Tag: STUC

STUC launches Workers’ Manifesto for the Holyrood elections

A plan to “deliver dignity in work” has been launched by Scotland’s largest trade union body as the Scottish Trades Union Congress reveals its manifesto for the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections.

The manifesto, which builds on the successful Scotland Demands Better march and rally last October, sets out clear demands from trade unions on investment in public services, high quality jobs and a proper industrial strategy for Scotland.

The STUC has called for measures to raise an additional £3.7 billion for the public purse which include the introduction of wealth taxes, scrapping council tax for a proportional property tax and ending the £3 billion scandal of outsourcing within Scotland’s public services.

In addition to equity stakes in national infrastructure projects such as offshore wind and making government funding for manufacturing conditional on Fair Work terms and conditions, the trade union body say the manifesto “leads the way” for politicians to support Scotland’s workforce.

Commenting, STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer said: “Our manifesto is a clear plan to deliver dignity in work, revitalise our public services and rebuild our nation’s critical infrastructure.

“For too long have politicians, especially those now seeking our votes, been allowed to ride roughshod over the expressed will of Scotland’s workers. Many in our communities are desperately seeking positive change that, all too often, doesn’t materialise after the ballots have been counted.

“From high quality jobs to an economy that prioritises the needs of workers, our manifesto leads the way in showing the politicians exactly how they can support workers across the country.

“There can be no half-measures. People are under suffocating pressure from the cost-of-living crisis that, without urgent political intervention and support, will drive workers further from the political process and present an open goal to those in our communities intent on dividing working-class people.”

The STUC Manifesto, Workers Demanding Better, is below: 

stuc-manifesto-workers-demanding-better-scottish-parliament-election-2026Download



https://www.stuc.org.uk/resources/stuc-manifesto-workers-demanding-better-scottish-parliament-election-2026.pdf 

20th anniversary of Scotland’s leading smoke-free law celebrated

Public health charities, trade union representatives and people whose health or business improved following the ban of smoking in indoor public spaces are celebrating the 20th anniversary of Scotland’s UK-leading smoke-free legislation coming into force on 26 March.

Despite tobacco industry’s misinformation and campaigns to prevent the legislation which cleared the air in hospitality venues across the country, there was a recorded 99.4% compliance rate in pubs within eight weeks of the ban.

Longer term benefits of the ban included a 17% reduction in adult heart attack admissions to Scottish hospitals, reversing a previous rising trend, and an 18% decline in child asthma admissions. Second-hand smoke exposure among bar workers also reduced by 86%.

Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland, said: “Scotland’s UK-leading smoke-free public spaces legislation was a major public health success in encouraging many people to give up smoking and driving down the dangerous exposure of toxic second-hand smoke for staff and customers, including children, in indoor settings.

“We are delighted to celebrate what is considered one of the most important public health measures in the first quarter of the 21st century and a landmark achievement of the devolved Scottish Parliament.

“We hope its success encourages the next generation of MSPs to further extend smoke-free protections especially to areas most used by children such as in playgrounds, around schools and in sporting facilities.”

Roz Foyer, General Secretary of the Scottish Trade Unions Congress (STUC), said: “The indoor smoking ban has been an unparalleled success and it was entirely right – thanks to the campaigning of organisations and unions across the country – that the then Scottish Executive showed leadership in introducing UK-leading smoke-free legislation. 

“Protecting workers in their workplace is a core principle of our movement. We’re proud to have helped deliver improved health outcomes and a safer working environment for bar workers and hospitality staff across Scotland and will continue to build on that work as this leading legislation marks its 20th anniversary”

Lilian Macer, UNISON Scottish secretary,said: “The smoking ban marked a fundamental shift in public health in Scotland. UNISON is Scotland’s biggest health union, and this decision had a significant impact on our health services and improved workplaces. 

“It seemed like radical legislation at the time, but it quickly became the new normal and it would now be unthinkable to return to smoke filled rooms.

“I remember feeling pride as people in Scotland just got on with it. The lack of resistance was because civic Scotland built a consensus around the legislation.

“It was a catalyst for a big reduction in smoking, particularly amongst young people and we’ll reap the benefits for generations to come – particularly in the NHS. Of course we’ve much more to do, but it’s important to mark the significant progress we’ve made.”

Gareth Brown, Policy and Public Affairs Officer for Asthma + Lung UK Scotland, said: “As we welcome the 20-year anniversary of the smoking ban in Scotland, we can reflect that something that seemed controversial at the time is now commonplace across much of Europe and indeed the world with widespread and popular support.

“The ban ensured that smoking inside public places has thankfully ceased, with the link between socialising and smoking broken. Since then, generations of young people have never started smoking and have largely avoided the harms caused by passive tobacco smoke.

“This has helped to bring down smoking rates, but there is much still to be done, particularly in more disadvantaged area. Scotland needed this ban to improve the nation’s lung health, and our fight continues to help everyone breathe better.”

Get ready for HeartUnions

HeartUnions week is a chance to tell the story about why unions are vital for everyone at work, and to encourage people who aren’t yet in a union to join.

HeartUnions week 2026

HeartUnions belongs to union members and union branches all over the UK. So use the week to raise the profile of your union branch and your workplace priorities in the way that works for your members and activists. 

This HeartUnions Week we’re shining a spotlight on why it pays to be a union member.

When workers join together they increase their bargaining power. That’s why unionised workplaces deliver higher pay, safer conditions and better job security.

Through organising in their unions millions of workers are winning new rights at work . Sick pay from day one, guaranteed-hours contracts and an end to fire-and-rehire. 

That’s the difference unions make. And it’s why we’ll keep fighting for fair wages and secure conditions so every worker can thrive, not just survive.

With the cost of living putting real pressure on household budgets there’s never been a more important time to join a union. 

When unions do well working people do well.

Five things you can do 


1. Run a workplace event, rally, or a street stall

HeartUnions is our opportunity to highlight the good work unions do. Tell us about your event by adding it to the map. 

2. Join an event near you

Each year, people across the country run events during HeartUnions Week to highlight why trade unions are essential for everyone in the workplace. Find an event near you.

3. Order your HeartUnion merchandise

If you are organising HeartUnions events in your workplace or community, you can order HeartUnions materials and merchandise here, or contact your TUC regional office who can provide free resources.

4. Speak up on social media

Use the #heartunions hashtag to speak out loudly and proudly: if you want to make work pay, it’s time to join a union. Download our social media graphics to make a visual impact.

5. Inspire others to become union members

It’s always good to join a union that’s already active where you work – ask your colleagues, or look for information on your union website or on staff web pages.

Some jobs have unions that look after them specifically. Other jobs don’t – but they are looked after just as well by general unions, who have specialist sections.

If you’re confused about which union to join, our online union finder will help you find the right one.

There’s strength in numbers. So why not see if your friends and colleagues at work want to join up to a union too, and all do it together.

Use the Join a union tool now

STUC: Budget must prioritise ‘Scotland not political survival’

Scotland’s largest trade union body has urged the Scottish Government to prioritise the ‘people of Scotland and not political survival’ in their budget today (Tuesday).

The Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) are calling on the Scottish Government to take the “bold decisions” on reforming property, land and wealth taxes in their budget and to avoid “short-term electioneering” ahead of the election later this year.

Last year, on behalf of Tax Justice Scotland, the STUC published research showing Scotland’s five richest families hold more wealth than an entire quarter of Scotland’s population.

The research further showed that a modest 2% tax on all those with assets over £10 million could raise almost £500,000,000 for public services.

Commenting, STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer implored the Finance Secretary Shona Robison “do what is right” and deliver for Scotland’s workers during the budget.

Ms Foyer said: “Today, the Scottish Government must do what is right and prioritise the people of Scotland not political survival.

“With the election looming large, this budget can’t sacrifice the long-term wellbeing and growth of our nation on the altar of short-term political survival. We must see bold decisions from the Finance Secretary on reforming tax on property and land, along with the introduction of wealth taxes, not more of the same measures designed to prioritise short-term electioneering.

“STUC research has shown that modest wealth taxes on Scotland’s richest few can benefit the many with almost £500,000,000 raised for the public coffers in the process.

“These are the measures the Scottish Government must prioritise if they want the support of Scotland’s workers.

“This isn’t about the next four months; if the government wishes to re-take office for the next five years, we urge them to do what is right and stand beside Scotland’s workers tomorrow, prioritising public services, job security and decent pay in their budget measures.”

STUC research ‘Taxing Wealth for a Fairer and Greener Scotland’ can be viewed here:

https://taxjustice.scot/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/STUC-Taxing-Wealth-for-a-Fairer-and-Greener-Scotland.pdf

The great public services rip-off

Billions a year lost to private profit: STUC report into Scotland’s outsourcing crisis

Almost £3 billion of public money is “lining the pockets” of private profiteers within Scotland’s public services according to a shock new report from Scotland’s largest trade union body.

The Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) has issued a stark warning following the publication of new research by the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE), estimating that outsourcing is draining £2 to 3 billion EVERY YEAR from Scotland’s public services through private profit and financial extraction.

The report shows that Scotland’s public money is being siphoned away from vital public services, including health, social care, education and local government and into the pockets of investors, global corporations and private equity funds.

Published by the APSE on behalf of the STUC, the report highlights the private-dominated care sector, where 79% of care home places are now in private hands and more than 20% of income leaks out of the system to corporate owners and investors.

Scotland spends more than £16 billion a year buying services, goods and works from external suppliers. The services that are most commonly outsourced, such as social care and soft facilities management, are overwhelmingly staffed by women. The report highlights that sacrificing the pay and pensions of thousands of low paid women is discriminatory, unfair and counterproductive.

STUC Leader Roz Foyer condemned the findings and called into question the aims of the Scottish Government’s own Public Service Reform Strategy, which stresses prevention, whole-system planning, fair work and community wealth building.

Roz Foyer, STUC General Secretary, said: “This report exposes the true cost of Scotland’s rip-off outsourcing crisis – a systematic extraction of public wealth on an industrial scale.

“Billions of pounds that should be paying for health, care staff, cleaners, refuse workers and local services are instead lining the pockets of shareholders and private equity interests with not a penny reinvested into our public services.

“We are urging the Scottish Government to act now. The bear minimum they need to do is ensure the same level of scrutiny is applied to the extent and quality of privately delivered public services as the Government applies to direct provision.

“However, you cannot build a Fair Work economy on the backs of the private profiteering of our public services.  Insourcing, directly awarding services and embracing trade unions as partners in that endeavour is not only fairer but also economically smarter. Every pound kept in public hands supports local jobs, local economies and better services.

“As we approach the election, Scotland cannot afford political silence from prospective MSPs who ignore the silent privatisation of Scotland’s public services.  Our public services are too important to be auctioned off to the lowest bidder and should not be handed to profiteers.”

STUC: St Andrew’s Day Anti-Racism and Anti-Fascism March & Rally

Scotland’s largest anti-racist demonstration takes place this weekend.

If you want to oppose the poison of the far-right; if you want to stand up for those in need and value unity over division, then join us:

SATURDAY 29/11 at 10.30am – Barrowlands Park

Chancellor’s Budget ‘to build a fairer, stronger and more secure Britain’

The Chancellor will deliver a Budget later today [26 November] that takes the fair and necessary choices to deliver on the Government’s mandate for change.

It will include action to cut NHS waiting lists, cut debt and borrowing, and cut the cost of living to secure a strong future for the country, built on fairness and fuelled by growth.

Action to keep prescription costs under £10 (in England – Ed.), freeze rail fares for the first time in 30 years and increase the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage by £1,500 and £900 respectively has already been confirmed to put more money in people’s pockets at this Budget.

Investment for 250 Neighbourhood Health Centres (in England – Ed.) has also been confirmed as part of the Chancellor’s commitment to slash NHS waiting lists further and end the postcode lottery of healthcare access.

Ahead of her Budget speech, Rachel Reeves said: “Today I will take the fair and necessary choices to deliver on our promise of change.

“I will not return Britain back to austerity, nor will I lose control of public spending with reckless borrowing.

“I will take action to help families with the cost of living…cut hospital waiting lists…cut the national debt.

“And I will push ahead with the biggest drive for growth in a generation. 

“Investment in roads, rail and energy. Investment in housing, security and defence. Investment in education, skills and training.

“So together, we can build a fairer, stronger, and more secure Britain.”

“GENERATION DEFINING” BUDGET MUST DELIVER FOR WORKERS

Scotland’s largest trade union body has issued a stark warning ahead of the Chancellor’s budget calling on Rachel Reeves to “deliver for workers” as the UK Government sets out, what the STUC call, a “generation defining” budget.


The Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) has set out five tax demands ahead of the statement, including actions on wealth taxes, bank profits and a “settling up” tax for those moving wealth and assets abroad.  

The trade union body, as part of the wider Scotland Demands Better campaign, has also reiterated the call to scrap the two child-benefit cap in a move STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer said was “long overdue”.   

The STUC is further calling for increased investment in publicly owned energy as well as direct support for workers in carbon intensive sectors such as those in Grangemouth and Mosmorran.

Commenting, STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer said: “The upcoming statement from the Chancellor is generation defining. It will signal to all whether the UK Government will continue to adhere to self-imposed financial rules and chaotic quick fixes, or whether they will invest in the public services and the industries and jobs of the future, delivering for workers with bold, radical policies to redistribute wealth.

“We’ve set out how the Chancellor can target those with wealth and assets and use it for the public good. For too long Labour Government policy has been about meeting self-imposed fiscal rules rather than setting out a bold plan for public sector-led growth.

“That must change. We must see, once and for all, the long overdue scrapping of the two-child benefit cap in addition to targeted action on reforming Capital Gains Tax. The Chancellor must also reign in the wild-west of banking profits, raising the surcharge from 3% to 35%, potentially netting £50 billion over four years.

“The people of Scotland and the wider United Kingdom voted for change. It’s high time it was delivered and the Chancellor simply cannot afford to waste this opportunity come Wednesday.”

STUC Disabled Workers Conference: Usdaw seeks to tackle poverty and address the impact of new technology

STUC Disabled Workers Conference 2025: Usdaw seeks to tackle poverty and address the impact of new technology

Retail trade union Usdaw has a delegation of members, reps and officials attending the annual Scottish Trade Union Congress (STUC) Disabled Workers Conference in Glasgow this weekend, 22 and 23 November.

The union is raising the impact of new technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), on disabled workers; along with seeking action to address and prevent disabled people’s poverty.

Tony Doonan – Usdaw regional secretary for Scotland says: “New technologies are dramatically changing the world of work and the daily lives of workers.

“The pace and scale of change is accelerating and disabled workers are disproportionately affected by technological advancement.

“The Scottish Government’s response remains a significant factor in disabled people’s inequality. Unless unions, and specifically disabled workers, are properly consulted about the development, application and implementation of new technologies in the workplace, including AI, disabled workers will continue to be discriminated against and excluded.”

Usdaw is calling on the STUC to work with all key stakeholders including governments to:

·         Ensure conversations and decisions regarding the introduction of new technologies in the workplace include disabled workers, to improve their access to and experiences of paid work.

·         Introduce a statutory duty requiring employers in both the public and private sectors to conduct and publish equality impact assessments specifically on the introduction of new technologies at work.

Tony Doonan continued: “Disabled people are already more likely to be living in poverty, with the continuing cost of living crisis adding to the extra costs that come with living as a disabled person.

“Disabled people also continue to face discrimination in the labour market and are more likely to be employed on short-hours contracts in low-paid work. The Adult Disability Payment in Scotland is key to enabling disabled people to meet the additional costs of being disabled, including costs associated with work.

“The recent publication of an independent review calls for a simplified and more accessible application process. Significantly, the review urges the Scottish Government to protect and improve access to ADP, advising them against restricting eligibility or introducing further barriers to application.

“We urge the Scottish Government to adopt the recommendations, including investing in sustainable funding for welfare advice services and more inclusive communication.”

Usdaw is calling on the Scottish Government to take a strategic and preventative approach to disabled people’s poverty by dealing with the long-term drivers including:

·         Reviewing the adequacy of all disability benefits and disability-related premiums.

·         Working with the UK Government to fully implement the disability pay gap reporting proposals in the UK’s draft Equality Bill.

·         Raising awareness of the crucial role the social model plays in disability equality, and ensuring that they lead by example, embedding it in their approach to policy and decision making.

Support for workplace learning

Strengthening skills development

Thousands of Scottish workers will gain new skills and enhance their career prospects through a £2 million investment delivered by trade unions.

The latest round of the Scottish Government’s Union Learning Fund will support 23 programmes in sectors ranging from social care to the steel industry.

Projects include helping workers seize the opportunities presented by the transition to net zero industries. In Glasgow, access to literacy and numeracy courses will be expanded to support an ongoing apprenticeships initiative at City Building.

A number of projects will also address specific skills needs in the Highlands and Islands, including courses designed to help workers adapt to new technologies in the offshore wind industry.

Announcing the funding during Scottish Careers Week and following a speech at the Scottish Union Learning Conference, Higher and Further Education Minister Ben Macpherson said: “This investment will open up opportunities for thousands of people across Scotland to boost their career prospects and increase their earning potential.

“Working in partnership with trade unions ensures workers gain high-quality, industry relevant skills, while contributing to the development of the skilled workforce Scotland needs. This latest commitment builds on more than £30 million which we have provided to date.”

Scottish Trades Union Congress General Secretary Roz Foyer said: “We welcome this funding announcement which will provide vital assistance in upskilling Scotland’s workers.

“Trade unions are at the forefront of work-based learning, helping workers across Scotland face head-on ever shifting dynamics within the workplace.

The world of work is changing. Scotland’s workers stand ready to adapt, take on the challenges and broaden their horizons.

“The learning and development the trade union movement can offer is crucial in supporting workers to gain skills and training opportunities that would otherwise be inaccessible.”

Scottish Union Learning estimates that tens of thousands of people have benefited from its programmes since 2015.

16 trade unions are being supported by the Scottish Union Learning Fund in 2025-26 including:

  • UNISON – To provide learning and development for workers in social care, schools and across public services, with particular initiatives tailored to the needs of workers in the Highlands and Islands.
  • Unite the Union – To deliver a skills development programme and organising upskilling and reskilling opportunities within unionised workplaces. The programme supports workers facing redundancy and those in precarious employment, including initiatives responding to regional needs in the Highlands and Islands.
  • Community – To support skills development for workers in diverse workplaces, including Royal Strathclyde Blindcraft Industries, Liberty Steel and court services, helping participants enhance employability and adapt to industrial change.

STUC Black Workers’ Conference 2025: Usdaw seeks to improve workplace rights and stop the far right

Retail trade union Usdaw has a delegation of members, reps and officials attending the annual Scottish Trade Union Congress (STUC) Black Workers’ Conference being held in Glasgow on 18 and 19 October.

Usdaw has contributed to two composite motions: firstly, seeking to stop the far right, standing against hate and division; and secondly, to improve workplace rights and protections for workers, recognising that Black workers are disproportionately over-represented in insecure jobs characterised by low pay, short and zero-hours contracts, and experience high levels of discrimination and harassment, and low levels of union organisation. 

Joanne Thomas – Usdaw general secretary says: “Major challenges lie ahead for the anti-racist and anti-fascist movement and trade unions have a crucial role in creating a fairer and more equal society. 

“The growth of the far right is a threat to all progressive movements — not least the Trade Union movement. It is being fuelled by the demonisation of refugees and migrants. We cannot allow them to attack those who are the most vulnerable, fleeing persecution and war. 

“The TUC has developed a comprehensive strategy to tackle the far right and amplify the voices of the anti-racist majority, giving this work the high priority it demands.

“We welcome the Employment Rights Bill and its focus on rebalancing the economy, strengthening union organising and extending collective bargaining, which will help promote racial justice and tackle inequality.

“The surest way to defeat grievance politics is to improve jobs, raise living standards, while investing in public services and communities.”