PLEASE RETAIN FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
2001 ANNUAL CONGRESS
PAPER A - Complete record of Motions submitted for consideration at the 2001 Congress and the decision recorded.
PAPER B - Resolutions adopted at the 2001 Congress
PAPER C - Emergency Resolutions adopted at the 2001 Congress
PAPER D - Motions remitted at the 2001 Congress
PAPER E - Motions submitted for the 2001 Congress which were subsequently withdrawn, fell or lost from the Congress Agenda
PAPER F - Statements to Congress
2001 Annual Congress Congress Decisions Booklet
PAPER A
2001 CONGRESS BUSINESS
DECISIONS
Resolutions/Motions Decisions
Composite A (1 & Amend, 4, 5, 6 & Amend, 7 & Amend Carried & 8) - The Economy
Amended Resolution No.2 Education for Work Carried
Amended Resolution No.9 Scottish Textile, Clothing and Footwear Manufacturing Carried
Composite C (10 & Amend and 11 & Amend) Rundown of the Carried Oil Fabrication Industry in Scotland
Amended Resolution No.12 Defence Procurement Carried
Composite D (13 & 14) Transport Carried
Composite E (15, 16 & 17) Railway Safety and Ownership Carried
Composite F (18 & 19) National Air Traffic Service Carried
Motion No.20 Public Ownership Fell
Composite G (21 & 22 & Amend) - Shipping Carried
Resolution No.23 The Fuel Crisis/September 2000 Carried
Resolution No.24 The Sea Fishing Industry Carried
Amended Resolution No.25 Tourism Industry Employment Carried
Composite H (26 & 27) The Cultural Industries in Scotland Carried
Resolution No.28 Exhibition of Scottish Made Films Carried
Resolution No.29 Energy Carried
2001 Annual Congress Congress Decisions Booklet
Resolutions/Motions Decisions
Amended Resolution No.30 Mergers and Acquisitions Carried
Amended Resolution No.31 Science White Paper Carried
Motion No.32 European Union: Single Currency Remitted
Amended Resolution No.33 Information Society Carried
Amended Resolution No.34 Fuel Poverty Carried
Motion No.35 Rebuilding Communities Remitted
Resolution No.36 Poverty Carried
Resolution No.37 Supported Employment for Disabled People Carried
Resolution No.38 Social Exclusion Carried
Resolution No.39 Incapacity Benefit Carried
Resolution No.40 Equality of Access to Low Price Food Carried
Composite I (41 & Amend, 42 & 43) State Pensions Carried
Resolution No.44 Better Access to the Prescription Season Ticket Scheme in Scotland Carried
Resolution No.45 Young People, Crime & Social Inclusion Carried
Composite U (46 & 47) Scottish Education Carried
Resolution No.48 Social Inclusion and Education Carried
Amended Resolution No.49 Strategic Review of Higher Education Carried
Resolution No.50 Reform of the Board of Governors University Sector Carried
Composite J (51 & Amend & 52 ) Lifelong Learning Carried
Resolution No.53 Education and Training for Young People Carried
Amendment to No.53 Withdrawn
Resolution No.54 Training for workers in the Entertainment Industry Carried
2001 Annual Congress Congress Decisions Booklet
Resolutions/Motions Decisions
Composite K (55 & Amends, 56, 57, 58, 60 & 63) Carried Public Services
Amended Resolution No.59 Investing in Public Services, Carried General Election Campaign
Resolution No.61 Council Housing Carried
Resolution No.62 Road Maintenance Contracts Carried
Amended Resolution No.64 Scottish Water Carried
Resolution No.65 Private Prisons Carried
Resolution No.66 Post Office Network Carried
Resolution No.67 Creation of the Working Age Agency Carried
Resolution No.68 Pensioners Carried
Amended Resolution No.69 Comprehensive 24-Hour Community Service Provision in Scotland Carried
Resolution No. 70 Treatment of Patients Carried
Motion No.71 Provision of Care for the Severe and Profound Mental Handicaps Lost
Resolution No.72 Privatisation of the Health Service Carried
Composite B (3 & Amends, 73, 74 & 75) Health and Safety Carried
Resolution No.76 Health and Safety Enforcement Withdrawn
Amended Resolution No.77 North Sea Safety Carried
Resolution No.78 Scottish Paper Industry Health and Safety Carried
Resolution No.79 Depleted Uranium Carried
Resolution No.80 - Health and Safety Safe Footwear in The Workplace Carried
Composite L (81 & Amends, 82, 83 & Amend, 84 & Amends) - Workplace Stress Carried
2001 Annual Congress Congress Decisions Booklet
Resolutions/Motions Decisions
Composite M (85 & 86) Part-Time Workers Regulations Carried
Composite N (87 & 88) Parental Leave Carried
Resolution No.89 Family Friendly Employment Policies Carried
Composite O (90 & 91) Low Pay and National Carried Minimum Wage
Resolution No.92 Rights at Work Fair Wages Resolution Carried
Composite P (93 & 94) Employment Tribunals Carried
Resolution No.95 Consultation Rights of Workers Carried
Motion No.96 Workplace Drug Tests Remitted
Resolution No.97 Trade Unions and the Human Rights Act Carried
Resolution No.98 Sunday Trading Scotland Carried
Resolution No.99 Workers in the North Sea Oil Industry Carried
Amended Resolution No.100 Community Health Visitors and Community Psychiatric Nurses Carried
Composite Q (101, 102, 103 & 104 & Amend) Carried Trade Union Rights
Motion No.105 Anti-Union Legislation Fell
Amended Motion No.106 Membership Portability Remitted
Amended Motion No.107 STUC Representation on Public Bodies Lost
Resolution No.108 Trades Union Council Effectiveness Carried
Resolution No.109 STUC and Disability Carried
Resolution No.110 Trade Union and Community Resource Centres Carried
Amended Resolution No.111 Scottish Parliament and a Modern Civil Service Carried
Composite R (112 & 113 & Amend) Carried Asylum Seekers and Refugees
2001 Annual Congress Congress Decisions Booklet
Resolutions/Motions Decisions
Composite S (114 & 115) Chhokar Family Justice Campaign Carried
Motion No.116 Good Samaritan Law Remitted
Resolution No.117 Scottish Fire Safety Bill Carried
Motion No.118 Political Funding Remitted
Composite T (119, 120 & 121) Globalisation Carried
Motion No.122 Decommissioning of Nuclear Submarines Remitted
Motion No.123 Palestine Withdrawn
Resolution No.124 Support South Africa Carried
Resolution No.125 Cuba Carried
Resolution No.126 Kurdistan Carried
Emergency Resolution No.1 - Carried Compaq, Motorola and the Scottish Electronics Industry
Emergency Resolution No.2 Foot and Mouth Carried
Emergency Resolution No.3 Clydeside Shipyards Carried
Emergency Resolution No.4 - Chester Street Insurance Company Carried
Emergency Resolution No.5 - Trade Union Legislation Carried
Emergency Resolution No.6 - An Independent Enquiry into Industrial Relations within the Post Office Carried
Emergency Resolution No.7 U.S. Withdrawal from 1997 Kyoto Climate Change Treaty Carried
Emergency Resolution No.8 Palestine Carried
General Council Statements
Equal Pay - Closing the Gap Endorsed
Organising for Growth: Clearing House Principles and Procedures Endorsed
2001 Annual Congress Congress Decisions Booklet
PAPER B
2001 ANNUAL CONGRESS
RESOLUTIONS CARRIED
The following resolutions were carried at the 2001 Annual Congress
2001 Annual Congress Congress Decisions Booklet
Composite A - The Economy (Covering Motion Nos.1 & Amend, 4, 5, 6 & Amend, 7 & Amend, and 8)
"That this Congress welcomes the Labour Government's principled adoption of full employment as a macro economic policy goal and the success of the UK Government and the Scottish Executive in promoting the creation of new jobs and in beginning to tackling long-term unemployment.
"However, Congress remains concerned about the narrowness of Scotland's economic base and about on-going job losses across a number of sectors, especially in textiles, printing, paper and packaging, motor vehicles and components, steel and shipbuilding.
"Congress recognises that manufacturing remains vitally important to the Scottish and UK economy and welcomes the commitment of the Scottish Executive to the development and implementation of a manufacturing strategy.
"Scottish manufacturing has faced significant structural problems related to chronic under-investment; a failure to fully exploit potential home and export markets; a poor record of support for research and development; the dominance of large Trans-National Corporations who often take strategic decisions over the heads of local management and unions and can withdraw production with no regard to the effect on communities working for them; and the negative impact of the strong Pound and the interest rate differential faced by manufacturers, compared to their main international competitors.
"Congress identifies the short-term interest rate decisions of the Monetary Policy Committee as a significant factor in maintaining the misalignment of Sterling and is concerned at the Committee's misjudgements and predisposition to follow City prejudices and interests at the expense of the working people of Scotland, Wales, and regions of northern England.
"Congress remains committed to continue its campaign to highlight the threat to manufacturing jobs in Scotland caused by high interest rates and believes that specific action to promote a strong manufacturing sector, supporting high skilled, well remunerated, secure jobs, must be an integral part of economic development policy for Scotland and the UK.
"Congress, therefore, calls for:
· incentives that encourage businesses to develop new products and link industry to academic and scientific institutions to develop skills and research and development programmes, and the elimination of fixed term contracts for researchers;
· the identification, in conjunction with community and other relevant interests, of socially and environmentally useful work, such as energy efficiency projects, that benefits communities as well as providing decent employment;
2001 Annual Congress Congress Decisions Booklet
· regional policies that promote sustainability and employment opportunities and the creation of economic planning bodies involving representation from trade unions, employers and local government;
· the linking of grants to commitments on job security and terms and conditions for employees and the introduction of exit policies to reduce the ability of companies to leave communities without regard for their needs;
· a Scottish take-over and merger panel to investigate the social and economic effects of such proposals and to act in the public interest with regard to these;
· a legal duty on employers to meaningfully consult with Trade Union representatives prior to major decisions regarding job security, investments and product development;
· the same protection from redundancy for workers in the UK as for their European counterparts;
· action to improve the UK's poor record on training, including the introduction of a mandatory training levy on employers to reserve a percentage of profit and working time for training and education;
· the staggered release of capital receipts for projects in the public sector;
· the reform of Regional Selective Assistance to a less discretionary system;
· the creation of a Scottish Defence Diversification Agency, with Trade Union representation, to identify strategies to direct resources to socially useful production;
· democratic reforms of Pension Funds and the City of London;
· greater democracy at work and the establishment of a Scottish Industrial Reform Fund aimed at supporting conversion to employee ownership;
· further fiscal and investment measures to green the economy;
· managed reductions in working time;
· Government to intervene to restore a sustainable exchange rate with the Euro to give Scottish manufacturing and the communities which depend on it a fair chance to compete;
· immediate action to reduce the cost of electricity to manufacturing.
2001 Annual Congress Congress Decisions Booklet
"Congress commits itself to campaign for improved consultation rights at work, to work with Government and employers to promote investment, productivity, job security and lifelong learning and to highlight the important role the Trade Unions can play in helping to make manufacturing a success in Scotland and in the UK as a whole.
"Congress recognises that much can be achieved for working people when the Trade Union Movement acts in partnership with employers, with Government and its agencies, and with other institutions, where consensus is achievable and where joint action is mutually beneficial. However, this type of partnership activity requires to be based on shared information.
"Congress attaches great importance to the dialogue being established between the STUC and the Scottish Executive on building social partnership. Congress urges the General Council to secure a meaningful social partnership agreement which will increase the influence of the STUC and its affiliates on all matters affecting the quality of life of the people of Scotland."
Amended Resolution No.2 Education for Work
"That this Congress recognises that Education has many purposes and outcomes and that these reflect the nature and values of the society in which we live.
"Congress recognises that an important purpose of education is to prepare pupils and students for the world of work but believes that this should be addressed in the context of their development as citizens of a modern democratic society in which they can expect to participate fully on the basis of equality of opportunity regardless of background.
"Congress recognises the increased emphasis which the present Scottish Executive has placed on the concept of Education for Work as a means of preparing young people for the transition from education to work and that the HMI Report `Education for Work in Schools' contains a raft of recommendations aimed at extending the quality and coherence of education for work programmes for all school pupils. Congress also recognises the considerable emphasis that many employers and their organisations are placing on their involvement in the education system through, for example, Education Business Partnerships or through specific, well resourced projects.
"Congress, however, believes that education for work activity in Scottish schools, colleges and universities, lacks a strategic focus and adequate public sector resources. In particular, Congress believes that the false separation of education and training under the Scottish Executive has exacerbated this situation. Congress believes that the large number of current initiatives must be better integrated and co-ordinated nationally and locally, if expansion in this area is not to be reduced to individual employers' agendas and a narrow focus on entrepreneurial skills to the detriment of others.
2001 Annual Congress Congress Decisions Booklet
"Congress believes that the Trade Union Movement has much to contribute to the development of education for work activity in its broadest sense, not only in making young people aware of the realities of work from a workers' perspective and about the individual and collective rights they should expect at work, but also about how work relates to wider issues within society, such as equality, environmental sustainability, lifelong learning and community development and participation, which are areas of longstanding Trade Union activity.
"Congress calls on the General Council of the STUC, in full consultation with affiliates, to prepare a comprehensive policy statement on Education for Work and a strategy for Trade Union involvement in education for work activity across all sectors of Scottish Education, that includes the identification of the resources necessary for its implementation, and their possible sources.
"This policy statement and strategy should give appropriate consideration to issues such as the requirements of teachers and lecturers; the feasibility of a Trade Union Development Officer within schools and colleges; the role of Trade Unions as employers; the availability of free, impartial careers guidance; the issue of gender stereo-typing in education and employment; and the role of the various agencies involved in education for work and the relationship of the Trade Union Movement to them. "
Amended Motion No.9 Scottish Textile, Clothing and Footwear Manufacturing
"That this Congress welcomes the new initiatives put in place since last Congress in support of the Textile Industry. However, it is still a fact that the national statistics for the 12-month period up to June show 29,000 textile job losses throughout the UK, with significant losses across Scotland.
"Congress, therefore, calls upon the General Council to step up its efforts to secure a viable future for the Scottish textiles, clothing and footwear manufacturing industries.
"In particular Congress calls for:-
(1) greater inter-firm co-operation and networking in the Industry championed by the local authorities and enterprise agencies;
(2) a bigger say for workers in the Industry and an end to poverty pay;
(3) financial institutional reforms which will help solve chronic under investment in the Industry;
(4) a policy on interest rates and thus the exchange rate which promotes indigenous manufacturing industry."
2001 Annual Congress Congress Decisions Booklet
Composite C - Rundown of the Oil Fabrication Industry in Scotland (Covering Motion No. 10 & Amend and 11 & Amend)
"That this Congress, in view of the drastic loss of jobs in the oil fabrication industry in Scotland where some 10,000 highly skilled well paid jobs have been lost directly from the Yards over the last year, calls for urgent support from Government for the areas worst affected.
"Areas such as the Highlands, Western Isles, Fife and Clydeside have lost much of their manufacturing base with little or no suitable replacement employment being introduced to compensate for these losses.
"A national strategy which includes assistance for Yards to pursue contracts outside the UK, retraining, diversification and supported by funding from Central Government and the oil companies should be introduced to deal with this problem, which is otherwise likely to have a long term detrimental effect on areas formerly reliant on rig construction.
"This initiative could be fine-tuned on a local basis, to meet the needs of different areas but should have a national dimension for funding and strategic purposes.
"Congress calls on the General Council to maintain its commitment to fighting to ensure that not only do future orders go to our Yards but also, in line with the LASCOF agenda, to ensure urgent development and implementation of strategies to maintain and improve the economic and social viability of areas in which the Yards are situated.
"Congress calls for active intervention by the Scottish Executive and the UK Government to support diversification in the Yards, including the development of decommissioning capacity and of renewable energy equipment production."
2001 Annual Congress Congress Decisions Booklet
Amended Resolution No.12 Defence Procurement
"That this Congress believes the defence industry which employs thousands of skilled and professional people in Scotland is a strategically important part of our manufacturing sector. With the end of the Cold War and the continued decrease in defence expenditure, it is vital that new civil markets are found to employ these skills.
"Congress welcomes the establishment of a UK Defence Diversification Agency (DDA), but regrets its limited role to date. Congress supports the establishment of DDA for Scotland and calls for a widened remit for the UK DDA.
"Congress believes that MoD procurement policies and in particular the Smart Acquisition process could damage the long term sustainability of the UK defence industrial base if contracts for defence equipment are placed with overseas suppliers.
"Congress welcomes the decision by the Ministry of Defence to construct two Alternative Landing Ship Logistics at the Govan shipyard, which will secure hundreds of jobs. However Congress deplores the decision by the MoD to construct roll-on roll-off ferries in Germany.
"Congress calls on HMG to underline its commitment to Scotland as a centre of excellence for warship and other shipbuilding by ensuring that MoD orders are placed in the UK, with a fair share of orders placed in Scotland.
"Congress notes with alarm reports that the consortium which won the contract to operate the six ro-ro vessels is backing away from its pledge to crew the vessels with British seafarers.
"Congress calls on HMG to renew its commitment to ensuring that British seafarers are employed to crew MOD ro-ro vessels."
2001 Annual Congress Congress Decisions Booklet
Composite D Transport (Covering Motion Nos.13 & 14)
"That this Congress believes that the development of an integrated transport system is essential to the economic and social well-being of Scotland.
"Congress notes that one of the key objectives of the Transport (Scotland) Bill is to reduce traffic congestion and environmental damage and believes that this can only be achieved through a high quality public transport system that meets the requirements of both rural and urban areas and is responsive to the needs of all in society, including elderly and disabled users and people on low incomes.
"Congress welcomes the decision to introduce a three year Scotland-wide Voluntary Concessionary Travel Scheme for blind and partially sighted people and to give legal force to Quality Partnerships and Quality Contracts in bus transport.
"However, Congress believes that further measures are required to ensure that public transport is affordable, available, accessible, reliable, comfortable, safe and responsive to the needs of both the travelling public and those who work in the industry.
"With this objective in mind, Congress calls on the Scottish Parliament to introduce further legislative measures to:
extend concessionary fare schemes to include all disabled people, unemployed people and people on low incomes and to make it mandatory and permanent;
provide a legal right for local transport users and representatives of transport workers to be involved in the development of local transport strategies and in the formation of Quality Partnerships and Quality Contracts;
ensure that regulations on frequency of service, levels of fares and the terms and conditions (including the health and safety conditions) of transport workers are an integral part of Quality Partnership and Quality Contract arrangements.
"Whilst welcoming the move to give local authorities the leading role in the development of local transport strategies, Congress is concerned that the use of road charging schemes under the new powers could have a detrimental effect on economic development, the provision of public and voluntary services and the job security of trade unionists in a range of industrial sectors.
2001 Annual Congress Congress Decisions Booklet
"Congress, therefore, calls for
the legal exemption of charges from all public service vehicles, including taxi and bus transport vehicles;
measures to ensure that costs incurred by businesses through road charges are not passed directly or indirectly to employees."
2001 Annual Congress Congress Decisions Booklet
Composite E - Railway Safety and Ownership (Covering Motion Nos.15, 16 & 17)
"That this Congress reaffirms its commitment to a publicly owned and publicly accountable railway network shown to be even more necessary by the continuing failures of the privatised system, and the tragic accidents that continue to occur. Congress believes that the profit motive and safe, essential, public services are incompatible.
"Congress believes that the problems of the railways, which suffered from decades of under-investment, are now being addressed by the UK Government and the Scottish Executive. Congress welcomes the overall programme of investment for the next ten years, which is responding to the needs of the people of Scotland, and is essential to the economic, social and environmental progress of the country.
"Congress believes the public funds being paid to Railtrack for investment, which lead to an increase in the asset base of the company, currently secure no direct return for the public. Congress also believes that Railtrack is at the centre of much of the fragmentation of the rail system and the infrastructure industry.
"Congress notes that much of the work carried out to maintain and renew the rail network is by contractors, or sub-contractors, who face constant financial pressure from Railtrack to cut costs and, by implication, standards. Congress believes that safety is being compromised by the use of sub contractors and sub/sub contractors. Congress calls for all of this work to be under the direct control of Railtrack, by its own staff, and opposes the granting of any further contracts to such outside organisations.
"Congress also believes that the re-franchising process for Train Operating Companies should not proceed and should be put on hold until the results of the Cullen Inquiry are known.
"Congress believes that there needs to be a new way forward for the Railway Industry based on a safety culture and that the only way to achieve this is to bring the industry back into public ownership, based on public accountability.
"Congress, therefore, commits to campaign with rail unions:
· to bring Railtrack into public ownership, which would require no increase in the current expenditure plans; and
· for the establishment of a new, independent pan transport safety body, whose role will be to ensure that safety standards are enforced."
2001 Annual Congress Congress Decisions Booklet
Composite F - National Air Traffic Service (Covering Motion Nos. 18 and 19)
"That this Congress notes with concern that the Government intends to press ahead with the Public Private Partnership in the National Air Traffic Service despite widespread opposition from Trade Unions, Parliamentarians and members of the general public.
"Congress re-affirms its view that Air Traffic Control should be run on a "not for profit" basis. If the Government proceeds to implement the Act, regulation must be effective and safety must be paramount. Congress calls on the Government to guarantee that all those involved in any PPP will be obliged to support this principle which should not be compromised by decisions reached purely in the interests of shareholder profit."
2001 Annual Congress Congress Decisions Booklet
Composite G Shipping (Covering Motion Nos.21 & 22 & Amend)
"That this Congress welcomes the Government's actions to encourage an increase in maritime employment for seafarers, but is not convinced that new job opportunities, for those in many port communities in Scotland, will result from those taken so far.
"Congress calls on the Government to continue developing employment opportunities, for ratings in particular, as rapidly as possible, in association with both sides of the industry, and to explore the employment protection policies adopted by other countries to determine how they could be applied in Scotland to bring about an end to `social dumping' and poorly paid foreign crews being used in an exploitative manner.
"Congress notes that the Scottish Enterprise Board has nominated a Greek ferry operator, Superfast Ferries, as the preferred bidder for a new route between Rosyth and Europe apparently without any guarantees about the flag of the vessel or the nationality of the crew, despite the UK Government seeking to encourage the use of the UK register and the employment of British seafarers.
"Congress also notes that the implementation of Seafarers Work Permit Arrangements for non-EEA seafarers, designed to secure employment for British seafarers on domestic trades, have been again delayed and will not apparently be extended to cover vessels serving the offshore oil and gas industry in the North Sea.
"Congress, therefore, also calls upon the Scottish Executive to ensure that the Seafarers Work Permit Arrangements are implemented as previously agreed; that Superfast Ferries are required to give commitments regarding the flag of the vessel to be used on the new Rosyth to Europe route and that they employ British seafarers before they are confirmed as the operator.
"Congress is concerned that given the continuing decline in Scottish seafaring employment, the policy of the Scottish Executive now seems to be threatening the future of one of the main providers of such employment, Caledonian MacBrayne. Congress recognises that the company is an important supplier of work to the Scottish shipbuilding industry and is a vital part of the local community and that the service provided is not just essential but is good value for money.
"Congress congratulates the STUC General Council for its `hands off CalMac' campaign to assist the joint union campaign to defend the interests of members employed by CalMac. Congress calls for the continuation of this campaign as the tendering process develops and also pledges its opposition to any attempts to make CalMac workers pay for the restructuring and tendering exercise through job losses or reductions in their terms and conditions."
2001 Annual Congress Congress Decisions Booklet
Resolution No.23 The Fuel Crisis/September 2000
"That this Congress condemns the actions of a non-elected and non- representative body, which sought to bring the country to a stand-still, apparently with the support and co-operation of fuel companies.
"This action had a devastating effect on many of the essential services so necessary to maintain the health service, education and the transport infrastructure of Scotland and the UK. The action also had a serious effect on the many workers in Scotland in the cultural industries. Their ability to utilise and respond to freelance employment opportunities was severely diminished.
"Many industries rely on a freelance/self-employed workforce and Congress must ensure that such workers' rights and their ability to seek employment opportunities are protected."
Resolution No.24 The Sea Fishing Industry
"That this Congress views with great concern the potential impact of the recent round of quota cuts on the Scottish fishing fleet and on the Scottish coastal communities concerned.
"Congress commends to the General Council the World Wildlife Fund publication `Choose or Lose' as a basis for urgent negotiation with representatives of the industry to present a short, medium and long-term strategy for the offshore and onshore industry, rather than the crisis management approach, in order to avoid the fast looming unprecedented environmental economic and social crisis."
Amended Resolution No.25 Tourism Industry Employment
"That this Congress, recognising the vital and increasing importance of the tourism industry to Scotland in general, and to the Highlands and Islands in particular, welcomes the emphasis placed on it by both the Scottish Executive and the General Council.
"Congress particularly supports and welcomes the emphasis of the General Secretary's New Year message on decent wages, training and career structures within the tourism industry.
"A major factor in the future success of the industry in Scotland must be the development of an efficient, competent, confident and stable workforce. Instability may produce a compliant workforce: decent pay, training and career structures will produce an enthusiastic one.
2001 Annual Congress Congress Decisions Booklet
"Congress also recognises the importance of the strategic role of the Scottish Tourist Board in promoting, developing and co-ordinating the tourism industry in Scotland. Congress urges the General Council to ensure that the Scottish Executive delivers the funding required for the STB and the industry to achieve the necessary economic prosperity which will derive from a revitalised tourist industry in Scotland.
"Central Government funding for the industry is vital, but recognition in practical terms of the needs of the workforce has to be a pre-condition of public funding of this industry."
2001 Annual Congress Congress Decisions Booklet
Composite H - The Cultural Industries in Scotland (Covering Motion Nos.26 & 27)
"That this Congress unanimously welcomed the founding of a Scottish Parliament in 1999 and the commitment shown to the Cultural Industries in Scotland by the appointment of a Deputy Minister for Culture and Sport in the Executive, albeit within the Department of Education.
"Congress notes with concern that, whilst the funding for the Cultural Industry remains within the Department of Education, the Minister responsible is now working within the Department of the Environment, which appears to move the Cultural Industries down the agenda set and prioritised by the Executive. Sport and culture are two distinct industries that play a vital role in the well being of the Scottish people, contribute significantly to the financial well being of Scotland, are growing significantly year on year and would have their best interests served by both having a separate Ministry.
"Congress, therefore, calls upon the STUC to campaign to the Scottish Parliament to have a dedicated Minister for Culture."
2001 Annual Congress Congress Decisions Booklet
Resolution No.28 Exhibition of Scottish Made Films
"That this Congress is concerned that the Scottish film-going public is often denied the opportunity to access high quality Scottish made films. These films are often of an art house type nature but with wider exhibition could be enjoyed by a much wider audience within Scotland. While public film bodies within Scotland actively promote the development and production of these films there is little or no support for their exhibition.
"Congress therefore calls upon the STUC to campaign for greater funding and better mechanisms to ensure wider exhibition of Scottish made films in Scotland."
2001 Annual Congress Congress Decisions Booklet
Resolution No.29 - Energy
"That this Congress welcomes the decision of the Labour Government to grant a phased subsidy to the Scottish deep-mining coal industry, which will lead to a secure, long term future for Scottish miners and a recruitment programme for apprenticeships for the first time in 20 years.
"Congress also reaffirms its support for a balanced integrated energy policy."
2001 Annual Congress Congress Decisions Booklet
Amended Resolution No.30 Mergers and Acquisitions
"That this Congress notes with alarm that recent merger activity in the finance industry continues to run unabated, showing little regard for consumer choice or employee interests, while satisfying shareholders' lust for ever greater profits.
"Congress now sees the full impact of the Royal Bank of Scotland/National Westminster takeover and notes with regret the failure of the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to refer this bid to the Competitions Commission. By ignoring the social impact of this takeover, the Office of Fair Trading has failed to appreciate the effect on consumer choice and the interests of the 18,000 employees who will lose their job as a result.
"Recent speculation on the possible merger of Bank of Scotland and Abbey National or the more hostile approach by Lloyds/TSB indicates that a further erosion in consumer choice and more job losses in the finance sector are inevitable, and that any such mergers should automatically be referred to the Competitions Commission for investigation.
"Congress further believes that the creation of an ever smaller number of ever bigger "giants" is not acceptable and that by taking account of the social dimension of mergers and acquisitions, not merely the economic impact, then all such economic activity should be referred to the Commission for inquiry.
"Congress is deeply concerned at the trend to bypass the Commission and would call on the General Council to campaign to ensure that:
· all mergers between financial suppliers are referred to the Competitions Commission for investigation;
· a thorough investigation is carried out to ensure that any future mergers are in the interests of all key stakeholders including customers, communities, employees and shareholders.
"Congress also notes with concern the UK Government's decision not to participate in the ILO Tri-partite Conference in February 2001 on Mergers and Acquisitions in the finance sector. As a result of this action, a great opportunity has been lost for the Government, employers and unions to engage in meaningful dialogue on this key issue at a time when the UK is to the fore in finance sector merger activity. Congress calls on the General Council to register its disappointment at this decision to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry.
"Congress further calls on the General Council to make the strongest possible representations to the Government over their refusal to implement, in full, the European Directive on Collective Redundancies which stipulates that detailed negotiations must be held before any decision on redundancies is taken where an independent Trade Union is recognised. "
2001 Annual Congress Congress Decisions Booklet
Amended Resolution No.31 Science White Paper
"That this Congress broadly welcomes the Science White Paper "Excellence and Opportunity: A Science and Innovation Policy for the 21st Century" which, together with the year 2000 `science budget' gives a major boost to science in the UK. There is concern, however, that the departmental budgets including the Scottish Executive, which are the major source for public policy related science, are still in relative decline. A sustained increase will be needed to repair the damage done over the last decade by continuing cuts in science funding and staffing and if the Scottish Science Strategy is to be effective. Both Scotland and the UK as a whole need to invest in public R&D to ensure that the population is effectively protected from threats such as E-coli and BSE and that we are able to meet the major environmental, social and economic challenges in a highly competitive global economy.
"Research related to public policy is frequently challenging to Government or to powerful commercial vested interests. Public confidence in science and in the quality of government decision-making depends on protecting the academic freedom of all of our scientists, whether employed in universities or other research institutes.
"Congress calls upon the STUC and its affiliates to campaign around these objectives and to convince the Scottish public and the Scottish Executive of their importance."
2001 Annual Congress Congress Decisions Booklet
Amended No.33 Information Society
"That this Congress notes the convergence of information technology, telecommunications and broadcasting and the development of the information society. Congress welcomes the new opportunities and jobs created by this information revolution, but expresses concern about the growing gap between those people that have access to the expanding number of new services and those that are excluded.
"Congress welcomes the Scottish Executive's plans to bridge the digital divide in Scotland. Only 12% of families in council properties in Scotland own a computer and only 4% have Internet access, compared to 50% and 22% of high income homes in Scotland. 14% of Scottish homes have Internet access compared to 25% in London, 24% in the South East and 22% in the East of England.
"Congress appreciates that the promotion of the electronic society and electronic commerce are issues that affect profoundly all affiliates and indeed all sections of society. The level and location of employment and number and nature of jobs are all at stake. There are vital issues of social inclusiveness freedom of information and individual privacy. For the creators of original material, there is the all important need to protect copyright.
"Congress acknowledges the need to ensure that benefits of the information society are enjoyed by everyone in Scotland, with particular reference to the labour movement. Accordingly, Congress call on the General Council to:
i) appoint a spokesperson on the information society so that a specific Trade Union viewpoint is expressed in the information debate;
ii) organise a high profile conference on the information society;
iii) encourage the UK Government and Scottish Executive to promote training and development of IT skills;
iv) encourage Trade Union organisations in the new companies created by the information revolution;
v) encourage Trade Unions to recognise and promote the interests of the creators of copyright material and the potential exploitation of their intellectual property on the world-wide web;
vi) encourage affiliated Unions to use the new information technologies to serve existing members and recruit new members through the organisation of relevant courses and the promotion of best practice."
2001 Annual Congress Congress Decisions Booklet
Amended Resolution No.34 Fuel Poverty
"That this Congress notes with concern that 30% of Scottish households live in fuel poverty and that nine out of ten homes fall below current energy efficiency standards. Fuel poverty is a major problem in Scotland. For the fuel poor the consequences are misery, discomfort, ill health and debt. Pensioners, lone parent families, disabled people and those on low incomes and in poor housing are most vulnerable.
"Congress recognises that there is no one single cause of fuel poverty, with causes including poor housing conditions, low disposable income, and the high price of domestic fuel.
"Congress particularly welcomes many of the steps taken by the Scottish and UK Governments to tackle this problem including the £200 winter fuel payment to pensioners, the reduction in VAT on fuel, the Warm Deal and the proposals to install central heating and insulation in the homes of all pensioners over the next five years.
"Congress believes that a range of additional actions are required at UK, Scottish and local levels to tackle the problem of fuel poverty and urges the STUC General Council to campaign for the following:
a) for policies promoting social justice and improved public health to include a commitment to eradicate fuel poverty;
b) a comprehensive review of energy efficiency to produce a clear sustainable domestic energy efficiency policy for Scotland;
c) energy audits to be carried out across all Scottish housing stock by all local authorities;
d) require landlords to display an energy rating for each property let and to undertake necessary energy efficiency work;
e) the Scottish Executive to set a Domestic Health and Safety Standard for all homes;
f) the Scottish Executive to undertake a long term awareness-raising campaign to promote energy efficiency;
g) good practice in energy advice to be promoted by the Scottish Executive;
h) Transco's Affordable Warmth Programme to be promoted by the Scottish Executive to all social housing providers as a model of good practice for central heating lease deals;
2001 Annual Congress Congress Decisions Booklet
i) encouragement of investment loans for energy efficiency measures, eg green mortgages and for the Scottish Executive to open a dialogue with the main Scottish financial institutions to explore green loans as a means of promoting energy efficiency;
j) additional funding to enable the Warm Deal to provide grants for buildings in multiple occupation;
k) Local Authority Heating Benefit Accounts and a Government Heating Fund to be established. These would provide targeted subsidies to those living in fuel poverty, and give low income customers without bank accounts access to the benefits of cheaper energy payment methods, such as direct debit and eliminate the iniquitous system of payment by fuel cards which results in the poorest consumers paying higher tariffs for fuel."
Resolution No.36 Poverty
"That this Congress, while recognising the important steps taken by the Scottish Executive to give priority in the legislative process, policy and resources to tackle social deprivation and poverty, continues to be deeply concerned that poverty in many parts of Scotland is increasing, with devastating consequences for children and young people in particular.
"Congress believes that the Scottish Parliament, whose founding principles embraced equality and social justice, must ensure that access to well paid and high quality employment, decent housing, quality education and well resourced public services are available for all in Scotland and, equally, must recognise that until this is achieved, many families will continue to be impoverished and feel excluded from our society.
"Congress, therefore, calls for the General Council to give priority to working with other organisations involved in addressing the eradication of poverty and deprivation in Scotland. In particular, Congress asks the General Council to further develop economic and social arguments which can be presented to both Westminster and Scottish Governments as part of a campaign to help people out of poverty.
"Congress also calls on the General Council to:
a) organise a Summit on Poverty which brings together representatives of all of the key organisations, agencies and communities in Scotland;
b) press the Scottish Executive to continue to develop its social inclusion agenda and legislative programme, and provide additional funding to local authorities so that there can be a local solution to local problems;
2001 Annual Congress Congress Decisions Booklet
c) urge the Scottish Parliament to support measures which will further tackle poverty and deprivation in Scotland;
d) seek meetings with appropriate UK Ministers. "
Resolution No.37 Supported Employment for Disabled People
"That this Congress welcomes with reservations the publication of the Employment Service Paper "Modernising Supported Employment". Congress notes that this third and final draft is radically different and much improved from the original, and recognises this is as a consequence of ceaseless campaigning by disabled Trades Unionists in the NLBD and the Remploy consortium of trades unions.
"Congress remains deeply concerned that the provisions of the redesigned programme will encourage providers to employ people with relatively minor disabilities only, and those most severely disabled will be excluded; that new funding mechanisms are inadequate and mitigate against the retention of a skilled core workforce in the factories; that overall numbers on the programme remain static and that no new money is being made available to expand this excellent programme.
"Congress remains deeply concerned that a move from factory based provision to jobs in open employment which generally pay far less than union controlled factory rates, is a retrograde step and does nothing to advance the economic position of disabled people.
"Congress therefore reaffirms the policy of an overall expansion of the programme from the current 22,000 placements to accommodate an increasing number of the hundreds of thousands of disabled people in Scotland currently unemployed and wanting to work."
Resolution No.38 Social Exclusion
"That this Congress notes the current practice of encouraging vulnerable people, particularly those experiencing mental health difficulties, to take up employment, paid or voluntary, which results in them losing their entitlement to welfare benefits, in particular Disabled Living Allowance, if they are unable to sustain that employment on health grounds.
"It is the view of this Congress that the people who lose their jobs in these circumstances should not have to experience great difficulty in re-establishing their rights to these benefits".
2001 Annual Congress Congress Decisions Booklet
Resolution No.39 Incapacity Benefit
"That this Congress notes that from April 2001 a form of means testing of incapacity benefit has been introduced by legislation which provides that occupational pensions in excess of £85 per week will reduce or remove entitlement to incapacity benefit.
"Workers who are unfortunate enough to retire because of ill health and who claim incapacity benefit whilst receiving an occupational pension will find in many cases that they have no entitlement to incapacity benefit or that their incapacity benefit is severely reduced. They will, however, have continued to pay National Insurance at the normal rate.
"Congress agrees that workers suffering from ill health whilst receiving relatively small rates of occupational pension could be faced with financial hardship. Congress therefore instructs the General Council:
i. to campaign against the means testing of incapacity benefit and to attempt to have the relevant legislation repealed; and
ii. if repeal cannot be achieved immediately, to further campaign to increase the £85 threshold and to have this threshold raised annually in line with inflation."
Resolution No.40 Equality of Access to Low Price Food
"That this Congress notes that, while beneficial to many people, the continued growth of `out of town' supermarkets is adversely affecting low-income individuals and families. The location of these supermarkets, together with a lack of proper public transport links, often make the benefits of such shopping unavailable to low income communities. This means they may have to pay higher local prices for basic food items.
"In order to address this inequality Congress believes that Local Authorities have a duty to ensure planning of major food outlets is linked to cheap or free public transport from low-income communities.
"The General Council are therefore requested to pursue this matter with the appropriate authorities."
2001 Annual Congress Congress Decisions Booklet
Composite I - State Pensions (Covering Motion Nos.41 & Amend, 42 & 43)
"That this Congress notes that state pensions in Scotland and the UK are among the lowest in Europe. Congress also recognises that last year's increase to State pensions of just 75 pence per week did little to address the position and left pensioners feeling cheated and insulted.
"Congress notes that the Government has promised much larger increases to State funded pensions in 2001, but, whilst worthy, will still leave pensions below the minimum standards set for State pensions in most other European countries.
"Congress calls for the link between State pensions and earnings to be restored, believes pensions must be raised substantially and maintains its opposition to any form of means testing to State funded pensions. Congress also believes that to end pensioner poverty, the level of the State pension could be set using the same principles that apply to the national minimum wage.
"Congress, also believes that any savings on works pensions remain the private business of the pensioner, bearing in mind that works pensions are paid for by the pensioner from an already taxed payroll.
"Congress also re-affirms its total opposition to the clawback provision present in existing legislation which allows employers to reduce occupational pensions by 1/80th of the basic single State pension for each year of pensionable service whenever the recipient reaches State pension age.
"Congress calls on the General Council to campaign for the repeal of the Section in the National Insurance Act 1946 which allows employers to pursue this iniquitous and discriminatory policy.
"In order to end pensioner poverty these policies must be supported by action. Congress, therefore, agrees to plan a day or days of action, in consultation with pensioners' organisations and STUC affiliates, to demonstrate the widest possible support for our pensioners."
Resolution No.44 Better Access to the Prescription Season Ticket Scheme in Scotland
"That this Congress recognises that, in some instances, the payment of prescription charges for those with long-term illnesses causes increasing financial hardship and stress.
2001 Annual Congress Congress Decisions Booklet
"It is a fact that some long-term illnesses require significant amounts of
medication and that this medication, for varying reasons, cannot be
purchased in bulk'. Frequent prescription of small amounts is the only
practical means of treatment. This can mean that prescription charges mount
and become a significant drain on those with limited incomes. To combat this
the Government runs the prescriptionseason ticket' scheme, which allows
unlimited prescriptions for a £86.20 annual fee.
"However, many patients who would benefit from the scheme are unaware that it exists. Furthermore, the one-off payment of £86.20 for many on the lowest incomes in Scotland is not a viable option although cheaper in the long run it is simply not possible for them to find that much money. We believe that those on the lowest incomes would find the season ticket much more accessible if they were allowed to pay for the ticket on a monthly basis, throughout the course of a year.
"Congress calls on the General Council of the STUC to support efforts to promote the prescriptions season ticket and calls for the cost of the season ticket to be payable on more manageable instalments."
Resolution No.45 Young People, Crime and Social Inclusion
"That this Congress welcomes the Scottish Executive's review of options for dealing with young offenders. However, Congress believes it is crucial that the Scottish Executive looks at the reasons behind young people committing crime, and addresses these, rather than condemning young people to prison or young offenders' centres. Congress believes we need to tackle social exclusion which is at the root of young people offending, and offer young people opportunities, rehabilitation, education and training, and alternative leisure activities, to deter them from turning to a life of crime.
"For many young people the lack of leisure and social facilities is the root of much social exclusion and criminal behaviour. Congress notes however that this type of provision for young people is a patchy mixture of local government and voluntary sector schemes and the level of activities and resources available for young people varies greatly from area to area with cash strapped local authorities focusing on what they see as more essential services.
"Congress calls on the Scottish Executive to examine the funding of community based schemes such as after school clubs, youth clubs, sports facilities, drop in centres, advice centres and volunteer schemes, with a view to developing a national strategy for the provision and funding of these vital services to young people."
2001 Annual Congress Congress Decisions Booklet
Composite U - Scottish Education - (Covering Motion Nos.46 & 47)
"That this Congress believes that the Scottish education system is successful and of particular benefit to working class children and girls, and deplores the damage done to the credibility of the Scottish examinations system by the Scottish Qualifications Authority in the 2000 exam diet.
"Congress welcomes the reports from the Scottish Parliament's Lifelong Learning and Education, Culture & Sport Committees into the causes of the disaster, and the commitment of the Parliament and Scottish Executive to ensuring that there must be no repetition in the 2001 examinations diet.
"Congress notes that among the causes of the disaster were flaws within the current Higher Still examination structure for students post 16 in Scottish schools and in FE colleges, and in particular in the over complexity of assessment and certification arrangements for students.
"Congress is concerned that the Higher Still programme was allowed to progress without proper analysis of the practical implications of implementation and without adequate training and resources to support the new courses.
"Congress welcomes the decision of the Scottish Executive to remove the powers of HMI in relation to changes in the school and FE curriculum, and instead to involve teaching staff in the decision making processes on changes to be made both to Higher Still courses and to the SQA.
"Congress must work closely with the constituent Unions and the Scottish Executive to ensure that the crisis faced by the young people of Scotland in the summer of 2000 is never repeated and to restore the credibility of the Scottish examinations system, through substantial changes to the Higher Still programme, particularly in relation to assessment, supported by appropriate training, equipment and resources for schools and FE colleges.
"Congress instructs the General Council to work with its education affiliates to campaign to ensure that the comprehensive principle is developed further for post 16 students in schools and colleges as part of an inclusive education agenda and within the overall strategy of lifelong learning."
Resolution No.48 Social Inclusion and Education
"That this Congress supports the principles behind policies tending towards social inclusion in Scottish schools.
"Such policies must be underpinned by adequate investment to promote the learning needs of all pupils without detriment to the working conditions of workers in Scottish schools. "
2001 Annual Congress Congress Decisions Booklet
Amended Resolution No.49 Strategic Review of Higher Education
"That this Congress welcomes the announcement of a strategic review of Scottish higher education, made by Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Minister, Wendy Alexander.
"Congress notes that, in addition to the necessary review of the funding body, the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council, such a review should include a wide ranging look at the main purposes of our university system, including teaching and research and its contribution to social inclusion, Scotland's economy and cultural life.
"Congress believes that this review should reflect the Scottish Parliament's res