TRADE UNION WEEK IN SCOTLAND

www.rmt.org.uk :: january 2007 :: RMTnews 21 The Scottish TUC, in conjunction with the Scottish Parliament and with the Scottish Executive, succeeded in bringing trade unionists’ priorities to the fore during the trade union week. There was an opportunity to promote the STUC Manifesto for Scotland ‘7 for 2007’ which puts forward STUC policy on the economy, on public services, and on wider issues of civic society and equality. In a debate in the Parliament Chamber, Margaret Curran MSP, Minister for Business, welcomed trade union week, saying that she hoped this would be the first of many and that “Parliamentary democracies and free societies require strong, independent trade unions – on that there can be no qualification”. MSPs from different parties participated in the debate, and during the week attended briefing events on different issues, such as Agency workers (CWU), Relocation of public sector jobs (PCS), and reports on unionisation of migrant workers (TGWU and UCATT), and on the STUC Skills and Lifelong learning programme, in which the Rail Union Learning representatives participate. Attention was also drawn to the role the trade unions play in Scotland in tackling racism. During the debate in the Parliament, Bill Butler MSP (Glasgow Anniesland) was able to commend the Trade Union Freedom Bill, currently lodged at Westminster. The Scottish Executive and the STUC signed up to a Memorandum of Understanding in 2002, and there is no doubt that dialogue and policy discussion with the trade unions has improved as a result. Examples can be given of some of the legislation introduced by the Scottish Executive, such as the Emergency Workers (Scotland) Act, which seeks to better protect those working in emergency services; and the recent Rights of Relatives to Damages Bill, which seeks to address the needs of workers suffering from asbestosis related diseases. RMT briefed every MSP on current rail and ferry priorities, and also flagged up our earlier support for a proposed Culpable Homicide Bill, and on the role that transport policy can play in tackling climate change. MSPs in the RMT Scottish Parliamentary Group also receive regular updates from the union. RMT is represented on the STUC General Council, and next year RMT Regional organiser Phil McGarry will hold the Presidency. The Trade Union Week in the Scottish Parliament was welcomed at Westminster, with an Early Day Motion lodged by Katy Clark and signed by a number of other Scottish MSPs. The initiative was undoubtedly a success, and as the Scottish elections approach in May 2007, the higher profile for trade unions is most welcome. For more information on the STUC: www.stuc.org.uk For more information on the Scottish Parliament debate; www.scottish.parliament.uk I n a new strategy document, the Scottish Executive has restated its commitment to build new rail lines, to invest in strategic road links, to improve the bus network, and to support the lifeline ferry services. There is a strong emphasis on encouraging the use of public transport, and on the environmental impact of transport policy. Whilst tensions still exist between the commitment to public transport, the strong road lobby and the continuing expansion of air travel and airport capacity, the Scottish Executive’s strategy has been widely welcomed. Significant new rail projects are now underway in Scotland. The Scottish Parliament is currently examining the Airdrie –Bathgate rail line, which will connect the whole of the Strathclyde rail network, through central Scotland, to Edinburgh. The Glasgow Airport Link has completed all stages of the parliamentary process, and whilst lobbying continues for funding the Glasgow Crossrail project, the Airport link construction will be underway shortly. The Edinburgh Airport Rail Link, whilst more controversial both in construction design and costs, is also now into the parliamentary process. Recent ministerial statements have indicated that tighter regulation of the buses will be required if the goal of an integrated transport strategy is to be achieved – although stopping short of complete bus re-regulation, which is what the unions have called for. RMT and the STUC have submitted comments at every stage of the consultation on transport policy. The STUC Memorandum of Understanding encourages early discussion with the relevant trade unions on the Executive’s policy agenda, but disappointingly this has not been mentioned in the National Transport Strategy. The STUC has raised this point, and RMT is working with the STUC to press for an early meeting with the Transport Minister to discuss all aspects of the Transport Strategy. Meetings are already scheduled on the current Hebrides and Western Isles Ferry services tendering process. An integrated and efficient public transport system has to be at the heart of Scotland’s economic and social policy, working with those who are employed in the transport industry. Progress has been made under devolution, and the union will be working to make sure that continues after the elections. For more information contact RMT Scottish Parliamentary Officer Ann Henderson c/o RMT Regional Office, 180 Hope Street, Glasgow G2 etc…… Visit the Scottish Executive website for the Transport Strategy documents www.scotland.gov.uk SCOTLAND – INVESTING IN PUBLIC TRANSPORT TRADE UNION WEEK IN SCOTLAND RMT Scottish Parliamentary Officer Ann Henderson reports on a recent trade union week to raise the priorities of the labour movement