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The main business of the November 2006 Scottish Labour Party conference was the adoption of the policy programme for the Scottish elections. The affiliated unions through STULP championed the ‘Workplace Agenda 2007’ throughout the policy process that culminated in the debate and votes at conference. The aim was to win widespread support across all party organisations for a radical manifesto that recognised Scotland’s distinctive place in the UK and addressed the issues that matter to workers.
The key trade union issues in the programme are highlighted in the document ‘Delivering on the Workplace Agenda’ launched with First Minister, Jack McConnell MSP and Party Chair Hazel Blears MP at the STULP reception. This paper sets out 75 policy commitments of particular relevance to trade union members. These can be viewed here.
The key commitments include support for a balanced energy policy that gives consideration to all energy sources. Bus regulation along corridors, the imposition of quality contracts where required and examining the case for a not-for-profit Scotrail franchise. On the economy a new Full Employment Agency operating as a partnership with trade unions and industry - developing the lifelong learning agenda and supporting union learning representatives. Building on Scotland’s already impressive qualification profile by adopting a training levy for those businesses that fail to commit resources to training.
Developing Scotland’s distinctive public service model through comprehensive education, an integrated and democratic NHS, a public water service and new roles for local government. Supporting public service workers with new initiatives for education staff, long term funding for community wardens and developing the role of police staffs. Careers staffs to be employed by local authorities and funding for the implementation of the 21st Century Social Work plan. In the NHS support for wider nursing roles and measures to tackle drop out rates of student nurses, reducing dependency on agency staff and ensuring that overseas nurses are not exploited.
Differences over public service funding have been addressed through a commitment to review the approach to all PPP to ensure a level playing field between PPP and conventional finance arrangements. A substantial part of this review will have the aim of excluding soft FM services from future PPP contracts. In the NHS in-house provision will be the norm when existing contracts expire.
Workers safety is addressed with new initiatives to stamp out violence and intimidation of staff in the workplace. Tackling hate crimes such as racism, sectarianism and homophobia and developing employer responses to domestic abuse. Supporting union safety representatives with action to reduce deaths and accidents in the workplace. Defending union legal action in support of workers by retaining the right of access to the Court of Session for personal injury cases.
The Workplace Agenda is also outward looking. Committed to the principles of devolution – a Scotland better off and stronger in Britain, worse off and weaker apart. Strengthening Scotland’s position within the EU and growing our partnership with the developing world.
Delivering the Workplace Agenda gives workers a real confidence that Scottish Labour will deliver a better future for Scotland.
Also register your support or if you want to volunteer to help STULP in Scotland.
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