Sunday 25 January 2015

Dumped on: more work for less pay for members working in waste management

UNISON Scotland has put together a series of reports on how austerity is hitting public services and how we can protect them. Its latest "damage report" looks at our members in waste management in Local Authorities.

Branch Chair, Kate Ramsden said, "I am sure this will ring bells for members working in Aberdeenshire's waste management service.

"The report tells a story of increasing pressure of work at the same time as the value of wages is decreasing. Members are having to work overtime to make ends meet.

"Like other local government workers those in waste management have suffered years of either zero or below average pay rises. In the UNISON survey, staff at all grades, even managerial, report having to make efforts to economise."
"We are shopping around for food, fuel, clothes - to get the best deals, no holidays, having to keep cars longer."

Monday 19 January 2015

Design and photography services to stay in-house after UNISON pressure

Aberdeenshire Council has ditched plans to outsource its design and photography service after the branch sent a briefing out to all councillors making the case for in-house provision. The design service will now be formally reviewed by the council.

Inez Teece
Inez Teece, Branch Secretary said, “We are very pleased that the council listened to UNISON’s concerns and has agreed to keep the design and photography services in-house. We made the case that outsourcing rarely if ever saves money and often creates more expense if services, as often happens, have to be brought back in house.

“We are disappointed that the council still plans to outsource the print service and we will continue to make the arguments that this is a mistake which may very well come back to bite the council and council tax payers.

"We are also concerned that outsourcing the printing of confidential material risks breaches and we hope the council will not fall foul of this, given the sensitivity of some of its information both personal and commercial."

Saturday 10 January 2015

Aberdeenshire Branch AGM 18th Feb 2015 - PLEASE NOTE NEW ARRANGEMENTS

Aberdeenshire Branch 2015 AGM will be held on Wed 18th February as two meetings this year, the first in Committee Room 4 in Woodhill House from 12-2pm; the second in the Kintore Arms, Inverurie from 7pm-9pm. (Buffet from 6.30pm)

Tea, coffee and a buffet will be available at both events.

Dave Watson
Dave Watson, UNISON's Scottish Organiser for Bargaining and Campaigns will speak at both meetings on pensions, the Ethical Care Charter etc.

This will also be your chance to hear what the Branch has been doing and to have a say in how the Branch is run.

Please come along and hear Dave speak and find out what the Branch has been doing and tell us what you think
 
Go to the Branch website for more information, stewards and Branch Officers nomination forms and reports of previous AGMs.