Motion 18
Bus Services & Manufacturing
“That this Congress believes that Scotland needs a fully integrated, affordable, accessible, and green public transport system, under public ownership and control, to: secure and create jobs; deliver a transport system that meets people’s needs, rather than focusing on delivery of profits; reduce pollution; and improve economic and personal wellbeing in all areas, including in rural Scotland.
“Congress notes the range of powers available under the Scottish Transport Act in relation to bus services and believes that, of these, municipal ownership of buses is by far the best option.
“In recognising that Scotland’s bus provision plays a pivotal role in our transportation system, connecting communities, and supporting job retention and economic growth, Congress also recognises the need to safeguard jobs in bus manufacturing.
“Congress, therefore, applauds the efforts of trade union members at ADL to secure jobs at the sites at Falkirk and Larbert and believes that procurement rules moving forward should prioritise social and economic benefits over cost and price criteria.
“Congress also believes that Scottish Government investments and grants, funded by Scottish taxpayers, in relation to electric and low-emission bus fleets, should prioritise Scottish manufacture of green buses.
“Congress further believes that schemes (such as Scotzeb and The Scottish Ultra-Low Emission Bus Scheme), require streamlining to benefit all players, from production to operation, and not just the largest bus operators.
“Congress calls upon the General Council to work with the relevant affiliates in campaigning for the municipal ownership of bus services and for investment in green bus manufacturing in Scotland.”
Mover: Unite the Union
RSS