A plan to “deliver dignity in work” has been launched by Scotland’s largest trade union body as the Scottish Trades Union Congress reveals its manifesto for the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections.
The manifesto, which builds on the successful Scotland Demands Better march and rally last October, sets out clear demands from trade unions on investment in public services, high quality jobs and a proper industrial strategy for Scotland.
The STUC has called for measures to raise an additional £3.7 billion for the public purse which include the introduction of wealth taxes, scrapping council tax for a proportional property tax and ending the £3 billion scandal of outsourcing within Scotland’s public services.
In addition to equity stakes in national infrastructure projects such as offshore wind and making government funding for manufacturing conditional on Fair Work terms and conditions, the trade union body say the manifesto “leads the way” for politicians to support Scotland’s workforce.
Commenting, STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer said:“Our manifesto is a clear plan to deliver dignity in work, revitalise our public services and rebuild our nation’s critical infrastructure.
“For too long have politicians, especially those now seeking our votes, been allowed to ride roughshod over the expressed will of Scotland’s workers. Many in our communities are desperately seeking positive change that, all too often, doesn’t materialise after the ballots have been counted.
“From high quality jobs to an economy that prioritises the needs of workers, our manifesto leads the way in showing the politicians exactly how they can support workers across the country.
“There can be no half-measures. People are under suffocating pressure from the cost-of-living crisis that, without urgent political intervention and support, will drive workers further from the political process and present an open goal to those in our communities intent on dividing working-class people.”
