Coordination of Pay Campaigns

Conference is deeply angry over the government’s totally unjust 2% public sector pay limit, condemning low paid public sector workers to poverty pay and notes the: 1)decision of the Local Government Conference on the 18th June and of the Local Government NJC Committee rejecting the employers insulting 2% offer or any other received by the […]

Social Care

This Conference condemns the continued failure of Government to address the funding deficit in Social Care. The continued rationing of Social Care to those with the highest level of need means that more and more people with low and moderate needs are no longer eligible for services. Without that early intervention these people accelerate to […]

Efficiency Reviews and Shared Services

Conference deplores the fact that efficiency reviews across the UK are leading to a deterioration in the delivery of public services. Conference believes that these so-called “efficiencies” mask the effects of inadequate funding of local government and deplores the negative impact on services, staff and users. Stringent efficiency targets have been set in all four […]

Local Government Reform

Conference notes that in the last year major reforms have been announced to local government in England (Local Government White Paper 2006) and Wales (the Beecham Review – ‘Delivering Beyond Boundaries’). A major reorganisation of local government is also taking place in Northern Ireland. Conference condemns the fact that the proposed reforms will turn councils […]

Education

This Local Government Service Group supports a non-selective, comprehensive state school system, controlled by local communities. As such this LGSG opposes the Government’s Academy Programme which replaces democratically controlled local schools with privately run educational establishments, funded by a combination of central government, businesses and other private organisations. We have similar concerns over the creation […]

Local Government Pay and Negotiating Structures

Europe

Conference does not believe that a ‘Social Europe’ which gives priority to the needs of working people and their families is possible on the basis of the fundamental treaties of the EU which promote freedom for capital and monetarist financial policies. Conference notes that the European Directive on Services was adopted at the end of […]

The Comprehensive Spending Review and Efficiency

This Conference notes that the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) being conducted by the Chancellor will set the UK Government’s spending priorities up to 2011 and that it is perfectly possible to combine sound management of the economy with ample provision of high-standard public services. Already we know we face a tougher spending environment than previously, […]

Free Travel Pass

Conference believes that the provision of free travel is beneficial to the health and well-being of people over 60, and greatly enhances their quality of life. The government included in the 2005 budget, the introduction of free local bus travel for pensioners in April 2006. However, implementation has been costly and complicated. There have been […]

Trident

Conference, recognising current UNISON policy is firmly in favour of nuclear disarmament, is appalled by the intention of the United Kingdom (UK) government to replace the Trident nuclear weapon system. Conference recognises that the vote taken in the Westminster Parliament on 14 March does not signify the end of the process to replace Trident, with […]

Housing

Conference continues to be concerned at the growing housing crisis. The housing market is now such that in many areas home ownership is not an option for many of our members. Even “key worker” housing schemes are becoming unaffordable for the very key workers they were set up to help. Currently there are three million […]

Save Our Services

Conference notes with deep concern the government’s continuing commitment to the private provision of public services. In every part of the public sector from schools and hospitals to housing and benefits the government is pushing ahead with privatisation and outsourcing. In the National Health Service (NHS), the government appears committed to privatisation by stealth. At […]

Arms Trade

Conference notes that a survey undertaken by Campaign Against Arms Trade in 2006 revealed that the 99 United Kingdom (UK) local authority pension funds invested at least £723 million in the world’s eleven largest military-producing companies and the UK’s five largest weapons manufacturers. A number of these pension funds also held additional investments in pooled […]

Local Government Pension Scheme

This Conference congratulates the Local Government Service Group Executive on the work it has undertaken to protect local government workers pensions. We especially applaud the work of the UNISON negotiating team for their diligence in ensuring, wherever possible, equality for all participants. Our pension’s campaign is also concerned with the rights of disabled people; disabled […]

Local Government Pension Scheme

This Special Conference believes that the current package of proposals for the new LGPS represents substantial improvements in benefits for all UNISON members and their families, namely: ·The retention of a final salary scheme ·1/60 accrual rate ·A more flexible definition for period for pensionable pay ·Improved early retirement factors ·Pensions for unmarried partners ·Increased […]