A TORY-led Brexit and the imposition of the Internal Market Act have led to threats to devolution in Scotland and could increase the exploitation of workers, trade unionists heard today.

Speaking in a debate on building a “Scotland fit for the future” at the 124th STUC Congress, union members hit out at moves by Conservatives at Westminster to limit workers’ freedom of movement. 

Concerns were also raised about attempts in the Internal Market Act “to take back powers devolved to provide financial aid to industry,” which the movers claim is to ensure that “Westminster will be able to replicate the restraints on state ownership and state intervention previously embedded in EU treaties and regulations.”

The motion, put forward by entertainment union Equity and backed by the RMT, the University and College Union (UCU) and local trades councils, called on delegates to support calls for trade unionists to put pressure on politicians to close loopholes that could lead to workers losing out as costs are cut in Scotland and across Britain. 

RMT regional organiser Jake Molloy said there is a need for an “interventionist approach from the UK and Scottish governments,” including bringing ferries into public ownership and collective bargaining rights. 

He said: “In short, we must establish a new model, because the model that has prevailed since the Thatcher era has not worked. 

“As we look to recover from one crisis — the pandemic — we face two more with climate change and an economic crisis. Failing to adapt to a new model will be failing future generations. 

“We cannot allow the Tories and others to continue to peddle this position of restraint on state ownership and intervention. Now is the time.”