CoSLA claim of UNISON dragging feet is nonsense

Members will have seen press reports about CoSLA imposing a two year 1% pay offer (for example http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-24675274)

CoSLA's criticism of UNISON "dragging its feet" is nonsense. The real fact is that CoSLA changed the deal from a one year offer to two years after the one year deal had been accepted by UNISON members in a ballot.

See the update from 6 September on the UNISON Scotland site for an outline of what actually happened.

Branch stress survey to report soon as UNISON nationally finds that 87% of local government workers surveyed are struggling with stress

The Branch has been asking members and non-members to complete a stress survey to find out how staff locally are coping in the workplace.

Stewards have been handing out stress survey forms during workplace visits and a survey form was sent out with the Summer issue of UNISON Matters which is delivered to all Branch members.

The Branch has had a great many forms returned and is currently compiling and analysing the responses, to take to the council.

Richard Lawrence

More work and fewer staff
Richard Lawrence, Branch Health and Safety Officer said, "Many of our members told us that as the cuts began to bite, they became more stressed, as there are fewer and fewer staff doing the same amount of work. They tell us that workloads have increased and many members are experiencing their management as less supportive.

"We decided to do this survey to find out how widespread these problems are and we have had responses from across services."

Vote for The Happy Lands for the Scottish BAFTA Audience Award

All of you who liked The Happy Lands and thought it a disgrace it didn't get a general release, have the opportunity to vote for it to win the Audience Award in the Scottish Baftas. Currently it's standing in fourth place (out of eight).

Kate Ramsden, Branch Chair said, "At this time of Grangemouth - we think it would be only right if a film showing rogue private employers controlling a national energy source, and holding a gun to their workforces head to drive down pay and conditions, won an award from the Scottish people, don't you?"

Go to - http://www.cineworld.co.uk/baftascotland

Branch ballots members on terms and conditions

The Branch has issued ballot papers to members on the council's revised terms and conditions package.

Members are asked to make sure that they complete and return their ballot paper by Friday 1st November 2013.

The Branch will also respond formally to the council based on what members have told us individually and at the meetings.

Go along to "Wherever I lay my hat" a history of social housing in Aberdeenshire

Delve into this fascinating history from the Archives in the Ury Room, Gordon House, Inverurie, from 12.30 on Friday 1st November 2013

The talk will look at the development of council housing in Aberdeenshire in the 20^th Century following the end of World War One.

 

To book a place: Email archives@aberdeencity.gov.uk

Phone (01224) 481775

Booking is essential

UNISON Scotland to ballot members on new Local Government Pension Scheme with recommendation to accept

Ballot papers will be sent out to members who are conditioned to the Scottish Local Government Pension Scheme on 16 October with a closing date of 10am on 7 November 2013.
Any member who does not receive a ballot paper should contact UNISON Direct on 0845 355 0845.

UNISON is recommending that members vote to Accept the current proposals.

There will also be an explanatory leaflet that outlines the proposals. A copy of this leaflet is on the UNISON Scotland website along with the draft Heads of Agreement and other materials.

Go to the Branch or UNISON Scotland website for more information.

Aberdeenshire UNISON is now on Twitter

See us at @AbdnshireUNISON

Harmonisation risks gaps in recruitment processes warns branch

Inez Teece

Responding to the consultation on the review of council recruitment processes, the Branch has highlighted the dangers of throwing the baby out with the bathwater in the proposals for harmonising staff recruitment across services and has warned that there is the potential for gaps in some services.

The council is proposing to centralise recruitment functions. UNISON attended all the consultation meetings and also heard direct from many members.

Branch to hold members' meetings on "improved" terms and conditions proposals

UNISON is holding meetings for members in the week beginning 7th October on Aberdeenshire Council's new package of terms and conditions which will be arriving through the post from now.

Meetings
We will be having meetings as detailed below to answer questions and to seek your views. Please make every effort to come along.

• 8th October 12.30 – 1.30 Banff Court House                      
• 9th October 12.45 – 1.45 Fraserburgh Community and Sports Centre (new pool)   Meeting Room 3            
• 9th October 12.30 – 1.30 Conservatory, Carlton House, Stonehaven                            
• 10th October 12.30 – 1.30 Ury Room, Gordon House, Inverurie                                    
• 11th October 12.30 – 1.30 Marr Room, Annex, Woodhill House, Aberdeen