Council to embrace Fair Work Charter

DUNDEE City Council is being asked to embrace a charter which adopts the principles of fair work backed by trade unions, academics and business leaders.

The Fair Work Charter commits the council to offering an effective voice for employees, opportunity, security, fulfilment and respect.

Made up of representatives of the STUC, Unite and Unison, academics, business leaders and the chief executive of Perth and Kinross Council, the Fair Work Convention has developed a set of principles to make fair work a hallmark of Scotland’s workplaces.

Among those principles, which the policy and resources committee will be asked to commit the council to on Monday June 4, are an effective voice for employees which will mean having active channels of communication and structures to inform, consult and engage with employees; creating an open and transparent workplace environment and working with trade unions to develop action plans based on issues that arise from employee surveys.

Under the banner of opportunity the council will be committed to providing equal opportunities for all employees to access work and to progress; focusing on merit, performance contribution and helping people to achieve their potential and taking action to develop the young workforce.

Within the third principle of security the charter commits signatories to provide security of employment, predictability of working hours and stability of i ncome; a secure work environment and flexible and supportive working arrangements, particularly for those with caring responsibilities and people with disabilities.

John Alexander, convener of the council’s policy and resources committee, said: “Signing up will cement the principles already established in the city.’’