Listen
Executive and trade unions sign partnership
12/07/2007
Management and trades unions will work together to ensure the Scottish government continues to work effectively to build a better Scotland, Sir John Elvidge said today.
The Permanent Secretary was speaking after he signed an agreement with the Council of Scottish Executive Unions. The partnership agreement sets out the goals and the principles which underpin it.
Sir John said:
"The people in the organisation are our greatest asset. I am proud to work with such dedicated and professional people who turn political decisions into action which improves the day to day lives of the people of Scotland.
"We are committed to working in partnership with the trades unions to ensure we carry out the business of government with mutual respect. This Partnership Agreement has an impact on all aspects of how we behave as an organisation and sets out how we will work together successfully."
Joy Dunn, Council of Scottish Executive Unions Convenor, added:
"I am very pleased to be signing this new partnership agreement on behalf of the Council of Scottish Executive Unions. Working in partnership is the most effective way of ensuring positive engagement as our organisation faces the challenges of the future and, by doing so, to protect and promote the interests of our members across all aspects of their working lives.
"Partnership is not about shying away from difficult issues or compromising when we should be confronting, but it is about recognising that the employer and the unions together can build a successful organisation that both delivers its aims and prioritises the well-being of its staff."
Scottish Executive Management and the Council of Scottish Executive Unions (CSEU) have agreed that an Industrial and Employee Relations Partnership Board (the Partnership Board) should be established to oversee the implementation and operation of the Scottish Executive Main bargaining unit (SEM) Partnership Agreement entered into by both parties for the conduct of industrial and employee relations business within the Executive and its agencies.
The Board's remit is:
- To ensure industrial and employee relations business operates in keeping with the common goals and underpinning principles set out in the (SEM) Partnership Agreement
- To ensure implementation, as appropriate, of national agreements reached between Civil Service Management and the Council of Civil Service Unions
- To consider broad industrial and employee relations issues; and agree and establish working arrangements for detailed consideration of these issues