by John Stevenson

Alan Cowan

The STUC will 'positively engage' with the Scottish Government to protect and improve the working conditions of union members.

The call came from the Fire Brigades Union and it recognised the work the STUC was already doing in that area.

Backing the move, UNISON's Alan Cowan said "Regardless of political colours, it is only right and proper that we engage positively and proactively with the new government.

"UNISON has a successful track record of working in partnership at local and national level. We will lobby, we will inform and we will seek to influence the Scottish Government".

Alan welcomed the commitment from the government to no compulsory redundancies as a result of the budget settlement.

"Congress, we will hold them to that promise", he warned.

UNISON had welcomed the 'memorandum of understanding' with the Scottish Government to ensure constructive engagement. But he cautioned that we have seen strategies on shared services published without consultation and early years initiatives with no discussion with staff.

The centralisation of the careers service and the extension of the rail franchise were also areas where the 'memorandum of understanding' had not been held to by the government.

"Our agenda is positive, forward looking and credible. UNISON is accountable to our members and the Scottish Government are accountable to the people of Scotland. We will judge the 'memorandum' based on results", said Alan.