Friday 28 November 2014

Aberdeenshire UNISON calls on council to rethink privatisation of Design and Print Services

Aberdeenshire UNISON has called on elected members to reconsider their plan to privatise the Print and Design service alongside the renewal of the printing and photocopying contract.

In a briefing to all councillors, the branch has commended Aberdeenshire Council for having not gone down the route of many others by outsourcing/privatising its services and urged it not to sell off their Print and Design Service for short-term gain.

A paper compiled by Morag Lawrence, steward, detailing the benefits of insourcing was also sent to councillors.

Inez Teece, Branch Secretary said, "We have launched a dialogue with the employers to continue over the coming months to campaign to keep services in house not only for print and design but for all council services.

"UNISON will not sit back and let our services and staff be sold off to the highest bidder when the people of Aberdeenshire will end up picking up the costs in financial terms and diminished services."

Monday 24 November 2014

Lock ruling on holiday pay - Branch urges members to get in touch if they think they have a claim

The Branch has written out individually to all our members urging them to get in touch with the Grampian Resource Centre on 01224 620624, if you think that you might be entitled to a claim under the new ruling.

Inez Teece, Branch Secretary said, "If you work on commission, work overtime, get a bonus, shift premium or any other payment, and this has not been paid during your holidays then you may have a claim.

Friday 14 November 2014

Come along to the St Andrews Day March and Rally and show racism is not welcome in the North East

We are encouraging all our members to join us at the ATUC organised St Andrew's Day March and Rally, to give a clear message that racism and fascism are not welcome here in Aberdeenshire.

Kate Ramsden, Branch Chair, who will be chairing the Rally as Vice President of the Aberdeen Trades Union Council said, "The St Andrew's Day March opposes racism in all its forms and celebrates diversity.

"The particular theme this year is Anti-Apartheid, because it is 30 years since Aberdeen gave the Freedom of the City to Nelson Mandela.

"It is also UN Day of Solidarity with Palestine, a country still suffering from Israeli apartheid. Hopefully Aberdeen City Council will be flying the Palestine Flag that day."
            
11 am Assemble at St Nicholas Churchyard. Look out for the branch banner and join us to march behind it.

11.30am March down Union Street

12.15pm Rally at the Castlegate

There will be speakers from Trade Unions, Community Organisations and Political Parties at the Rally.

Tuesday 4 November 2014

Consultative Ballot on LG Pay Scotland - Members vote to accept

The Scottish Local Government pay ballot closed yesterday with members voting 70.8% to accept and 29.2% to reject the revised pay offer.

The Local Government Committee meets on 5 November, after which a further update will be circulated.

Commenting on the ballot result, Kate Ramsden, Branch Chair said, "Members have recognised that it has been a significant achievement on the part of our negotiators to get the employers back round the negotiating table, after years of imposed pay awards.