126th Annual Scottish Trades Union Congress

That the Parliament celebrates the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) 126th annual Congress, which was held in Dundee from 17 to 19 April 2023 with the theme, Scotland’s Workers Demanding Better; understands that the Congress acts as the direct platform for workers to campaign and collectivise against poverty, discrimination and inequality in and outwith the workplace; believes that the 2023 Congress comes at a pivotal moment for the workers’ rights movement as significant strikes have taken place in local authorities, the rail sector, postal services, schools, further and higher education and the civil service in order to improve pay and conditions for workers across Scotland during the ongoing cost of living crisis; understands that over 350 delegates, representing 37 trade unions and 20 trade union councils, came together to debate issues that included fairer taxes for Scotland, tackling the energy crisis, safe travel for workers, buffer zones, the national care service and public ownership in Scotland; highlights contributions from the Dundee Trades Union Council, which, it understands, included showing solidarity with Palestine and paying tribute to those who fought against General Franco in the pursuit of democracy in Spain; welcomes the commitment given to Congress by the Scottish Government to oppose the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill, which it believes to be an unrelenting attack on the fundamental right to strike; further welcomes the move from the Congress to publicly support the introduction of buffer zones, pledging to work closely with Scottish Green MSP, Gillian Mackay, on her proposal for a Member's Bill; congratulates all staff, delegates and members of the STUC on a successful Congress, and wishes them continued success in the future.