THE SNP conference should mark the start of a “decisive shift” for the party, trade unionists have said.
The SNP Trade Union Group (SNP TUG), which as the party's largest affiliated group represents some 13,000 members, said the party should “demonstrate decisively” that independence is a route to allow working people greater control over their own future.
The SNP conference, which will be held in Aberdeen from Sunday October 15 to Tuesday 17, will see the party debate its independence strategy for the next election.
First Minister Humza Yousaf has said that the debate on independence process will be “done” after the conference vote, with the SNP’s focus shifting to showing the possibilities of a Yes vote.
The SNP TUG said the conclusion of the conference should mark “the beginning of a decisive shift towards a renewed offer on independence and transformational change” for working people and communities across Scotland.
Simon Barrow, the group’s national secretary, said: “Our twin priorities are democratic renewal within the party and the economic as well as political democracy for Scotland.
“We will be backing motions and amendments at conference calling for a substantial transfer of financial, employment and economic power away from the UK, as well as the right to decide our own future, and bolder use of existing limited powers under devolution.”
The SNP TUG will be holding a fringe event at the conference, on Sunday at 4:30pm. It will be focused on “how trade unions can help create a new Scotland”.
The deputy general secretary of the STUC, Dave Moxham (below), Unison Scotland’s convener Lilian Macer, and the Fire Brigades Union Scottish secretary John McKenzie will be joined at the event by MP Chris Stephens, according to the official agenda.
The STUC’s proposals for greater use of existing devolved powers, as well as what could be done after the devolution of additional powers such as employment law, will be discussed at the fringe event.
“We want the SNP to be clear about the priority of partnership and solidarity with Scotland’s trade unions in making change,” TUG convener Bill Ramsay said.
“The trade union movement through the STUC supports Scotland’s right to decide our own destiny democratically, but there are of course different views on the constitutional question.
“Our role is to demonstrate decisively that independence is the way to achieve a future shaped for and by working people and communities.”
