UNISON vows greater support for private sector members

UNISON is fine-tuning its response to the growing back-door privatisation of public services. The union will continue to campaign against outsourcing, while also addressing the needs of its members – existing and new – who suddenly find themselves working for private companies. Activists attending the National Delegate Conference in Brighton last week heard that those working for private contractors are the fastest growing group of UNISON members. In 2017 over 30% of new members recruited by UNISON worked work for private or community employers. Many of these members face zero-hours contracts and the minimum wage, while their bosses often refuse to recognise the union. In social care, 81% of people in England work for a private company. English NHS trusts and local authorities increasingly regard wholly owned subsidiaries as a way of outsourcing cuts. Richard Kennedy of the Private Contractors National Forum told delegates that many private sector members were struggling, trying to give their best in the face of appalling pay and conditions. Mr Kennedy said that the recent collapse of construction company and outsourcing giant Carillion “showed the risks of putting important services in the hands of such companies.” He further noted that UNISON had “stepped in immediately to protect workers”, sending an important message to members and potential members that “UNISON is there to support you and will not give up fighting for a better deal for you. You are not alon...
Source: UNISON meat hygiene - Category: Food Science Authors: Tags: Article News 2018 National Delegate Conference community fighting cuts and privatisation in the NHS private contractors Source Type: news