PUBLIC WORKS: Quality Public Services are a true measure of a civilised society

In a speech to an SNP Conference fringe, UNISON Scotland Convener Mike Kirby looks at the history of public provision and slams trusts and outsourcing as a forerunner for privatisation and an attack on jobs, terms and conditions and pensions. In a call for valued, accountable and quality services, he asks why, if other countries can fend off possible accusations on unfair state aid to services, why can't we?

Private hospitals feather bedded by Government’s NHS ‘choice’ reforms

UNISON has consistently opposed the extension of private health care provision as inefficient, leading to higher costs and undermining the principle of equal access for all in need. Now analysts say private hospitals "can turn the tap on and off at will for NHS patients"
http://www.unison.co.uk/asppresspack/pressrelease_view.asp?id=912

New South Wales - unions in campaigning alliance for public services‏

In the Australian state of New South Wales there is a hugely impressive joint union campaign for jobs and public services. The web site is packed with information and campaign resources across all public services. “With the Better Services campaign, public sector workers are calling on our leaders to invest in better services. If our essential services work better, we will have a better state. Stand up for investment in NSW jobs and services.” http://www.betterstate.org.au/

Leeds refuse collectors strike set to enter 9th week of continuous action‏

The strike by 600 refuse collectors (members of GMB & UNISON) in Leeds City Council remains deadlocked as it enters its ninth week of continuous action. The local press reports that temporary refuse workers are being recruited by Leeds City Council via its website.
http://www.wetherbynews.co.uk/wetherby/Strikes-continue-as-council-advertises.5778412.jp

In the Sorting Office

In London Review of Books, a postal worker lifts the lid on how the Royal Mail is run and questions whether it is being deliberately run into the ground to soften it up for privatisation. An interesting insight into incompetence at the top. Response to Roy Mayall's article in LRB. See also UNISONActive 25 October.

Argentina: 50,000 health workers strike

The PSI website is reporting that on Wednesday of this week 50 000 health workers staged a strike against proposed cuts in Argentina's 2010 national health budget.
http://www.world-psi.org/Template.cfm?Section=Home&CONTENTID=23730&TEMPLATE=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm

UN Vote Condemns US Embargo on Cuba‏

The U.N. General Assembly on Wednesday overwhelmingly condemned the 47-year U.S. trade embargo on Cuba. CBS reports that ‘this year's vote was 187-3 in opposition to the embargo, with only Israel and the tiny Pacific island nation of Palau supporting the United States — just as they did last year. It was the 19th year in a row that the General Assembly has taken up the symbolic measure, with Washington steadily losing what little support it once had’. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/10/28/world/main5436488.shtml

Response to 'being realistic in struggle'

Reading the Gregor Gall article reminded me of this year's important update of UNISON's industrial action handbook which includes:

UNISON Active Exclusive: Strikebreakers TNT touting for Royal Mail work - Fortress Wapping re-visited‏

See below a TNT circular to customers in the English regions making it clear that picket lines will be disregarded and that they are hand in glove with Royal Mail bosses. No surprise given that company's previous involvement in a high stake strike. http://eastlondonhistory.com/fortress-wapping/

Being realistic in struggle‏

In today’s Morning Star Gregor Gall reflects on the Vestas jobs fight on the Isle of Wight and argues for ‘rigorous and grounded assessments’ when making the case for trade union action. http://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/index.php/news/features/Being-realistic-in-struggle This is sound advice for union activists and emphasises the importance of industrial struggle.