News - STUC

News

TRADES UNIONS STAND WITH GEORGE SQUARE VICTIMS

5th January 2015

Over the decades the people of Glasgow have always been the most committed supporters of the trades union movement. For years we have worked together to achieve better conditions for ordinary Glaswegians in the work place and in society. Today the Scottish Trades Unions Congress are launching a legal advice helpline for people who have been affected by the awful events of the George Square Tragedy on the 22nd of December last year.

STUC Joins with Local Politician to Support Sacked USC Workers

14th January 2015

The Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) with the support of Graeme Pearson MSP has announced plans to support USC workers facing dismissal following the announcement to close the distribution facility at Dundonald, leaving 150 workers with an uncertain future.

STUC on labour market statistics

21st January 2015

Commenting on the latest official labour market data for Scotland published today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), Grahame Smith, Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) General Secretary said:

STUC concerns ahead of publication of Command Paper on further devolution

21st January 2015

STUC General Secretary Grahame Smith said: “Like other stakeholders, the STUC will wait to see the Command Paper and draft clauses before making definitive comment. However, having predicted that the rushed timescale for delivering further devolution might result in a failure to meet the aspirations of the majority of the Scottish people, we are no less concerned today.

STUC on New Scottish Parliament powers bill

22nd January 2015

Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) General Secretary Grahame Smith said "Despite being represented on the Scotland Office Stakeholder Group to consult on the draft clauses, the STUC was not given sight of the final details. "STUC will now analyse this paper in some detail, however it is already clear that in key areas such as welfare and capital borrowing, the recommendations will not match the intentions of the Smith Commission proposals.

STUC welcomes Syriza victory as key moment in the battle on austerity

25th January 2015

STUC General Secretary Grahame Smith said: "It is now clear that Syriza will win the Greek election and there is still a very real prospect of an absolute majority. This, along with the overwhelming support for anti-austerity parties in the election, represents a key moment in the battle on austerity economics in Europe. Whilst Syriza no doubt represents a radical departure from compliance with the Troika's prescriptions, its proposals for promoting economic recovery - debt forgiveness, investment for growth, and protection of workers and ordinary people – is an entirely orthodox approach that has been championed by mainstream economists globally.

STUC Anger at Scottish Government Delay on Living Wage Guidance

30th January 2015

The Scottish Trades Union Congress has reacted angrily at proposals by the Scottish Government to delay the introduction of statutory Scottish Government Guidance on the Living Wage.

STUC welcomes Scottish Labour proposals for additional welfare and pension powers

2nd February 2015

Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) General Secretary, Grahame Smith, said: “The STUC is on record as saying that the Smith Commission proposals should have proposed greater devolution in a number of areas.

STUC Support for Bill to Devolve Employability Powers

11th February 2015

The Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) have welcomed moves by Ian Murray MP to introduce the Job Creation Powers (Scotland) Bill to ensure that responsibility for the Work Programme and Work Choice is devolved to Scotland and ensuring that decisions taken on how young and disabled workers are supported back into work are taken in Scotland and meet the needs of Scotland’s communities and Scotland’s economy

STUC on new labour market statistics

18th February 2015

Commenting on the latest official labour market statistics for Scotland published today, Grahame Smith, STUC General Secretary said: “This is as strong a set of statistics as we have seen for some months and the Scottish employment rate is now within touching distance of achieving its pre-recession peak. The significant fall in unemployment comes after a period when the decline appeared to be stalling.

Cross-party Solidarity with the Jewish Community

24th February 2015

Following the horrific antisemitic terrorist attacks on Jewish targets in Europe, the 10-fold increase in antisemitic incidents in Scotland in the second half of last year, and the raising of the national terrorist threat level, all of which have contributed to unprecedented levels of anxiety and vulnerability in the Jewish community, the leaders of all the political parties in the Scottish Parliament, supported by other leading figures in Scottish public life, have taken the rare step of coming together to issue a joint statement of support and reassurance for the Jewish Community:

Workers Need a Voice to End Zero Hours Disgrace

25th February 2015

Following the publication of research by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showing a significant increase in the number of workers exposed to exploitative zero hour contracts, the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) have attacked employers who fail to provide workers with employment security and deny them a decent living wage.

STUC responds to Scottish Government Economic Strategy

3rd March 2015

Responding to the First Minister’s announcement of the Scottish Government’s new economic strategy, Grahame Smith, Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) General Secretary said: "The STUC enthusiastically welcomes the strong commitment to tackling inequality which infuses the 'refreshed' Government Economic Strategy (GES).

General Election 2015: STUC releases manifesto for decent work

6th March 2015

STUC General Secretary Grahame Smith said: “With two months to go before the General Election, it is clear that Scotland will be a major battle ground in determining the outcome. Scotland’s 620,000 trade union members and their families and friends will have a real say in determining the future.

STUC publishes 2015 Budget Submission

9th March 2015

In advance of the Chancellor’s Budget statement on 18 March, the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) is publishing its submission to the Government which includes analysis of the current state of the labour market and priorities for action in the Budget. Grahame Smith, STUC General Secretary said:

Joseph Rowntree Report reveals threat to core service delivery of increasing pressures on staff

11th March 2015

Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) General Secretary Grahame Smith said: “Today’s JRF reveals the terrible impact of austerity policies on the vital services provided by local authorities in Scotland and across the UK. The STUC and public sector unions have been arguing for some time that the increased pressure on staff workloads and cuts in employment are not just bad news for our members, but those that they serve.

STUC on GERS report

11th March 2015

Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) General Secretary Grahame Smith said: “Today’s report is a sobering reminder of some of the risks of full fiscal autonomy for Scotland. The STUC has consistently argued that whilst Scotland’s funding settlement with the UK is entirely fair in the context of its historic and anticipated fiscal contribution, there are real risks associated with the volatile nature of oil revenues. It is for this reason that we argued for a combination of increased tax devolution and a continuing block grant as the best mechanism for secure and predictable funding for Scottish public services.

STUC on Labour Market Statistics

18th March 2015

Commenting on the latest official labour market statistics for Scotland, Grahame Smith, Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) General Secretary said: "In advance of today's Budget, this is a worrying set of statistics for Scotland: unemployment is up and employment is static. Scotland is one of only two nations and regions of the UK to register an increase in unemployment over the past three months.

STUC and Scottish churches concerned at reports of hunger strikes at Dungavel, call for urgent meeting with detainees

18th March 2015

Grahame Smith, Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) General Secretary said: “The STUC and other Scottish civil society organisations we have contacted are very concerned at reports of large numbers of detainees refusing food at the Dungavel Detention Centre.

STUC Budget Reaction

18th March 2015

Commenting on the Chancellor’s Budget Statement, Grahame Smith, Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) General Secretary said: “This Budget was clearly designed to meet the political challenge of the forthcoming general election rather than the significant economic and social challenges facing the UK. The windfall provided by falling inflation should have been reinvested in vital infrastructure to further embed the recovery and support good jobs, not pay down debt that is currently being serviced at historically low interest rates.

Stand up to Racism on March 21st

19th March 2015

The Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) is joining a range of anti-racist groups, civil society organisations and concerned citizens to march on Saturday 21st March in Glasgow against racism. The 21st March is UN Anti-Racist Day and a range of demonstrations have been organised across Europe, including in London, Cardiff and Glasgow, to show our opposition to rising levels of racism, Islamophobia and anti-Semitism.

STUC on Labour’s Work Manifesto

1st April 2015

Following today’s publication of Labour’s Work Manifesto, Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) General Secretary, Grahame Smith, said: “The devastating individual and macro-economic impact of low pay and insecure work is a modern day scandal. “Labour has made clear in its Work Manifesto that there are very clear dividing lines between it and the Tories on the key issues affecting working people in Scotland.

STUC support for Fast Food Rights Day of Action, launches call for city councils to make safe staff travel a condition for the granting of licenses

14th April 2015

Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) General Secretary, Grahame Smith said: “Since we launched our campaign against low pay and zero hours contracts in the food, retail and leisure sectors, we have been contacted by workers across Scotland complaining at their treatment. “In the US, trade unions and community campaigners are coming together and making real gains by pressuring fast food giants to increase pay and permit union activity. “In Scotland zero-hours contracts are rife, payment below the Living Wage is the norm and people report being routinely disrespected at work.”

STUC on new labour market statistics

17th April 2015

Commenting on the latest official labour market statistics for Scotland published today, Grahame Smith, STUC General Secretary said: “The recovery in the Scottish labour market appears to be stalling with today’s figures confirming another rise in unemployment and only a marginal increase in employment. These statistics should give Government at all levels pause to reflect on both their overly optimistic assessments of the labour market and policies required to boost employment.

STUC General Secretary on the General Election campaign

19th April 2015

Speaking in advance of the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) Annual Congress taking place in Ayr, the STUC General Secretary, Grahame Smith, said: "As we begin to see the Scottish parties set out their election pledges, it is clear that the impact of STUC and union campaigning has resulted in policy on workplace protection being given more than superficial attention.

NHS union rep from Dundee wins STUC One Workplace Equality Award 2015

20th April 2015

This year’s STUC One Workplace Equality Award recipient is Lesley McCallum from Unite the Union. Lesley has been a senior shop steward and equality rep at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee for the past 19 years, and an active trade union member for over 40 years. During this time, she has worked in many NHS hospitals and is now the Unite Branch Chair for NHS Tayside.

Better than Zero. STUC launches new campaign, calls on older generation not to stand by whilst a generation of young people are forced into insecure work.

20th April 2015

On Monday 20th April at its Annual Congress, the STUC will launch a new campaign, run by young people for young people, to take on the issue of insecure work.

STUC General Secretary on Motion 57 - Working in Partnership for Change across the UK

20th April 2015

During his speech at STUC Annual Congress today on Motion 57: Working in Partnership for Change across the UK, Grahame Smith, STUC General Secretary, disputed David Cameron's recent claim that the Tory Party is now 'The Party of the Working People':!”

The STUC condemns the Home Office and calls for an end to detention within the Asylum System

21st April 2015

The STUC General Council will move an emergency motion on Tuesday 21 April that condemns the Home Office’s recent decision to deny a request from the STUC, the Church of Scotland, the Catholic Church, the Muslim Council of Britain and the Scottish Refugee Council to visit the Dungavel removal centre. The request for the visit came after reports that protests were taking place inside the centre and that as many as 60 detainees could be refusing food.

Union Learning Booms in the Shipyards Industry

21st April 2015

The Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) has announced that the recipient of the 10th Annual STUC Helen Dowie Award for Lifelong Learning is Billy McKay, a Unite Union Learning Representative at BAE Systems in Govan.

Glasgow Community Dietitian to receive 2015 STUC Organising Award

21st April 2015

The recipient of this year’s Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) Organising Award is Helen McDonald who works as a Community Dietitian for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

STUC publishes a new estimate of ‘Scotland’s Full-Time Employment Deficit’

21st April 2015

Commenting as the STUC published a report on the state of the Scottish Labour Market which includes a new estimate of Scotland’s Full-Time Employment Deficit, Grahame Smith, STUC General Secretary said: “This report provides a comprehensive overview of the state of the Scottish Labour Market and provides an estimate of ‘Scotland’s Full-Time Employment Deficit’.

STUC launch new joint report Trident and Jobs, the case for a Scottish Defence Diversification Agency

22nd April 2015

Speaking as the STUC and Scottish CND published a new report ‘Trident and Jobs: the case for a Scottish Defence Diversification Agency’, STUC General Secretary Grahame Smith said: “The STUC has a very longstanding principled position against nuclear weapons and continues to strongly oppose Trident renewal. We do not believe Trident provides an effective deterrent to the genuine threats currently posed to the UK. Cancelling Trident’s replacement would both accelerate a worldwide reduction in nuclear arsenals and boost the campaign against proliferation.

STUC FRANK MAGUIRE AWARD FOR HEALTH AND SAFETY

22nd April 2015

The Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) has announced that the 2015 recipient of the STUC Frank Maguire Award for Health and Safety is Billy McEwan, a GMB Health and Safety representative at West Dunbartonshire Council.

STUC on Tullis Russell Administration

27th April 2015

Commenting on the news that major Fife employer Tullis Russell has gone into administration, Grahame Smith, STUC General Secretary said:

STUC on General Election Result

8th May 2015

Commenting on the General Election result, Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) General Secretary Grahame Smith said: “We have witnessed a truly historic outcome in Scotland to the General Election, the ramifications of which are likely to fundamentally transform not just Scottish politics but our country.

First Minister and the STUC agree on transfer of powers - New Memorandum of Understanding between partners following outcome of UK election

13th May 2015

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has held her first bi-annual meeting with the Scottish Trades Union Congress. The meeting, which agreed a new Memorandum of Understanding reflect the shared priorities of the Scottish Government and the STUC, also discussed the outcome of the UK General Election.

STUC on new labour market statistics

13th May 2015

Commenting on publication of the latest official labour market statistics for Scotland, Grahame Smith, Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) General Secretary said: “With a significant increase in unemployment and a small fall in employment, today’s statistics ostensibly provide more evidence that the recovery in the Scottish labour market is stalling.

STUC on the Scottish Labour Party

15th May 2015

Addressing the STUC’s LGBT Conference in Glasgow tomorrow (16 May 2015) Grahame Smith, Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) General Secretary will say: “I have been asked continually over the past week or so about the leadership of Scottish Labour. I have made no comment about this, not because I don’t have an opinion but because who leads the Labour Party in Scotland is not the business of the STUC. I would not welcome the leader of the Scottish Labour Party expressing an opinion about who should lead the STUC.

STUC calls Anti-austerity Rally in Glasgow on 20th June

15th May 2015

STUC Deputy General Secretary, Dave Moxham, this morning confirmed that the STUC, in partnership with organisations comprising the People’s Assembly in Scotland would hold a major anti-austerity rally in George Square, Glasgow, on Saturday 20 June. He said:

STUC on Queen’s Speech

27th May 2015

Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) General Secretary Grahame Smith said:- “Despite the ‘one nation’ rhetoric, this is clearly a programme for government which would further divide the UK on the basis of class and nation.

Civil Society organisations and Community Campaigners to demonstrate outside Dungavel Removal Centre

29th May 2015

The Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC), along with a range of religious organisations and community campaigners, will hold a demonstration outside the Dungavel Removal Centre on Saturday 30th May to call for an end to detention in the immigration system

The Scottish Trade Union Congress calls on the Scottish Football Association to speak out on Qatar

1st June 2015

The Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) is calling on the Scottish Football Association (SFA) to speak out on the appalling labour abuse that is happening in Qatar. In a letter sent to the SFA last week, STUC General Secretary Grahame Smith called on the SFA to use the opportunity of the game with Qatar on Friday 5th June to make representations to the Qatari authorities and urged them to make a public statement regarding their concerns.

Charity launches campaign for New Health & Safety Centre

8th June 2015

Scotland’s leading safety charity, Scottish Hazards, has launched a new campaign urging Scots to back their vision for a Scottish Hazards Centre.

STUC on Labour Market Statistics

17th June 2015

Commenting on publication of the latest official labour market statistics for Scotland, Grahame Smith, Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) General Secretary said: "Today's statistics are another mixed bag which emphasise again that the recovery in Scotland's labour market is a slow and uneven process. The small increase in unemployment and rise in employment are attributable to another fall in economic inactivity which is now at a historically low level.

STUC General Secretary's speech to Scotland United Against Austerity Rally

20th June 2015

Speech by Grahame Smith General Secretary of the STUC to the Scotland United Against Austerity Rally held in George Square on Saturday 20 June 2015

SYRIZA Scotland ‘No’ Rally

2nd July 2015

The STUC will be speaking at and supporting the Syriza Scotland ‘No’ rally outside the office of the European Commission in Edinburgh at 12 noon on Saturday the 4th of July.

STUC on cuts to ScotRail Sunday services

2nd July 2015

STUC on cuts to ScotRail Sunday services Speaking the day after ScotRail announced it would slash its Sunday services by a third from this week due to a lack of drivers, Grahame Smith, Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) General Secretary said:

STUC remains deeply concerned for welfare of detainees in light of HMIP Report

7th July 2015

Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) General Secretary Grahame Smith said: “Today’s Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP) report vindicates the concerns that the STUC and civil society organisations have voiced with respect to the operation of the asylum system in Scotland and the welfare of detainees in Dungavel.

STUC on 2015 Budget

8th July 2015

Responding to today’s Conservative Government Budget statement Grahame Smith, General Secretary of the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC), said: “Despite presiding over the slowest recovery on record, the Chancellor continues to pursue the very austerity policies which have failed to effectively tackle the deficit whilst cutting public spending on desperately needed public services.

STUC Statement on Conservative Living Wage and Employment

8th July 2015

The Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) believes that proposals announced by George Osborne are being introduced to deliberately undermine the efforts of trade unions and organisations, such as the Scottish Living Wage Campaign, to aspire to a proper Living Wage set at a rate that lifts people out of in work poverty.

STUC Condemns T in the Park Work Practices and Demands a Real Living Wage for Workers

10th July 2015

The Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) has called on T in the Park organisers to get to grips with poor employment practise in the operation of the festival bars, operated by Barcode Recruitment.

STUC on the Trade Union Bill

15th July 2015

Following this morning’s publication of the Trade Union Bill, Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) General Secretary Grahame Smith said:- “This Bill is vindictive, unfair and unnecessary. It is an attack on the fundamental human right of workers to withdraw their labour, a right enshrined in international Conventions to which the UK is a signatory and which it will now contravene. It is a Bill that tramples over our civil liberties and should be of concern not just to workers but to everyone who values the right to peaceful protest.

Trade Unions across Scotland are supporting Mandela Day: Saturday 18th July 2015

16th July 2015

To celebrate Nelson Mandela International Day the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) is supporting Action for Southern Africa (ACTSA) Scotland to send children’s books to school libraries in Nelson Mandela’s home province of Eastern Cape, with which Scotland has a particular link.

STUC welcomes ‘Fight for 15’ Minimum Wage victory in New York

23rd July 2015

STUC General Secretary, Grahame Smith, said: “This is a startling and heartening victory for Fast Food workers in the state of New York which follows on from similar gains achieved in Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles. A $15 dollar an hour Living Wage will place fast food workers in New York at a significantly higher rate than in the norm in our towns and cities

STUC comment on government plans for public sector workers to lose the right to have union fees deducted from wages

6th August 2015

Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) General Secretary Grahame Smith said: “This latest move represents another Government attempt to poison the employer/employee relationship and flies in the face of the progress we have made in Scotland to create a positive industrial relation landscape.

Fairer Work practices

10th August 2015

£100,000 as part of formal response to the Working Together review. The STUC will receive £100,000 to implement recommendations on progressive workplace practices. The announcement was made by Cabinet Secretary for Fair Work Roseanna Cunningham as part of the Scottish Government’s formal response to the Working Together review in Inverness.

STUC Attacks Tories Failure to Support Disabled People into Work

21st August 2015

Following the revelation that the DWP falsified testimonies from “benefit” claimants who had positive experiences of being sanctioned the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) has revealed further evidence of Iain Duncan Smith’s policy of attacking the most vulnerable of our society.

Older Women in Scotland – looking to the Future

24th August 2015

The publication of a report ‘Older Women and Work – Looking to the Future’ today from the Scottish Commission on Older Women, brings to the fore the experiences of older women seeking to remain in, or re-enter, the labour market. With rising numbers of women over the age of 50 in the labour market in Scotland, Government, employers and trade unions have roles to play in ensuring good quality employment with sufficient flexibility and training opportunities, recognising changing family and caring responsibilities too.

STUC on rise in zero-hour contracts

2nd September 2015

Responding to new official statistics published today confirming that the number of people employed on zero-hours contracts increased by 19% in the year to June 2015, Grahame Smith, Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) General Secretary said:

STUC calls on Councils and other Public Authorities to Resist the Trade Union Bill

14th September 2015

The Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) has today written to public authorities across Scotland to highlight the effect of the Trade Union Bill on their own working practices. The Trade Union Bill, which receives its second reading in Parliament today, contains a variety of negative impacts for trade unions and workers across Scotland but there are two specific issues that impact on public sector employers. These changes will negatively affect industrial relations and the running of public services in Scotland.

STUC on Labour Market Statistics

16th September 2015

Commenting after the latest official labour market statistics were published this morning, Grahame Smith, STUC General Secretary said:

STUC welcomes COSLA statement on Trade Union Bill

28th September 2015

STUC welcomes clear statement of intent by COSLA to stand shoulder to shoulder with trade unions and support workplace democracy.

STUC Black Workers’ Conference – No to Racism, No to Intolerance

2nd October 2015

The 19th Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) Black Workers’ Conference will take place in the Hallmark Hotel, Glasgow this weekend (Saturday and Sunday, 3-4 October). The Conference brings together Black trade unionists from a range of workplaces across Scotland to debate issues and motions of interest to them. Motions to this year’s Conference cover a range of issues including: the Trade Union Bill, the Human Rights Act, Black Youth Unemployment, Islamophobia and Reparations for the Slave Trade.

Speaking up for women in work

8th October 2015

Home nation’s trade unions gather to champion workplace equality.

STUC on Labour market statistics

14th October 2015

Commenting after the latest official labour market statistics for Scotland were published by ONS, Grahame Smith, Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) General Secretary said:

STUC General Secretary's speech to SNP Conference

17th October 2015

STUC General Secretary's speech to SNP Conference

STUC on steel industry job losses

20th October 2015

Commenting after the announcement that Tata is to end production at Dalzell and Clydebridge with the loss of 270 jobs, Grahame Smith, Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) General Secretary said:

New Trade Union Bill clause threatens to provoke major stand-off between Westminster and devolved government

21st October 2015

Speaking on the day that a new clause on the Trade Union Bill was tabled, seeking to ban employers for offering the facility of payroll deductions for union dues, Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) General Secretary Grahame Smith said:

Speech by STUC General Secretary to Scottish Labour Party Conference

30th October 2015

SPEECH BY GRAHAME SMITH GENERAL SECRETARY, SCOTTISH TRADES UNION CONGRESS SCOTTISH LABOUR PARTY CONFERENCE PERTH FRIDAY 30 OCTOBER 2015

SPEECH TO 88TH ANNUAL STUC WOMEN’S CONFERENCE

2nd November 2015

ANNE DEAN, GMB SCOTLAND, CHAIR OF THE STUC WOMEN’S COMMITTEE, SPEECH TO 88TH ANNUAL STUC WOMEN’S CONFERENCE

Speech by STUC General Secretary to STUC Women's Conference

3rd November 2015

Speech by STUC General Secretary to STUC Women's Conference

STUC Women’s Conference pass emergency motions on the Trade Union Bill

3rd November 2015

STUC Women’s Conference pass emergency motions on the Trade Union Bill The Scottish Trade Union Congress’ 88th Annual Women’s Conference in Dundee today passed emergency motions on the Trade Union Bill. The motions particularly focus on the effect that removing check off in the NHS and other public services will have on low paid women and identifies the Bill as an attack on Human Rights and the voice of working people.

STUC message of support to Tata workers

7th November 2015

STUC message of support to Tata workers To all Dalzell and Clydebridge workers the STUC sends this message of strong and unwavering support:

STUC to lobby Scottish Parliament on Trade Union Bill 10th November

9th November 2015

1pm Scottish Parliament & 2.30pm public gallery Trade unionists will today lobby the Scottish Parliament calling for united opposition to the Trade Union Bill and support for the view that aspects of the Bill should be subject to Legislative Consent. If that is denied by Westminster, the Scottish Government should refuse to comply with key provisions.

STUC on Labour Market Statistics

11th November 2015

Commenting after the latest official labour market statistics for Scotland were published by ONS, Grahame Smith, Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) General Secretary said:

Message of Condolence from the STUC following events in Paris

16th November 2015

Grahame Smith, the General Secretary of the STUC has sent a message of support to the French trade unions

Fiscal framework has the potential to make or break the new devolution settlement

17th November 2015

*Deputy First Minister should refuse to sign up to Fiscal Framework unless the right block grant adjustment can be agreed* STUC General Secretary Grahame Smith today warned that key new powers enshrined in the Scotland Act could become a poisoned chalice if the Fiscal Framework currently being negotiated between the Scottish and UK Governments fails to meet the ‘no detriment’ principle as agreed by the Smith Commission.

STUC responds to the possible deliberate fire at a Mosque

17th November 2015

Speaking after BBC reports of a possible deliberate fire at a Cultural Centre in Bishopbriggs that is used as a Mosque by the Muslim Community Grahame Smith, General Secretary of the Scottish Trades Union Congress said:

STUC on Spending Review and Autumn Statement

25th November 2015

Speaking after the Chancellor had announced his Spending Review and Autumn Statement, Grahame Smith, STUC General Secretary said: “Once again the Chancellor has used selective statistics to overstate both the strength of the recovery and the extent to which the benefits of recovery are being shared. Scotland’s workers, especially the low paid, will struggle to reconcile the glowing economic picture he painted with the reality of their daily lives.

STUC 2015 St Andrew’s Day March and Rally - No Racism: Refugees Welcome Here

26th November 2015

The Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) Annual St Andrews Day March and Rally takes place Saturday 28th November. The event this year has the theme ‘No Racism: Refugees Welcome Here’

STUC General Council’s statement on Syrian Airstrikes

2nd December 2015

The General Council of the Scottish Trades Union Congress at its meeting today agreed a statement dealing with the proposed airstrikes against ISIS in Syria.

Speech by Grahame Smith General Secretary STUC to the ‘No Trade Union Bill, No Austerity’ Rally

10th December 2015

In a speech at tonight’s rally in the Glasgow Concert Hall, which will be addressed by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn, the General Secretary of the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) will say:

STUC on the death of journalist Ian Bell

11th December 2015

Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) General Secretary Grahame Smith said:

STUC response to Local tax Commission report

14th December 2015

Commenting on publication of the Commission on Local Tax Reform’s final report, Grahame Smith, Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) General Secretary said:

STUC on labour market statistics

16th December 2015

Commenting on publication of the latest official labour market statistics for Scotland, Grahame Smith, Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) General Secretary said:

STUC Budget Reaction

16th December 2015

Commenting on John Swinney’s Budget statement, Grahame Smith, STUC General Secretary said: