STUC welcomes the publication of the Working Together Review

August 13th 2014

STUC welcomes the publication of the Working Together Review

August 13th 2014

The Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) has welcomed the publication of the Working Together Review: Progressive workplace policies in Scotland and the potential for extending collective bargaining and for democratising workplaces and industry.

Speaking following the statement to the Scottish Parliament of Cabinet Secretary for Training, Youth and Women’s Employment Angela Constance welcoming the report, Grahame Smith, STUC General Secretary and member of the Working Together Review Group said:

“There is a growing appreciation that what happens in the workplace is fundamentally important in addressing Scotland's economic and social challenges and opportunities. The evidence presented to the Review demonstrates that in workplaces, across Scotland, unions and employers are working constructively and fruitfully to make companies more successful, organisations more effective, work more rewarding, our economy more productive and our public services more responsive to the needs of individuals and communities.

“Having considered the evidence from Scotland and elsewhere, the Review Group, made up of unions, employers and academics, is convinced that the challenges we face and the opportunities available in Scotland are more likely to be addressed successfully in an environment where unions play their full part in economic, social and civil life, mirroring the norm in many successful social democratic countries. In Scandinavia and elsewhere high levels of union memberships and collective bargaining sit comfortably alongside economic success. There is no reason why that shouldn't be the case in Scotland.

“I hope that the findings of the Review will dispel some of the myths about the role of unions today and the nature of industrial relations in Scotland and will provoke action by government, employers and unions that will develop and extend the considerable amount of good practice that already exists to fully realises the many benefits to be gained by workers, and organisations in the private, public and third sectors in Scotland.”

ENDS

The report can be found at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2014/08/4647

For further information contact Ann Henderson 07875 208 167