Emergency Motion 5
World Cup Bank Holiday
“That this Congress is aware that on 5 February 2026, the Scottish Government declared Monday 15 June 2026 a national holiday in recognition of Scotland men’s football team qualifying for the World Cup for the first time since 1998. The First Minister stated then that “Scotland will be on the world stage this summer and I want as many people as possible to be able to celebrate that moment”.
“Congress is also aware that some councils in Scotland do not think council workers deserve to enjoy this moment with their friends and families, despite the holiday being granted to NHS Scotland workers, as well as workers in some councils and in other public authorities across Scotland.
“Congress notes that councils across Scotland were swift to issue extended licences for the night-time economy during the world cup yet many of the workers in our councils will be forced into extra hard toil in potentially unsafe circumstances whilst trying to keep our streets and communities safe and clean.
“Congress agrees that dividing public sector workers in this way is anathema to our movement and must be resisted at all times.
“Congress resolves to support the actions currently being taken by unions in the City of Edinburgh and other councils to rectify this disparity between public sector workers.
“Congress calls on the General Council to use its influence, publicly and privately, with CoSLA and the Scottish Government, to resolve the division that has been caused.”
Mover: Unite the Union
RSS