SLC Update (12/08/15)

I've had lots of emails from readers in South Lanarkshire about the behaviour of the trade unions and the local Unison branch, in particular, over equal pay. 

Apparently the union branch had said lots of silly things on its Facebook page which doesn't surprise me really because years ago at the height of the equal pay campaign tried to make an issue of the fact that my colleague Stefan Cross is English.

Here's what the local Unison branch had to say in its infamous 'Stewards Briefing':

"Stewards will have seen the press coverage of a firm of English lawyers who are offering to run equal pay claims in Scotland. You may also have seen leaflets from this firm in the name of Action 4 Equality Scotland, promising thousands of pounds in compensation. Mark Irvine, who was formerly a UNISON official, is fronting this firm. 

The situation in South Lanarkshire is different from the other 31 local authorities in Scotland. Here the Council has negotiated and agreed a settlement with UNISON, TGWU and GMB that deals with equal pay and the overall issues of Single Status.

Most, though not all, other Councils have adopted the Job Evaluation Scheme recommended by the Scottish Joint Council (SJC - COSLA and the 3 unions at Scottish level). South Lanarkshire Council has instead used the Competence Initiative to assess and grade jobs within the Council. At the same time they negotiated with the 3 unions to introduce common terms and conditions."

Now I don't know who actually wrote this tosh, perhaps the branch secretary at the time, Stephen Smellie (pronounced Smiley not Smelly), had a hand, but in any event the union's behaviour is shameful and embarrassing, if you ask me. 

I have made fun of this nonsense on the blog site previously and if readers have any other examples of their unions making fools of themselves, on Facebook for example, I would be delighted to share these with a wider audience.

More to follow, I suspect.



I knew that I had written about xenophobia and anti-English sentiment on the blog site previously - see the post dated 26 August 2103: 'Tickety Boo'.

So here's a earlier post from 2009 which pokes fun at small-minded types who would - if they could - make an issue out of other people's nationality.

I think it's hilarious I have to say - not least because the 'dog whistle' tactic backfired so spectacularly - as if anyone cared a jot about the nationality of a lawyer dealing with their equal pay claim. 

I imagine the vast majority of people would just be pleased to be getting some help, support and useful information - about how to stand up for their rights.  

Jings, Crivens and Help Ma Boab! (14 August 2009)

Pssst! Have you heard the news?

Celtic Football Club has appointed a new manager – for the 2009/10 football season.

Someone who’s not Scottish – dare we say it, the chap’s actually from................England!

As far as we know there have been no pickets at Parkhead – and, so far, no public disorder in the streets. 

But Unison (Scotland) has not spoken - yet.

And we know that the union has a bit of a chip on its shoulder about non-Scots coming up north – telling us locals what to do, how to do it and generally throwing their weight around.

So, the west of Scotland is holding its collective breath – since we all know that there must be some Celtic fans amongst the ranks of Unison (Scotchland).

Now most sane people don’t give a fig that Tony Mowbray is from the north east of England. Because what has that got to do with his ability as a football manager?

Although – you have to admit – it’s a strange coincidence that Stefan Cross hails from that part of the country as well.

So, maybe it is a conspiracy after all – for English lawyers and English footballers to subvert the established order - and seize control of the socialist republic of Caledonia.

Maybe that’s why Unison is so paranoid about where people come from - maybe the union has a point?

On the other hand – maybe they’re just all bonkers.