STUC general secretary Roz Foyer issued a warning to Scotland’s politicians today that “the backlash against the bullies and the billionaires has begun.”

In her annual address to Congress, Ms Foyer welcomed the demise of the Tory government since delegates last gathered, telling them: “Finally, at both Scottish and UK government levels, trade unions once again have a voice and an opportunity to input on government policy. 

“But that comes with a warning: having a seat at the table is not enough on its own. We voted for change. We now expect action.”

The general secretary told delegates it was “critical that we increase worker power and democratise our economy.”

Making clear the urgency of the demand as delegates absorbed news that Scotland’s only oil refinery would be closed by the end of the day, she said: “The failure to keep the refinery open is an inexcusable and unforgivable failure of both the Scottish and UK governments — a failure that cannot be ignored. 

“Workers were served warm words and platitudes from our politicians — from this very stage today and yesterday — whilst on the ground they are receiving redundancy notices. 

“It’s high time both they and the billionaire class who own our national industries were properly held to account if we ever hope to make a just transition a reality. ”

Ms Foyer said this failure left people “exploited, undervalued and with their trust in our traditional parties broken by years of unkept promises,” a situation which was fuelling the far right.

“But the promises of the far right are based on lies,” she said.

“Farage and his cronies are simply the puppets that the billionaires are happy to support so that they can do the important job of dividing us. 

“All governments need to break that cycle, and deliver fast on improving living standards across working class communities.”

Turning to how the STUC would take back control of the agenda, Ms Foyer said: “Together, united and fearless, on Saturday 25 October, we will march on the Scottish Parliament, to deliver a stark warning to our politicians: the backlash against the bullies and the billionaires has begun. 

“I know that if we work together, we will surely prevail because when Scotland’s workers are united, we are more powerful than we can dare to imagine.”