UNISON Scotland
East Renfrewshire Branch
 
 
 
 

Latest News

Tory Motion Defeated

At the Council Meeting last night, 28 April 2010, the Conservative Councillor Barbara Grant submitted a motion calling “that the Council should consider that all services, except core services, be put out to tender.” 

Lynne Rankin, UNISON East Renfrewshire Branch Secretary together with Steven Larkin, Finance and Gordon Lees, Education Convenor took the opportunity to canvass Councillors as they entered the meeting, asking them to oppose the motion and vote for the amendment tabled by Councillor Fletcher.  Despite several questions being put, Councillor Grant would not confirm what those ‘core services’ would be.  Her only reply was that it would be ‘teachers and all that’. 

After a heated debate the motion was defeated by twelve votes to six.  Lynne Rankin, Branch Secretary, speaking outside Barrhead Council Offices, said, “If this motion had been successful the consequences of outsourcing our Council services would have devastating effects, not only on our members but also on the communities that we serve. I am glad that common sense prevailed and that the motion was defeated.”

International  Workers Memorial Day

Each year on 28 April, IWMD is marked around the world to Remember the Dead, and Fight for the Living. We remember those killed, made ill, or injured by their own or someone else’s work. Their pain and suffering and that of their families deserves not to be forgotten. We also renew our commitment to, and demand once more, safe and healthy work for all.

Far too many workers and their families suffer each and every year. The figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) which make the headlines never tell the full story. It is estimated that work incidents cause up to 1,600 deaths each year; including deaths to members of the public, work-related suicide, and road traffic accidents whilst driving for work. On top of this, it is estimated that there are up to 50,000 deaths from work-related illnesses; including cancers, respiratory illnesses, and heart disease.

This year at 12 midday on Wednesday 28 April, UNISON East Renfrewshire Branch along with others from across the UK took part in a minute’s silence. During this period of silence we remembered those members and workers injured, made ill, or killed by their work.   This year is the first year that the UK Government will formally recognise International Workers Memorial Day (IWMD) as a national day of remembrance, thereby joining many other countries across the world.

Representatives from UNISON East Renfrewshire Branch joined our colleagues from the Paisley and District Trades Union Council at a ceremony to commemorate IWMD at Cotton Street, Paisley.  The ceremony was well attended with representatives from the GMB, UNISON Renfrewshire Branch, UNITE.  The Branch Chair Gerry Green addressed the crowd and a wreath was laid on behalf of the Branch.

Welfare

  UNISON Welfare provides listening and support, financial assistance, breaks and holidays, debt advice, personal advice and you can contact them on 020 7551 1620 or email welfare@unison.co.uk or www.unison.org.uk/welfare

Equal Pay claims

The Branch  will continue to support our members with Equal Pay claims and those staff who are currently involved in the Job Evaluation Appeals process. A top priority for the Branch in 2010 remains negotiating possible Job Enrichment. Through the support of workplace stewards and contacts we have achieved progress this year in supporting our members, however with the tasks ahead it is important that if you have any concerns regarding your working conditions you get yourself involved in the process.  If you think you are eligible for a further pay claim please contact the Branch 

 

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Branch Chair, Secretary and Service Conditions Officer at Workers Memorial day.

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