Solidarity with local government and schools strikers

#J10strike A great speech by UNISON's Sue Glithero in Manchester today outlines why our colleagues in England, Northern Ireland and Wales have been on strike today. She said: "We are the 600 different job types in local government and school support providing cradle to grave services - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Often unseen. But increasingly doing far, far more work to plug the growing holes. For much, much less reward.

"We are also the lowest paid workers in the entire public sector. That’s who we are.

"We are proud of our jobs. Proud of our public services. And we are proud of our union and our sister unions for taking a stand on low pay."

Read her full speech at http://unisonactive.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/we-are-long-overdue-fair-pay-rise-and.html

Scottish Local Government branch secretaries will meet on 24 July to plan th next steps afer a big majority vote by Scottish members for an action ballot.

Support Higher Education workers on pay strike

Join the strike rally at Bristo Square today 12.00. A UNISON, UCU and Unite rally will take place at Bristo Square, Edinburgh today (31 October) from 12.00 - 13.00. Get along and support our colleagues if you can. This will begin a day of action by unions representing all sectors of the higher education workforce It’s not action that’s being taken lightly but following a 13% decrease in the value of pay over the last four years. the workforce serving our students have had enough. Pay should be at a level which attracts and maintains a happy and motivated workforce. Instead staff are being asked to do more and take home less and less to their families year after year. See more at http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/news/2013/sepoct/1030b.htm

Thanks to all Edinburgh Council members for a great day

The turnout to fight for fair pensions exceeded expectations and branch members joined 10,000 other trade unionists for a massive rally in Edinburgh (see http://unisonedinburgh.blogspot.com/2011/11/bick-you-have-legal-right-and-moral.html) A big thankyou to the pickets who turned out from the wee small hours and throughout the day to show a union presence. Polls now show great public support and we are sure that any member who was unsure about the action will now be convinced of the justice of our case. Every day we need to challenge the myths and lies of the Government on this issue. For the ammunition to do that see http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/pensions/index.html
Check out the website for moredetails http://www.unison-edinburgh.org.uk/

Strike day photos now on website

Strike day photos are now on the UNISON Edinburgh website and Picasa. See http://www.unison-edinburgh.org.uk/n30/index.html

Bick: You have a legal right and moral duty to stand up to bullies

Upwards of 10,000 public service workers were treated to a barnstorming performance by Rodney Bickerstaffe today outside the Scottish Parliament. Reaching out to the young people on the rally, he was cheered as he urged them, “You wonderful young people, you have a legal right and a moral duty to stand up to bullies and diktat or they will walk all over you”.

50,000 on strike in Edinburgh and Lothians

A cold wet morning on the picket line but we're not alone by any means. STV reports that 50,000 will be on strike in Edinburgh and Lothians. #unisonscotn30
Check out the website for full details http://www.unison-edinburgh.org.uk/