All the PTS staff will be aware that UNISON has been running a very high profile campaign to protect their service from the threat of privatisation. We were very happy to see the announcement in the bulletin that the services had now been secured for another two years.

There is no doubt in our minds that the decisions taken by the purchasers are a direct result of the UNISON campaign.

As well as protecting the jobs of up to 350 staff directly affected by the possible loss of these vital services, we have also been instrumental in securing countless other jobs that would have been affected in support areas.  Staff as diverse as HR, vehicle workshops and in management tears that are dependent on the PTS for their work.

The success of this campaign is due the very high regard that the public have in our service UNISON would not have been able to mobilise such a strong and influential campaign, so quickly and effectively, if our members in PTS were not seen as an integral part of our service.

The Branch was ready and able to meet the threat because of work and training that had already been undertaken. PTS staff have themselves been involved in preparing and running the campaign. This work, largely unseen by other members, such as engaging the public to speak up on our behalf, thinking up the themes and slogans that were necessary and attending meetings speaking up for you all. Their contribution cannot be underestimated, sometimes new ideas and fresh blood are the hardest part!

We were able to prepare so well because UNISON nationally and regional have the capacity, resources and facilities to support us from day one. That’s why we need all staff to be part of the strongest and best organised union; maintaining our undoubted  strength and influence that enable only us to access the Government and the Department of Health to press our claims as we did this time.

To add to the success of maintaining our present PTS contract, the purchasers have also withdrawn many of the other tenders that they were intending to put out. This will give them the opportunity to consider if they would have impacted on our service, as UNISON claimed they would. We have no doubt that the tenders will reappear at some stage in the near future; however, we believe that SWAST should be in a far better position to bid successfully for the work, with the possibility of more jobs and security for our members.

The branch need to now consider how we can maintain the links and goodwill it has stimulated with MP’s local politicians and the media. The branch believe that there will be plenty more challenges to come.

But for now let’s celebrate what has been a great success well done to all.

- Ian Hopkins, Branch Secretary