Carwyn does positive

Labour leadership race — By Daran Hill on November 9, 2009 6:42 am

original_imageTODAY Carwyn Jones targets trade union voters, specifically those from UNISON, which offered him an endorsement last month. Supporting the ‘Positively Public’ campaign he is calling for quality in public services, and recognition of the essential role that Welsh public service workers make in achieving this.

In the newsletter, sent to UNISON members across the country, he writes: “I can reiterate without hesitation that I am opposed to the privatisation of public services and I will want to ensure that the Welsh Assembly Government protects public services, including the NHS, at a time of financial stringency. UNISON’s ‘Positively Public’ campaign has been highly successful in drawing attention to key public service issues, producing a focus on the quality of the services delivered, whether they be hospital cleaning or the quality of school meals. Through its campaign UNISON has provided important evidence which has enabled changes to be made on PFI and other issues.

“UNISON has made a principled case in opposition to privatisation and marketization through PFI, PPP and outsourcing but has also successfully negotiated protection for its members where changes have taken place. As a UNISON member, I support this stance. Public sector workers help people every day and deserve the respect of politicians and the public.”

Endorsements for his position have come from Margaret Wilkinson, Chair of UNISON Labour Link, and UNISON Regional Secretary in Wales, Paul O’Shea. He said: “Carwyn has shown that he is on the side of UNISON members and on the side of public services. He has supported our Million Voices campaign that aims to promote the positive benefits of the public services. We are pleased to be able to support his nomination for Labour Party Leader.”

This unambiguous targeting of union voters shows the other candidates prepared to take on Edwina Hart in the section of the electoral college where she demonstrated the clearest lead during the point of endorsements. Carwyn Jones may be speaking directly to UNISON, but his message is intended to travel further, to both other unions and ordinary Labour Party members.

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1 Comment

  1. Jeff Jones says:
    November 9, 2009 at 8:50 am

    But none of the three candidates support privatisation of services. That real isn’t the issue. The issue is that the present provision could be unsustainable over the life time of the next two UK Parliaments as the public finances are restored.

    It isn’t good enough just to say that public services are wonderful. The quality of service across Wales varies and as I’ve mentioned before despite the huge increase in public expenditure productivity has fallen. You have to be more creative than that. In the 1980s there was a very interesting book written entitled Premptive Trade Unionism. The public sector has to start thinking outside the box when it comes to the inevitable cutbacks. Without PFI, Maesteg would not have a new comprehensive and Bridgend would not have a new Welsh medium comprehensive. Before we put the the refuse service out to tender it was a shambles with many of the workers taking on average over 30 days a year off due to ‘sickness’.

    Only last week Bridgend’s cabinet received a report on overspends which showed the revenue budget heading for a £3 million + overspend and large overspends in a number of capital projects. Instead of tackling the reasons for the overspend balances and money saved form the low pay award has been used. No one should have to tolerate an overspend of £220,000 on a capital project worth only £2 million or an over spend on a small primary school of nearly £900,000. Using the opportunity cost principle, this is money that could have been spent more productively elsewhere.

    As all the London authorities, including those controlled by Labour, promise to freeze council tax serious questions will obviously be asked of those Welsh authorities which are already predicting council tax rises close to 5 % again this year.

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