The rise of foodbanks in the 6th richest
country in the world is a national scandal
and the STUC will continue to campaign
vigorously against austerity, low pay
and benefit sanctions which see so many
people reliant on them.
It will also work to support foodbanks
with advice on trade union and employment
rights until the need for them can be
eradicated.
Supporting the motion, UNISON’s
Sarah Collins told delegates that we must
make sure that the next UK government
and the next government at Holyrood ends
wage freezes and low pay and builds affordable
social housing. She warned that we must
join together to campaign against TTIP
which, if agreed, will lead to an increase
in food prices and a decrease in quality.
Calling for governments to fund an alternative
to foodbanks Sarah said, “Let’s
support foodbanks, but let’s not
normalise them. Let’s not lose our
anger that they are a disgrace.
“We don’t want the Norwegian
model of food redistribution. That’s
charity.
“We should support foodbanks only
through the principle of solidarity,”
said Sarah, calling for us to follow the
Greek model with participative kitchens
where people can eat and speak.
She quoted Uruguyan born author Eduardo
Galeano, who said, “I don’t
believe in charity. I believe in solidarity.
Charity is so vertical. It goes from top
to bottom. Solidarity is horizontal. It
respects the other person.”
“These are our values as trade
unionists,” said Sarah. “Let’s
apply them to our support of foodbanks.”
