SCOTTISH POLITICAL SCHOOL REPORT

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: june 2017 :: RMTnews 26 An historic first for the RMT took place last month with the inaugural Scottish political school, attended by 13 activists from across Scotland. The course aimed to replicate the success of the annual national school at Doncaster, while specifically focusing on how the RMT interacts with and utilises the unique Scottish political system. The course was planned and delivered by RMT political officer James Croy and Gordon Martin, regional organiser for Scotland. It set out to introduce members to the political side of RMT campaigning in Scotland, raise awareness of the RMT Scottish Parliamentary Group and to give an insight into how the political institutions in this region of the UK can be used to our members’ best advantage. Following an overview of the course content, there was discussion and debate exploring the political challenges and opportunities for trade unionists in Scotland. The group gelled quickly and animated discussion on these topics and others carried on both within and outside the official programme of events. STUC assistant general secretary and long-time RMT member Ann Henderson outlined the devolved political structures and powers of the Scottish Parliament and how these relate to the current economic and industrial situation in Scotland. She highlighted how the STUC and the wider trade union movement must mobilise to support progressive policy, take forward the case for workers’ rights and counter the threat to workers posed by the Conservatives at the general election and beyond. This was followed by an informative address from Patricia Findlay, Professor of Work and Employment Relations at the University of Strathclyde, on the importance of the Fair Work Framework as a tool in ensuring our members in Scotland will have a ‘world- leading working life’ and have their rights and wellbeing in the workplace recognised and protected. The second day explored the processes by which the union campaigns and the importance of involving Scottish politicians to move forward the interests of our members. Potential Scottish campaign opportunities were identified and presentations were made on the political strategies which would see them through to a successful conclusion for our members. This was followed by an afternoon at the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood. A presentation was heard on the history, processes and powers of the Parliament, and the composition and of the RMT Scottish Parliamentary group. Elaine Smith MSP, chair of the group, told how its members use SCOTTISH POLITICAL SCHOOL REPORT Dave Hainey of RMT Wishaw and Motherwell branch reports on the inaugural Scottish Political School