UNISON Cymru/Wales is today launching a Future for Wales strategy which outlines a response to the austerity challenges faced by communities and the economy throughout Wales.
The union is calling for greater financial autonomy in Wales as a key building block in the recovery of the Welsh economy and the country’s development for the future.
This should involve a new model of investment, including a public sector equivalent to quantative easing involving infrastructure bonds. UNISON also believes that combining Welsh local authority pension schemes be considered, in order to benefit from economies of scale and maximise investment potential.
Margaret Thomas, UNISON Cymru/Wales secretary, said: “It is quite clear to our members that there is no more room in the public sector in Wales to meet the budget deficits without having a catastrophic impact on the workforce and the services that they provide.
“The decisions that are being taken now are going to change the landscape of public services for generations to come. That is why UNISON has developed a clear alternative model for recovery, as opposed to the austerity programme being rolled out by Westminster.
“Our strategy seeks to build a highly-skilled, balanced and dynamic economy, complemented by a well-financed public sector with a motivated workforce. Our view is that this can only be achieved through a well-financed Welsh Government. And we have to be creative about how we can achieve that.
“This vision is about transforming the way we do and see things. From greater financial power for Wales to a public sector Bank of Wales funding project which could help inject much-needed capital into the economy.”
Examples of the strategy also include:
- A Funding for Building scheme that would put the Welsh Government in charge of the building and maintenance of infrastructure;
- Greater investment in research and development, to put Wales on a more sustainable footing;
- Public ownership of the railways to help stimulate development;
- A renewable energy boom, working with partners in the private and co-operative sectors.
“UNISON’s vision moves Wales beyond the harmful dogma of the coalition,” said Ms Thomas. “The Future for Wales strategy looks firmly to the future, where innovation, expertise, equality and cooperation are bywords for the new type of economy and society many of us would like to build.”
The Future for Wales strategy is launched today at the National Assembly for Wales.
