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News - to Nov 04
The
WIC and operating efficiency - want to comment?
European
Health and Safety Week 2004
Unison
meet the Labour MSP trade union group
Water
quality and staffing levels
Legal
Assistance for Members
Local Health
& Safety reps
Retired Members
Conference
older stuff
September
June May April
index of older items
The WIC and
operating efficiency - want to comment?
Regulating the Scottish water industry: The scope for
operating cost efficiency
Following criticism of the lack of
transparency in the last charges review the WIC now appears to be using
a new tactic of bombarding everyone with a mountain of papers!
The full consultation document "Our Work
in regulating the Scottish water industry: The scope for operating cost
efficiency ". (for those having difficulty sleeping!) is available at
the following link:
http://www.watercommissioner.co.uk/SRC_2006-2010/scopeforoperatingcostefficiency.asp
An executive summary which by comparison is a modest
21 pages (recommended!) can also be obtained via the above link.
This is the fourth in a series of five
information and consultation documents, which
they are publishing between July and November this year.
This volume covers : how the regulatory
regime can create incentives to improve performance; how they propose
to decide on the level of operating costs that Scottish Water should be
allowed to incur; and how best to ensure that
customers receive an appropriate level of service.
They are seeking views by by 5 November
2004.
Obviously the cost regime will have a
significant impact on both job security and pay as it sets Scottish
Water's financial envelope. You might want to look at the employee
incentive section in particular. The section on PPP costs is
interesting as the WIC is recommending bringing the operation in-house!
Please send any comments to Branch
Secretary Stephan
Walker as soon as possible.
Unison will be making a detailed response to the
consultation - so check this web page after 5th November!
Dave Watson
Scottish Organiser
(Utilities)
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European Health and Safety Week 2004
18TH-24TH OCTOBER 2004
Once again October is on
us and countries within the EU will be participating in the 2004
European Week for Health and Safety. The Week takes place every year,
and whilst it’s focus changes, it’s aim remains to raise
awareness and promote activities to make the workplace a safer and
healthier place to be.
Earlier this year Scottish Water received a National award for the work
done during last year's H&S week to promote COSHH. This was a
terrific achievement and is something which can be built upon this year.
The focus this year is construction with the theme “Building in
Safety”. As with previous events, Unison has a National
Inspection Day on the Wednesday of the week, which encourages safety
reps to carry out a workplace inspection in relation to the
week’s theme.
We would hope to have all our safety reps – and even members in
SWS who have responsibilities for H&S through CDM and construction
contracts – participate by carrying out inspections.
Scottish Water has a working group building up a programme for the
week. Unison – through our H&S Officer Andy Nisbet –
will be actively participating in this group to promote good practice
and awareness.
Remember, research has shown that safety reps are the biggest influence
on health and safety, and workplaces that have active safety reps are
twice as safe as those that don’t. Look out for publicity
material on your notice boards soon.
Don’t worry if you
can’t do an inspection on the day – it’s more
important to make sure we plan to get one done soon and make everyone
aware of the need to take health & safety seriously. Also remember
that this years topic is dangerous substances - nearly all of us no
matter where we work come across materials and situations that could do
with improvements. – So all members - have a think about it and
contact your rep. or Andy Nisbet for advice on how to get an inspection
done at your work place.
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Unison meet the Labour MSP trade union group
Unison's Dave Watson
met the Labour MSP trade union group on the 6th October. One of the
agenda items was the water industry. The key points Dave made are set
out below and may be helpful in other arenas.
SPLTUG - 6
October 2004
Scottish Water Industry
Key Points
- STUC Water
Charter launched.
- Successful conference and
useful ongoing dialogue.
- Build on campaign
initiatives
- Investing in Water Services.
- Support consultation paper
conclusions.
- Helps stakeholders to
understand the scale of investment required (1bn+ p.a.).
- Capacity of construction
industry? Rising costs and skills. Loss of in house skills.
- PFI followed by broader
PPPs. Gradual privatisation.
- Not a competition between
development constraints and environment. Environmental improvements and
maintenance mandatory.
- Paying for Water Services
- Largely by water charge
payers.
- Alleviated slightly by
developers costs, sensible treatment of debt, some public policy
funding.
- Pressure will come for
Executive funding.
- Substantial efficiency
savings achieved at speed. Next stage more difficult.
- Structural changes no
solution. Cost of private borrowing and profit.
- Water Services Bill
- Welcome replacing WIC with
Commission. Membership & function important.
- Appeal to Competition
Commission passing devolved issues to London.
- Cannot replicate private
utilities regulatory structure without cost and loss of accountability.
- Support prohibition of
household competition and common carriage. Cherry picking and public
health grounds.
- Do not support
non-household competition. Cost of business separation, switching,
cherry-picking etc. leaving SW as supplier of last resort including bad
debt.
- If happens accurate
financial split essential. WICs figures on size of retail operation and
efficiency savings are misleading parliament.
Dave Watson Scottish Organiser
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Water quality and staffing levels
This is the minister's spin
on the Regulator's report. Not surprisingly he does not mention the
regulator's criticism of inadequate staffing levels!
Our press release last week did. Plus drew attention to regulatory
conflict between the financial efficiency savings required by the
economic regulator and quality standards required by this regulator.
Drinking Water Quality annual report
11/10/2004
The annual report of the Drinking Water Quality Regulator, published
today, highlights improvement in microbiological standards but also
shows a slight increase in the number of failures for non-health
related factors such as mild discolouration.
It raises concerns over a shortfall in the number of tests that
Scottish Water is obliged to carry out. This shortfall does not
undermine the findings of the report or impact on human health.
Environment Minister Ross Finnie said:
"The Executive wants to see an efficient and effective publicly owned
water industry that delivers high quality drinking water and protects
the environment.
"This report shows that Scotland's water industry is making progress in
raising standards and the water in our taps is clean and healthy.
"We are concerned about the criticism that the regulator makes over
Scottish Water's failure to carry out the statutory sampling regime.
This is unacceptable.
"We look to the company to take action to address this and ensure that
the regulatory requirements are met in future. We look to the regulator
to ensure Scottish Water meets its obligations."
The 2003 report shows:
1. An improvement in microbiological standards. Down from 204 failures
in levels of coliforms to 135 in the same period
2. An increase in the number of failures from 0.76 to 0.83 due to
colour and iron and had no significance for public health
3. Failures due to trace amounts of faecal coliform also decreased from
30 in 2002 to 24 in 2003
4. The number of failures due to trihalomethane (THM) also decreased
The annual report is the 14th in a series since 1990 and is the second
to be published by the Drinking Water Quality Regulator since his
appointment in April 2002 under the Water Industry (Scotland) Act 2002.
It provides a national overview of drinking water quality in Scotland
together with a record of the quality of drinking water supplied within
each local authority area.
An assessment of the level of compliance during 2003 with the water
quality regulations is made and, where appropriate, this is compared
with the performance in previous years.
Discoloured tap water experienced in many parts of Scotland was due to
exceptionally high rainfall causing landslides or washing materials
into the lochs and reservoirs from which drinking water is obtained.
In all cases Scottish Water went to great lengths to ensure that proper
disinfection was maintained and that there was no danger to public
health.
Dave Watson - Unison's Scottish Organiser
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Local Health & Safety reps
An up to date list of Health and Safety Representatives has recently
been compiled.
It's Unison's policy that all workplace reps can be approached
for H&S advice but Unison also encourages members who are
interested in H&S but don't want to get involved with other issues
to become Health and Safety Representatives.
Unison arranges full training for Health and Safety Representatives so
if you don't have a local rep and are interested please contact Andy Nisbet the Branch Health & Safety
Officer for details
Full list of Local Health & Safety reps
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Legal
Assistance for Members
Unison’s Legal
department receives many claims for assistance from members pursuing
personal injury claims against their employer, etc. Quite often, the
first the Branch gets to hear of any claim is when the forms are sent
from Legal to be signed off by the Branch Secretary.
None of the recent claims submitted by our members against Scottish
Water had been notified to any Branch Officer or safety rep prior to
submission. This has led to delays in the process whilst our legal
section acquire the necessary supporting information.
If you have been injured at work, and you are thinking of pursuing a
personal injury claim against Scottish Water, it is vital that you make
contact with the Branch. Our stewards and safety reps are trained and
can advise you on whether or not you have a valid claim; provide
assistance in completing the forms; and represent you in any
proceedings with Scottish Water.
Our safety reps also have legal rights to investigate workplace
accidents, carry out workplace inspections, and access information held
by Scottish Water in relation to any reported accidents.
Help us to help you – its what we’re here for.
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Retired
Members Conference
Bill Rintoul attended
Unison’s National Retired Members Conference in Scarborough from
12th – 13 October.
The conference included motions on Pensions, Campaigns, and Retired
Members' Organisation Bill's report will appear shortly
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September 2004 News
Water
Bill - Evidence to Scottish Parliament
Consultation
- investing and paying for water & sewerage
Scottish Water
Annual Report
7:84
THEATRE - PRIVATE AGENDA / PUBLIC SPACE
Water Bill -
Evidence to Scottish Parliament
Dave Watson, Unison's Scottish Organiser is to present evidence to the
Scottish Parliament on behalf of the STUC. This will take place on 15
September at 10am and will be the first Trade Union evidence
session in the new parliament building.
The STUC broadly welcomes the provisions of the bill as being a more
realistic recognition of the realities of the industry that those set
out in the original Water Service Bill consultation in 2001.
The major problem relates to the proposals for non-household retail
competition. We suspect that this more modest proposal reflects a
concern to be seen to provide an element of competition in accordance
with the philosophy inherent in the Competition Act. However, the
proposals still constitute a major upheaval for little value to the
consumer. It is also a further stage along the road to the full
privatisation of Scotland’s water.
Full
text of Evidence:
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Consultation
- investing and paying for water & sewerage
The Scottish Executive has launched the two key consultations on
investing and paying for water and sewage.
Scotland’s water industry is facing a number of important
decisions in the coming months. The Water Services (Scotland) Bill
proposes significant changes to the regulatory regime together with
further competition and privatisation. The Scottish Executive is also
consulting on the level of investment required over the period 2006-14
and how that should be financed. This briefing covers the investment
and charges consultation. It should be of concern not only to UNISON
members in the industry but also to the wider membership who have a
citizenship interest in the provision of safe drinking water and the
treatment of wastewater together with the level of water charges they
pay.
Full
Text of Unison's Policy and Information Team Briefing:
Full
Scottish Executive consultation papers
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Scottish Water Annual Report
Scottish Water have published their annual
report and accounts
Executive press release with the Environment Minister's
spin
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2004/08/19104709
Scottish Water spin
http://www.scottishwater.co.uk/portal/page?_pageid=93,64051&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL&p_calledfrom=1
I have resisted press efforts to comment on 'fat cat'
director bonus payments. The reduction in the general wage bill
reflecting fewer jobs is more important.
Be warned - you might not recognise the organisation you
work for in all this!
Dave Watson Scottish Organiser
private Agenda - Unison sponsored play
7:84 THEATRE
PRIVATE AGENDA / PUBLIC SPACE
7:84 Theatre Company have created an extraordinary
new play inspired by ordinary people. Collected during extensive
interviews in 2004, Private Agenda has been entirely created using the
real life stories of the teachers, pupils, midwives, doctors, porters,
nurses, technicians, senior managers and campaigners working in
Scotland's public services today.
Private Agenda takes a forensic journey through the
surreal, maddening and hilarious corridors and wards of privately
financed hospitals and schools. This is a world where lucrative
construction deals replace common sense and management targets take
priority over maternity wards.
Private Agenda is the voice of Scotland's public
services; a voice that has been ignored. Until now.
Public Space
After every performance of Private Agenda, 7:84 will create Public
Space. This is an opportunity for you to air your views on Scotland's
public services. 7:84 will invite local guest speakers including
campaigners and MSPs to every show, giving you the chance to question
those at the heart of the matter.
See www.784theatre.com for
show times and venues
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June
2004 News
The
Business Units - Changes
The
Government, The Local Government Pension Scheme, and You
GATS The Way To
Do It
UNISON on the
Intranet
Unison’s Eye
on the World
SUNSHINE,
MUSIC AND BEER!
The Business Units - Changes
Scottish Water Council is now operating under a new format with only
four TU reps and one employee rep (if you haven’t already done so
the Branch recommends you vote for Barry Allibone).
There are also changes planned for BUCs; which they will begin to
discuss in detail in October.
Under the new format BUCs will have much more responsibility for
running the business and Unison representatives will play a key role in
that process.
Not every BUC has a Unison rep, or even a Unison member, on it. Our aim
is to fill all available seats on the BUCs with some form of Unison
representation. To do this we need more people to become actively
involved in the Union. We are working with Unison’s Development
Team to identify, and roll out, suitable training courses for those
already involved in the BUCs. This will also include training for
Lifelong Learning Representatives.
If you would like to become more involved in Unison, and in the
Partnership process, please get in touch.
Stephan Walker
Branch Secretary
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The
Government, The Local Government Pension Scheme, and You
The Government are proposing to bring in changes to the Local
Government Pension Scheme which have to be in by April 2010 at the
latest.
However, it is widely accepted that pressure is being brought to bear
on Local Government Pension Schemes to introduce the changes much
earlier than the 2010 deadline.
It is predicted that English schemes will change in April 2005 with
Scottish Schemes coming to line with their English counterparts in
April 2006.
Bearing in mind the Voluntary Release programme currently being run
within Scottish Water; Unison believe it is only prudent that we inform
those of you who are members of one of the 3 Local Government Pension
Schemes in operation within Scottish Water, of the potential
consequences should this legislation come to fruition.
Currently , if you are 50 and over and are accepted for Voluntary
Release you qualify immediately for a pension.
Under the proposed changes to the scheme (potentially from as early as
1st April 2006) you would not qualify for immediate access to your
pension till the age of 55. You would still have to be employed by one
of the admitted bodies at the age of 55 to qualify for applying.
Should you leave under Voluntary Severance prior to age 50 or 55 from
1st April 2006, you would still have to wait till 60 at this current
time to access your pension.
Demonstrations to highlight the continuing occupational and state
pension crisis have been scheduled for London and Edinburgh on Saturday
19th June 2004. The Edinburgh demonstration is being co-ordinated by
the STUC and will assemble at East High Street at 10.30am. The march
will start at 11.00am, crossing Waverley Bridge proceeding along
Princes Street to a rally at Ross Theatre, Waverley Gardens at
approximately 11.45am.
We would urge those who can to attend to show your support against the
proposed changes.
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GATS The Way To Do It
The biggest threat to the future of Scottish Water may not be the
Tories, the WIC or the Competition Act. It may come in the form of the
General Agreement on Trade in Service (GATS). GATS is an international
trade agreement that came into effect in 1995 and operates under the
umbrella of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). This piece of potential
legislation is being promoted by US based multinationals and the WTO
and is currently being debated in the European Parliament.
Under GATS the service sector, primarily in public ownership, is to be
opened up for private profit. This 'right' of Big Business to profiteer
at our expense is to be protected and US companies already have their
greedy eyes on Europe's lucrative public sector. Since February 2000,
negotiations have been underway in the WTO to expand and 'fine-tune'
the GATS. These negotiations have aroused concern world-wide. A growing
number of local governments, trade unions, NGOs, parliaments and
developing country governments are criticising the GATS and calling for
a halt to the negotiations.
No government measure that affects trade in services, whatever its aim,
even for environmental or consumer protection, or to enforce labour
standards, is beyond the scope of GATS. Public services such as
education, recreation, health and, most importantly to us, water, are
included in GATS and would all be ripe for privatisation if this
legislation was enacted.
Most importantly, if the EU sign up to GATS, regardless of the views of
the Scottish people and the Scottish Parliament, national governments
will be forced to accept the open market model and key public services
will be privatised.
For more info see
www.wdm.org.uk/campaign/GATS.htm, www.gatswatch.org or there's
a good introduction at
www.heureka.clara.net/gaia/gats.htm
"The GATS is not just something that exists between Governments. It is
first and foremost an instrument for the benefit of business"
European Commission, 1999
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UNISON on the Intranet
You can now get access to Unison through Scottish Water’s
Intranet site.
Click on “Working in Partnership” at the right hand side of
the Wavelength Home Page
From there go to “Partnership Development Group –
Membership & Remit” and you will see the Unison link. This
page carries a general statement about the aims of Unison and has links
to the branch web site; and also to Unison Home Page.
By developing closer IT links with Scottish Water we will be able to
ensure that you have proper access to information and advice at your
fingertips.
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Unison’s Eye on the World
Each newsletter we will aim to highlight a few websites that you might
like to check out. These sites will give you information that you need
to know and that you will not get via mainstream media.
For some eye opening info on our “Solutions” partners,
particularly KBR, do a quick search at www.corpwatch.org
For the full story of United Utilities involvement in the Bolivian
water privatisation fiasco, check out www.gregpalast.com
Be informed about global trade unionism and globalisation at www.labourstart.org and www.michaelmoore.com
Find out more about the working conditions endured by non-unionised
workforces at www.nosweat.org.uk
If you know of any other interesting and relevant websites that you
think we should publicise, please email the Branch at the usual
address.
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SUNSHINE, MUSIC AND BEER!
Fancy a weekend of hard work, fantastic bands and raising great money
for your UNISON branch?
Its not too late to volunteer for bar work at some of this
summer’s biggest festivals.
The Workers Beer Company needs server crews for Carling Festivals at
Reading and Leeds over the August bank holiday, as well as smaller
events.
Beer company volunteers will have secure private camping, subsidised
bar and canteen, and time off to see many of the festival highlights.
You will work a shift each day and be paid £5.90 an hour, which
will go to your union branch – although many branches donate the
proceeds to other good causes.
Last year, the Workers Beer Company raised more than £200,000 for
its server organisations – so having fun can really make a
difference!
Volunteers from the Branch have previously worked at the “Gig on
the Green” in Glasgow; as well as at other events.
If you would like more information on this then
Email the Workers Beer Company at info@workersbeer.co.uk
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May
News
a
new start - the new Branch Secretary's view
The STUC Water
Charter
Women's
health - a Unison reference guide
minutes of April branch meeting
February - April news items
older news items
a new start - the
new Branch Secretary's view
in my opinion…….
Comp & Bens is done and dusted, but for many it has left a bitter
aftertaste. A large proportion of our members benefited from the
package, whilst many saw their variable pay take a hefty hit from what
was, in essence, part of the politically driven move to slash Scottish
Water’s operating costs.
You’ll recall that we balloted everyone to gauge support for
industrial action over the implementation of the package. The ballot
return was poor, and following discussions with Unison full time
officers it was concluded that industrial action could not be supported
by Unison.
Many people felt let down by the actions of the branch in this matter,
but I offer no apology when I say that all we were doing was making
sure we followed due process after the initial ballot to reject the
package.
The Comp & Bens outcome wasn’t the one we were looking for
but let’s face it, the package would have been much worse if
Unison hadn’t been involved. We can never guarantee how things
will turn out, but we can guarantee that we will always be looking to
improve our members’ terms and conditions.
We have already started to do this and the improvement to the Expenses
Policy is our first success. Also, after two long years, we’ve
finally been able to agree a compensation buy-out framework for
everyone affected by changes to standby frequency, contractual
overtime, etc.
What’s done is done, and we must now look to the future and to
the threats facing Scottish Water from those who seek to move the last
publicly owned utility in Britain firmly into the private sector.
Unison’s aim is to work closely in partnership with Scottish
Water to achieve a sustainable public sector business. At the same time
we will be striving to ensure we meet the aspirations of our members.
Stephan Walker, Branch Secretary
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STUC Water Charter Launched
The STUC Charter for the Scottish Water Industry was launched at a
conference held in Glasgow on 10th May 2004. Speakers at the conference
included Alan Wilson MSP, Deputy Minister for the Environment, Alan
Alexander, Chair of Scottish Water, Jeanette Findlay of Glasgow
University’s Dept of Economics and Dave Watson of UNISON.
The Charter sets out the STUC’s vision for the future of Scottish
Water, calling for :-
retention of Scottish Water’s public sector status.
investment to be paid for via charges, with prudent use of debt to
spread the burden of investment over a reasonable timescale.
transparent regulation based on Scottish Water’s real
situation, not unhelpful comparison with other industries.
employment levels linked to the commissioning of new facilities, not
financial targets.
The conference discussed issues relating to the regulation, structure
and financing of Scottish Water, with particular emphasis on the future
model for the organisation.
It was heartening to hear all the speakers support and commit to the
public sector status of Scottish Water, a position endorsed by an
audience made up of trades unionists, politicians and business
representatives.
The announcement of a new Water Commission was globally welcomed
although there was a majority view, most vociferously put by the
Federation of Small Businesses, that the retention of Alan Sutherland
as Chief Executive would be a backward step.
A report on the financing of Scottish Water, prepared by Jeanette
Findlay and commissioned by the STUC, was also presented. This report
concluded :-
that the WIC placed undue emphasis on the history and practice of the
industry in England and Wales.
that his methodology in assessing efficiency is flawed.
that the timescale to introduce fundamental change is too short.
that job losses are likely to lead to severe problems in the service
provision.
None of this should come as a surprise to Scottish Water employees but
this may help to inform the debate around the Water Services Bill and
the establishment of the new Commission.
Copies of the Charter will be available from the Branch web site soon.
In the meantime more information can be viewed on the STUC website
(The STUC website also has details of the
"Unions Work" campaign)
other water campaign initiatives promoted by Unison can be viewed on
the water campaign page
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Women's health reference guide
This new guide – produced by the National Women’s Committee
in association with Thompson's the solicitors - provides some general
information about a range of health matters which affect women.
To find out more about Women’s issues, campaigns etc, or to
download a PDF version of the guide visit www.unison.org.uk/women
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April
News
new branch officials
new branch officers were elected by
members at the March AGM's as follows:
Chair – David Wilkinson
Vice Chair – Fergus Allan
Secretary – Stephan Walker
Service Conditions – Hector MacDonald
Health & Safety – Andy Nisbet
Young Members – Richard Mould
Retired Members – Bill Rintoul
APF – Ravi Nathan
details of how to get in touch with the above: see the contacts page
index of older items
February -
March News
AGM's - dates - support or complain?
Branch meeting - what now?
Members have Responsibilities too
Privatisation threat
Meeting Scottish Water
minutes of February branch meeting
Your Comments
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January
2004 News
Unison try to Negotiate - Management
Don't Want to Listen
A Second Ballot to Get Members Views
December 2003
News
The Scottish Water Ballot Result
Unison's consultative ballot result
members latest thoughts and comments
October & November
2003 News
members thoughts & comments (November)
(includes vote no before its too late, Management bullxxx &
was george right?)
your
comments on Comp & Bens
Branch
Executive Minutes of 14th November - (HR managers present!)
Jon Hargreaves Memo - Unison Response
(more reasons to vote no!)
Unison's Water Campaign
Branch Secretary - why vote no
losing overtime with new comps and bens
Decision on Partnership delayed
Compensation And Benefits - Vote No
Why Two Ballot
No Compensation & very little benefits
Does this affect me this time
Clear as Mud
Older Items (September 2003)
Partnership Dead or Alive? - Meeting to
Decide Future
Partnership – Some points to think about
Terms and Conditions - Harmonisation? - Unison intervene
New appointment to Board of Scottish Water
Health and Safety - new page up and running
UNISON’s National Inspection Day
new Unison Subscription rates
newsletter - Reservoir Bogs - 10th issue
Older Items
(August 2003)
Review of Partnership
Compensation and Benefits - the story so far
Redundancies and Pay
On the Campaign Front - The New Water Bill
newsletter - Reservoir Bogs - 9th issue
Older Items (July
2003)
Pay Deal
Accepted - (Reluctantly)
What now? and Is Partnership Working?
Unison’s Campaign - mutualisation by the Tories
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