On Tuesday April 21st pupils from four schools in Perth (Perth High, Perth Academy, St. Columba’s, Kinross High), along with the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) Youth Committee, will be participating in the STUC Congress in a special schools debate session titled "Schools out for Congress" (Adam Lounge, Salutation Hotel, Perth 12.30 - 14 00).
The topics up for discussion by S3 to S6 pupils include "The Economic Recession", "The Israel/Palestine conflict" and "Young people and health". Delegates from the STUC, the TUC and the affiliate unions will listen to the debate and Rachael Bonner, a Unions into Schools rep from the PCS union will chair the proceedings.
STUC Youth Committee chair Drew Smith will speak on his recent visit to Israel and Palestine as part of the recent STUC delegation .
Schools participating in the event will be presented with an award from Harry Cunningham - Head of TUC Education in Scotland and will then be invited to listen 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) will welcome pupils and teachers into the 2009 Congress hall at 13.50pm (Photocall)
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, says “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”
ENDS
For further information please contact Terry Anderson 07791 704 682 Kevin Buchanan 0141 337 8100