News

STUC on G20 Agreement

2nd April 2009

Responding to the G20 agreement announced this afternoon, Grahame Smith, Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) General Secretary said: “The deal contains some very welcome measures but is, as a whole, insufficient to meet the challenges facing the global economy.

STUC calls for a Budget for Jobs

3rd April 2009

On publication of ‘A Budget for Jobs’, the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) 2009 Budget Submission, Grahame Smith, STUC General Secretary said: “The STUC believes that the G20 agreement represents real progress in many areas. However, we were deeply disappointed that it was insufficient in the crucial area of sustaining global demand. That is why the STUC is arguing for Budget 2009 to bring forward a substantial fiscal stimulus and for UK ministers to continue pressing international partners for further action.

Report of the STUC Delegation to Palestine and Israel 28 February – 7 March 2009

3rd April 2009

At STUC Congress 2007 a resolution was carried which called on the General Council to explore the merits of the calls for boycott, disinvestment and sanctions (BDS) against the state of Israel until it complies with international law and agreed human rights principles. In September 2007 the General Council agreed a process for considering the BDS calls. A crucial part of this process was to visit the region and discuss BDS directly with trade unions from Israel and Palestine. A delegation of eleven trade unionists from the STUC visited Israel and Palestine in Spring 2009.

STUC Alarm at closure of universities and colleges equality support unit

8th April 2009

Scottish trade unions today expressed their deep concerns at the decision of the Scottish Funding Council to end the funding of a unit which provides equalities support to Scotland’s colleges and universities.

Unions into Schools – Perth school pupils join the debate at STUC Congress 2009

16th April 2009

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".

STUC to launch ‘Agenda for Rebuilding Collective Prosperity’ at Congress 2009

19th April 2009

Tomorrow (Monday 20th April), Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) General Secretary Grahame Smith will launch the STUC’s Agenda for Rebuilding Collective Prosperity. STUC will be writing to a range of Scotland’s civic leaders, community and campaigning organisations asking them to support the initiative, comment on the policy papers which support the statement and engage in wider policy discussion over coming months.

Strathclyde Fire fighter Wins STUC One Workplace Equality Award 2009

19th April 2009

Rt. Hon. Harriet Harman MP, Minister for Women and Equality, will present this year’s One Workplace Equality Award 2009 to recognise the role of Scottish trade union members in promoting equality in the workplace (10:55 hrs Monday 20th April) at the STUC Annual Congress in Perth.

STUC on Harriet Harman Speech to Congress

20th April 2009

Commenting on Harriet Harman’s speech to STUC Congress 2009, Grahame Smith, STUC General Secretary said: “The STUC hoped that during this Congress political speakers would address both the changing economic times and the need to assist those hardest hit by recession.

CWU receive 2009 STUC Health and Safety Award

21st April 2009

The Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) has announced that Graeme Russell, Regional Safety Secretary for the Communication Workers Union (CWU), is this years recipient of the STUC Health and Safety Award for his work in promoting and developing positive partnership working in protecting the health, safety and welfare of CWU members in the Edinburgh and Borders Branch.

STUC welcomes First Minister’s Announcement on a Scottish Investment Bank

21st April 2009

Commenting on the First Minister’s speech to STUC Congress 2009, Grahame Smith, STUC General Secretary said: “The STUC welcomes the First Minister’s announcement today of the first steps towards the establishment of a Scottish Investment Bank; a long-standing policy objective for the STUC. We now look forward to discussing the detailed implementation plans with colleagues in the Government and enterprise agencies.

STUC Debates Boycott of Israel

22nd April 2009

STUC Congress will today debate whether to support boycott, disinvestments and sanctions against Israel until it complies with international laws and agreed principles of human rights.

STUC Recognises Learning Rep Dedication to Everyday Skills for Migrant Workers

22nd April 2009

James Lillis is no ordinary bus driver. He is also an award-winning Union Learning Representative for Unite. In this role, James makes learning opportunities accessible to all employees at First Glasgow. There are a large number of Eastern European migrant workers within the bus depot, so James learned to speak Polish. This has enabled him to help the migrant workers, and these workers return the favour by studying “Glaswegian”.

STUC on Budget

22nd April 2009

Commenting on the Budget, Grahame Smith, Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) General Secretary said: “Today it was confirmed that Scotland has entered recession at a faster pace than the UK. The human cost of recession was revealed in another substantial rise in unemployment.

Scottish Trade Unions Call for Boycott of Israel

24th April 2009

The Scottish Trades Union Congress this week backed boycotts and disinvestment, and called for sanctions against the state of Israel because of the state’s failure to comply with international laws and agreed principles of human rights.

STUC WANTS ACTION ON WORKPLACE ACCIDENTS AND ILL-HEALTH

27th April 2009

To mark International Workers Memorial Day the STUC is calling for increased enforcement of health and safety legislation and a concerted effort by employers to work with trade unions in demanding the Scottish Government introduce a long term strategy leading to comprehensive and sustainable occupational health provision.

STUC WELCOMES WORKERS MEMORIAL DAY CONSULTATION

28th April 2009

The Scottish Trade Union Congress has welcomed the announcement that the UK Government plans to consult on formal recognition of International Workers Memorial Day.