by John Miller
STUC 2008 was graced by the presence of the main protagonists on
the UK and Scottish political scene.
Prime Minister Brown reiterated his unionist credentials by posing
Britishness as a means of eradicating world poverty and disease,
conveniently forgetting the imperialist ventures in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Apparently in his world, if Scots pursued a separatist agenda then
trade across the border would be in jeopardy, whilst contradicting
himself by pronouncing the need for change via the globalisation of
the world market.
Trying to trump him, First Minister Salmond courted delegates with
the prospect of the biggest single publicly funded project ever
in Europe with the construction of the new Southern General Hospital
in Glasgow.
This attempt to distract those present from the SNP’s business
friendly policies failed, as Finance Minister Swinney had espoused
the partnership that should be forged between workers and bosses
the day before.
This stress on ‘social partnership’ at Congress however, through
the invitations from the Scottish Government and to the General
Secretary to visit Dublin to learn the shared ethos of collusion
to bail out Scots bosses as the economic storm clouds gather should
be cause for concern.
The Irish experience has been one of attacks on workers pay, pensions
and terms and conditions.
Allied to this was Congress TV, which broadcast to delegates over
the three days, seeking to inculcate delegates with the belief
that ScottishPower, ScotRail and other business partnerships bring
benefits to trade unionists.
A message reinforced by the president of the Irish Congress of
Trade Unions who went out of her way to praise the out going Taisioch, otherwise
known as the crook Aherne.
All this points to future battles that lie ahead in the trade union
movement.
SSP members made a number of contributions from the floor on issues
like Trident, solidarity with Iraqi women and home care charges amongst
others.
Attempts to raise SSP policies on the minimum wage and free public
transport were subject to the machinations of Congress procedures. The
composite motion on the minimum wage made a small step in the right
direction by moving to the to campaign for two-thirds of male
median earnings, roughly equating to £8 an hour.
However, the demand for a fare free public transport policy met
with resistance from the transport unions and General Council.
Attempts at debating the motion, which called for a commission
to explore costings were rejected, as were calls to engage with
the PCS where it is national union policy.
More positively, Congress agreed to support national disputes across
the public service on cuts and pay.
SSP members made a positive contribution at Congress in other ways,
with Voice sales, leafleting and highlighting the campaign of gypsy
travellers to other delegates.
This highlights the contribution all party members can make if
they wish to get involved.
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SSP.
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