There is now an equal pay email contact point on the UNISON Scotland website - equalpayscotland@unison.co.uk
Via this contact point members can request information on equal pay, request an update on their claim, inform us of any change of details, get information on becoming involved in UNISON's Campaign for Fair Pay.
The queries are dealt with by the Pay Equalities Group.
Please visit the page above on the UNISON Scotland site, for updates on events and to send a message of support.
The link above is a suggested letter for use by parents concerned about the safety of schools when key staff are on strike.
UNISON, Scotland's largest council staff union, today indicated that a series of events and rallies would mark 24 September as the next day of strike action in Scotland's local government pay dispute, and further action would be announced unless employers improved the below-inflation 2.5% offer they are clinging too. The union also announced that they had agreed further action after the 24th, should that be required.
The union, with around 100,000 members working for Scotland's local councils will be arranging a major demonstration and rally on Wednesday the 24 September in Edinburgh. This will start at 12.30pm and rally in the Ross bandstand in Prince's Street Gardens.
Whilst many branches across Scotland will be attending this rally, there will also be rallies organised in localities where people may have difficulty getting to Edinburgh. In particular there will be a rally in Aberdeen, in the Castlegate from 11.00am to 12 noon, and a repeat of last months successful rally outside Inverness castle at 11.00am. Further events and more details of these, will be notified later.
In an event preceding the 24 September, UNISON is also to stage a 'Cost-of-living' race in the Scottish Borders on Monday 22 September. UNISON colleagues dressed as items from the family budget (food, fuel, housing costs etc.) will show how their costs are oustripping the pay of the local government worker. This will take place in Eyemouth, in the Scottish Borders, the ward of Cllr Michael Cook, chair of the employers' negotiators. (Further information on this event will be sent out separately)
Tracey Dalling, UNISON's Regional Organiser said
"If the employers thought that promising to reconsider their pay offer and then refusing to deliver was a clever tactic, then this next action will show them the error of their ways. Whether this was a piece of sleight-of-hand or the inability of the employers' reps to agree a new offer, it has backfired badly. All the reports indicate that this has made members much angrier. And this is likely to be demonstrated on the 24th.
"In the event that it becomes needed we now have authorisation for further action after the 24 September. We hope that the employers will make sure we don't need to take that action, by looking at a settlement which takes account of the subsequent surge of inflation - as they promised after the last strike. But given their track record then, we need to ensure we have further action planned if this doesn't happen."
Further to the statement issued on 2nd June I will undertake to clarify matters.
The Branch Treasurer has confirmed that all strike pay has been deposited within the branch account. This has only recently been undertaken by UNISON at a National Level.
We require to obtain sufficient cheque books to pay individuals their entitlement. The turn around for cheque books to be received is approximately seven days. This matter is in hand.
As previously stated the issuing of the cheques will involve considerable time and resources. We are now looking at employing temporary staff to undertake this task.
It is envisaged that members will receive their individual cheque by the end of June. This is in the Branch Treasurer's view a realistic timescale given all the work involved. We recognise that some members will not be happy about this.
As previously explained we have communicated, as a Branch, the dissatisfaction of our members in the process, which has been lengthy, to both Regional and National Level. We as Branch Officers are equally dissatisfied, as we are spending considerable time and resources trying to deal with the matter.
In giving this statement we recognise that members quite rightly require the strike pay to be paid as soon as possible, but would also wish that you, as members, recognise that we have done and are doing the best that we can, given the resources that are available to us.
ONCE AGAIN I WOULD REITERATE THAT OUTSTANDING PAYMENTS WILL BE MADE AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.
Donald Brown
Chairperson
6 June 2008
This report (PDF file, link above), is an update from the Branch Chair on recent developments regarding Job Evaluation.
An email information bulletin service has been set up for members of the Argyll and Bute Branch. To subscribe, email membersinfo-request@list.unisonabc.org.uk with the command subscribe as the subject of the email. In case of difficulty, please email communications@unisonabc.org.uk for assistance.
Please visit the link above to petition 10 Downing Street for stronger measures to bring about equal pay.
Members of the Argyll and Bute Branch of UNISON are encouraged to subscribe to our email information bulletin. To subscribe, email membersinfo-request@list.unisonabc.org.uk with the command subscribe as the subject of the email. In case of difficulty, please email communications@unisonabc.org.uk for assistance.
If you can answer yes to any of the above how about becoming a Workplace Steward and Safety Rep. The Branch is always looking for new and enthusiastic members to take up the role of Steward in their workplace. We now have members in every workplace and every department across Argyll and Bute and they need you. The Branch will give all advice and training.
The Branch relies on as many Members as possible agreeing to help out in a variety of roles. There have been very few nominations for Stewards this year, so please consider taking on the key role of Steward in your workplace.
If you think you would like to give it a go please download and complete a nomination form. Your local Branch Officer will be happy to explain more about the role of Steward and how to get started.
Existing Stewards must submit a nomination form every year.
If you are not already a member of UNISON, and would like to be, or know someone else who would like to be a member you can download an application form in Word format or in Adobe Acrobat format, which you can print off, fill in and return to:
Marion Power
UNISON Branch Secretary
Community Resource Team
Soroba Road
Oban PA34 4HY
Because this form authorises payment of your UNISON subscriptions it can only be returned in hard copy, an electronic (emailed) return is not acceptable.
If you are already a member of UNISON, but your details have changed e.g.: new post, new address, change of name, etc. or have left council employment altogether, please notify the branch secretary by either post or email .
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