We must save Scottish airports
I have been inundated with emails from hundreds of constituents over the last week asking me to back Unite the Union’s campaign, Save Scotland’s Airports.
There is no hesitation on my part in doing so. It is a vital campaign to support workers in Renfrewshire and across Scotland.
Representing Renfrewshire, I know the importance of our airports to the national and our local economies.
Unfortunately, coronavirus has caused severe hardship for thousands of employees and small and mediumsized businesses who depend on airports like Glasgow Airport.
Save Scotland’s Airports seeks to ensure that any rates relief for airports and related businesses is conditional of good employment practices and calls on the Scottish Government to develop sector specific support for Scotland aviation industry.
Analysis by the Fraser of Allander Institute shows that 1,500 job losses in the airport sector could result in 2,300 job losses in total.
That would cost our economy a further £140million.
Scotland’s airport workers must not be collateral damage during the coronavirus pandemic.
I am deeply concerned that some companies are still attempting to fire and rehire its own workers, with their terms and conditions slashed by almost half. There is cross-party support to prevent this from happening and all parties and trade unions should be standing side-by-side to support airport workers like those here in Renfrewshire.
Urgent action is needed to protect jobs and livelihoods which is why Scottish Labour has launched a Jobs for Good campaign, calling on the Scottish Government to commit to safeguarding jobs in order to save our economy.
We are committed to working with the trade unions in calling for the protection of Scotland’s aviation workers.
We will continue to campaign for sector-specific support, conditionality in line with fair work, removal of fire and rehire proposals, and the extension of redundancy consultations, to ensure we save Scotland’s Airports.
Renfrewshire’s community pride
The last four months has shown that community pride remains strong in many parts of Renfrewshire.
From clapping for our key workers and window dressings showing our support, to small fundraising and looking after neighbours, the disabled and the elderly,
Renfrewshire has shown its strong sense of community and pride.
I truly hope that sense of community pride long outlasts the pandemic.
Easing of lockdown
As more lockdown restrictions are lifted, I urge constituents to remain vigilant. It is a boost to small businesses and our economy that more shops have now reopened but the virus has not gone away yet.
Remember to wear your mask where possible in shops and on public transport.
The more people adhere to the guidance, the safer we all are and sooner can we get back to a sense of normality.