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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
Hamish Morrison

Trade unionists call off annual conference following death of monarch

People take part in the Scotland Demands a Pay Rise march and rally organised by the STUC in Edinburgh yesterday

TRADE unions across the country have paused action on the cost-of-living crisis following the death of the Queen.

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has cancelled its annual congress event, due to be held in Brighton on Saturday.

A spokesperson for the TUC: “The General Council sends our condolences to the King and the Royal Family on the death of the Queen, and recognises her many years of dedicated service to the country.

“As a mark of respect, we have decided to postpone Congress 2022 until later this autumn.”

A date has not yet been set for the event.

The congress will be general secretary Frances O’Grady’s last before stepping down.

In her foreword to the general council’s report for the event, she said: “Next year will be a crucial year for our movement.

“Let’s encourage each other, stay strong and organise for our future. Keep the faith and we will win for working people.”

It comes as unions across the UK cancelled planned strike action for September, citing the Queen’s death.

The RMT had been planning to strike later in the month but this has since been called off.

General secretary Mick Lynch said: “The RMT joins the whole nation in paying its respects to Queen Elizabeth.

"The planned railway strike action on September 15 and 17 is suspended.

"We express our deepest condolences to her family, friends and the country."

The CWU, which represents Royal Mail workers said it would not go ahead with strikes planned to go ahead on Friday.

The union tweeted on Thursday: “Following the very sad news of the passing of the Queen and out of respect for her service to the country and her family, the union has decided to call off tomorrows planned strike action.

“Further information and communications will follow.”

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