Links between Labour and trade unions in Scotland are as strong as ever. The Scottish Trade Union Labour Party Committee consists of representatives from trade unions in Scotland affiliated to the Labour Party. The purpose of the committee is to seek to co-ordinate all matters of policy relevant to the affiliated unions and to liaise with the Scottish general secretary of the Labour Party and the appropriate ministers in Westminster and Edinburgh. The committee will also take a lead role in campaigning for elections.

There is a very strong link between the affiliated unions and the party in Scotland at all levels. This was particularly evident throughout 1999 when the trade unions played a major role in the campaign for election to the Scottish Parliament. Not only did the trade unions contribute financially but, with hundreds of trade union members, actively campaigned for Labour at a local level.

It was particularly pleasing to find that a number of trade union members were selected and elected to the Scottish Parliament and the link with MSPs and their unions remains through constituency plan agreements.

A number of meetings have already taken place between the committee and ministers of both parliaments which have provided the opportunity for full discussion, particularly on matters of concern to trade union members. The link between the Labour Party and the trade unions remains - indeed in Scotland it is being strengthened. The new method of policy formulation within the party has provided the opportunity for Labour Party members to contribute to the formulation of policy. The affiliated unions are playing their part in that process, not only with members participating at local and national policy forums but also with financial sponsorship at local and national level.

The committee recognises that since the general election in 1997 much has been achieved. A Scottish Parliament has been established, thousands of jobs have been created and the introduction of the working families tax credit has assisted thousands of families throughout Scotland. Legislation has introduced a national minimum wage for the first time. This is recognised as a good first step but more needs to be done. STULP will continue to play its part in advocating policies that are not only in the interests of trade union members but of the community at large.

Links

http://www.unionstogether.org.uk/scotland/

http://www.labour.org.uk/tulo