Tag: libraries

Unite pressure gets reprieve for fixed term library workers

Towards the end of September the City of Edinburgh Council was working on issuing 1 week’s notice of termination of contract to 39 library workers on fixed term contracts as a means of reducing costs whilst taking forward the plan to re-open some libraries early October.

Unite CEC branch found out about these proposals with only a few days to go before notices were to be issued. Calling it “an absolute disgrace” branch officials determined that, whilst legal, it would be “an outrage against common decency” were these workers (many of whom had been in the council and Unite several years) to lose their jobs and set to work.

After a flurry of emails, texts, phone calls, lobbying and speedily arranged zoom meetings the council was content to delay termination until January.

This is a temporary reprieve and those affected should contact a rep immediately.

Council budget 2020

Standing up and speaking out against council cuts

Yesterday, Unite reps and members met outside the City Chambers before the Full Council budget meeting to demonstrate against the continued cuts to services and jobs.

Your branch officials gave a deputation to speak out against the cuts and raise our concerns with

  • the impact of cuts on citizens and workers
  • spending on debt interest payments
  • using digital technology to make savings and deliver services
  • the use of a 3-year budget when the Council only has a 1-year settlement from the Scottish Government, especially in these changing times
  • exclusion of citizens and workers with disabilites due to how digital technology is introduced.

Watch the webcast—our deputation is item 3d and read our brief guide to the budget below.

Continue reading “Council budget 2020”