Motion 60

Health & Safety in the Salmon Industry

“That this Congress notes:

the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union (BFAWU), alongside Unity Consulting Scotland and Scottish Hazards, health and safety report ‘On the Line: Worker Treatment and Conditions at Mowi Rosyth’;
the recent BFAWU MSP briefing detailing the 139 reportable accidents across the Scottish Salmon Industry in the five-year period between 2020-2025’;
the number of severe accidents including finger amputations, fractures to fingers, ankles, arms, and other parts of the body, including one neck fracture and one broken back;
emerging evidence from Norway in relation to bioaerosols from salmon processing and associated with occupational asthma;
the continuing rejection by Mowi to meet with BFAWU to discuss concerns about health and safety at Rosyth; and
the refusal of the HSE to conduct an urgent review into the salmon industry when requested by BFAWU.

“Congress believes:

the salmon industry has experienced a disproportionately high number of reportable accidents;
salmon asthma is an emerging issue affecting workers in Scotland, and must be researched and understood better;
that unionised workplaces are safer and healthier;
the salmon industry must work with the relevant unions and the STUC to help drive health and safety improvements; and
the HSE must conduct an urgent review into health and safety in the Scottish salmon industry.

“Congress calls on the General Council to:

lobby on the Scottish Government to convene a meeting with all relevant stakeholders to discuss health and safety in the salmon industry;
urge the Scottish Government and all political parties ahead of the 2026 elections to implore the salmon industry, and companies like Mowi to act in the spirit of the Fair Work Agenda and meet with relevant unions to discuss health and safety concerns; and
write to the HSE asking them to conduct an urgent review of health and safety in the salmon industry.”

Mover: Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union (BFAWU)