Katy Clark MSP
LABOUR MSP FOR THE WEST SCOTLAND REGION SAYS THAT WORKERS’ RIGHTS CAN ONLY BE PROTECTED BY VOTING OUT THE CONSERVATIVES
WORKERS’ rights and conditions in this country had to be fought for by workers themselves.
By collectively organising through trade unions, over the past century working people have won health and safety rights, the minimum wage, maternity rights, two-day weekends, limits on working hours, equal pay laws and much more.
The most consistent opponents of progress have always been the Conservative Party.
During the last decade and a half, their administration has decimated public services, suppressed public sector pay and passed legislation limiting workers’ right to strike.
Whether it be blaming teachers for school shutdowns, rail unions for train cancellations or posties for Christmas card delays, the common denominator has been workers fighting the rising cost of living and Tory ministers pitting groups of ordinary people against each other rather than engaging in good faith.
In Scotland, despite the Scottish Government’s vaunted fair work credentials, things are not significantly different due to the failure to use the powers Holyrood has available to it to deliver for workers.
The Scottish Government’s “Fair Work First” guidance says that public contracts should not be awarded to firms without “employee representation” such as trade unions but clarifies that “alternative arrangements are permitted”.
The vague wording here is deliberate. It is the reason why huge private firms like Amazon, known for its appalling approach towards workers’ rights, has won tenders worth tens of millions of pounds.
Similarly vague is the Scottish Government’s suggestion that public contractors must not make “inappropriate use of zero-hour contracts” but that “the use of zerohours contracts may be appropriate where their use aligns the needs of an organisation or sector with the needs of particular workers”.
No SNP minister has ever been able to explain precisely what this means, but the wording is clearly ripe for abuse.
Meanwhile, it was recently revealed many workers employed in the Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service are on zero-hours contracts despite a Scottish Government pledge to end the use of such contracts almost five years ago.
The election of a Labour government is so necessary for so many reasons including unpicking anti-worker legislation and anti-worker practices used by both governments.
Labour has committed to implement a New Deal for Working People within 100 days of being elected.
The key reforms would include reversing the Tories’ anti-union legislation and completely banning zero hour contracts and practices like fire and rehire.
Sick pay and parental leave will be strengthened. The minimum wage will be increased to become a living wage for all workers.
And all workers will gain unfair dismissal rights from day one of employment.
The Trades Union Congress have described the package as “the biggest upgrade in workers’ rights in a generation”.
It is time to boot the Tories out of office and elect a Labour government that will improve workers’ rights for millions across this country.