Scottish Activist summer 2010 Issue 18
In print and online, Scottish Activist is a quarterly resource for activists in Scotland to help us organise, campaign and represent our members effectively.
If you are an active member of our union in Scotland – as a distributor of PCS mail, a workplace rep, a national executive member, or in any other capacity – you should receive a copy.
Got a story?
To share your stories about campaigning and organising in the workplace in Scotland, or to suggest ideas for articles, contact:
Cheryl Gedling, Scottish Activist editor
email: cheryl.gedling@pcs.org.uk
Telephone: 0131 556 0407
Latest Articles
- Fight the cuts- build the Union
- Who owns Scotland?
- Put the politics into PCS – how you made YOUR vote count in the general election
- MYVC – the campaign continues
- Election analysis - where did all the women go?
- Stunning court victory on the compensation scheme
- Ken Brown Awarded Honorary Life Membership
- Scottish Parliament Budget Cuts
- PCS Scotland Learning – Skills for Life
- Moving Skills Forward
- PCS learners in the Parliament
- Edinburgh People’s Festival
- PCS at the STUC
- Encouraging equality and addressing under-representation
- Edinburgh people's festival throws down the gauntlet
Fight the cuts – build the union
May 2010 will be remembered in years to come as a month of significance for the British trade union movement – the election outcome, industrial relations conducted through the courts, the privatisation of Royal Mail, and the hypocrisy of pay freezes for the workers and bonuses as usual for those at the top.
The election of a Tory-Liberal coalition government that finds within its first two weeks £6 billion cuts in public services is chilling in the extreme for our members in UK departments.
It is a cold comfort to members working within Scottish devolved departments that the budget for 2010 agreed by the Scottish Parliament will not be affected, but this only stores up double devastation to Scottish public services in 2011.
Our judicial review victory quashing the CSCS changes by the previous government gave a tremendous boost to members who had fought tirelessly through industrial and political action to oppose the slashing of accrued redundancy rights.
Whilst the outcome has proven that it was illegal for the previous government to impose the changes without the agreement of PCS, a massive challenge lies ahead for our national negotiators to achieve a positive outcome from the new government, whose stated intention is to reduce civil service redundancy compensation to that of the private sector.
Policy agreed at annual delegate conference gives the NEC a clear direction for taking the campaign forward in which we all have a part to play.
In Scotland, PCS stands in good stead with other public sector trade unions and we will be required to show greater solidarity and resolve in the movement to fight together in the months and years ahead as both public and private sector workers brace themselves for attacks from the most anti-trade union government in a generation.
Make Your Vote Count in the run up to the UK elections demonstrated that political pressure can make all the difference.
We need to hold those newly elected Scottish MPs to account, but also we must build now towards the May 2011 Scottish Parliament elections.
This summer will see a number of organisational changes taking place in PCS Scotland – a review of the union’s accommodation on which branches will be consulted; the development of a PCS Scotland plan; and a reorganising of responsibilities of our full time officers.
These measures along with the development of the NEC subcommittee on devolved administrations are set to strengthen our union so that our structures and resources – material, lay and full-time are fit for the future challenges ahead. We must be ready to fight the cuts and build the union.
Who owns Scotland?
Land magazine ran a competition last year to show on a map for the public who owns Britain, with some very interesting results. So just who does own Scotland?
The Forestry Commission and the RSPB aren’t a surprise, but four Dukes and a Sultan own a hefty chunk of Scotland between them, and as for Terry Wogan and Cliff Richard – who would have thought it!
Put the politics into PCS – how you made YOUR vote count in the general election
For the first time, PCS ran the Make Your Vote Count Campaign (MYVC) for a general election. Activity in April and May was intense, and we now have 40 Branch co-ordinators representing 34 of 89 branches across Scotland.
All e-action responses received from candidates on the 5 PCS pledges were uploaded onto the PCS Scotland website for members to access prior to 6 May, and details of the new MPs in every constituency are now available on the website.
PCS members organised or helped to co-ordinate seven candidate question time (CQT) events across Scotland. Most candidates did attend these (often after much chasing up), and we accepted substitutes where candidates weren’t available.
Of the major parties, the Labour candidates were least likely to attend. Although member/public attendances varied, all CQTs were well-received, with positive feedback from those who were able to go along.
PCS will also be represented at a major seminar on voter turnout in the Scottish Parliament's debating chamber, organised jointly by the Scottish Parliament’s Local Government and Communities Committee and the Scottish Government.
As one of only two Unions to be invited, (along with UNISON), this is testament to the high profile of MYVC in Scotland.
A key difference this time is that MYVC didn’t finish with the election of a government at Westminster, but now enters a new phase when we systematically hold the MPs we elected to account on the issues that matter to PCS.
To deliver this effectively we need a co-ordinator in each Branch. If your branch doesn’t have a co-ordinator please consider appointing one NOW.
For more advice about the MYVC campaign please contact Cheryl Gedling, the co-ordinator for Scotland at cherylg@pcs.org.uk
The election is over - our political campaigning continues
We have already had a taste of things to come with the announcement of £6.2 billion additional savings to be made this year across UK departments.
The decision in Scotland to defer cuts until next year is nothing more than a stay of execution as devolved administration are being asked to cut a further £704 million, of which Scotland’s share is around £326 million.
Key decisions were taken at annual delegate conference about uniting with other Unions and community groups to fight the cuts we face, and the importance of campaigning politically as well as industrially.
One thing that was obvious from the would-be MPs responses to our five MYVC pledges was that voters had very little real choice in the face of the main parties’ political consensus about public sector cuts.
Motion 40 passed at conference took PCS one step closer to supporting or standing trade union candidates in elections, building on work over the last few years to challenge election candidates about where they stand on issues including protecting jobs, pay, pensions and public services.
Members will be consulted on further proposals over the coming months.
Election analysis - where did all the women go?
It’s generally agreed that women virtually disappeared from the general election campaign (except, that is, for the wives of the main party leaders).
The election of 139 women MPs is a record number and an increase of 11 up from 2005, but the UK compares badly with the German, Dutch and Swedish parliaments at 33%, 42%, and 46% respectively.
Campaigners for greater gender balance still believe the proportion is too small, and many believe that a move to a proportional representation (PR) voting system is needed to deliver a fairer gender balance in our Westminster parliament.
PCS policy, from annual delegate conference 2008, is to campaign for fairer, more proportional voting systems in council and parliamentary elections.
A commitment to equality was one of the fundamental principles when the Scottish Parliament and the National Assembly for Wales were founded.
From a high point 10 years ago, the number of women elected to the Scottish Parliament has dropped, and there are fears this will be even worse in next year’s elections.
A recent report “Has Devolution delivered for Women” published jointly by the Hansard Society and the British Council Scotland analyses the possible reasons for this, and challenges us to think about women’s representation in politics and how this can be improved for the benefit of all.
For more information visit the Hansard Society website.
Stunning court victory on the compensation scheme
The compensation scheme campaign continued into May with regional activist forums being held across the UK. The well attended event in Scotland on 5 May was followed by a PCS battle-bus tour of key offices in Glasgow including DWP, DVLA, Scottish Government, MoD and HMRC.
On 10 May the High Court in London ruled that the previous government had acted unlawfully when it introduced a new scheme. This is undoubtedly a great victory for members, and we now need to keep up the pressure to defend the scheme.
Speaking at annual delegate conference in May, Deputy General Secretary Hugh Lanning said “We are calling for a fair scheme for all civil servants that covers all PCS members, all civil servants and is not age discriminatory.
It must protect the value of people’s accrued rights. This victory shows that our approach of taking legal, industrial and political action remains the right one.”
At the time of writing, a further hearing before the judge on the quashing order will take place on 9 June.
In advance of this, the Cabinet Office was forced to concede that the new CSCS terms imposed on 1 April are not to be used in any form.
Our task now is to ensure the legal victory is turned into a negotiated settlement. Our campaign will continue until we secure an agreement that gives all PCS members the fair treatment they deserve.
Ken Brown Awarded Honorary Life Membership
Scottish Courts Service branch secretary Ken Brown has become the latest PCS representative to be awarded PCS Honorary Life Membership by the NEC.
Following a lengthy illness Ken retired early from the Scottish Courts Service in April this year. Ken was presented with his award at a function to mark his retirement.
Ken has been a committed trade union activist since joining the Scottish Court Service some 42 years ago, becoming CPSA Branch Secretary at the age of 19.
Since then Ken has served continuously on the BEC of PCS and its predecessor unions in various capacities latterly as Branch Secretary for the past 10 years.
As well as being an influential and pragmatic leader of the PCS at local level he has also operated at national level as a past member of the PCS Scotland Committee and the Public Sector Group Executive Committee.
Over a long period Ken has developed a strong working relationship with the Scottish Courts Service management based on trust and respect.
This has not always been easy, and Ken has skillfully balanced being a strong advocate for the rights of his members while ensuring good relationships are fostered.
Branch Chair Eddie Burrows said “In his lengthy service to the branch Ken has supported many members when they have had difficult issues to deal with and used his experience to encourage the development of many policies and agreements.
He has also encouraged others to take up the role of branch representative and has been an excellent role model”.
Modest as ever Ken expressed his surprise and honour at receiving the award from his union.
Lynn Henderson Scottish secretary said “PCS is built on the commitment and effort of dedicated activists like Ken Brown who are prepared to stand up for colleagues at work.
Ken’s wide knowledge and experience have been an asset to his branch and to PCS in general. He will be sorely missed as will his ready wit and commitment to Trade Unionism”.
Scottish Parliament Budget Cuts
For the first time in the 11 year history of the Scottish Parliament, PCS members joined colleagues across the country in strike action over changes to the Civil Service Compensation Scheme.
Little did they know that only a matter of a few weeks later an announcement by the Parliament could leave them facing the prospect of redundancy.
The Scottish Parliament announced that the overall budget would be cut by 15% in real terms over the next three years. Whilst this amount is bad enough, PCS is concerned that the impact on staff will be even greater. Staff salaries account for around 30% of the total budget, but is still less than the total costs for MSP salaries, allowances and office costs.
Given that the number of MSPs will not change, the union is worried that the burden of the cuts will be forced on staff.
The union will be doing everything to protect the jobs of members but will also be mindful of any attempts to diminish the commitment to the open and transparent parliament we helped to deliver.
At times like this employers look at protecting only core services but in Scotland’s Parliament core values must be maintained.
In addition to talks with management PCS shall also be meeting political leaders to explain that if cuts of 15% or more are forced on staff then the service they rightly expect cannot be delivered.
We are not just fighting for jobs, but for high quality public services.
The Scottish Parliament’s running costs are taken from the block grant from Westminster to Scotland. Scottish Ministers have no say over the budget or staff of the parliament.
However it also means parliament staff are not protected by the Scottish Government’s guarantee of no compulsory redundancy or the Cabinet Office protocols.
The fight to protect the compensation scheme is vital for all members but is a stark reminder to our members in the Scottish Parliament that the need for the scheme has never been greater.
Skills for Life
PCS has been working closely with DWP and HMRC management in addressing the literacy and numeracy needs of staff within the two departments.
The Skills for Life programme is a major undertaking on a scale that has been unprecedented in terms of a union-led learning initiative in partnership with government departments.
The pilot phase of the PCS Scotland Skills for Life programme was deemed essential to serve as a platform to raise potential issues and determine resolutions for the benefit of future roll out.
An evaluation of the processes involved in the initial phase of the Skills for Life programme in Scotland has now been concluded and was presented to PCS Learning Reps and management from government employers in an event held on 13 May 2010 in the City Halls, Glasgow.
The evaluation should now serve as good practice for roll out in other workplaces and departments. The PCS Skills for Life evaluation publication is now available electronically from PCS Scotland Education and Learning staff and accessible online on the PCS Scotland website’s learning pages.
PCS learners in the Parliament
PCS members Donna Brady and Graham Cross represented the union by speaking to MSPs and Parliament Staff at an event in Holyrood as part of Adult Learners’ Week.
The members shared their experience of studying union funded courses in HMRC Grayfield House, Edinburgh.
The Scottish Union Learning event showcased the important role trade unions play in delivering workplace learning across Scotland helping to highlight the case for union learning and future funding.
Moving Skills Forward
PCS now have in place three seconded PCS Learning Organisers covering DWP, HMRC and the Highlands & Islands.
Each Learning Organiser will seek to support front line activists in the roll out of the Skills for Life programme in Scotland and plan to visit all Branches in the coming months.
In addition, a day to day Union Learning Rep Guide is now available from the PCS Learning Team as a support tool for front line reps moving the Skills for Life agenda with clear guidance on moving business such as local skills screening sessions and organising workplace learning events.
The PCS delegation to congress in Dundee was made up of President Janice Godrich, Assistant General Secretary Chris Baugh, PCS Scottish Secretary, Lynn Henderson, NEC members and conference-elected delegates from branches across Scotland, with delegates speaking in debates on the Scottish economy; civil service compensation scheme; racism, fascism and Islamophobia and violence against workers. The delegation agreed to submit an emergency motion on 15% cuts in the Scottish Parliament’s Budget which were announced on the Thursday preceding conference. This was overwhelmingly carried.
PCS sponsored the Unions into Schools lunchtime fringe meeting which was addressed by pupils from several Scottish secondary schools, and a number of PCS reps that are trained school visitors participated. The delegation met with local PCS reps from Dundee during congress.
There was more good news for PCS at the STUC as NEC member and Scottish Government group president Joy Dunn has been elected president for 2010. Sian Wiblin will also be elected president of the Wales TUC, giving PCS women a high profile in the devolved adminstrations.
Joy will serve for a year in this key role in the Scottish trade union movement, chairing the monthly STUC general council sessions, leading bilateral delegations to meet Scottish and UK ministers and addressing each of the STUC’s equality conferences throughout the year.
Encouraging equality and addressing under-representation
PCS Scotland has taken considerable strides to firmly establish equality networks into our union structure. Not only do these networks provide a valuable forum for PCS members from key under-represented groups to meet but they also provide an avenue into union activism for many individuals that may otherwise miss that opportunity.
The Young Members network and the Black Members network have grown considerably in both numbers and member involvement over the last 12 months. Scotland-wide meetings of both Networks are taking place in June (reports in the next edition).
We are now working hard to establish Networks for Women and Disabled Members. Please contact jude@pcs.org.uk or the Edinburgh PCS office if you would like more information regarding any of the networks.
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Edinburgh People’s Festival throws down the gauntlet
Most people have heard of the Edinburgh Festival. Some might even know it’s the biggest arts celebration in the world, but how many are aware of its political origins?
Established by the 1945 Labour Government, the Edinburgh Festival was designed to raise people’s spirits after the brutality and deprivation of WW2. The decision to launch the festival was controversial.
Many felt the government had far more pressing priorities, like housing, healthcare, jobs and feeding the nation. But Prime Minister Clement Attlee insisted the country deserved ‘bread and circuses’, to nourish the stomach and the soul.
In 1946 the Edinburgh International Festival opened. So far so good.
The problem was the arrangements were put in the hands of Hamish Henderson, the great working class intellectual, poet and songwriter, described as ‘the Edinburgoisie’. The programme consisted of classical music, opera, ballet and fine art.
By 1951 a fierce debate raged about the failure to cater for the cultural needs of working people. So Henderson, together with the radical theatre director Joan Littlewood, folk singer Ewan McColl, playwright Joe Corrie, poet Hugh Mcdiarmid and activists Norman and Janey Buchan decided to launch the Edinburgh People’s Festival.
In effect they ‘threw down the gauntlet’ to the official festival and charged it with failing to cater for working people.
The People’s Festival was astonishing success and completely changed the character of the Edinburgh Festival. Between 1951-54 docker’s families from Leith and miners families from the pit villages were amongst hundreds treated to concerts, plays, ceilidhs and pageants, all at prices everyone could afford.
Sadly the People’s Festival fell victim to the anti-communist hysteria of McCarthyism rampant by 1954. Nonetheless it is widely regarded as ‘the mother of the Fringe’.
In 2002 Hamish Henderson died. A group of like-minded people decided to present a one off, one night tribute to his life and work.
The Jack Kane Centre in Craigmillar, Edinburgh was packed to the rafters that balmy August night for the opening of the People’s Festival 2.
Such was the success of that fabulous gala evening the People’s Festival has continued for 8 years and grown into one of the most important radical arts groups in the city.
The People’s festival are about to launch their most ambitious project yet. Their ‘Progressive Ideas Forum’ aims to bring the world’s most prominent radicals to the city to speak on the important issues facing humankind today.
The hope is that Edinburgh, once the centre of ‘the Scottish Enlightenment’, will again become a crucible for radical thinking.
Five years ago Noam Chomsky, the renowned critic of US Imperialism came over and spoke to 2,500 people in Edinburgh’s McEwan Hall. This remarkable occasion highlights the huge potential there is for such events.
The People’s Festival organisers hope to persuade people like Naomi Klein, Arundhati Roy, Malalai Joya, Benjamin Zephaniah and Michael Moore to come and join them.
They have asked unions in Scotland to support this tremendous initiative, and the PCS Scotland Committee has agreed to do so.
Further details of the ‘Progressive Ideas Forum’ will be available soon at the Edinburgh peoples festival website.
Scottish activist pdf
This edition of Scottish Activist is also available to download as pdf.
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