NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THURSDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 2002
STUC Comments on Budget Announcement
Commenting on the Budget Announcement by Scottish Executive Finance Minister, Andy Kerr MSP, STUC General Secretary, Bill Speirs, said:
"The Executive's priorities of investment in jobs, skills, transport, education, health and the environment are also trade union priorities.
"In line with our Memorandum of Understanding with the Executive, we will be meeting with Ministers in the very near future to discuss the detail of the announcement and how the unions can continue to work with Government in achieving economic growth, job security and greater opportunities for the people of Scotland.
"While we still have to examine the detail of the announcement, we have already identified a number of very positive initiatives:
· the expansion of Modern Apprenticeships; · the creation of rail links to Glasgow and Edinburgh Airports; · real terms increases in resources for further and higher education; · increased resources for health improvement initiatives; · increased training opportunities for nurses and midwives; · the full implementation of the McCrone Agreement on Teachers' Pay.
"The investments in public services announced today set the framework for an expansion of jobs in both public and private sectors. We look forward to working with the Executive to ensure that the contribution that workers in public services make to economic growth and increased opportunities is recognised and properly valued not least through the early elimination of the two tier workforce." ENDS
For further comment, contact:
Bill Speirs Grahame Smith Tracey White