The branch has today, 30th March 2020, sent out this Press Release.
Aberdeenshire UNISON thanks members for providing essential services to our community during the Covid-19 crisis.
Aberdeenshire UNISON has thanked our members working for Aberdeenshire Council, for the Health and Social Care Partnership and for the community and voluntary sector for continuing to provide vital services during this difficult time.
A great number of our members are working from home. They continue to provide essential services by telephone and through email and social media by updating information, dealing with crisis loan calls, the coordination of home care services and much more.
We pay particular tribute to those of our members who are still out working in the community, on the frontline, providing care at home services, residential services, childcare and environmental services against a backdrop of increased demands during these unprecedented times.
Whilst our members in the NHS figure prominently in the media and we recognise their immense contribution, the key role of our local government and voluntary sector workers must not be forgotten.
Inez Kirk, Branch Secretary said, “In these unprecedented times and against a backdrop of ten years of austerity cuts to jobs and services, I cannot thank our members enough for the work they are doing.
“Many of these essential staff are amongst the lowest paid in the workforce yet despite this they are the most dedicated and resilient.
“UNISON has been working with Aberdeenshire Council and many local voluntary and third sector employers to ensure that our members are properly informed and equipped to carry out this vital work.
“UNISON Scotland has been in daily contact with COSLA (Convention of Scottish Local Authorities) and the Scottish Government to ensure that services continue to be delivered against a backdrop of shortages of staff, lack of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and increased demand from the public.
“I want to recognise our care at home and residential care staff who are on the frontline caring for some of our most vulnerable members of the community. Their work is vital to ease pressure on our already stretched NHS.”
The UNISON Resource Centre in Aberdeen has closed its doors to the public until further notice but activists and staff continue their work supporting members from home.
Updates on Covid-19 and members rights at work during this time can be found on our branch website at http://aberdeenshireunison.org/
Members can continue to contact us in the usual way and we will continue to respond to all requests for assistance.
ENDS