Composite F (covering Motions 15 & 85)
Inequality & the Cost of Living Crisis
“That this Congress notes the so-called cost-of-living crisis is happening as a result of deliberate political choices that has seen wages decrease at the same time as the prices of essentials like food and energy increase, alongside supermarket and energy company profits and the wealth of the billionaire class.
“The recent Cost of Living Survey and Report, published by the BFAWU, showed again how food workers are themselves struggling to afford life’s essentials like energy and the food, which they produce, process, deliver and serve. This report showed;
- 6 out of 10 food workers and members of the BFAWU say that their wages are insufficient for them to meet their basic needs like food and energy, and that they are fearful of running out of food due to a lack of money;
- nearly half said they are feeling food insecure, and 3 out of 10 reported they don’t have enough food to feed them and their families;
- a growing number also reported that they are skipping meals, whilst relying on friends and family and/or food banks to eat; and
- nearly 9 out of 10 say they have reduced their heating to save money, almost 40% said they were either cold all or most of the time in their own homes.
“Congress believes that the fact that so many workers are struggling to afford life’s essentials is intolerable and is a stain on our society and the UK and Scottish Governments must do much more to drive up wages and drive down prices.
“Congress deplores the continuingly high levels of inequality in Scotland—particularly in terms of income.
“Although the level for income inequality in Scotland is slightly lower than that in England, it remains considerably higher than that in most European countries such as France, Germany and Sweden. Such levels of inequality mean that those in the lowest quartile suffer disproportionate disadvantage —disadvantages that are increasing as public services and welfare provision suffer cut after cut.
“Congress acknowledges the Scottish Government’s recent increase in tax on the better-off but deplores the high levels of inequality that remain, and notes that this is enabling those on the extreme right to build populist campaigns targeting minorities.
“Congress calls on the General Council to campaign for:
- wage increases and price decreases and challenge the normalisation of low pay and in-work poverty;
- commit to campaigning around the increasing of the minimum wage;
- campaign to cap food prices and supermarket profits;
- campaign for the public ownership of energy and lowering of energy bills;
- a comprehensive reform of local taxation so that a greater share falls on those in high-value housing;
- urgent steps be taken to increase the availability of affordable public sector housing;
- more resources be provided for early life educational development; and
- the Scottish Parliament to have full powers over industrial policy. Scotland had a strong heritage of successful public sector industry, and it is urgent that this now be restored in face of the current external ownership that exports profits overseas.”
Mover: Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union (BFAWU)
Supporter: Clydebank Trades Union Council
RSS