Pupils from four schools in Perth (Perth High, Perth Academy, St. Columba’s, Kinross High), along with the STUC Youth Committee, participated in the Congress in a special schools debate session titled "Schools out for Congress".
The topics up for discussion by S3 to S6 pupils included "The Economic Recession", "The Israel/Palestine conflict" and "Young people and health". Delegates from the STUC, the TUC and the affiliate unions listened to the debate and Rachael Bonner, a Unions into Schools rep from the PCS union chaired the proceedings.
STUC Youth Committee chair Drew Smith spoke on his recent visit to Israel and Palestine as part of the recent STUC delegation .
Schools participating in the event were presented with an award from Harry Cunningham - Head of TUC Education in Scotland and will then listened to debates in the main Congress auditorium.
The STUC General Secretary Grahame Smith and a delegate from the Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions (PGFTU) welcomed pupils and teachers into the 2009 Congress.
The ‘Schools out for Congress’ debate is now a regular feature at STUC Congress. It enables local schools and colleges to debate current issues relevant to the trade union movement and young people.
Grahame Smith, General Secretary STUC, said “We are delighted that these young people will be joining us at our Annual Congress in Perth. ‘Unions into Schools’ is a vital part of our work. Young people should have knowledge their employment rights before they enter the workforce – and trade unions must reach out to the next generation”
The Unions into Schools visits project has delivered over 100 classroom sessions throughout Scotland on a variety of trade union related topics over the last four years and is supported by the STUC, TUC Education and the affiliate unions.
A teaching pack entitled "A better way to work in Scotland" covers the materials delivered in school visits, it is available on the STUC website and was developed jointly between the STUC and TUC Education. http://www.stuc.org.uk/unionswork/education/a-better-way-to-work-in-scotland