Composite Q (Covering Motions 79 & 89)
Digital Campaigning
“That this Congress notes the rise of far-right activity across Scotland, including protests and online campaigns targeting migrants, refugees, trade unionists, and public services. These movements exploit fear, misinformation, and online radicalisation to divide working class communities and undermine solidarity.
“Congress further notes that digital platforms are central to how political ideas and misinformation now spread. The far-right has weaponised social media to amplify hate and distort truth. In Scotland and across Britian, aided by oligarchic ownership of the tech sector, the populist right and the organised far-right have funnelled resources into developing a significant digital footprint which pales in comparison to the reach of progressive forces. This approach has led to a rise in support for far-right views and individuals among the population as a whole, but particularly young people, who are frequently confronted with figures like Andrew Tate, Yaxley-Lennon, and Farage on social media.
“However, those same tools can and must be used by the trade union movement to tell our own story, promote solidarity and expose lies. Across Scotland, trade unionists, community organisers, and migrant led groups are already demonstrating how digital organising, storytelling and citizen journalism can build unity and challenge hate.
“Congress believes that the trade union movement must recognise and utilise social media as a weapon to fight back against the far-right. A confident, creative, and coordinated digital presence can undermine hate speech, support affected workers and communities, and inspire collective action for equality and justice.
“Congress calls on the General Council to:
- develop a coordinated STUC digital strategy to challenge far-right narratives, increase the digital reach and influence of the STUC and strengthen the movement’s online voice;
- produce a series of high-quality videos in the style of the TUC aimed at combatting and undermining far-right narratives;
- provide affiliates and activists with training in digital campaigning, fact checking, and creative content production;
- support citizen journalism and grassroots storytelling that highlights solidarity, diversity, and collective strength;
- collaborate with progressive media and antiracist organisations to widen the reach of credible information;
- encourage affiliates to use social media confidently and safely to mobilise democratic resistance and promote shared values; and
- reaffirm the STUC’s commitment to equality, democracy, and social justice on and offline.”
Mover: Communication Workers’ Union (CWU)
Seconder: STUC Youth Conference
RSS