Key workers have foundation to secure better jobs, pay and conditions

Unite, Scotland’s leading trade union, has secured a union recognition agreement covering workers based at the Advocacy Service Aberdeen (ASA).

The recognition agreement covers over 20 key workers and volunteers who provide vital services for vulnerable residents in Aberdeen.

A wide range of support and signposting services are provided to some of the most vulnerable people in Aberdeen and surrounding areas. This includes providing legal, mental health, financial, and advocacy services for people with mental health issues, people with learning challenges, older people, carers, and support for people who are victims of domestic abuse.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite has successfully negotiated a recognition agreement for our members providing key lifelines services at ASA. This agreement helps build stronger foundations so Unite can continue to secure better jobs, pay and conditions for the workers.”

ASA is a growing service with the independent organisation supporting estimated 1237 individuals over the course of the year ending 2024. 

The ASA agreement means that Unite now has a strong foundation to undertake collective bargaining on behalf of the key workers to help improve their jobs, pay and conditions.

 Shauna Wright, Unite industrial officer, said: “This recognition agreement is a significant step forward for Unite in building a stronger foundation for workers in the social care and not-for-profit sector.”

“The agreement was voluntarily negotiated with ASA who recognised the benefits of working with Unite to create the best working environment possible. We believe this sends out a positive signal to other employers in the community and care sector to work with Unite to drive up standards for workers together.”

ENDS

Notes to Editor

For media enquiries please contact Andrew Brady on 07810157922.

Email andrew.brady@unitetheunion.org

Unite Scotland is the country’s biggest and most diverse trade union with around 150,000 members. The union is led in Scotland by Derek Thomson.