21 November 2003
The long-standing battle over the two-tier workforce and pensions were expected to be on the agenda for the first meeting of the Public Services Forum – the latest move to build bridges between unions and the government.
As Public Finance went to press, ten senior union figures were to meet with Cabinet Office minister Douglas Alexander to thrash out public services reform.
The forum was announced on the eve of the Trades Union Congress in September and was interpreted as a move to quell union fury and the government's subsequent embarrassment at the Labour Party conference.
According to sources, the union representatives, led by TUC general secretary Brendan Barber, are expected to press on ending the two-tier workforce across the public sector. The unions were anticipating an announcement at the Labour conference but a Cabinet clash over how the change would affect foundation hospitals prevented a deal.
The civil service unions, represented by Mark Serwotka, general secretary of the Public and Commercial Services union, are understood to be keen to discuss ministers' proposals to lower the age of retirement in Whitehall.
The source suggested that Alexander may be joined by other ministers. However, the Cabinet Office confirmed that he would be the sole minister at this meeting.
Privately, some unions are sceptical as to the value of the forum. 'We are entering into the forum willing to talk. The question is, will government listen?' said Jack Dromey, deputy general secretary of the T&G.
A spokeswoman for Unison said Prime Minister Tony Blair and ministers had made a commitment to the forum. 'We are turning up in good faith and we hope that good faith will be rewarded.'
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