By Bill Heaney
Scottish Labour has accused the SNP and the Greens of betraying Scottish workers as the party votes against plans to strengthen workers’ rights and boost pay.
In Holyrood today Parliament voted against the Tories’ anti-strike legislation – but the SNP-Green government refused to back Labour’s New Deal for Working People, which has been described by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) as “the biggest expansion of workers’ rights in decades”.
Labour’s motion backed plans to:
- outlaw zero-hours contracts and fire and rehire practices
- deliver a genuine living wage
- ensure day one rights to sick pay, parental leave and protection from unfair dismissal.
However, the SNP and the Greens joined up with the Tories to vote against these proposals.
Scottish Labour Economy spokesperson Daniel Johnson, left, said: “It is shameful that the SNP and the Greens chose to team with the Tories to oppose the biggest expansion of workers’ rights in decades.
“Labour’s New Deal for Working People will outlaw zero-hours contracts and fire and rehire, deliver a genuine living wage, and ensure workers are entitled to sick pay, parental leave and protection from unfair dismissal from day one.
“The SNP-Green government’s vote today was a display of rank hypocrisy and a betrayal of Scottish workers.
“Scotland’s workers are being failed by two governments who refuse to stand up for their rights – but Labour will deliver the change workers need.”
Top picture: STUC workers greeted on a visit to West Dunbartonshire by Ex-Provost Willie Hendrie.