EU-enforced privatisation came under attack at the Scottish TUC in Perth in mid-April
Photo: Workers
Scottish TUC debates EU
WORKERS, MAY 2013 ISSUE
A Rail, Maritime & Transport union delegate at last month’s Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) annual conference in Perth condemned looming privatisation in his industry, pointing the finger of blame at the EU for forcing this agenda on Britain and for threatening his members in companies such as CalMac Ferries – a “lifeline” service in the Western Isles.
A motion from Kilmarnock and Loudon Trades Union Council calling on the STUC to explore alternatives to the EU was passed unanimously, while an amendment from the RMT for immediate withdrawal was defeated.
The STUC General Council continues to sit on the fence in the lead up to next year's referendum on Scottish separation, basically only demanding a “balanced debate”; yet a motion advocating support for the Yes campaign fell as the General Council's report was adopted.
At a side meeting organised by the Campaign Against Euro Federalism with speakers Iain Davidson MP (founder of Labour Against the Euro in the 1990s) and RMT general secretary Bob Crow, and chaired by Eddie McGuire (Musicians’ Union Scotland & Northern Ireland chairman) the majority opinion was that the time had come for Britain’s withdrawal from the EU.
At another gathering – with standing room only – under the title “Work Together” there were forceful arguments against breaking up Britain. The ASLEF delegate was proud to announce in his speech that his Scottish branches had given him the mandate to oppose the Yes campaign, and he emphasised the need for a united working class throughout Britain. He told Workers that this policy could be read on the ASLEF website as from May. ■