Spineless in Edinburgh
As regular readers will know - the same council leadership that brought us the Edinburgh trams - is trying to defend the indefensible when it comes to equal pay claims from former APT&C workers - former white collar workers like social care workers, classroom assistants and catering managers.
To be completely fair it's not just the present City Council leadership - because the issue goes back to when Edinburgh was under Labour control - but the present lot are in the driving seat now and need to take responsibility for what is happening.
And what is happening is a disgrace - the City Council's argument (that former APT&C workers have no case) has been soundly thrashed not just once but three times - at the Employment Tribunal, the Employment Appeal Tribunal and in Scotland's highest civil court - the Court of Session - where three senior Scottish judges said that Edinburgh City Council is completely wrong.
In theory the City Council can appeal to the UK Supreme Court - and has until January 2012 to make up its mind - but if it does appeal it will be a complete and a further of time and public money.
In the meantime, the leadership of the City Council is telling people who raise the issue with them - 'nothing to do with me, you'll get a reply from some senior council official who'll answer your questions'.
What a cheek - is this what democracy in Scottish local government has come to - elected councillors hiding behind highly paid council officials - instead of standing up, explaining their views and taking responsibility for their actions?
I would refuse to be fobbed off or take NO - for an answer.
So if you get a 'nothing to do with me response, then write back and say how disappointed you are - take the issue up with your own local councillor - and ask them how they can expect your vote in next year's council elections - if people behave in such a spineless manner.
Edinburgh City Council - along with all councils in Scotland - faces local elections in May 2012.
So this is a perfect opportunity to put your own councillor and the City Council leadership on the spot - by asking where they stand.
