THE Scottish trade union movement will receive £100,000 in grant funding from the Scottish Government to help deliver a just transition and aid Scotland’s pursuit of net zero.
The additional money will be used by the Scottish Trade Union Congress (STUC) to coordinate worker engagement on just transition, provide policy support and amplify and share best practice.
Ahead of announcing the new funding at STUC annual congress in Aberdeen, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “We want the trade unions to continue to influence and shape our delivery of a just transition. That’s why I’m glad to be able to confirm today that we are providing the STUC with annual funding of £100,000, to cover STUC staffing costs for officials who can liaise with workers and with government.
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“The unions – through the creation of the Just Transition Commission – have already been fundamental to our policy thinking about a just transition. This funding will ensure that they continue to be vital, as we get on with delivering good, green jobs and a truly just transition.
“The Scottish Government economic strategy rests on the idea that by supporting those who are in poverty, by delivering a just transition, by supporting fair work – we can help people to fulfil their potential and to contribute to our economy and our society.
“That’s a principle which I know the STUC is also committed to. It’s why they are valuable partners, and also important sources of challenge, as we work to create a fairer, greener Scotland.”
STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer also commented: “The trade union movement has been at the forefront of pushing for a just transition, ensuring climate justice is entwined with workers’ voices.
“Our movement, our environment and our planet cannot afford any more false dawns which fail to empower workers and their communities. We’re pleased that the Scottish Government has recognised this.
“This funding, in addition to the work ongoing within the Just Transition Commission, will ensure we hold business, government and all other stakeholders to account. We must secure good, green jobs, we must not leave communities abandoned and we must place fair work and workers’ voices at the heart of any just transition.”
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The announcement follows recent lobbying efforts by the first minister, who met with financial leaders in London last week in an effort to secure further investment in Scotland’s transition to net zero.
According to Zero Carbon Buildings Minister Patrick Harvie, the Scottish Government’s target of decarbonising one million Scottish homes by 2030 is likely to cost approximately £33 billion, £1.8bn which has so far been pledged by the Scottish Government.
Sturgeon commented: “We have already committed to significant funding in this parliament and we will continue to discuss, with councils, after this election, how we take forward that.
“Public funding for that is going to be really important but private funding is also going to be a big part of this.”
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