The road to privatisation

Nick Parnell is a Unite delegate and works for the emergency services. He is also a local councillor in Bury MBC.

 
Today, (Tuesday September 15) he spoke to Congress in support of an emergency motion on government attacks on the emergency services.

“Congress, it is with both hats on, as a local councillor and a local government worker for Manchester Council that I am speaking against the government’s plans,” said Nick.

“It is not a surprise that this government wants to implement policy with no evidence base, little or no consultation, and is behaving undemocratically with far-reaching detrimental consequences,” he added.

Nick went on to highlight how these plans will worsen local services that are delivered to our local communities.

“We know when this government says it is going to restructure public services what that really means,” he said.

“Further fragmentation of public services in the area – services that have already suffered massive, and unnecessary funding cuts under austerity,” he added.

Nick explained to Congress why we mustn’t have a postcode lottery in emergency services.

 
“It is absurd to suggest that Police and Crime Commissioners know anything about running, or having oversight of, ambulance or other emergency services,” Nick said.

‘Restructuring’ means making the pay, terms and conditions of workers worse.

 
“That is what will happen if fire fighters, emergency fire control and support staff are taken out of national pay and conditions bargaining,” he said.

‘Restructuring’ means the road to privatisation.

Unite was instrumental in the Yorkshire Ambulance Service dispute — a long running dispute that was positively resolved with recognition gained for Unite and other trade union members.

 
“This government blundering in with little consultation threatens to rip up this resolution as all the emergency services in the area are subjected to their ill-thought out plans,” said Nick.

“And of course, there is national crisis in ambulance services as Trusts seek to downgrade jobs and increasingly contract out services. The people who suffer are the public and workers – not this government,” he added.

Nick urged Congress to fully support the call for a campaign against these measures.