Author: Stirling Websites

The behaviour of COSLA at the SJC meeting held on Monday was less than satisfactory.  Councillors from all parties voted against our joint Trade Union motion calling on the SJC to approach the Scottish Government for additional funds to improve the pay offer.  It seems they would rather take on trade union members than the very government that is starving them of funds. 

UNISON issued a press release following the meeting (see below) and hopefully you all caught the interview on the STV on Wednesday night (link also below).

COSLA’s refusal to approach the Scottish government to help fund fair pay for council workers is outrageous, says UNISON

https://fb.watch/kUsX7KqN0c/

We will be writing in the strongest terms to both COSLA and the Scottish Government and we will share that letter as soon as it’s been agreed with the other trade unions.

In the meantime we are asking members to be prepared for the inevitable industrial action ballot.  Things members can do now are;

• Share this information with other members by e-mail and your social media channels so they know we are actively trying to move this along.
• Members should ensure that they update their contact details (including providing personal contact information wherever possible ie address, mobile/phone number, up to date e-mail address). Members can do this by :-
  • accessing their my UNISON account
    • calling UNISON direct 0800 0857 857
    • contacting the branch directly by e-mail thomsonl34s@stirling.gov.uk or calling the branch on 01786 233 093

This briefing looks at some key findings of the Scottish Household
Survey 2021. This is a general population survey carried out since 1999.

It provides figures on public attitudes on a range of topics. The
briefing focuses on what the survey tells us about people’s attitudes to
their public services.

United against Racism

Download or view the Newsletter

The Year of Black Workers 2023 is already in full swing mode, join the train
now and make meaningful impact that affects Black Members in your local
branch, particularly to ensure the race equality campaign remains a vibrant
course in your branch.

Links to two new bargaining briefings

A National Social Work Agency

Occupational Therapists and a National Social Work Agency

Key things to know:

The government intends to create a National Social Work Agency as part of the proposed National Care Service.

The NSWA would have a Workforce remit including pay and conditions and the current intention is to remove the majority of social work staff from SJC collective bargaining.

The Social Work Issues Group has successfully pressed for UNISON to have representation on the Scottish Government groups developing the Agency.

These briefings give an overview and identify the key issues.

They also identify areas where we need to develop a policy.

Could members please contact their workplace reps or the branch office directly with any questions/feedback.

School uniforms should be the least of parents’ worries. That’s why UNISON’s very own charity, There for You, gives School Uniform Grants to members who need a helping hand in getting their kids kitted out for the new term. 

The grant programme is limited to 2,000 applicants and will close once the maximum number of applications has been received. This is due to the limited amount in the School Uniform Grant Fund. 

What’s new? 

We’ve been running online grant applications for a year, and this has been largely positively received by members. Some feedback specifically asked for the launch times to be adjusted to allow those with daytime commitments to be able to apply.  

That’s why this year, we’re launching the school uniform grant during half term: on 1 June 2023. And releasing 1000 applications at 8.30am, and another 1000 applications at 5pm. So that members can apply when it works for them.  

You spoke. We listened. 

Making welfare work for you. 

How to apply 

All applications should be submitted online. Once launched, the application form will go live here: https://www.unison.org.uk/get-help/services-support/there-for-you/school-uniform-grant/  

Those members who have access needs which means that they can’t apply online should contact UNISONdirect on 0800 0 857 857, whilst the grants are open; where our agents will be able to assist. 

Criteria and who can apply 

This is a one-off grant of £50 per school-aged child, up to a maximum of £150. 

School Uniform Grant 2023   

Eligibility    

Applicants must:   

Be a UNISON member   

Have paid at least four weeks of subscriptions at the time of applying. Subscriptions must be up to date.   

Not have received a grant through our main applications since 01 December 2023    

Not have received more than £750 in total if within the first year of membership   

Have savings (including the total rolling balance on current accounts) below £1,000 to qualify.     

Be financially responsible for the school-aged child(ren) and receive Child Benefit for them. By school-aged, we mean children aged between 4-17 years old who will be returning to school in the autumn. 

Only one application per household will be considered.   

And EITHER:   

You are on a low income:   

Net household income* of no more than £26,000/year (£2,166.67/month)   

OR:   

In receipt of means-tested benefits. This includes:   

Universal Credit   

Housing Benefit   

Child and/or Working Tax Credits   

Pension Credit   

Means-tested Jobseekers Allowance   

Means-tested Employment Support Allowance   

Income Support   

Today, Friday 28 April 2023, Stirling UNISON held a memorial day for those who have died at work. The day was well attended by UNISON members, stewards and officers. Also in attendance were some of the elected members and officers in Stirling Council.

Abigail Robertson gave a speech on Health and Safety at work.

“The theme this year is ‘Organising for Health and Safety’, and it is incumbent upon all of us to do just that. Pressures on our public services, our public purse have resulted in the erosion of our workforce and the dismantling of services designed to support individuals and our communities, at a time when the public have never needed us more. Society is struggling, ordinary people are poorer than ever and poverty is directly linked to mental health and other health issues, drug and alcohol abuse, domestic abuse, crime, homelessness, hunger, desperation and all kinds of anti-social behaviours.”

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