SCOTTISH PROGRESS

RMT helpline 0800 3763706 :: may 2008 :: RMTnews 31 STUC Congress delegates from affiliated unions and trades councils debated a wide range of policies, including manufacturing, taxation, energy, transport, broadcasting, opposition to the trafficking of women and children, public sector job losses and opposition to plans to close the Glasgow passport office, with a loss of 140 jobs. STUC membership figures show an increase in trade union membership in Scotland by 20,000 and there is growing confidence in the relevance of the labour movement. The pension dispute between UNITE members and Ineos at the Grangemouth Oil Refinery was centre stage. The STUC Congress gave unanimous support to an emergency resolution that condemned the management for attacking the company pension scheme, and Congress stood in solidarity with those workers who took strike action to defend their pensions and their terms and conditions. John Swinney MSP, Minister for Finance and Sustainable Growth, addressed Congress shortly after the Scottish Government announced April 3, a three-year extension for First Group, the current franchise holder. It came as a complete surprise to trade unions, passenger groups, MSPs and local authorities. The terms of the agreement appear to greatly benefit the company, and with a commitment of nearly £800 million public money, trade unions wanted answers. Emergency motions were tabled at Congress to expose the franchise settlement and challenge the SNP administration on its pre-election commitments to look at running the franchise on a not-for-profit model. The Minister gave no reassurances on that point. Congress also heard from Alex Salmond MSP, First Minister – and from Gordon Brown, Prime Minister. Wendy Alexander MSP addressed Congress for the Labour Party in the Scottish Parliament. Congress discussed the political situation facing the labour movement in Scotland includes a continuing debate around the powers of the Scottish Parliament. Matt Smith, UNISON and STUC Treasurer, will be joining the Calman Commission, which will be looking at the devolution settlement. RMT DELEGATION This year Congress was chaired by RMT regional organiser Phil McGarry as he completed his year as STUC President. In his President’s address, which won a standing ovation, Phil spoke of the need for urgent legislative action on agency workers and for justice for those affected by asbestosis. Phil defended the public sector and attacked expensive private finance deals and called for the return of trade union rights in accordance with ILO conventions. Turning to international affairs, he attacked the illegal attacks on Iraq and said it was time to bring the troops home. He also called for solidarity with the peoples of Cuba and of Venezuala, and with the people of Palestine and a commitment to building a Scottish society based on equality and justice. RMT delegates spoke in a number of debates, in particular on transport policy and on the Trade Union Reform Bill and workers’ employment rights. The 111th STUC Congress remained confident that working together it would continue to change and improve lives. Some coverage from STUC Congress can be seen on the website www.congress.tv SCOTTISH PROGRESS Ann Henderson reports from the Scottish TUC Congress in Inverness