Councillors support no compulsory redundancies and the fight against privatisation
Most councillors have now signed the Pledge for Public Services in support of the demands of the Joint Trade Unions of Edinburgh Council (Unite, Unison and the GMB):
keeping the ‘no compulsory redundancy’ pledge
in-housing public services
demanding funding for local government.
Forty-one of the 63 councillors in Edinburgh have signed—all the Green, Labour and SNP councillors and independent councillor Ross McKenzie. No Lib Dem of Tory councillors have signed.
On Tuesday 23 May, the telematics policy will go to the Policy and Sustainability Committee for approval by the councillors. The Joint Trade Unions of Edinburgh Council (Unite, Unison and GMB) have been negotiating on this policy since June 2022.
The unions have not agreed the policy as a collective agreement.
Through open and meaningful negotiation, we have come a long way in improving the policy to protect the workforce against misuse of this powerful surveillance tool.
Here is a summary of the matters discussed and the improvements made.
Your branch is an affiliate of the tenants and community union Living Rent. We encourage all members to check out their work and get involved to improve your community and fight for safe, secure and affordable housing for all.
The latest Living Rent branch—covering Lochend, Restalrig and Craigentinny—has launched, with a launch event on Saturday 20 May at The Ripple, 198 Restalrig Road South, from 12-3pm.
Within the Lochend, Restalrig and Craigentinny area, Living Rent has already won repairs to blocks of council houses and had a commitment for several millions of pounds of funding for retrofitting projects to ensure energy efficiency. Join us at the branch launch to learn about the plans ahead and how to get involved!
Living Rent Lochend members with Labour Councillors Jane Meagher and Mandy Watt. This campaign lead to the removal of damaging ivy that had been reported dozens of times before to no avail.
On Friday we marked International Workers Memorial Day 2023, when we commemorate those that died at work and renew our fight for health and safety in the workplace.
Trade unions, politicians and activists met in Princes Street Gardens at the Workers’ Memorial Tree. There were moving speeches, including the below speech given by a workplace rep from your branch, Euan Stewart:
This day is when we remember the workers who have lost their lives through their employment. We must also remember that it is not just Industrial Accident that causes death and injury at work. Stress and the pressures placed upon workers cause significant harm to workers and their families. There is often a very fine line between robust management and bullying.
By 1 May all Unite members will receive a ballot paper to vote on our political fund. This fund is vital to the union’s political campaigning work to improve pay and conditions for workers. This is not the Labour Party affiliation, but for the political work of the union.
VOTE YES FOR THE POLITICAL FUND.
Unions are forced to ballot on whether they have a political fund every ten years, under the Tory’s anti trade union laws.
Please watch the video and read the important message below from Sharon Graham, our general secretary, on the political fund.
On 28 April every year, we mark International Workers’ Memorial Day (IWMD) to remember those who have died and work and mobilise to prevent this happening to others.
Health and safety is a crucial trade union activity and is something that must factor into everything we do as trade reps and members. This year, the theme for IWMD is organising for health and safety. Below we run through how your branch is currently organising for health and safety and some of the health and safety issues on the horizon.
Postal ballots are being sent to all Unite members on Monday 27th March and the election period will end on 25th April. You will receive, along with your ballot paper and pre-paid envelope, a booklet containing a full list of candidates, their statements and branch nominations
All members are urged to vote in this election to decide who runs our union.
There are over 70 seats on our executive committee and you will be able to vote for Territorial reps (Scotland), Sectoral reps (mostly Local Authorities but some can vote in other sectors like construction) and equalities reps (Young members, LGBTQ+, Disabled members, Ethnic Minority members).
Our branch secretary Brian Robertson is standing for the Local Authority seat
Brian is standing for Workers, Public Service and Decency in the economy. We ask you to vote for someone you can talk to and you can hold to account. If you want to learn more about Brian’s views check out his blog.
There is a powerful contingent from Scotland and our Public Sector seeking to ensure our union is effectively run for the good of our members:
Sylvia Stewart (NHS) seeking election as Territorial rep
Eddie Cassidy (Glasgow City Council) seeking election as Territorial rep
Jenny Douglas (Dundee City Council) seeking election as LGBTQ+ rep
Carolanne Watson (Finance) seeking election as Finance and Legal rep
Brian Robertson (City of Edinburgh Council) seeking election as Local Authorities’ rep
If you wish to have more information on this election the members first website has information that may help you decide. Alternatively, you may contact branch rep Marilyn Moore on 07388928540 to ask any questions and discuss the issues important to you.
