Scottish Government Programme for Government
Commenting on the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government, STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer:
“There are welcome elements within the Programme for Government from the First Minister, not least of all the pledge to raise the pay of our early years and social care workers in addition to a Housing Bill to introduce long-term rent controls. Reestablishing the Independent Living Fund and introducing a much-needed, if inadequate, premium council tax on second homes is also welcome. However, we cannot pretend this was the radical, redistributive prospectus Scotland desperately needs.
“The First Minister was right on the need to pick a side. We agree. But he has done neither and sets out a misaligned Programme for Government that promotes economic growth through a pro-business, profit-driven prism and gives very little detail, if any, on redistributing wealth from the top of our society to those most in need.
“Workers are the real wealth creators in our country, not the profiteers. We have already demonstrated that taxing those at the top, revaluating our land and property and introducing wealth taxes can generate £3.3 billion of extra revenue, helping to build a fairer, more equal country. This Programme for Government delivered on none of these policies.
“We would invite the Scottish Government on that journey towards a fairer nation and urgently prioritise bolder, radical measures to spread the wealth in our country that would eradicate the scourge of poverty across Scotland once and for all.
RSSGeneral Secretary's newspaper columns
King’s Speech proved how badly we need an election The National 15th November
We march against fascism. Would Braverman want to ban us too? Herald 14th November
We should be furious that workers were thrown to wolves during Covid The National 27th October
SNP Can't blame Labour deluge on the weather The National 14th October
Why we must fight for the future of further education Herald 13th October
The attack on Unison's Johanna Baxter is nonsense - here's why The National 29th September
Labour must commit to the devolution of employment law Herald 29th September
Why we must have a wholesale revolution on social care Herald 12th September
Roz Foyer: First Minister says he ‘isn’t afraid to pick a side’ – so do it The National 9th September
It's time to pay women fairly. Let the bosses pay the bill The National 1st September
Politicians beware: the people are not prepared to lie down any longer Herald 18th August
Strikes in Scotland seem endless? Well the workers are fed up too The National 12th August
It's time we took back control of our buses The National 4th August
Two-child benefit cap: Dismay over lack of vision from Labour Herald 21st July
When it comes to care, we must put people before profit Herald 12th July 2023
What can we say about Humza Yousaf's record after 100 days in the job? The National 8th July 2023
Profiteering is driving up costs and they want you to take the blame. Herald 5th July 2023
We have a real chance to deliver fairness for workers. Let's take it. Herald 10th June 2023
Never forget Pride is a protest as well as a celebration The National 10th June 2023
The Yes campaign may have stalled but people still want change Herald 6th June 2023
Forget the coronation, profit is king in the UK The National 13th May 2023
The First Minister must stay firm on free school meals Herald 8th May 2023
What are the politicians going to do to rescue our democracy? Herald 13th April 2023
First Minister Humza Yousaf must work with trade unions to succeed The National 8th April 2023
Next first minister must show same respect to unions The National 21st March
Government has turbocharged our resolve on workers' rights The National 31st January
