ScottishLeft Review Issue 122 March/April 2021 - £2.00 'best re(a)d' 'best

1 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 122 March/April 2021 Organising Scotland’s teaching professionals

As Scotland’s largest teaching union, representing more than 80% of the profession in Scotland, the To fi nd out EIS stands up for Scotland’s teachers, lecturers more about the and associated professionals. work of the EIS, Alongside an expansive network of establishment- level Reps, local branches, and full-time offi cers, or to join, visit: the Union’s organising agenda looks to involve www.eis.org.uk members wherever and whenever it can. 2 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 122 March/April 2021 feedback

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his issue is our traditional STUC other recent cases too like the clear is the best available defence against congress themed issue. In it, and class contours of COVID. Not only are Johnson and his Tories. Outside of Tin addition to hearing from the the poorer more likely to die from it parliament, the Radical Independence STUC itself, we ask the union affiliates of because of a greater propensity to Campaign has dissolved itself while our sister organisation, the Jimmy Reid underlying health conditions but they All Under One Banner has relaunched Foundation, to consider five questions are also likely to do so because of the and reformed itself as Now Scotland. a year after the pandemic began and type of work they do where exposure Consequently, it’s not as though the as we head into the 6 May Scottish to COVID is greater. Then they are also reviewsslack of absent opposition is being Parliament elections. The questions less able to afford to self-isolate, have taken up elsewhere. Yet there is the were: i) What lessons you have learnt the ability to work from home, have long game to be noted here as the about organising and campaigning under sufficient rooms to self-isolate and social seeds of an ability to offer a quicker COVID?; ii) What do you make of the distance in, have the computing and and more progressive prospectus for recent Scottish Government budget?; connectivity resources to facilitate home independence may be germinating now. iii) What do you want to see from the schooling and so on and so on. We shall revisit all these issues and more next Scottish Government (especially after the 6 May. on public sector investment, public The experience of Scottish Labour • With International Women’s Day on health, protecting and creating jobs)?; under Richard Leonard’s leadership has March 8, we restate our position of iv) What impact Brexit is having on your been a salutary one for the left, and support for upholding and advancing members?; and v) What your union’s in many respects has strong parallels the rights of women. position is on a further independence with the rise and fall of Corbyn south referendum and on independence itself? of the border. To put it simply, having the right left-wing policies can never The Jimmy Reid Foundation is The common threads to emerge from alone be sufficient for it is the manner marking the 50th anniversary of the their responses to these questions are in which they are espoused which is UCS work-in led by Jimmy Reid that unions are adapting to organising critical and gives them their cutting virtually in a disrupted world, and edge and credibility. Leonard and his To watch the Jimmy Reid that they have higher expectations team were sorely lacking here. His Foundation’s first meeting on 28 of the current and future Scottish replacement as leader by Anas Sarwar January 2021 celebrating and Government than are being delivered is likely to be a mixed blessing for the commemorating the UCS work- in, and are likely to be delivered. Barring left because while there is the possibility see https://www.youtube.com/ any last-minute disasters for the SNP, that Scottish Labour will not retreat watch?v=PJkbd60mnUU&feature=youtu. it is on course to win enough seats to any further come 7 May this will also be&ab_channel=STUCCovid-19updates be a majority government according to be a result of more favourable media polling evidence as Malcolm Harvey in coverage and an initial honeymoon. This To attend the next one on 25 March this issue suggest. If this is the case, it will allow the Labour right to pronounce 2021 on the role of leadership in will be something of a triumph given it was right to dump Leonard and his workers’ struggles, sign up at https:// the internal ructions the party has policies. Sarwar will then be in tune www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/leadership- experienced of late. But it will also with Starmer on issues like naively and-trade-union-struggles-lessons- be testament to the ineffectiveness seeking partnership with business to from-jimmy-reid-and-the-ucs- of opposition to the SNP government end social inequality. But quite how tickets-142481184057 both inside and outside the Scottish Sarwar will manage the continuation Parliament. It is not as though there of the refusal to countenance another has not been the terrain on which to referendum along with Starmer’s push tackle the SNP, both pre-pandemic and for Labour to become a British patriotic EDITORIAL COMMITTEE during the pandemic. Previous articles party is going to be interesting to say Bill Bonnar Lilian Macer in Scottish Left Reviewby Lilian Macer the least. All of that suggests that in Carole Ewart Carol Mochan have made this amply evident. The the longer-term, Scottish Labour will Roz Foyer Gordon Morgan most recent case of this is the SNP’s continue in the rut it is already in albeit Gregor Gall Dave Sherry endorsement of the report of the Feeley with different leadership. It this sense, Editor Stephen Smellie Review of adult social care which still, it will be more like Labour south of the Tommy Kane Chris Stephens as Stephen Smellie shows in this issue, border as Starmer and Labour’s ratings Pat Kelly Maggie Chapman allows more than ample room for are heading south too. A Labour party Convener Bob Thomson profiteers to continue to make profits north and south of the border will only Bill Ramsay Vice Convener from. But there have been plenty of convince many that an imperfect SNP 3 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 122 March/April 2021 Building back better: Fairer and greener for people not profit Roz Foyer outlines the STUC agenda for the coming period and how it is working to gain these goals

cross Scotland there are thousands quality jobs that will tackle the climate key seats. We will aim to maximise the of workers’ families, retired crisis. A just, green future can only be number of prospective parliamentary Aworkers’ friends and communities built on public investment, democratic candidates to commit to STUC ‘asks’ on who are carrying the pain of loss of their ownership, and a strong domestic supply pay, care and jobs. We know that winning loved ones. The shocking statistic of chain. The private sector has shown in Parliament and changing laws and over 100,000 COVID-19 related deaths itself woefully inadequate to meet the policies are only part of the process as we is an indictment on the failure of the UK challenge of the crisis and there is no need to develop collective actions, online Government to carry out its foremost prospect of a green recovery without when necessary, to bring about change. duty – to safeguard the lives of its massive public sector intervention. Scotland will host the UN Climate citizens. Running alongside the shocking Change Conference (COP26) in death toll is the devastating economic Our union affiliates have never worked November this year where heads of impact as sectors flounder with the stop harder, longer or smarter to defend their state, climate experts and negotiators and start lockdowns, incomes fall and members’ health and safety and pay and will look to agree action to tackle unemployment increases. Coupled with conditions than this last year. While it climate change. Workers voices, union the disastrous Brexit process, it was clear might have been thought that lockdown demands and the need for a Just that 2021 wasn’t going to be an easy restrictions and home working, for Transition must be on the agenda. We ride for Scotland’s workers. As politicians some, should have stalled union will have the opportunity to showcase and policy makers tip toe around the recruitment, paused ongoing grievances the best of union tradition showing core problems of inequality, the STUC is and halted disputes, it has been, in solidarity, international cooperation clear that we need a ‘People’s Recovery’ fact, quite the opposite. Every sector and progressive policies that tackle (see also Scottish Left Review Nov/Dec has been dealt a blow from aviation, inequalities in wealth and power. 2021 for a summary). Our recovery is construction and manufacturing to retail for working class people to recover the and hospitality. As workers in energy, The challenges, grief and loss of the income, wealth and sense of collective public health, social care and local global pandemic will remain with us for purpose stolen from them by decades authorities have faced job losses, wage years to come. But the experience has of political bias towards the rich and stagnation and the imposition of new refocused our movement and in places powerful. contracts, their unions have been by re-energised it as the cracks in economy their side. and public services were laid bare. We We need to centre the voices of workers are committed to making unions visible and unions at the heart of the debate Concepts and models of digital and relevant so we can build towards about Scotland’s recovery. We need to campaigning and organising that were and win a ‘People’s Recovery’. identify the key areas where change once seen as fringe are now mainstream can happen and will make a material as union reps across our movement Roz Foyer is the general secretary of difference to the lives of workers and have stepped up to learn new platforms the Scottish Trades Union Congress their families. We need action on pay, and applications. The potential is (STUC). The ‘People’s Recovery’ report action on care and action for jobs. enormous. We have seen workers and can be read at http://www.stuc.org.uk/ reps in rural communities, disabled files/Policy/Research-papers/peoples- The coronavirus pandemic has shown activists, shift workers and those with recovery-full.pdf that our society depends on key workers caring responsibilities enabled to take and, while the economy depends on part. If we are serious about building manufacturing and transport, it also a diverse movement, we must invest Cover: Nadia Lucchesi needs young and ethnically diverse in training and skill sharing to ensure ([email protected]) workers in retail and hospitality. We people are not pushed back outside need government intervention to as we move to a ‘new normal’. The Proofing services: increase pay for keyworkers, support for importance of this cannot be overstated John Wood and John Daly sectoral bargaining in sectors dominated as we have witnessed the growing Editor Email: Gregor Gall by women and BAME workers, and polarisation in our communities as enforce equal pay in the public sector. minority groups come under attack and [email protected] We are demanding the creation of a growing instances of misogyny. Unions Web: www.scottishleftreview.scot National Care Service, valued as much have a role as educators as well as Tel: 0141 424 0042 as the NHS. Thousands of people in care agitators and we will campaign against homes have died, and nearly 70% of structural inequality and discrimination Address: Scottish Left Review, private care homes have had suspected experienced by women, black and 14 West Campbell Street, Glasgow COVID-19 cases, significantly higher than minority ethnic workers, LGBT+ and G2 6RX not-for-profit homes. The profit motive disabled workers. must be removed from the care sector The Scottish Parliament elections in Printed by and workers terms and conditions must May provide us with a platform to Hampden Advertising Ltd, be standardised and raised across the inspire workers to take action with 403 Hillington Road, G52 4BL, board. visible, powerful campaigns that could Tel: 0141 429 1010 Lastly, we want the creation of good see workers determine the outcome in 4 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 122 March/April 2021 Rebooting and rebuilding unions’ fighting capacity Pat Rafferty sees much opportunity to strengthen union organisation amid the challenges of COVID.

he last year has been one of the and safety and equalities as well as from home. All these factors must most challenging for us as we the advantages and disadvantages of be on the bargaining table, including Thave had to confront a threat to homeworking. For some, this may mean whether workers get compensated for our way of life, and a direct threat to more autonomy and control over work their internet connection and energy human life. Many of us have struggled schedules and less stress; less commuter bills. This also requires a change in with not being able to meet loved ones, time, increased environmental benefits mindset from unions in order to adapt to comfort friends and family who have and virtual platforms facilitating to different forms of working and a contracted COVID and, in the worst of greater involvement, accessibility and different bargaining agenda. all cases, losing someone we love to inclusiveness. At UNITE, we have been trying to change this horrible disease. The simple things For others, safety concerns particularly this mindset through our extremely we took for granted in life like sitting ergonomics, social isolation, energy bills successful social media streams and in a café or having a beer in the local and the blurring of lines between home we have thousands of regular visitors pub and going for that summer holiday, and work life may cause greater stress to these forums. The introduction of seem a distant memory to many of us. as well as the potential for increased Regional Digital Assistants in 2019 has Perhaps, one of the most pressing issues employer surveillance and unrealistic enhanced our communications capacity we have faced as individuals and as targets. Equality and other issues such to reach beyond our membership; families is the mental health toll that as an increase in domestic violence, or driving our ‘good news’ stories, which the pandemic has taken on us through specific impacts on particular groups are often ignored by the mainstream the fear of a losing jobs, having pay cut, media, to a wider audience. It is being furloughed or even just working important to spread the positive impact from home give it can be an extremely unions have on the lives of workers and lonely and anxious experience. So, their families, especially when this does it’s vital for as long as the restrictions not usually capture the attention of continue that we think strategically news editors. about how we can reach workers in We have also adapted by running their homes and how we can create electronic consultative ballots and forums and structures that make people regular surveys, both bringing positive feel part of a working community – a results. Our constitutional committees collective. are meeting more regularly on online Even, when the restrictions are lifted, for platforms and engagement is more many people forms of home working are inclusive. We have seen numbers in all likelihood here to stay. For many attending virtual meetings on the whole people, working at home has become increase. Of course, our movement the new ‘normal’. Figures show that the thrives on face-to-face debates and number of people exclusively working discussions so we have continued this from home in January 2020 was around by way of virtual discussion forums 5.7% then jumped to 43.1% in April which have been very successful. We such as workers living with a disability, 2020. It is now around 24%. Therefore, are keen to maintain this in conjunction or childcare responsibilities could also going forward, UNITE is planning for the with physical meetings so that they bring disadvantages for some workers. eventuality that many employers - and significantly help us engage more with This multitude of issues needs to some members - will seek to continue our members. be properly thought through in the homeworking, either fully or as part of a employment contract and safety valves It’s clear that the future of work ‘blended working’ approach. put in place to take cognisance of the is changing before our very eyes While preparing for this type of blended predicted and unforeseen consequences following the onset of the pandemic. working, we must in concert develop of working from home. It’s important that we plan for the collective bargaining strategies for opportunities this will create for unions We also need to ensure that we have a homeworking, in particular, looking at and be aware of the challenges this connected workforce because working how we organise and bargain around will create for workers at home and from home has also highlighted issues this. UNITE is at the forefront of in workplaces. All of this must shape such as patchy internet access across developing a ‘Homeworking Framework our organising and political strategies, the country, and the many technical Agreement’ to enable workers that and we need to ensure that this is issues which can happen when working choose to, to be given the opportunity captured within the collective bargaining at home such as access to resolving to continue working from home with the framework and employment rights problems with PCs, tablets, printers or protections that should come with that. agenda post-COVID. laptops, and the necessary up-to-date Unite has also introduced a one- software. Being online has never been Pat Rafferty is UNITE Scotland regional day homeworking course which more important. We need to ensure that secretary includes online workshops looking workers are not penalised if any of these at homeworking agreements, health issues genuinely arise when working 5 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 122 March/April 2021 Neither clapping nor words of acclaim for public servants pay their bills, rent and mortgages Cat Boyd eyes opportunities to put class before constitution in the coming period f there’s anything good to say about bring the work day to a conclusive end the best organising results. But it’s not the pandemic, it’s that unions have when they clock off. impossible to grow unions digitally. In been forced to rethink our strategies. fact, PCS has seen membership gains I All civil and public servants have not just The turbulence of 2020 encouraged this year, a record number of activists faced the challenges of a global pandemic us to contemplate how we do things. and reps have been trained online with aptitude and skill. They have done COVID-19 should force those in power and attendance at campaign briefings so during Brexit, potential constitutional to re-evaluate too, because what’s really and national meetings has increased change and increased public scrutiny. At important is health, wellbeing, time with significantly. the civil service unions’ annual meeting, friends and loved ones and our ability to the First Minister heaped praise on Lastly, this is a significant year for live comfortably without fear of financial the civil service in particular. She told Scotland as a nation. As we head into loss. So, for many unions, simply moving the assembled trade unionists that she May’s election, the possibility of a our usual ‘offline’ activity onto ‘online’ ‘wouldn’t have been able to do [her] job second referendum on independence organising won’t be enough. Like most without them’ and that the contribution resurfaces and PCS’ motion to STUC people, we’ve had to reflect on what the civil servants have made to keeping Congress 2021 recognises the challenges really matters. Scotland running continues to be for our movement. The Growth At the time of writing, most PCS invaluable. That’s why it’s doubly galling Commission hasn’t just left the case for members are still working from home, to read a public sector pay policy which independence weakened, it has also having decamped from offices in March caps pay for thousands below the rate of reinforced economic orthodoxy which last year. ‘Home working’ was once inflation. is refuted and deeply flawed. No matter what happens, the union movement a ‘flexible’ option for many of our The entire public sector response to the members, now it’s a civic responsibility. has a role to play: we must shape the coronavirus crisis has been phenomenal, constitutional agenda with a class Staying at home will reduce transmission especially considering the harsh and of COVID-19. But long hours, caring agenda so the things that matter most often concealed cuts to services and to us form the basis of our future. responsibilities, home schooling, local government. Civil servants, inadequate space and the blurring of however, are the most hidden of public Cat Boyd is the PCS National Officer for work-life boundaries bring different workers and, therefore, the easiest to Scotland and Northern Ireland problems. forget when it comes to Despite having waned in the public questions of pay. imagination, demands for more free Once more, this year’s time are a cornerstone of the labour public sector pay policy movement tradition and now more falls short of what our Join the struggle to get rid than ever, the union movement can members need and revive it. Overwork and long hours deserve. Workers in the of nuclear weapons from contribute to ill-health, burnout, civil and public service stress and low productivity. This has to saw their wages fall Scotland and our world. change. Working with Autonomy, whose faster than any other comprehensive research on working group following the 2008 Join Scottish CND today. time provoked a debate on the post- financial crisis and our pandemic recovery ideas, our union is message to the Scottish looking at the possibilities of a shorter Government is very clear: For more details about working week in parts of Scotland’s civil our members must not service. After all, even the First Minister shoulder this burden joining Scotland’s largest has suggested it might be one of the again. Barely anyone, not solutions to rebuilding the economy even the Tories, defend peace movement after COVID-19. austerity anymore. Civil organisation But ‘work-at-home’ has a tendency to servants need a proper spill into our family time, leisure time or pay rise; we need to see the beginning of wage weekends, no matter how much of it we E mail - restoration so that post- have. The edges of work and home bleed pandemic recovery works [email protected] into each other and are undoubtedly for all. harder to control. That’s why PCS wants or phone 0141 357 1529 workers in the civil service to have the Shifting to ‘digital’ right to disconnect from work servers, the organising isn’t easy, right to be ‘email free’ on non-work days, especially when face- weekends and holidays and the right to to-face contact yields 6 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 122 March/April 2021 For investment and education-led recovery and restitution Larry Flanagan does not pull his punches in laying out what the EIS demands of the Scottish Government cottish education, whether it be social partnership dialogue has been It is scandalous that at the moment we schools, colleges, or universities, focused on a continued journey towards have supply teachers, effectively on zero Shas rarely been far from the restoration of the pay cuts which hours contracts, unable to find work headlines throughout the pandemic, followed the last bout of austerity! when the recovery needs of pupils are which perhaps underlines how critical huge. Thousands of teachers are on Announcements of public spending education is to our communities and, temporary contracts with little prospect during the pandemic have involved indeed, to society as a whole. The of finding permanent work unless huge sums. Many will wonder, quite challenges have been immense and we see action by both the Scottish correctly, why these sums could not whilst Scotland likes to see itself as a Government and the employers through model of a social partnership approach, have been found to address some of COSLA. These are big challenges which particularly in contrast to the scenario the pre-pandemic inequalities (which the EIS will be campaigning strongly at UK level, consensus often only have been deepened in the past on as we move towards the Scottish operates at a general level, leaving many year) or to properly fund our public Parliament elections. battles to be fought over the detail and services to avoid the situation exposed by the pandemic of historic chronic Discourse around the election is liable implementation. That has certainly been to be dominated by a binary approach the experience of the EIS. underfunding which left us poorly equipped to deal with COVID. to the issue of a further referendum Being involved in discussions does not on independence. But it essential mean that organising and campaigning Moving forward, the EIS alongside that unions demand consideration of are set aside; in fact, being able other public sector unions, is calling for immediate challenges such as ensuring to mobilise member opinion and massive investment in public services investment in our public services, the participation remains critical to being to allow us to build back better. With protection and expansion of jobs, able to deliver our objectives. Like other specific regard to education, where tackling the impact of poverty, rejecting unions, the EIS has been able to use IT the impact on children is huge, we austerity, and (from an EIS perspective) platforms effectively to engage members are demanding a huge investment in support for an education-led recovery. employing more teachers and school in new ways with some of our webinars, Larry Flanagan is the general secretary staff to better meet the needs of pupils for example, achieving 10,000+ views. of the Educational Institute of Scotland – not only in terms of education but also In the absence of face-to-face meetings, (EIS) union we have developed stronger means their well-being and mental good health. of communication to keep members involved and informed. For instance, surveys to determine members’ attitudes have reached record turn outs, and we have moved into safety disputes in several areas as a result of member ballots. In further education, we have industrial action ballots running in relation to attempts by college managers to de- ORGANISING professionalise the role of lecturers, and whilst it is disappointing that some would seek to use the cover of FOR A FAIR a pandemic to attack conditions of service, the simple fact is that unions are more than capable of fighting back FUTURE despite some of the challenges to PCS sends solidarity be overcome in terms of organising. Looking ahead, with the threat of post- greetings to all delegates pandemic austerity looming large, our renewed organisational capacity will be attending the 124th Annual critical to defending our memberships. Congress of the STUC The recent Scottish Government budget pronouncements are indicative of some of the challenges we will face. The 1% public sector pay offer for those earning more than £25,000 is less than Mark Serwotka, General Secretary the projected rate of inflation and Fran Heathcote, National President would represent a pay cut for teachers, Cat Boyd, National Officer if replicated by COSLA, when all the 7 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 122 March/April 2021 Firefighting doesn’t require firefighting problems but instead sustained and strategic investment Denise Christie says our fire and rescue service requires the Scottish Government to make a decision turn he COVID-19 pandemic very trend must continue to be a priority for guarantee national fire standards are quickly forced us to find new ways the Scottish government. maintained and improved. our movement can continue to T To address existing SFRS policy priorities Firefighters have been and will continue campaign and organise, away from the and any proposed changes, then we to be key – along with other workers – in traditional means we have been used need to look at how these should be getting us through this pandemic. They to for many years. The FBU has very funded. The FBU believes at the present deserve a SFRS that is well resourced effective democratic structures in place, time, in the context of the coronavirus and hence values them accordingly. but those predominantly rely on in- pandemic, floods and wildfires, terrorist person branch meetings to engage with The FBU previously noted that a ‘no attacks and other hazards firefighters members. That structure was sharply deal’ Brexit would have consequences tackle, there is an exceptionally strong restricted due to the social distancing for FBU members’ work and living case for sustained investment in the fire measures to support the response to standards. Current and retired FBU and rescue service in Scotland. COVID-19. A series of measures had to members and their families could be be put in place to address the various In the last decade, firefighters and affected by uncertainty over their urgent challenges the FBU faced. Many control staff have suffered a real term immigration status and access to health of our campaigns have now migrated pay cut of over £4,000. There is an and travel plans, whether they currently to online and social media campaigns opportunity to repair this damage and live in the UK or within the EU. The that target both employers and better protect Scotland’s communities. Westminster government wants to use governments. Firefighters are prepared to expand their Brexit to deregulate further, including roles, as long as this is clearly defined attacking working time, health and The FBU in Scotland has always found and without strings. It is also imperative safety and other minimum safeguards. it challenging to organise our members that funding for any future proposed Other concerns include the impact who live and work within our remote pay offer is supported by continued on cross-EU firefighter cooperation, and rural communities and islands. We additional Scottish Government including on disaster planning, joint are a relatively small, lay official union rescue work and training exercises. with limited capacity to consistently The FBU has gained a great deal and fully engage with our members of intelligence and advice from in these communities but the European sister unions, including COVID-19 pandemic has opened the EPSU firefighters’ network, the doors to new ways of organising. Scandinavian study programme Previously, we would be holding and from individual unions tackling branch and area meetings that firefighter cancers, pensions and would take a whole week out of other matters. your time to visit. Now, with online meetings via various platforms, In the previous Scottish investment and must not be funded accessibility to these members is so independence referendum of 2014, from cuts to the current SFRS budget. much easier and attendance by FBU the FBU was aware that the issue is reps has increased greatly. We should Since the SFRS’s creation, there has emotive and politically divisive. The combine online and in-person methods been a significant decline in the number union, therefore, considered that for in the future as the pandemic abates. of firefighters – almost 10%. Moreover, us to express support for or against the cuts to all staff amount to more Scottish independence would be On 1 April 2013, the Scottish Fire than one thousand employees. The inappropriate, as this could alienate and Rescue Service (SFRS) came into picture painted by these figures is bleak a significant number of our members existence, replacing the eight previous and points toward the dire need for and also be potentially damage the fire brigades with a single service. investment in the SFRS now. relationships our union has with parties However, overall funding in cash terms and individuals from across the whole fell steeply by 11% in the first five years, The Scottish Government must commit political spectrum. Therefore, the FBU before some increases in recent years. to investment in the SFRS with the concluded that we would remain neutral Overall funding is still 5% lower in 2019- following; i) moratorium on cuts, on this issue and not indicate support 20 in money terms, compared 2012-13. reduced crewing levels on pumping for or against Scottish independence. At the time of writing this, the Scottish appliances, and fire station closures; ii) There have been no further debates Government’s draft budget for 2021-22 fund the initial employment of more at our conference on whether the has seen an increase of £8.7m to the firefighters to complement the existing FBU supports another independence SFRS resource budget. An increase to professional workforce, with a review referendum or if the position on any budget is always welcomed. But it to examine further recruitment; and independence itself has changed. does not negate the fact that this has iii) ensure that risks and resilience are Denise Christie is the FBU Scotland taken place against the backdrop of assessed nationally, to ensure adequate regional secretary many years of cuts. A reversal to this resource planning and response and to 8 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 122 March/April 2021 1912 Scotrail.qxp_Layout 1 17/12/2019 11:53 Page 1

ASLEF For train drivers, trade unions & the Labour Party since 1880

ScotRail is failing to deliver for the people of Scotland. The performance of Abellio has been truly terrible. The company has failed to recruit enough drivers, is continually skipping stations, does not have enough rolling stock, has used HSTs that have not been refurbished, and has a history of poor industrial relations. But we don’t want to replace one failing private train operator with another because the model is broken. It is clear to everyone – to businesses as well as passengers, and to everyone who works in the rail industry – that privatisation has failed. The Tories privatised our railways and the SNP refuses to bring our services back into public ownership. But it’s time to stand up for Scotland and run our railway as a public service, not as a vehicle to make a private profit.

Mick Whelan, general secretary Dave Calfe, president Kevin Lindsay, ASLEF’s organiser in Scotland

STUC 2018_Layout 1 09/01/2019 10:04 Page 1 Britain’s specialist transport union Campaigning for workers in the rail, maritime, offshore/energy, bus and road freight sectors

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www.rmt.org.uk General Secretary: Mick Cash President: Michelle Rodgers 9 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 122 March/April 2021 FOR WORKERS

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- Scottish Review Issue 122 March/April 2021 10call noLeftw on: 0141 429 1010 or email: [email protected] A year unlike any other: pressure in the prison, correctional and secure psychiatric system Phil Fairlie says the time for debts to be paid to public service workers has now arrived ollowing a year of living life that has we applaud and praise them. But it is cap was hardly radical, and certainly not been completely dominated by a equally right that we do the same for reasonable given the efforts this year, by global pandemic and one which has every single worker who has played those tasked with keeping the wheels F moving. In fact, it was only just enough had an immeasurable impact on every their part, risked themselves and their one of us in a way we could never have families to keep things moving, keep to allow it to claim it wase different to envisaged, we now face the prospect things ticking over, so the rest of us can the Westminster Government. of coming to terms with the fact that get on with doing our part, and living Prison officers are protected from that we are nowhere close to being able to our lives. gut punch this year, given we are in contemplate returning to normal for Prison officers get very frustrated the third year of a three-year pay deal some time to come yet. In fact, it is whenever we hear government that betters that outcome by some more likely we need to come to terms ministers or media refer to uniform, or distance. But I have every sympathy with the fact that ‘back to normal’ is with my colleagues who now have the not going to be one we remember and front-line services, and never include job of managing their memberships accept that a ‘new normal’ is to be a prison staff when handing out praise or who, having put their lives on the line permanent feature of life going forward. acknowledgement. Being behind the walls and out of public consciousness this year, are being asked again to suck For unions that means recognising does not just apply to those serving up the consequences of government this early and start planning for what sentences - which is why I have priorities now lying elsewhere. the ‘new normal’ means for those every sympathy with those workers It is perfectly clear from unions’ workers we represent. Our first priority throughout this pandemic who have reactions that this is not an issue that is to make sure they are safe in their been there every day making their is over, not by some distance. Anyone workplaces, and that all steps needed to contribution and risking themselves to in government who thinks what has protect them are being taken. Not after do so, yet not get so much as a passing happened here is fair are in for a rude the facts as a ‘lesson learned’ response, mention in some quarters. They deserve awakening. Workers have just paid but as a proactive, preventative step, the recognition and respect as much as more than a decade of the price of full- so that we are not looking back with those who regularly hit the headlines. blown austerity at the hands of various regrets. For those of us who are public sector governments who simply never see For those of us working in the prisons in workers, the Scottish Budget matters them as the solution to the economic Scotland, there was genuine fear of the a great deal in terms of direction of crisis. We are always simply part of the impact a pandemic would have within travel for public services, and for pay. problem. our prisons. It is a perfect environment The most recent announcement then Given the year in which workers have for rapid spread, and potential fatalities has been a major disappointment to carried the risks, sacrifices, endless on a large scale. As of today, that has unions, at least in terms of pay. The dedication and commitment to keep not happened. We have lost people Scottish Government rightly criticised others alive and an economy from and, for those families, life will never the Westminster Government for its crumbling, anyone who thinks that be the same again. The control of the announced pay freeze when it cited the those efforts can be so easily forgotten spread, and the management of the cost of COVID as the reason. Funny how or dismissed need to be disabused of regimes inside our prisons has been a it is always those you rely on most in that very quickly. It is for unions then Herculean effort by all involved, and the times of difficulty that end up rewarded to organise, to agitate, fight and win. staff are due enormous credit for putting the least. In this year of all years, the various themselves in the front line every day, governments and employers owe their keeping themselves and those held in However, after setting expectations of workers a huge debt and we, as their our prisons, as safe as can be in the a radically different approach by the unions, owe them the commitment to circumstances. Scottish Government, its own approach to public sector pay was, to say the see that this debt is paid. That effort and commitment has been least, a kick in the teeth for those Phil Fairlie is the Assistant General reflected right across so many sectors by impacted by the announcement. A 1% Secretary for the POA in Scotland workers who have gone above and beyond day in, day out. We have rightly stood on the streets and applauded for some of them, but not them all. And that is wrong. We talk in terms of key workers or front-line workers and it is right that 11 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 122 March/April 2021 Navigating through COVID, Brexit and the Scottish Parliament 2021 elections Mary Senior surveys the changing landscape to identify the countless challenges in higher education

n unprecedented times, last which in turn enhances the student September 2021. We urgently need March the University and College experience. support for EU students so as our Union’s (UCU) members returned campuses continue to benefit from their As we enter this strange Scottish I diversity and cultural input. There’s from 14 days of strike action - over election period, fair funding for pensions, casual contracts, workloads considerable disappointment that universities, especially fully funding and discriminatory pay - to a global the UK government did not agree to teaching, is a key demand for UCU. health pandemic and lockdown. continue in the Erasmus Plus exchange Universities should be powering Overnight, university staff rose to the scheme, which offers reciprocal Scotland out of recession with an challenge to put lectures, tutorials educational and cultural benefits to education-led recovery. Now is the and student support online, making students and staff in schools, colleges, time to invest in education, skills and campuses COVID safe. Nevertheless, universities and apprenticeships. development – for young people and the pandemic and its consequences Instead, we have the inferior ‘Turing’ older learners returning to university. jeopardised the marketised university scheme from the UK government, which We need a greater injection of funding model, with a loss of vital commercial treats international students as cash to enable them to do so effectively. income and international tuition fees, cows, provides around £83m less than We’re also calling for more action to threatening finances. A number of the UK was receiving via Erasmus, and address casualisation in the sector, and universities moved quickly to threaten most frustratingly, but inevitably, is a to implement one of the remaining jobs - Napier University in early one-way scheme – there’s no reciprocity. demands of the von Prodzynski summer and Heriot Watt in August governance report of a decade ago on Brexit was never going to be easy 2020, where 130 jobs were put at risk. principals’ pay: to ensure that the pay for a higher education system which UCU’s Heriot Watt branch organised of senior managers relates to the rest is enriched by the diversity of staff to oppose cuts, engage members, and of the workforce, ending excesses at and students, and the sharing of save jobs. The branch demonstrated the top. Another key priority must be to knowledge and ideas across boundaries that a strong ballot mandate and borders. UCU, along with is possible in a home-working the Scottish Government and situation by effective organising, employers, has worked to ensure communication, leadership and EU and international staff are aware campaigning. Branch negotiators of their rights and changes to their harnessed a broad alliance to save immigration status. However, we jobs: from alumnus, author and are bracing ourselves for 30 June journalist Gary Younge, to local 2021, the deadline EU citizens have politicians including Conservative to apply for settled status. MP, John Lamont, whose ensure that Scottish universities remain constituency covers Heriot Watt’s The UK’s exit from Europe, along with outward facing international institutions borders campus. The collective power 2019’s landslide victory for the Johnson- that welcome staff, students and ideas of our members, politicians, alumni and led Conservatives at Westminster, from across the globe. students, mobilised the membership to and the perceived differences in the vote, securing a strong ballot mandate, Predictably, Brexit is having a damaging handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, and leveraging the negotiating clout to impact upon the sector and UCU’s has increased calls for ‘indyref 2’. get a positive deal from the threat of members. As a sector which has a high Indeed, UCU Scotland’s annual congress cuts. number of EU and international staff, 2020, held later than normal last it’s hardly surprising that in lockdown September, noted the calls for a second The financial pressures of the pandemic some EU staff have returned home independence referendum and debated come on top of the year-on-year cuts to look after sick parents or relatives the issue. Our congress agreed that to university funding, meted out in while continuing to deliver lectures irrespective of the timing of any vote, subsequent Scottish Budgets over the or work remotely. However, more and as set out in the 1989 claim of right last number of years. So, the real- employers are becoming concerned at signed up to by the STUC, it is the right term increase this year was a relief the liabilities of employing workers in of the people of Scotland to determine but it failed to address the years of a foreign jurisdiction, and Brexit simply their future. Our union agreed that if below inflation settlements and the does not allow the flexibility that could a further referendum is held that UCU consistent underfunding of teaching Scotland should engage in the debate help EU staff who may need to support in our universities. February saw some and examine the issues, opportunities, families at home during this global additional funding announcements to threats and challenges to Scottish pandemic. This is tough on those torn reduce student hardship, as well as education, our economy, and society between home commitments and their one-off money for research and revenue generally, to ensure that our universities employment. budget lines. All of this is much needed are best placed for the future whatever for universities, and UCU has urged Fortunately, international student the result of a referendum. government and the Scottish Funding applications remain strong but EU Mary Senior is UCU’s Scotland Official Council to ensure that the additional student applications to Scottish and the current president of the STUC funds go towards preserving jobs – universities have halved for entry in 12 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 122 March/April 2021 Coming out stronger – coming out fighting Mike Kirby reports that UNISON Scotland is meeting the challenge of organising online

ver the last year, UNISON increase that only matched inflation. the Scottish economy extends beyond branches across Scotland have Audit Scotland estimated the cost the care sector. For every £1 spent on Oadapted to the radically changed of COVID to councils as over £760m social care, more than £2 is generated circumstances in which we have been with only 70% of being covered by in others. Care could and should be operating. We have expanded and the Scottish Government. This comes a source of stable long term decent developed our range of organising and after years of settlements where the employment – and the more reforms of campaigning techniques, and we have Scottish Government has passed the sector focus on shifting to different grown in number. on disproportionate cuts to local ownership models based on public and government and inadequate settlements community ownership, the more it will The vast bulk of UNISON members have to deliver Scottish Government be delivering for local economies rather been working throughout the pandemic, priorities. UNISON’s concern in all this than shareholders. very many of them either in, or in a very has been primarily the impact it has similar setting, to previously before the These urgent issues of economic and on local services to depressed local pandemic (like offices and depots). As social reconstruction will not, of course, economies, communities and those who a result, we have made a real effort to be the only items likely to feature post- deliver them. There are increasingly maintain our presence in the workplace, election. The constitution, specifically urgent questions concerning the with due regard to public health and another referendum on independence, undermining of capacity and autonomy safety measures. However, we have had is also likely to be a matter of of a tier of democracy which should to adapt how we do things. Branches contention. As a union we do not have a concern everyone. and networks have put more emphasis position on independence. However, the on organising and communicating Many of the issues which the pandemic decision as to whether or not another through social media and inevitably, the will leave us with will take longer to independence referendum is held is a ‘zoom call’. Virtual rallies, webinars and tackle than the timeframe of any single matter for the Scottish Parliament to symbolic demonstrations at workplaces, budget. The next Scottish Government decide. pictured and hashtagged are now all must take the opportunity that this The last year has seen union members, core campaigning activities. This hasn’t rebuilding process represents as an particularly those in the public services, lacked challenges, but has illustrated occasion to do things differently. Too facing and rising to the unexpected innovation in organising. Our training many parts of our society and economy challenges of a pandemic. The years programme for activists has both moved were in crisis before the pandemic – ahead will see us facing a more familiar online and developed to meet the there should be no going back to this challenge – to prevent ‘economic needs of the moment – most recently as ‘normal’. We will be making the case recovery’ becoming a euphemism for we have been delivering a widespread that a sustainable recovery has to be attacks on the social provision, and programme to train up activists to service led, focussed on community wages of working people. Our enhanced participate in COVID-related workplace wealth building and the foundational organising capacity equips us for that safety inspection. With some groups, economy. challenge. such as women working in social care, By this we mean prioritising essential Mike Kirby is the regional secretary for the shift to more online organising has goods and services like housing, utility UNISON Scotland made participation easier. Meetings supply, health, transport education and are generally a bit shorter and more care. This foundational economy of focussed too – no bad thing. branches and networks provides the All of this will remain necessary as, infrastructure of everyday life. They regardless of the efficacy of any vaccine serve our essential daily household programme, the impact of the pandemic needs, keeping us safe and civilised. will be with us for the foreseeable These can and should be at the future, as can be seen from the Scottish centre of any future economic Government’s Budget. There are strategy. Investing in these sectors Organising welcome elements to the budget. The provides both longer term economic in a lack of a pay freeze being the most benefit and increased social obvious one. This is not to say that resilience. Investing in these sectors the announced public sector policy is can provide reliable incomes for sufficient to reward the variety of public workers, with returns that go into digital service workforces who have had a the community rather than offshore difficult year, without precedent. It does bank accounts. They are sectors less though allow scope for negotiation. vulnerable to economic shocks and world more reliable over the medium and There are also serious concerns, gaps long term. and deficiencies. In particular local prospect.org.uk government, bearing the brunt of The care sector is a good example bectu.org.uk community demands, continues to of this – as we have argued for be the poor relative for Holyrood. years, and the recent Feeley @ProspectScot • @bectu The budget as announced sees local Review report acknowledged. The government set to receive a cash contribution of adult social care to 13 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 122 March/April 2021 The COVID crisis shows Scotland requires constant connectivity Craig Anderson shows how the CWU union takes a class position on communication

he COVID pandemic has changed other privatised industries. should all be welcomed with a demand how we look at home and work, for more, as the STUC rightly does. Recent research by the Centre for and how we look out into the The short-term economic case for T Economics and Business Research world. Millions of workers have had to investment as stimulus is obvious, and (CEBR) estimated that full fibre rollout get to grips with working at home and the Scottish Government must break by 2025 could create as many as 40,000 shopping from home, whilst of students, its silence and make some demands of jobs in Scotland, adding billions to pupils and teachers around the its own - it’s time to see the colour of the economy in its construction and country have had to adapt to learning the UK government’s money, it’s time remotely - and all of this relying on a its long-term effects. The case for for the pledge to not only be honoured telecoms network which, in 2021 is still this investment is unanswerable in but accelerated in Scotland; with the overwhelmingly delivered across copper economic terms, but for Scotland with challenges of geography and deprivation wires. its dispersed population and falling we face, the case makes itself. rural populations, this investment The pandemic should have taught could provide more than just the usual The power of government over our governments much. Not since the tangibles. Connected communities infrastructure that is so essential to the Second World War has the power of the can become more sustainable and present and future of our economy and state to make or break the economy and reverse the drain of young people to the communities must be greater than the the lives of millions been more obviously cities. There is even the oft forgotten power to sign a cheque though. With displayed, but less than two years ago, knock-on effect of improvements to only three signatories to the meagre that perhaps was not so clear. our notoriously patchy mobile signals asks of the Scottish government’s Full Fibre Charter, it surely is clear that a UK government ministers now outside of the central belt. more robust approach is required. overseeing massive state intervention Whatever the geographical divides in the economy were amongst those though, the class divide pervades all. This is why now the CWU believes in politics and the media to that the next Scottish write-off the joint Labour Government should be Party and CWU plan for free, prioritising investment not publicly-owned full fibre only in improving Scotland’s broadband and the investment infrastructure but also in to deliver it as ‘broadband looking to the communication communism’. The joke is sector as a source of economic now on them as they are left recovery post COVID-19. scratching their heads and wondering The digital divide runs through every Scotland could be a manufacturing how to deliver education remotely to community in the land. According to a and service provider out with our own low-income households. As the Scottish recent Citizens’ Advice survey, only 40% country. The government should be Government has discovered, buying of those in deprived areas regularly use focusing on research facilities, fibre optic tens of thousands of devices does not the internet, and 20% never access it manufacturing, server manufacturing cut it if they have nothing to plug into – at all. Perhaps, this should not surprise and cyber security. The creation of perhaps, this is why so many still sit in us. We live in a society where access highly skilled jobs should be a priority storage. to food, shelter and care are heavily to end the current race to the bottom we are currently experiencing. Scotland For all the Scottish Government’s dependent on the size of our wallets, could be a trusted leader in a market protestations of £579m investment and it is equally so in the digital world. where numerous others are suspected in broadband, it continues to miss its If many of our citizens cannot put of cyber interference. own targets, lags behind the UK as a food on the table, it could be easy to whole on full-fibre - and the UK figure dismiss the importance of broadband Connectivity will always be required is pathetic by world standards. Whilst in this context. But government does and will only develop in the future. Scotland has 18.4% full-fibre rollout, not need to choose between them. It Therefore, the Scottish Government countries such as Singapore, Korea has the power to resolve both crises, should see the communications and Canada are in the region of 90%. but only with the political will and a sector as a priority for investment in The Full Fibre Charter championed by determination to challenge the present, parallel with significant investment Paul Wheelhouse fails to make any failed system. and improvements in Scotland’s own network. With a proper industrial serious demands of operators to tackle Like so many other privatised industries, the digital divide, and has only three strategy, Scotland can be a leading telecommunications is reliant on operators on board. digital nation in the future and this is government subsidy to renew and how we truly build back better. Lessons are there to be learned. An early rebuild infrastructure. Pledges to spend lead in fibre optics use and manufacture from £5bn from the UK and £579m from Craig Anderson is the CWU was squandered by privatisation, short- the Scottish governments are unclear communications union Scotland regional termism, and disinvestment in the early in terms of where one begins and one secretary 1980s, and our economy is still paying ends, but they at least acknowledge the price. A familiar tale for comrades in the need for the investment, and it 14 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 122 March/April 2021 15 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 122 March/April 2021 16 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 122 March/April 2021 17 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 122 March/April 2021 P O A

Scotland In a year like no other, the POA are proud to protect those

who protect you.

Thank you to all the key workers, and all the unsung heroes often forgotten about, for getting us all through the most difficult of years.

We want to wish all our trade union colleagues a very successful STUC.

The FBU sends solidarity greetings for the 124th STUC Annual Congress 2021 We don’T JUST FighT Fire - We FighT inJUSTiCe Too!

executive Council member: Chris mcglone Scottish Secretary: denise Christie Scottish (Acting) Chair: John mcKenzie Scottish Treasurer: Seona hart www.fbuscotland.org 18 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 122 March/April 2021 T h e d e m o C r AT i C A n d p ro F eS S i o n A l vo i C e o F F i r e F i g h T e rS AC ro S S T h e U K Making devolution work for workers on injuries and illnesses Mark Griffin explains the rationale behind his Scottish Employment Injuries Advisory Council Bill

he testimonies I heard from the roles and workplaces, respecting their is substantial. This bill aims to create women GMB union members careers and working patterns. the space for experts, including those in January were quite simply with experience of workplace injury T Support for the functions and heart-breaking. Meeting them in the and disease, to consider the evidence membership proposed exceeded my final weeks of my consultation on a and solutions to better support those expectations too. Just one respondent Proposed Scottish Employment Injuries who have become disabled. Third, and was unsure the Council should have Advisory Council Bill, what they retold more importantly, ensuring those with responsibility to investigate and review expertise have independence to make crystallised just how out of reach emerging hazards, and another that it advice and tackle the task, will best protection from illness and disease is should commission its own research. secure agreement in Parliament. for many women in the workplace. Overwhelmingly respondents agreed Their experiences are routine and are membership must, in law, include Getting meaningful change for people treated as ‘part of the job’: one worker workers, and their representatives, disabled at work will take longer than was injured falling on stairs in front of including unions. Though the Scottish establishing a new advisory council, their manager, who failed to record Government could immediately but the body is vital to make case for the accident; another, an amputee, establish an administrative council change as robust as possible. New recovering from cancer, was forced to with these features, only this Bill data and analysis, alongside expertise work so hard her stitches broke; and would secure these new functions and and testimony, will help us go well care workers spoke of their fear, going mandatory trade union membership, beyond the work undertaken by the from house to house, alone, on dark permanently, in statute. Not one Department of Work and Pensions nights at real risk of attacks and worse. respondent reported a positive and UK Council. Freeing the council to experience of the current scheme, commission its own research, not just Regardless of their keyworker though some noted positive aspects, calling in existing evidence, will give it status, their work is undervalued a reminder that we must build on the the tools and authority to look into the and underpaid, their injuries and best of the current scheme. hazards and practices that don’t get illness ignored. The risks they face go a look in – including in sectors which Now devolved legally and financially, unrecognised, and their experiences have simply been ignored for decades. underrepresented in our wider I believe the benefit could wither understanding of occupational hazards. away if Scottish Ministers adopt a As I write, the Non-government Bills As such, they are unprotected and lift and shift approach as they have Unit is preparing its formal summary under-compensated when they do fall done with disability benefits. Doing of the consultation process, which I am ill or suffer tragic injuries. so would embed a system that hopeful will be made available ahead promotes inequalities, fail to reflect of Holyrood rising for the election, I am adamant we must start to fix modern Scotland, and would not readying me to bring forward a formal this and hope my Bill can be one such close the enormous 6:1 gender gap proposal early in the next session. platform to put workplace hazards on in applications that is symptomatic Right now, Employment Injuries the Parliamentary business bulletin. of women’s health and safety being Assistance, as the SNP plan to call it, is There are, of course, parallels with systematically ignored. these women’s experiences across years away from being truly devolved whole groups of workers routinely I also heard how badly the current IIDB because delivery is outsourced to the having their safety ignored - which is scheme is simply ignoring workplace DWP, in exactly the same shape as if it why I am confident the Bill can be a illness and diseases. Workers who were still reserved. But we do now have starting point for change. are facing dismissal as long-COVID, on the table a chance to put workplace contracted at work, leaves them illness and disease on the agenda, and My proposal – for an independent, unable to fulfil their duties but with no secure workers a seat at the table in authoritative research and advisory entitlement. And long-known illnesses shaping the new benefit. council, with powers to make the women face, like breast cancer caused Mark Griffin is a Labour list MSP for case to bring the Industrial Injuries by shift work (the top occupational Central Scotland and a member of the Disablement Benefit (IIDB) into the cancer in women), respiratory and skin Parliament’s Social Security Committee. 21st century – received universal diseases that care workers and cleaners See his https://www.parliament.scot/ support from those responding to the suffer, and asbestos related ovarian parliamentarybusiness/Bills/116429. consultation. cancer, still go unrecognised by the UK aspx With more than 40 responses from system. individuals and organisations split I was rightly asked why specific and evenly, not one disagreed with the core direct changes to the IIDB scheme proposal to establish a new council. As were not proposed in the consultation. a result, we have a coalition of workers, First, as a Member’s Bill, there are academics, trade unionists, and third practical and resource constraints sector organisations ready to make the which would hamstring a more case for renewing the benefit making prescriptive approach akin to re- it relevant to the workers in modern designing the benefit. Second, the task 19 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 122 March/April 2021 No touchy Feeley as social care still to be tied to the market Stephen Smellie says of the Feeley report it’s a case of several steps forward and massive one back

he broken system of social care the UNISON’s ‘Ethical Commissioning’ bureaucracy that neither integrates has been fully exposed during the proposal and calls for clear standards nor improves services. However, Tpandemic. It is a system designed to be established to ensure Fair Work Feeley proposes that IJBs should to create a market so private companies principles and standards of care. be accountable to a NCS and take can generate profits, not one designed on the role of procuring as well as The proposal for a NCS based on to deliver care. It created minimum- commissioning services, therefore, ‘partnerships and not market places’ wage-level-insecure employment, staff reducing further the role of councils, has been widely welcomed. In recent shortages and poor standards of care. relegating them to merely one provider months, the one voice regularly raising It crashed when it failed its most basic of social care services, and further opposition to a NCS was Scottish Care – responsibility - to protect the vulnerable reducing the local democratic oversight the voice of the independent (private) people it was charged to look after. over social care. care sector. In its recent briefing to The sector is dominated by private MSPs, it said the voice of their sector A NCS will include the current functions companies providing the majority of has been heard. It is correct. It can now of the Scottish Social Services Council places in care homes and care at home welcome the NCS because Feeley’s and the Care Inspectorate and so will services, with council services and vision of it is based on increasing public be responsible for the commissioning services run on a not-for-profit basis spending on social care whilst protecting and procurement of services, for the by various voluntary and charitable the existence of the care market and inspection of services and for the organisations making up the rest. ensuring that profits will still be made development and regulation of the for shareholders within what he calls an workforce - essentially regulating and Private and voluntary sectors had to be ‘actively managed market’. inspecting its own performance. It will rescued by the state stepping in, both be answerable to a Scottish Minister. financially and logistically, to ensure PPE Feeley rejects nationalising the care The concept of independent scrutiny was provided, staff were paid to isolate, sector. Using a caricature of how a NCS and democratic accountability within that they were trained in infection could be established, he argues the social care will have been eradicated. control and that these measures were cost of buying out the private sector implemented. Even then it was still a would be huge and not the best use That this is allied to investing significant struggle to make sure these things were of public money. Actually, removing sums of public money in order to secure delivered in some parts of the private private-for-profit interests from social decent conditions for both staff and sector. care could be done without huge service users, whilst retaining a market expenditure by the use of procurement so that private companies can continue In this midst, the Scottish Government processes that reflect commissioning to extract profits should cause concern appointed Derek Feeley to lead a priorities on care standards and Fair for openness and transparency in public review of Adult Social Care. His report, Work principles alongside national services. People with lived experience published in February, proposes a systems to supply quality resources to of social care, the social care workforce, number of steps to address the crisis providers at efficient costs. More of a and tax payers, deserve a better care including creating a National Care ‘tightly controlled’ rather than ‘actively service than that proposed by Feeley Service (NCS), reforming current managed’ market would allow the best Integration Joint Boards, developing Stephen Smellie is Depute Convenor of the not-for-profit sector to enhance a human-rights led service, greater UNISON Scotland. Stephen is also the public sector provision. Those for-profit inclusion of people with lived author of a contribution to the new companies who found such a system experience of care in the design of pamphlet called ‘People Before Profit: limited their ability to make profit and services, including their own, and steps The Future of Social Care in Scotland’ wished to leave would be free to do to address the pay, terms and conditions which can be purchased at https:// so. Feeley’s approach here illustrates and security of the employment of www.calton-books.co.uk/books/people- that whilst workers’ voices through social care workers. The report was before-profit-the-future-of-social-care- their unions were heard on pay and welcomed by unions and others for in-scotland/ condition, they were not on a NCS that these headlines. However, as always, the was based on public money serving devil is in the detail of what is proposed. solely public good. The case made for improving social care The proposals raise further concerns. workers’ conditions and to implement Integration Joint Boards (IJB), where the proposals from the Fair Work in Care councils and Health Boards (4 Report are welcome. The Report rightly Councillors and 4 appointed Health links how staff are treated to standards Board members) are responsible for of care. Feeley recommends a national commissioning and integrating social Job Evaluation Scheme to set wages care services, are to be reformed. That across the sector. This needs to be would be welcome if it addressed the extended into a full bargaining system current failures and weaknesses of the with the right of unions to organise and IJBs such as their lack of democratic represent the workforce in the national accountability and their added local bargaining system. Feeley also adopts 20 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 122 March/April 2021 Can the Fair Work Framework make Scotland a fair work nation? Gregor Gall analyses a recent report by the Fair Work Convention and finds it fatally flawed he ‘Fair Work Framework’ it was ‘maintaining’ and on 22% it was developments on the ground, whether (FWF) has been the Scottish ‘worsening’. positive or negative, in attaining the five Government’s flagship programme dimensions and the actions and policies T Predictably, the media picked up upon on employment issues since 2016. It of the Scottish Government towards the criticisms in the FWC’s report and sets out to make Scotland a ‘fair work’ creating ‘fair work’. Indeed, the FWC supported the set of recommendations nation by 2025. With the forthcoming provides us with just four ‘stories’ of such as making fair work a condition of Scottish Parliament elections, this next where employers have implemented fair all public funding available to employers parliament will run until that date so work. the next Scottish Government will self- as a means of improving and embedding So, let’s turn to an aspect where there evidently be accountable for ensuring higher standards of fair work policy and is some decent data. This concerns the this goal is achieved. practice. But the real story was ignored. This is because the report’s own Scottish Government’s Scottish Business The FWF has five dimensions, namely, criticism drew attention away from a Pledge. From its launch in 2015, the facilitating ‘fair work’ as work that critical flaw. The flaw is that no evidence pledge involves employers committing provides workers with effective voice, was presented – or, indeed, even exists to a number of goals of which the two opportunity, security, respect and elsewhere - that the FWF accounts core ones are paying the real living wage fulfilment, and is supervised by the Fair for any of these outcomes, especially and no inappropriate use of zero hours Work Convention (FWC). This covers the ‘improving’ ones. So ‘Fair Work’ contracts. The number of employers various matters of pay, conditions is taking credit for developments that making the pledge has grown from 184, and collective bargaining amongst are, at best, not directly connected to it covering around 39,000 workers, in other issues. At the end of 2020, the and, at worst, it has nothing to do with. 2016 to 711, covering around 127,000 Convention published its report on the This is all the more apparent when one workers, by 2020. That does represent progress made since 2016 to achieve remembers that ‘Fair Work’ is entirely progress but it still only covers 5% of the ‘fair work’ in Scotland. without any statutory underpinning. workforce in Scotland, and it also has to borne in mind that the independent The FWC took a critical line saying Scottish Living Wage was established ‘greater commitment by government, in 2014 and has accredited just over employers and trade unions to 1,900 employers by 2020, giving 46,000 implementing and progressing fair work workers a pay rise. Both the Scottish [is needed] if Scotland is to achieve its Business Pledge and Scottish Living ambition of being a Fair Work Nation by Wage indicate how limited progress is 2025’. This was because it found, prior when there is no force of law to secure to the COVID-19 crisis, that disabled policy goals. workers, ethnic minorities, women and young workers often experienced poorer The significance of this is that work outcomes and are often more How did this flaw come about? The developments in employment matters, heavily concentrated in precarious and report tells us that the secondary both good and bad, result from low paid work. data sources used were those like the economic and labour market pressures, the actions of employers in deciding The report also found there has been Labour Force Survey. The report says how to best chase profits, and the no improvement in access to flexible of these that ‘The data sources used behaviour of unions in trying to best working; no improvement in the number … are designated as Official Statistics. defend their members’ interests. And of illnesses caused by work; the use This ensures that data presented here this is where the state does not compel of zero hours contracts increased; is robust and reliable’. The only caveats employers to act in certain ways as a effective use of skills in the workplace the report entered into on the data result of legal measures. decreased; workers’ participation in were that ‘there is some time lag’ – workplace learning decreased; and meaning that the data covers 2016 to There is nothing in the work of the union membership decreased. 2019 – and a ‘number of gaps in data FWF or wider actions of the Scottish exist’ so that two of the 39 indicators Government on employment matters More positively, however, the report could not be measured. As a result of that has a statutory underpinning to found that the proportion of people this, the Convention also recommended it. Until it does, there will be no hard earning less than the real living wage that Scottish Government invest in and fast evidence that any changes in decreased; the overall measure of improving the quality of workplace data, employment matters have any direct employment security improved; levels particularly as it relates to workers with bearing or relationship to the FWF. And of participation in involuntary non- protected characteristics. given that employment matters remain permanent work and involuntary reserved business to Westminster, that part-time work improved; gender But even if this particular may require either further devolution or and ethnicity pay gaps narrowed; recommendation was enacted, it would independence. and collective bargaining coverage show what has happened but not why increased. To summarise the report or how it has happened or who was Professor Gregor Gall is a visiting using its own indicators, on 40% of them responsible. In other words, it would still professor of industrial relations at the the situation was ‘improving’, on 38% not establish the connection between University of Leeds 21 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 122 March/April 2021 Weggie climate warriors go to war to green up the dear old ‘Green Place’ of Glasgow Stuart Graham lays out what union activists in Glasgow are organising for in the run-up to COP26 lasgow Trades Union Council authority boundaries to such an ahead is that it has massive, public (GTUC) attended the STUC Trades extent that we will require a common sector job creation potential. Here, GCouncils conference at the end mobilising agenda that is also capable of hundreds, if not thousands, of newly of January. We requested a session being adapted as we go. created jobs are needed to carry out was added to deal with the COP26 the deep retro-fitting of all homes. Whether we view this solely from the conference in Glasgow in November This must be accompanied by training perspective of municipal bus transit and the required level of mobilisation available to those who want to do this for a domestic population, or consider work as well as for those who have for it. Consequently, two of the Glasgow the number of visitors we may yet be lost jobs due to the pandemic or are delegates led a session to discuss the hosting come November, we need to finding it particularly difficult as they are work started on one campaign (Free Our continue to make the case that the younger workers with little to no work City campaign for free public transport) Bus Service Improvement Programmes experience. We will once again attempt and the intention to devise another (BSIPs) that continue to subsidise private to do so through coalition-building, and (along similar coalition-building type companies with public funds are neither hope that Living Rent will also be one of lines) around a retro-fitting agenda for good enough nor capable of delivering the coalition partners due to its status the city. what bus users across Greater Glasgow and work as the only tenants’ union in need. Therefore, irrespective of the The opportunity to engage with Glasgow the city. City Council (GCC) on these issues has current or anticipated positions of the been presented by it declaring a climate various administrations which make up We appreciate that the priorities emergency in June 2019 as well as the Strathclyde Regional Cabinet, part of detailed are specific to Glasgow/ publishing a list of recommendations any campaign on public transport/buses Greater Glasgow and rely upon the from the Climate Emergency Working needs to have the demand for public demands of urban societies/economies. Group and undertaking public ownership and democratic control at And we know that some of the more consultations on transport and the its centre. Public sector job creation rural local authorities/trades councils, wider Climate Emergency – as drivers or mechanics as well that like Highlands & Islands, will have Implementation Plan significantly differing (CEIP). While these demands, including are not always going a greater reliance on to provide the desired electrical vehicles. Once solutions – indeed, the known, these aspects transport proposals are can be better articulated particularly frustrating but they will take some at this stage, this does time to properly assess. provide some kind However, the proposal is of opening to initiate to use one, other or both campaigns as a mobilising dialogue and discuss template or impetus what social protections which trades councils can are needed in the process of just offered through renewables-focused then use to build coalitions and bespoke transition. However, we need to ensure supply lines – would also result from re- campaigning agendas around. Transport that such dialogue remains sincere and municipalization. and housing affect everyone – so the capable of being a two-way conversation aim is to try and harness the energy that and not just a monologue with the GTUC is in the early stages of devising type of appeal can bring as a common option to tell the council in question a local retro-fitting campaign too and is mobilising agenda across trades how much you agree or disagree with an watching with interest the progress of, councils. Scottish trades councils will and obstacles to, Leeds TUC’s retro- already defined endpoint. be meeting more regularly throughout fitting report and recommendations. 2021 under these and other auspices to The provision of renewably-powered, Carbon emissions from domestic energy bring their affiliates under the banner free public transport is one of the use/consumption remain a significant of the COP26 coalition and call for more significant, societal transformations contribution to the city’s overall participation and action at all levels. We that the Free Our City coalition (which emissions levels. But while GCC’s CEIP - in Glasgow at least - will definitely be includes GTUC) has identified as capable has a commitment to a retro-fitting here in person for COP26. of delivering the just transition to a programme, it is nowhere at the scale or low carbon/carbon neutral economy. level of ambition which will be required Stuart Graham is a Glasgow City Thus, GTUC will be meeting with trades to retro-fit all of the city’s homes, UNISON delegate to the GTUC and a councils from the local authorities which will have different specifications member of the COP26 coalition for both. surrounding Glasgow to devise a depending on property types, ranging common approach to take to the from multi-storey flats to tenement and politicians which sit on the Strathclyde four-in-a-block properties. While still Regional Cabinet. Bus service provision in its very early stages, what is known in Greater Glasgow cuts across local about the scale of the retro-fitting task 22 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 122 March/April 2021 www.calton-books.co.uk/books/people-before- profit-the-future-of-social-care-in-scotland/

23 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 122 March/April 2021 The British state is a legacy of an empire and society long since transformed by technological and social upheavals. So why hasn’t it evolved? A BOLD NEW COLLECTION OF ESSAYS

In this new collection of essays, thinkers from across the left detail the inherent conservative nature of the British state and how it impacts on the possibilities of a transformative Labour government succeeding. Remaking the state is not a ‘nice to have’, but the only way a Labour Government can change Britain for good. Politics for the Many are delighted to launch this important collection of essays at Open Labour’s 2021 Conference. Also available online from 21st March.

[email protected] POLITICSFORTHEMANY.CO.UK /POLITICSFORTHEMANY

CWU wishes all delegates and those participating in this virtual STUC 2021 Congress a successful and enjoyable event • Campaigning against compulsory redundancies and the eradication of terms & conditions in BT #CountMeIn

• Campaigning for post Covid-19 investment in broadband and the communications sector

• CWU fighting to ”Save our Post Offices” & calling for re-nationalisation of Royal Mail.

• Fighting for a For a New Deal for Workers

Craig Anderson Regional Secretary Scotland Pauline Rourke Regional Chair Scotland

24 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 122 March/April 2021 The British state is a legacy of an empire and society long since transformed by technological and social upheavals. So why hasn’t it evolved? ‘Play it again, Sam’: projecting the prizes and pitfalls for the political parties Malcolm Harvey assesses the likely outcome that we shall wake up to on 7 May 2021 A BOLD NEW COLLECTION lections happen frequently in a pro-independence majority for the Labour has finally moved on from the democracies; in multi-level polities, next parliamentary term. They too leadership of Richard Leonard, and a even more frequently. Years have internal divides and have lost leadership contest between Monica OF ESSAYS Ewithout elections seem unusual – and the prominent land rights campaigner, Lennon and Anas Sarwar ensued, even when they occur, as in 2020, Andy Wightman, who now sits as an both outlining quite different futures regular polling keeps the idea in our Independent, but look set to increase for the party. Lennon wanted a more heads that an election is just around the their representation at Holyrood slightly independent Scottish Labour Party, and In this new collection of essays, thinkers from across the left corner. And, so it is the case: the sixth in May. suggested it should not block a second elections to the Scottish Parliament are independence referendum, while Sarwar detail the inherent conservative nature of the British state and As a result of increases in support for scheduled for 6 May. In these pandemic- opposed the idea. The positioning for how it impacts on the possibilities of a transformative Labour both the SNP and the Greens, it seems induced uncertain times, even that Labour appears to be crucial here: unlikely that the newly-formed ‘Action government succeeding. might not proceed as intended. supporting a second referendum would for Independence’ and ‘Independence potentially attract more of the (leftist) Every election lays claim to being for Scotland’ parties will be able to Remaking the state is not a ‘nice to have’, but the only way a pro-independence electorate back to ‘the most important election in your secure representation. The effective Labour Government can change Britain for good. the party; taking a harder line would lifetime’ but once again it is not just the threshold for parties to win regional make the party more attractive to pro- direction of public policy that is on the seats varies from around 6-9%, and it Politics for the Many are delighted to launch this Union voters who have recently voted ballot paper this year, but the future of looks unlikely that any new party will Conservative on account of their own important collection of essays at Open Labour’s 2021 Scotland itself. be able to achieve this level of support. ultra-Unionist position. Conference. Also available online from 21st March. This holds true for former Conservative The Scottish National Party (SNP) MSP Michelle Ballantyne’s newly-formed It seems likely, on account of gains has governed at Holyrood, either as Reform UK Party, as well as the currently by the SNP and Greens, that the a minority or a majority, since 2007, nameless party George Galloway hopes block of 60 seats achieved by the [email protected] and according to polling, that seems to register. Conservatives, Labour and Liberal likely to continue into a fourth term in POLITICSFORTHEMANY.CO.UK Democrats combined in 2016 will be office. Such longevity in government reduced in 2021, with perhaps fewer /POLITICSFORTHEMANY is remarkable – we have to go back than 50 seats in play. Labour will have to the Thatcher/Major Conservative more of the momentum, with a new governments of 1979-1997 for the leader, while being in government at last time a UK government succeeded Westminster will likely impact negatively in winning four successive terms of on the Conservative vote. If the Liberal office. Which is not, one would imagine, Democrats hold onto their five seats a comparison that the SNP would from the last session, it’s possible that particularly appreciate. the Conservatives and Labour may share But, unlike the Conservatives prior to the remainder almost equally between 1992, the last in that run of election them, with neither really able to stake a victories, the SNP remains popular in real claim to be the ‘main’ opposition in government. It is consistently polling Scotland. not just ahead of other parties also has Polling then, suggests more of the same the preference of a majority of voters. in the coming Scottish Parliamentary Simultaneously, at the time of writing, On the opposite side of the session. A majority SNP government twenty-one consecutive polls have constitutional debate, perhaps the would ensure the constitutional indicated that independence is the most interesting battle in this election question remains squarely on the constitutional preference of a majority is which party, Labour or Conservatives, agenda, and the question of how to of the Scottish electorate. These two will return as the second largest party. move forward with a referendum poll findings are not unrelated. And, Both are under new leadership in will undoubtedly be central to their despite a slew of internal divides – over Scotland. Former Conservative leader, programme – not least because the UK constitutional strategy, trans rights, Ruth Davidson, currently deputises at Government has indicated that it would personalities, and the fallout from the Holyrood for Moray MP and part-time not consent to the holding of a second Alex Salmond trial – the SNP looks likely referee, Douglas Ross, who replaced referendum in the immediate future. to benefit from those poll figures, and Davidson’s former deputy, Jackson return to government, with a majority of Dr Malcolm Harvey is Lecturer in Politics Carlaw, last year. Davidson herself is seats in the chamber a strong possibility. at the University of Aberdeen standing down from her Edinburgh Their pro-independence bedfellows, Central seat to take up a position in the the Scottish Greens, find themselves House of Lords, while Ross has struggled in a similar position. Their support to make an impact from Westminster appears to also be enhanced by thus far. As a result, the Conservatives support for independence, and look to be in a fight to maintain that the desire among those for whom second place, with a slight revival on the independence is a preference to secure cards for Labour. 25 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 122 March/April 2021 Finding a new ‘third way’ between independence and unionism Neil Findlay lays out the case for a third option in any future referendum ony Benn famously set out five different bodies and their political for the history, the landscape and the questions of democracy and urged leadership works. Who can forget the idiosyncrasies of them. In so many Tall of us to ask them of those incredulity on the face of the Greater ways, they survive in spite of the system in power: What power have you got; Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, not because of it. It is only because where did you get it from; in whose as he gave a press conference about of human resilience, a driving sense interests do you use it; to whom are you negotiations with the Government on of injustice and the organisational accountable; and, how do we get rid of lockdown support for his region only abilities and determination of different you? I have used them to ask people to for an aide to show him a mobile phone communities of people that the consider four fundamental questions message of what the Government was grotesque failings of capitalism are on the future of Scotland: What type going to impose on the region he is resisted and at times rebuffed and of country do we want to create; what supposed to be accountable for. our identity protected from bland powers do we need to create it; where homogeneity. COVID and Brexit have exposed the should those powers lie; and how do we crisis in our local democracy and This brings me my answer to my first deliver them? decision making. There is a palpable question. COVID has brutally exposed If we survey the political and feeling across the country that decisions the failings of the neo-liberal system. constitutional landscape of Britain, must be made more local and more Across the world even the most right- we see a shambolic, hotchpotch of accountable. Our towns and cities, wing governments have been forced district councils, parish councils, regions and nations have their own to accept that market economics could unitary authorities, boroughs national distinct regional and cultural identity. not answer the biggest question posed and London assemblies, parliaments, Regional foods, accents, words, since WW2. What would have happened metro mayors, police and crime customs, art, humour and music are if there had been no state intervention commissioners, the Lords, the Commons what makes our local communities to try to defeat COVID? Unemployment and god knows what else. The COVID unique, lively and vibrant. We are rightly would be into the tens of millions, crisisUCU_STUC_half_page_ad_Feb19.qxp_Layout has exposed the often competing 1proud 12/02/2019 and protective 12:26 Page of 1them. We families would have been left literally and incoherent ways in which these have connections with and affections starving and destitute, businesses would

Defending jobs and fighting cuts in Scottish higher education.

www.ucu.org.uk/scotland

26 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 122 March/April 2021 have closed in every sector, workers to meet their local needs, pressures how multi-option referenda have been would have been left unpaid and, in and circumstances. We can then hold used across the world on over one such circumstances, there would have government and public bodies to hundred occasions and how it could been a serious threat to the complete account for their decision making and work in the Scottish context. breakdown of society and law and order measure the success or failure of policy Having answered my four questions, as desperate, abandoned people tried to without them having anyone else to I hope readers will see that whether survive. point the finger at. they are supporters of independence or Government was forced to adopt Let’s look at another area: the border. Devo-Max that there is much more that policies that run completely contrary We live on a small island nation with unites us than divides us. We can build to the philosophy. Massive state a well-developed internal trading on that by coalescing around a campaign intervention shored up the economy, market with free movement of goods for a multi-option referendum. In paid wages to workers to stay at and people within our borders. No the 1990s, some nationalists and home, sector after sector had tax one with any sense is arguing that this socialists were are able to set aside payers’ money pumped into it where should end but we need to ensure that their differences and come together in previously they would be left to go we maintain and develop the highest the ‘Scotland United’ campaign for a under. Projects were funded to feed possible standards in areas such as multi-option referendum. It is my belief the hungry, computers bought to help food production, employment rights, that this is what is required now. It home educate children and subsidies consumer protection and environmental needs us to set aside tired hostilities and paid to transport operators running standards. So, I would argue that it put down the boulders we have been empty buses and trains. In short, the makes no sense to erect internal borders lobbing at each other for decades and government resorted to a socialist, between the regions and nations of this work on a set of common principles that interventionist approach to deal island and that control of the border build unity around that call. It is clear with the crisis. This, therefore, begs remains reserved at a UK level but we that Boris Johnson has no intention of the question if we can adopt a more have the flexibility necessary to meet conceding a referendum to the SNP and socialist, caring, compassionate and our own specific national and regional that it has no credible plan B. However, inclusive society where the state steps in needs including immigration. faced with a cross-party, united call for to support those in real need at a time a multi-option referendum, Johnson These are just two examples but if we of crisis, why can’t we do this in normal would be in a much more difficult systematically work through all powers times to create the better society? position. My final question is whether then we can see the natural level of our leaders will rise to the occasion or I want to see a society of full government for each power to rest. retreat into the trenches and reach for employment, where no one goes There will be debates and disagreement more boulders. hungry, and every child has the same about where a minority of powers opportunity to learn and flourish, should lie, these can be resolved Neil Findlay is a Labour list MSP for where public services are funded and through negotiation. the Lothians. This is a slightly abridged supported to meet community needs version of Neil’s contribution to the Red Finally, how do we deliver these and where we protect our environment Paper (January 2021). powers? I have long argued that we for future generations. One where need a third option in any future political power and decision making constitutional referendum – are returned to local communities with one that is neither the status Scottish Left Review councils re-empowered and funded and quo nor independence. That The Scottish Left Review is a non-profit making publication. no longer seen as just an administrative option should be based on Please subscribe or make a donation by going to www. layer to take the blame for cuts handed the maximum practical and scottishleftreview.org where you can pay by credit card down from above. I want a planned, beneficial devolution of powers or by filling in your details in the form below and returning regulated economy where human to Scottish Left Review, 14 West Campbell Street, to the most appropriate level, endeavour is applied to meet society’s Glasgow G2 6RX subsidiarity, as it used to be needs not to pursue the ‘holy grail’ of called. This option isn’t a cop wealth accumulation. Name out or fudge. It is the most What powers do we need to create it logical, practical and beneficial Address and at which level should these powers proposal for Scotland’ long term lie? The basic principle on which I would economic, social and political answer this is based on this belief - that well-being, with the potential to all powers be devolved to the lowest transform our country. possible level unless there is a logical Tel: Some argue a multi-option and overwhelming reason not to do so. referendum is impracticable E-mail: Let’s take two examples. First, drugs. and is just a ruse to prevent To our national shame, Scotland has independence and others Subscription/Donation the worst rate of drug deaths in the argue that it is a cop out to developed world. It is, therefore, logical nationalism and would divide Date: that all policy headings related to drugs the anti-independence vote. 215 be fully devolved to Scotland to address It is neither. I would not be Subscriptions: £18 (waged), £14 (unwaged), £24 (local the crisis here. Why would we not associated with it if it were. organisations), £30 (national organisations). do this? Scotland, Wales, Merseyside Professor James Mitchell Donations will be gratefully recieved. Cheques should be and every other English region should explains in the Red Paper on crossed and made payable to: Left Review Scotland Ltd. You can also subscribe/donate online at equally be able to develop policies Scotland (January 2021) exactly www.scottishleftreview.org

27 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 122 March/April 2021 feedback

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time of her death in 2012, she had won multiple awards and accolades for her outstanding work. A Private War gives audiences insight into the life of the woman rather than the headlines which made her career. Paul Conroy’s book, Under The Wire, which formed the basis for Chris Martin’s award-winning documentary of the same name, are both strongly recommended as companion pieces to A Private War. Jackie Bergson has worked in the voluntary sector and commercial business development in technology and creative sectors. Educated in and living in Glasgow, her political and social views A Private War (2018), civilians by their own government. chime left-of-centre. director: Matthew Heineman, Colvin’s widely publicised screenwriters: Arash Amel and Marie confrontational interview with Libyan Brenner Colonel, Muammar Gaddafi (Raad Rawi), Judy Cox, Reviewed by Jackie Bergson before her Syrian missions is featured Rebellious Daughters of with specific intention. The political History, 2021, Redwords, ridging the period from when relevance of this narrative thread is war correspondent, Marie Colvin, 9781912926947, £10, pp128 especially important because it clarifies reported from within Sri Lanka in Reviewed by Lorna McKinnon B why she and her journalistic team in 2001 until the moment when she was Homs were consequently targeted and Where can we look to see the seedlings killed in 2012, A Private War begins and killed by the Assad regime. Ominous of the ideas we hold today in terms of ends with real footage from the place repercussions focus on the fear and the struggle for women’s liberation, for where she lost her life: Homs, Syria. grief of her colleagues and editors in the liberation of all, for the abolition COVID has highlighted that those who contribute the most to ensure we have a decent life are those least Rosamund Pike’s portrayal as Colvin is of slavery, and for an end to the London (Tom Hollander as her news valued financially. This is most obviously the case with shop and warehouse workers, delivery drivers, transport faultless and fascinating. The actress atrocities of war? There are more embodies her forthright instinct for editor, Sean Ryan) when they hear staff, cleansing workers, utility engineers, those in construction and all unable to work from home. Something rare- and see what they will come to know people constituting these seedlings than getting to, and speaking, the truth as we could possibly imagine. But if and ly acknowledged is that during lockdown 56% of workers continued to go out to work and 42% of workplaces re- well as her professional humility and as her final live broadcast from Syria. mained open. Health, social care, and public sector staff struggled against COVID in services hit hardest by austerity Colvin’s credibility was such that when when we dig integrity, her capacity for love and deep through policies with no or inadequate protection. The speed with which a vaccine was developed and distributed shows she spoke over tenuous airwaves about glamour and the warm, steady tonality history, we will ordinary, innocent men, women and that cooperation is not only possible but essential in these times if we are to triumph and eliminate if not eradicate of her voice. find endless children who were not terrorists being the virus. There can be no return to the ‘old’ normal of food banks, zero hours, or precarious work, the homeless examples of A Private War also throws light onto indiscriminately bombed and killed, her again on the streets and the unemployed struggling to exist on universal credit. inspiring, Colvin’s more vulnerable side. This voice carried weight of truth and power. COVID put paid to the Peoples Assembly’s Scotland’s planned programme for 2020 with limited opportuni- spanned her need to sometimes drink leading ties for public campaigning. Restrictions on movement, the need to remain safely at home meant that what work The heroine of this story reasoned that women at the too much alcohol to numb the post- we could do happened online. Soon we’ll be back on the streets demanding investment for our industries, the crea- she had to ‘... face the many horrors front of these traumatic-stress which she constantly tion socially useful, green jobs with safe workplaces for all, and an NHS and care service no longer starved of fund- suffered is divulged and the probability and tell people what really happens battles for ing or putting money in the pockets of profiteers (with workers in these sectors no longer relying on benefits but that she considered suicide. The film’s when all sides try to obscure the truth’. liberation. I narrative tracks Colvin’s mission to tell As a senior correspondent for arguably say ‘dig deep’ with a decent living wage). and show the tragic suffering of civilian the most respected of major Fleet because We refuse to believe that what we had was the best our planet could offer us. Any future must be created by victims of war crimes. Ultimately, and Street broadsheet newspapers, Colvin more often and in the interests of working people and their families. Phil McGarry (Chair) and Keith Stoddart (Secretary) outstandingly, she uncovered the and her team (her photographer, Paul than not, relentless and complete destruction and Conroy, played by Jamie Dornan) were these multiple daily bombings upon Syrian hugely admired and revered. By the women, Facebook: The People’s Assembly Scotland Email: [email protected] Twitter: @Peoplesassyscot 28 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 122 March/April 2021

COVID has highlighted that those who contribute the most to ensure we have a decent life are those least valued financially. This is most obviously the case with shop and warehouse workers, delivery drivers, transport staff, cleansing workers, utility engineers, those in construction and all unable to work from home. Something rare- ly acknowledged is that during lockdown 56% of workers continued to go out to work and 42% of workplaces re- mained open. Health, social care, and public sector staff struggled against COVID in services hit hardest by austerity policies with no or inadequate protection. The speed with which a vaccine was developed and distributed shows that cooperation is not only possible but essential in these times if we are to triumph and eliminate if not eradicate the virus. There can be no return to the ‘old’ normal of food banks, zero hours, or precarious work, the homeless again on the streets and the unemployed struggling to exist on universal credit. COVID put paid to the Peoples Assembly’s Scotland’s planned programme for 2020 with limited opportuni- ties for public campaigning. Restrictions on movement, the need to remain safely at home meant that what work we could do happened online. Soon we’ll be back on the streets demanding investment for our industries, the crea- tion socially useful, green jobs with safe workplaces for all, and an NHS and care service no longer starved of fund- ing or putting money in the pockets of profiteers (with workers in these sectors no longer relying on benefits but with a decent living wage). We refuse to believe that what we had was the best our planet could offer us. Any future must be created by and in the interests of working people and their families. Phil McGarry (Chair) and Keith Stoddart (Secretary)

Facebook: The People’s Assembly Scotland Email: [email protected] Twitter: @Peoplesassyscot their contributions and their struggles, issues that are now celebrated, women ‘Visionaries’ have been buried, ignored or written who refused to stay in their ‘place’, and by David McKinstry, Glasgow out of history. ‘Rebellious Daughters of even when it was the most challenging, As winter turned to spring History’ pays tribute to these women, women who fought for their principles And Churchill’s bombast stilled, bringing their stories to life. and changed ideas. The nation turned to quiet Clem Originating from some posts on her They fought not only for themselves but Voting for a rebuild. Facebook page, Cox began writing about for women and workers everywhere, rebellious women from history during rallying against the system that breeds Up went the homes the first lockdown in March last year, injustice and inequality. They didn’t Finally for heroes to fit, sparking long and engaging discussions just want bread, they fought for roses Down went the miners about other women fighters for justice too. As Cox herself says: ‘It’s not a book Into nationalised pit. and liberation who could be pulled out about women who fought for their own Nye valued good health and researched. All of this culminated rights, but those who were part of a fight to change the system’. This is a key Stuffed doctors’ mouths with gold, and transpired into these inspiring As a price worth paying argument in the book: that class struggle pages. For an NHS to behold. has been integral to the victories that I read about women Black Panthers have been won by women in the fight Castle insisted family allowance fighting systemic racism in the US. for a better world, and it still is. I learned from labour movement To women be paid, Then came the pension leaders, anti-war and women’s rights In conversation with Cox, she reminded Taking care of all campaigners, Ella May Wiggens and me of an important point to take away From cradle to grave. Mary Heaton. From Glasgow-born rent from my reading: That this tribute is merely the beginning. Each of these striker, suffragette and communist, Proletarian petals began to flower Helen Crawford, to Pritilata Waddedar, women deserves a whole body of research detailing their stories. The In schools that planted sixties swinging, Bangladeshi campaigner against British The light of knowledge shining rebellious daughters of today can take colonialism, all of these rebellious To the echoes of Jerusalem singing. daughters are evidence that in every inspiration from these pages to carry out that research but also to fight in the part of the world, in every pocket of Through blitz storm they stood firm struggles we face in the here and now. struggle and throughout all periods of When Nazi was at the gate, history, there has always been women Lorna McKinnon is a music teacher and Then with worn out tools at the front. There have always been member of the Socialist Workers’ Party Turned to build a welfare state. women who stood up for unpopular in Glasgow

COVID has highlighted that those who contribute the most to ensure we have a decent life are those least valued financially. This is most obviously the case with shop and warehouse workers, delivery drivers, transport staff, cleansing workers, utility engineers, those in construction and all unable to work from home. Something rare- ly acknowledged is that during lockdown 56% of workers continued to go out to work and 42% of workplaces re- mained open. Health, social care, and public sector staff struggled against COVID in services hit hardest by austerity policies with no or inadequate protection. The speed with which a vaccine was developed and distributed shows that cooperation is not only possible but essential in these times if we are to triumph and eliminate if not eradicate the virus. There can be no return to the ‘old’ normal of food banks, zero hours, or precarious work, the homeless again on the streets and the unemployed struggling to exist on universal credit. COVID put paid to the Peoples Assembly’s Scotland’s planned programme for 2020 with limited opportuni- ties for public campaigning. Restrictions on movement, the need to remain safely at home meant that what work we could do happened online. Soon we’ll be back on the streets demanding investment for our industries, the crea- tion socially useful, green jobs with safe workplaces for all, and an NHS and care service no longer starved of fund- ing or putting money in the pockets of profiteers (with workers in these sectors no longer relying on benefits but with a decent living wage). We refuse to believe that what we had was the best our planet could offer us. Any future must be created by and in the interests of working people and their families. Phil McGarry (Chair) and Keith Stoddart (Secretary)

Facebook: The People’s Assembly Scotland Email: [email protected] Twitter: @Peoplesassyscot 29 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 122 March/April 2021

COVID has highlighted that those who contribute the most to ensure we have a decent life are those least valued financially. This is most obviously the case with shop and warehouse workers, delivery drivers, transport staff, cleansing workers, utility engineers, those in construction and all unable to work from home. Something rare- ly acknowledged is that during lockdown 56% of workers continued to go out to work and 42% of workplaces re- mained open. Health, social care, and public sector staff struggled against COVID in services hit hardest by austerity policies with no or inadequate protection. The speed with which a vaccine was developed and distributed shows that cooperation is not only possible but essential in these times if we are to triumph and eliminate if not eradicate the virus. There can be no return to the ‘old’ normal of food banks, zero hours, or precarious work, the homeless again on the streets and the unemployed struggling to exist on universal credit. COVID put paid to the Peoples Assembly’s Scotland’s planned programme for 2020 with limited opportuni- ties for public campaigning. Restrictions on movement, the need to remain safely at home meant that what work we could do happened online. Soon we’ll be back on the streets demanding investment for our industries, the crea- tion socially useful, green jobs with safe workplaces for all, and an NHS and care service no longer starved of fund- ing or putting money in the pockets of profiteers (with workers in these sectors no longer relying on benefits but with a decent living wage). We refuse to believe that what we had was the best our planet could offer us. Any future must be created by and in the interests of working people and their families. Phil McGarry (Chair) and Keith Stoddart (Secretary)

Facebook: The People’s Assembly Scotland Email: [email protected] Twitter: @Peoplesassyscot VLADIMIR McTAVISH’S Kick up the Tabloids

n Britain, it is now a year since the Having tested positive for the virus, places on the trials should be handed Coronavirus pandemic reached Dominic Cummings, drives his car on out in place of fixed penalty notices Investing in public services is Iour shores. And to mark the first a busy motorway to test his eyesight. for lockdown violations, until an anniversary of lockdown, we are When asked if he ever did the same expert points out that most cases of having another lockdown. I would be thing, former Home Secretary David COVID start at illegal house parties essential to recovery tempted to say it’s like Groundhog Blunkett is unavailable for comment. so it would be a waste of resources Day, but I said that yesterday, and the infecting people who are already In June, with COVID-related deaths infected. day before, and the day before that. reaching forty thousand, Boris So, in case you missed any of it, here Johnson decides it is time to re- In February, there are revelations is a round-up of the highlights of the open pubs in England, while enough in the press that COVID-related Proper investment in our public services would help speed the past twelve months. potential customers are still alive. In Government contracts were handed country back to recovery and more prosperous, certain times. It A bunch of posh gits returning home an unprecedented showing of joined- out to friends of Dominic Cummings. would help to heal the deep cracks that have been exposed in care from a skiing holiday to Italy bring up thinking, Chancellor, Rishsi Sunak, The only thing that anyone finds and the NHS during this pandemic. a virus into the country which then doles out limitless £10 meal vouchers surprising is the revelation that goes on to kill countless thousands of to encourage people to pack into Cummings has friends. With extra funds, national and local public services could provide people, most of whom could never restaurants and kick-start a second As the vaccine rollout brings a many more jobs. We need to prioritise essential services like have afforded to go on a skiing trip wave of Coronavirus. lowering in cases, many Tory MPs health, housing, education, care, utilities and transport. in their lives. Half of them are also In September, Boris Johnson decides insist that lockdown should be ended returning home with broken limbs, that pubs are exceedingly dangerous before April. However, health experts A much-deserved early pay rise for public service workers would putting more pressure on an already unless food is available, thereby, advise Boris Johnson ‘not to move too mean more money to be spent on local high streets. beleaguered NHS. Boris Johnson says sparking a debate in cabinet about quickly’. This is because if he did move “ there is no cause for pubs to shut and what constitutes a ‘substantial meal’. too quickly, he would probably have a This pandemic has shown how much we all rely on public services. that the Government is committed to Mike Kirby One minister suggests a pasty, but heart attack due to being fat and out- Funding them properly can help the economy and bring back the getting to the bottom of the toilet roll Matt Hancock is firm that it must be of-shape. UNISON’s Scottish Secretary crisis. support and security that our communities have long been missing. a pasty and chips. This gives rise to a As we enter March in lockdown, many Boris Johnson decides there is a cause widespread misconception that chips people are tempted to say it is all a for pubs to shut, but promises to ‘send help prevent the spread of the virus. bit like Groundhog Day. But then they coronavirus packing in 12 weeks’. The Boris Johnson insists it is essential remember that they said that twelve public is encouraged to stand on street that universities must re-open, on months ago. corners on freezing cold evenings, The road to recovery condition that all students remain Vladimir McTavish is one of the and give a weekly round of applause locked-up in halls of residence and regular contributors on ‘The Thursday for health workers. This means the that no teaching is allowed. Boris Show’, broadcast on YouTube, Twitch REBUILD… government do not need to give Johnson promises students that the and Facebook every Thursday at 8pm Rebuild all our public services, by securing long-term investment and making money available to nurses a pay rise. However, it does pubs will definitely still be open by employ and train the number of staff that are needed to ensure our services are there when we need lead to a rise in road traffic accidents the time they are allowed out of their them. and cases of hypothermia, thereby, rooms to go home for Christmas. loading even more pressure on the NHS. In December, the vaccine is rolled out, CREATE… although some people are worried Create fairer and safer work places with proper risk assessments. Everyone should be treated with Boris Johnson’s pledge to increase about potential side effects, in dignity and respect. funding for the NHS, written on the particular memory loss, infertility and side of a bus four years previously, is incontinence. As all of the first wave partially fulfilled due to a 100-year-old of recipients are over eighty-five, it CARE... man walking around his garden every is too early to tell. Batshit conspiracy We need to put people before profit. We need to use the care economy to deliver for communities not day. theories abound on the internet, shareholders In April, having failed to send including that the vaccine includes a coronavirus packing, Boris Johnson chip. Matt Hancock claims this proves PAY… decides the best way out of getting that the vaccine is not only effective Give public sector workers a decent pay rise because the pandemic has shown how important they any blame is to pretend to have caught but also be considered ‘a substantial are. This would also help the lowest paid out of in-work poverty. the virus himself. A spokesperson for meal’. the NHS states that it is impossible to In addition to the vaccine rollout, the BUILD… say whether or not the prime minister NHS appeals to young, fit volunteers Build a fairer and greener post COVID-19 society, in which the inequalities that have become so has COVID as he is permanently to take part in COVID Exposure Trials, evident during the crisis are addressed as a matter of urgency. sweaty, breathless and lacking any where they are intentionally infected sense of taste. with the virus. It is suggested that #NoGoingBackToNormal 30 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 122 March/April 2021 www.unison-scotland.org joinunison.org Investing in public services is essential to recovery

Proper investment in our public services would help speed the country back to recovery and more prosperous, certain times. It would help to heal the deep cracks that have been exposed in care and the NHS during this pandemic.

With extra funds, national and local public services could provide many more jobs. We need to prioritise essential services like health, housing, education, care, utilities and transport.

A much-deserved early pay rise for public service workers would “ mean more money to be spent on local high streets. Mike Kirby This pandemic has shown how much we all rely on public services. UNISON’s Scottish Secretary Funding them properly can help the economy and bring back the support and security that our communities have long been missing.

The road to recovery

REBUILD… Rebuild all our public services, by securing long-term investment and making money available to employ and train the number of staff that are needed to ensure our services are there when we need them.

CREATE… Create fairer and safer work places with proper risk assessments. Everyone should be treated with dignity and respect.

CARE... We need to put people before profit. We need to use the care economy to deliver for communities not shareholders

PAY… Give public sector workers a decent pay rise because the pandemic has shown how important they are. This would also help the lowest paid out of in-work poverty.

BUILD… Build a fairer and greener post COVID-19 society, in which the inequalities that have become so evident during the crisis are addressed as a matter of urgency.

#NoGoingBackToNormal 31 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 122 March/April 2021 www.unison-scotland.org joinunison.org

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Call 0141 566 6899 32 - ScottishLeftVisitReview Issue 122TalkToThompsons.com March/April 2021