Power to people
Labour leader insists party on side of workers
ANAS Sarwar has promised a Labour government “will deliver the greatest transfer of wealth and power into the hands of working people”.
The Scottish Labour leader will stress his party’s plans to strengthen workers’ rights after the election in a speech to the Scottish Trades Union Congress today.
Labour has touted its new deal plan – which would scrap zero-hour contracts, increase the living wage and end fire and rehire practices.
Sarwar also praised the national party’s under-fire deputy leader Angela Rayner, describing her as “indomitable”.
He will say: “Labour’s new deal for working people is opposed by the Tories at Westminster and by the SNP at Holyrood – but it will be supported and implemented by the people of the UK.
“The need for a government on the side of working people could not be clearer and that is what is on offer at this election whenever the Tories pluck up the nerve to call it.
“A Labour government with Scottish Labour trade unionist MPs at its core, fighting for their country,
An end to 17 years of Tory sleaze and failure
ANAS SARWAR PLEDGES CHANGE FOR WORKERS
community and class at the heart of government.
“An end to 17 years of Tory sleaze and failure. An end to unfair working practices.”
STUC president Roz Foyer welcomed Sarwar’s “recommitment” to the policy but pushed the party to implement it swiftly.
She added: “The STUC and trade unions across the country have been clear that this pledge is our No1 priority and non-negotiable. The new deal has the potential to be completely transformational for working people across these isles, tipping the balance of power into the hands of workers, not employers.
“We look forward to and indeed expect any incoming UK Labour government to deliver their pledge within the first 100 days of government.
“After almost 15 years of excruciating Tory government, working people can ill afford any further delay.”
First Minister Humza Yousaf is due to address the congress tomorrow.