SCOTTISH workers have won a whopping £4.4 billion in pay and pension settlements over the past two years of industrial action, says the STUC.
The windfall was revealed by Scotland’s largest trade union body as its annual Congress kicks off in Dundee today.
Its research also showed that workers would be worse off by £3bn had they accepted the initial offers from their employers over the 24-month period.
STUC general secretary Roz Foyer said: “During the past two years, unions across the country have secured a staggering amount in pay and pension deals for workers who needed it most.
“Over £4.4bn was won by our movement, which is £3bn more than if workers hadn’t collectivised together in their unions and fought for better deals.
“It’s abundantly clear that, as we hurtle towards a general election and, hopefully, a change of UK government, the voices of our movement have never been so important.
“It has been those at the front line of our public services that have led the charge, with workers leading when their politicians failed them.”
With polling showing Labour is on course to be the next government, Ms Foyer warned party leader Sir Keir Starmer that Scotland’s trade unions will not accept “half-measures” as public services come under increasing threat from austerity and government inaction.
She predicted workers would come together to campaign and take action for better funding and support for their vital public services, adding: “The Scottish government, or any potential incoming UK Labour government, must heed the call from our movement and follow where we lead as we campaign for greater workplace rights, protections and funding for our vital public services.”
A spokesman for the STUC said Congress is set to demand further from the Scottish government on the cost-of-living crisis.
It will bring together over 500 attendees from across the Scottish and international trade union movements.
Among the motions to be debated are calls for the Scottish government to ensure that all primary children get a free school dinner; a points-based system of rent controls in the private sector; tackling the lack of childcare support during the cost-of-living crisis; warnings over how increasing tensions with China stymie the international response to the climate crisis; and supporting the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement against the Israeli government.
