Pensions ballot - come and hear the facts

The branch has set up meetings on 15 and 29 October for members to get the facts about the pensions ballot starting on 16 October. UNISON is recommending you accept the new Local Government Pension Scheme proposals.

Tuesday 15 Oct 5pm - 7pm European Room
Tuesday 29 Oct 6pm - 8pm Business Centre
both at City Chambers, High Street, Edinburgh

Eric MacLennan, branch pensions champion, and senior branch officers will be at the meetings to explain the proposals for the new 2015 scheme and the negotiations that led up to them.

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

Each member will get a ballot paper with a recommendation that they vote to Accept the current proposals. There will also be an explanatory leaflet that outlines the proposals. A copy of the leaflet is on the website at www.unison-edinburgh.org.uk along with the draft Heads of Agreement and other materials.

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/

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/

Vote Yes to protect your pension

Papers will be out soon for the pensions ballot. Vote YES – you can’t afford to do anything else. More details at http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/pensions/index.html

New branch magazine out now

Covering privatisation, pensions, appeals, new social work guide and March 26 rally report, look out for your June UNISONNews or see it online at http://www.unison-edinburgh.org.uk/un/index.html

Check out the website for full details http://www.unison-edinburgh.org.uk/