussed on young workers. The STUC Unions into Schools project is important in raising awareness of the role of trade unions and we heard inspiring presentations from some of the schools involved. Equally important was the debate on promoting young workers rights including apprenticeships, tips and the minimum wage.
A presentation on the Living Wage campaign also emphasised the importance of making real progress on low pay. The STUC is calling on the Scottish Government to follow the example of Glasgow City Council and Scottish Enterprise.
The final debate of the day was on energy and climate change. There is a cautious welcome to Ed Milliband’s recent recognition that the market isn’t going to deliver the necessary cuts in carbon emissions. This is reflected across Europe where municipalities are ending the privatisation of electricity facilities. The market has also failed the fuel poor. One in four Scottish households are in fuel poverty and rising fuel prices have undermined the work of fuel poverty programmes.
Monday, 19 April 2010
STUC - Day One
My blog for the next few days will be from the STUC meeting in Dundee. The focus this morning was on the economy and industry with speakers critical of the neo-liberal economics that got us into the financial mess. James Corry from UNISON’s Skills Development Scotland branch focussed on Scottish Government cuts in the modern apprenticeship scheme, from 20,000 to 15,000 places. This also means that the helpful extension of the scheme to 20 year olds will end.
The STUC is often held in the middle of election campaigns. Jim Murphy addressed conference in the morning and Nicola Sturgeon in the afternoon. Nothing much that was new in either contribution. However, there was welcome support from Jim Murphy for the campaign against the privatisation/mutualisation of Scottish Water, something you rarely hear from a UK Cabinet Minister.
We sponsored a well supported fringe meeting at lunchtime on Hugh Henry MSP’s private members bill that seeks to strengthen the legal protection for public service workers who are the victim of violence at work. The meeting heard many examples of the disgraceful attacks on workers and the need to get more MSPs to take this issue seriously by supporting the Bill.
UNISON’s first motion, on occupational pensions, was debated in the afternoon. Mike Kirby, Scottish Convenor of UNISON, pointed to the closure of large numbers of decent private sector pension schemes, and rightly raised the spectre of a huge increase in benefits demands by their short-changed staff. Essentially the private sector wants the public purse to bail out their employees’ pensions shortfall, just as it bailed out the busted banks that caused this recession. Attacks on quality public sector schemes by the CBI and others are just a smokescreen for this. But they would also dump another huge bill on the taxpayer.
The STUC is often held in the middle of election campaigns. Jim Murphy addressed conference in the morning and Nicola Sturgeon in the afternoon. Nothing much that was new in either contribution. However, there was welcome support from Jim Murphy for the campaign against the privatisation/mutualisation of Scottish Water, something you rarely hear from a UK Cabinet Minister.
We sponsored a well supported fringe meeting at lunchtime on Hugh Henry MSP’s private members bill that seeks to strengthen the legal protection for public service workers who are the victim of violence at work. The meeting heard many examples of the disgraceful attacks on workers and the need to get more MSPs to take this issue seriously by supporting the Bill.
UNISON’s first motion, on occupational pensions, was debated in the afternoon. Mike Kirby, Scottish Convenor of UNISON, pointed to the closure of large numbers of decent private sector pension schemes, and rightly raised the spectre of a huge increase in benefits demands by their short-changed staff. Essentially the private sector wants the public purse to bail out their employees’ pensions shortfall, just as it bailed out the busted banks that caused this recession. Attacks on quality public sector schemes by the CBI and others are just a smokescreen for this. But they would also dump another huge bill on the taxpayer.
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