NEWS RELEASE 18 November 2004
For immediate release
STUC welcomes Executives extension to Emergency Workers Bill
The Scottish Trades Union Congress today (Thursday, 18 November 2004) welcomed the amendments from the Scottish Executive to widen the protection offered under existing proposals to many workers throughout Scotland who face violent and abusive attacks while carrying out their duties.
Bill Speirs, General Secretary of the STUC, said
"The increasing attacks on emergency service workers over recent years is unacceptable and we see the improvements tabled today ahead of the Bill progressing to Stage 2 as being essential in protecting workers."
"The moves by the Executive to provide protection to police, fire and ambulance workers and medical staff in hospitals while on duty are particularly welcomed and are a significant move from their initial position".
"The hindrance and abuse of those who work to protect our lives, quite often under extreme pressure in the normal course of their duties, cannot be tolerated and the additional penalties available under this legislation are welcome. The STUC and our affiliated organisations will closely monitor the effectiveness of the legislation on implementation".
"We are aware that there remain a number of workers who are not covered by the protection offered by the Bill and we will continue to work with the Executive on the existing package of non-legislative measures to ensure violent attacks against all workers are seen as unacceptable in Scottish society".
Tel: 0141 337 8100 / Fax: 0141 337 8101 www.stuc.org.uk
The involvement of the STUC, and our affiliated organisations, in all areas of work to protect workers rights and especially in Health and Safety show that Unions Work in protecting Scottish workers from harm.
ENDS.
For further information, please contact:
Bill Speirs Office 0141 337 8100
Ian Tasker, STUC Assistant Secretary : Office 0141 337 8100