Update from Johanna Baxter, Head of Local Government for UNISON Scotland who sits on the Scottish Workforce Advisory Group and Mark Ferguson, Chair of Scotland’s Local Government Committee.
UNISON Scotland and the branch thanks all our members for everything you are doing to help keep our communities safe and services running at this critical time. You are the best of us.
We understand the pressure you are under and want to assure you that your union is doing everything we can to protect your safety and that of those you serve.
We know that you have many questions about how the current crisis is, or might, impact on your working life. We have worked hard to get answers to those questions and have sought many protections for you from the employers.
We are pleased that we have been able to draw up a joint Frequently Asked Questions document with COSLA that sets out what these protections are and how you can expect your employer to act in these difficult times.
You can access this FAQ document here:
www.cosla.gov.uk/news/2020/03/covid-19-employee-faqs
Branch secretary, Inez Kirk saod, “We know that this won’t cover every eventuality or prevent rogue managers from acting out-with these guidelines but we hope it will help alleviate some initial pressures.
“Where you are experiencing particular issues locally please do let us know so we can take them up with your employer directly – we are in regular dialogue with COSLA and your own local authority.
“We have already taken up issues for our members in the Community and Voluntary sector where it is coming to our attention that employers are putting pressure on staff to attend work against UK and Scottish guidance.”
If you are experiencing problems, please contact the branch in the first instance on 01224 620624 or e-mail UNISON Scotland on membershipassistancescotland@unison.co.uk.
The Fair Pay for Scottish Council Workers gives regular updates.
Stay safe and well.