Composite B (covering Motions 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100 & Amended Motions 2 & 92)
Countering the Far Right
“That this Congress is gravely concerned at the rise of the far-right and of political parties which espouse many of their ideas. This is exacerbated by powerful economic and media interests which are funding sophisticated political campaigns using misinformation and fake news to further polarise politics.
“Congress recognises that these strategies are designed to prey on the genuine concerns of working-class people, whether economic or social, by diverting attention away from the real culprits. The deep-seated disaffection among many, including our members, with the established political class further exacerbates the threat.
“Congress recognises the grave consequences of unchecked right-wing extremism that has emerged in the United States, particularly under the Trump administration.
“Congress is appalled at entirely baseless statements made by Donald Trump attacking disabled people.
“Congress notes that we need maximum unity in action against racism and Reform UK, a populist right-wing project based upon policies which are anti?migrant, racist, anti-women, anti-LGBT+ people and ‘anti-establishment’ rhetoric. Recent local government elections show that it is gaining a foothold in Scotland.
“Congress notes that, contrary to the narrative from the right-wing media, many referrals on Scottish university campuses under the prevent duty are for far-right activists and far-right activity.
“Congress notes the failure of the Labour Party to enthuse a large part of the working-class electorate has left a political vacuum, which is being partly filled by Reform UK.
“Congress is deeply concerned about the climate and impact of racism, sexism and misogyny, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, and religious hatred affecting the lives of children and young people. Currently there is a population of young males who feel they have lost their place or purpose in our evolving culture.
“Congress is further concerned that teachers with protected characteristics are being disproportionately targeted with increased challenges to their authority as well as abuse and assaults.
“Despite the attempts of some big business and political figures to influence politics in their economic interests, a large proportion of the public supports increased investment in public services, higher taxes on the wealthy, housing investment and the nationalisation of key industries such as energy and transport.
“Congress believes:
- that a return to policies which improve living standards, redistribute income, wealth and power, and invests in the public good would do much to arrest the growth of far-right ideas. However, this is not enough;
- trade unions, in the workplace and in the wider community have a fundamental role to play in re-framing the debate and countering the arguments of the far-right. This requires grassroots engagement, organising and a willingness to discuss uncomfortable subjects. In this respect, we are proud of the role played by local trade unions and trades councils in building community opposition to far-right initiatives;
- an attack on one is an attack on all – that is the fundamental trade union principle and it is our duty as trade union activists to stand united in opposition to the far right wherever they promote division – in our workplaces, in our communities and in our policies and media;
culture is a site of anti-racism and anti-fascism;
that trade unions should take a lead in workplace and community organising against the far-right, in partnership with local campaign groups.
“Congress calls on the General Council to:
- reassess our political education programmes surrounding these issues and using all means at our disposal, produce counter narratives that are aspirational and engaging;
- arrange for the production of specific campaign materials to expose that Reform UK are not pro working-class;
- support Love Music Hate Racism cultural events and gigs;
- reiterate support for Stand Up to Racism and continue to mobilise affiliated trade unions to support Stand Up to Racism events and other events opposing the far right;
- redouble efforts to build 2025 St Andrew’s day event into a political call to arms ahead of 2026 Scottish elections;
- support SUTR Scotland’s annual conference and initiatives to mark World Refugee Day on 20 June 2025;
- to work with the Scottish Government to develop effective strategies to dismantle the infrastructures that support these harmful groups and to firmly oppose the repressive measures emanating from the US;
- help change the narrative by promoting positive stories of trade union activists which challenge far right narratives, including within the STUC Unions into Schools work;
- campaign for earlier support and education on hate speech at primary school, recognising that, by secondary school, many pupils may already have been exposed to far-right narratives;
- work to promote the rights of disabled people in society and the workplace;
- design an awareness raising campaign that highlights the in-work supports that are available for disabled workers; and
- work with affiliates to ensure all union staff and reps are skilled in challenging anti-disability behaviour, comments, and actions.”
“Congress further calls on the General Council to commit campaigning and staffing resources to specific strategies designed to support workplace organising and to hold a specific trade union wide event during 2025 to further build these strategies.”
Mover: General Council
Seconder: NASUWT
Supporters: Edinburgh Trades Union Council
Clydebank Trades Union Council
East Kilbride & South Lanarkshire Trades Council
STUC Black Workers’ Conference
STUC LGBT+ Workers’ Conference
STUC Disabled Workers’ Conference
Public and Commercial Services Union
EIS
RSS