The STUC demanded an end to exploitative
procurement contracts that leave workers
at the mercy of low wages, poor employment
practices, scams that mask employment
status and zero hours contracts.
Supporting the motion UNISON Scotland’s
Brenda Aitchison reminded Congress how
dependent business is on the state, including
the £1.4 billion funding for apprenticeships
and the benefits businesses get from a
state educated workforce.
“It doesn’t take a genius
to work out just how much assistance the
taxpayer gives big business in terms of
generating profits.
“So if central and local government
are funding infrastructure services we
should be using procurement to say 'no
thanks' to businesses who do not treat
their workers fairly,” added Brenda.
She told delegates of UNISON’s
tireless campaign to strengthen public
procurement, and our General Election
Manifesto which has highlighted the importance
of giving the living wage and decent pay
rises to workers.
“After all, when workers get a
pay rise, 50-70p goes back into the local
economy. A win-win,” said Brenda,
citing an Institute of Fiscal Studies
report which shows that employers who
pay below the living wage cost taxpayers
£6 billion a year in in-work benefits
with an indirect cost of £25 billion,
something the CBI is “strongly silent
on.”
“A mark of a civilised society
is where the workforce is well paid, well
motivated, valued and has opportunities
to make their lives better.
“Well I say to the electorate,
if you want aspiration and a better life
– join a trade union and get active!”
“Public money going into the private
sector must be spent ethically and not
to help contribute to profits made on
the back of the working poor.”
