Scottish Greens unveil plans to empower workers
The Scottish Greens have launched an ambitious New Deal for workers which calls for more powers for trade unions to tackle low pay, precarious contracts and poor working conditions.
The Scottish Green New Deal for Workers includes proposals to establish national collective bargaining to drive up pay and conditions in low-wage sectors, for example in social care and early years education.
The proposals would require companies who receive public grants to recognise trade unions, eliminate precarious contracts and pay at least the real Living Wage.
And in a week when assurances over contracts given to BiFab renewables company were removed by the Scottish Government, Scottish Greens propose using existing powers to ensure that leases for offshore wind are granted on condition of supporting Scottish jobs.
The report also recognises policies that are reserved to the UK Parliament and would need to be implemented at that level, unless Scotland gains independence or the necessary powers are devolved.
These include raising the minimum wage and statutory sick pay and working towards a four-day week at full pay.
Launching the report, Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie said: “The Scottish Greens are the party for workers. Because its only the Scottish Greens who are committed to changing the system. To redressing the imbalance of power between employers and workers. And to giving unions a greater role in workplaces and decision-making.
"And just look at what’s happened this year. When the pandemic struck Scotland came together. And I’m proud of the role we Greens have played in Parliament, working for Scotland, campaigning to protect tenants from evictions and support those facing hardship, to protect teachers and school staff from being put at risk at work, and to provide carers and frontline NHS staff with the testing service they are demanding.
"Scottish Labour, in contrast, have expended their energy pursuing their political rivalries once again. After 4 years of this parliament they have nothing to show for it apart from scars from their endless infighting.
"And while Nicola Sturgeon will give Ted talks about creating a wellbeing economy, she has never come close to saying what that really means, and the SNP isn’t standing up to the vested interests, challenging the decades-long dominance of a failed free market economy, and taking the action that’s needed to deliver a different vision.
"The fact is: if you don’t just believe in a fairer and greener Scotland, you actually want to make it happen, then the Scottish Greens are the party for you.”
You can read the full report here, and the summary of key points here.