TRADE unionists have urged the Scottish Greens to demand better working conditions for people in Scotland.
The Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) has called for Green MSPs to back a nine-point plan that looks to tackle the cost-of-living crisis for Scots and includes a commitment to a real pay rise for all public service workers.
Ahead of the party’s annual conference this weekend, the Scottish Greens Trade Union Group (TUG) has submitted an emergency motion asking delegates to support the People’s Plan for Action.
The campaign, launched last week by the STUC and Poverty Alliance has made demands including the introduction of greater wealth redistribution through income, wealth and business taxes, universal free school meals and the creation of municipal energy companies.
Ahead of the conference, STUC general secretary Roz Foyer welcomed the move, calling for a “united political alliance” in the face of the cost-of-living crisis.
Foyer, added that it is “hugely welcome” that the TUG has “stood shoulder to shoulder with our Scotland Demands Better campaign”.
She continued: “Our communities are suffering. This cost-of-living emergency has brought workers to their knees, unable to heat their homes. feed their families or afford the basic commodities of life. Politicians cannot be found wanting whilst those who elect them – working people – struggle to survive.
“We need to see a united political alliance backing our campaign, putting pressure on the Scottish Government to provide real help for people across Scotland. That process can start this weekend with the Scottish Greens backing the emergency motion from the Green Trade Union Group.”
The motion, submitted by TUG co-convener Jen Bell and co-chair of the party’s executive, Ellie Gomersall, seeks to tie elected Green representatives, including those in government, to the voting in line with the aims of the campaign.
Bell said: “Scotland's workers have spoken loud and clear: we cannot, and will not, pay for this Tory winter. We've already been cut to the bone.
“The People's Plan For Action is a powerful blueprint for change within Holyrood's powers, aligned with Green values. Our party's cooperation agreement puts us in a unique position to pressure the Government into delivering it in full.
"The Scottish Greens have a responsibility to stand up for every Scottish worker. This weekend, I urge party members to support this motion. It is the right thing to do."
Gomersall said: “Working people across Scotland are terrified as to how they’re going to survive this winter and the People’s Plan for Action is a comprehensive, realistic plan to tackle the cost-of-living crisis and put the nation’s wealth back into the pockets of those who need it the most.
“It is absolutely incumbent on us as a party of government to support this campaign and for our elected representatives to move swiftly towards its implementation.
“The people of Scotland are in crisis and I hope that not only will the Scottish Greens agree to support this motion at our conference this weekend, but that other parties across Scotland will follow suit.”
A spokesperson for the Scottish Greens said: “All motions will be debated by party members at conference this weekend, where we are looking forward to welcoming back attendees in person as well as those participating online.”
