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Contents Comment...... 3 Ending Europe’s economic war...... 5 Email: [email protected] Web: www.scottishleftreview.org Alexis Tsipras Views of Europe...... 6 Tel: 0141 424 0042 Michael Keating, Maggie Chapman, Ian Bruff, Bill Paterson Address: Scottish Left Review c/o Reid Foundation It’s Greens versus...... 14 PO Box 8781 Gary Dunion Biggar ML12 9AG It’s no obvious...... 16 Grahame Smith Editorial Committee A real chance for workers...... 18 Malcolm Balfour Henry McCubbin John Duffy Cat Boyd David Miller The university challenge...... 20 Moira Craig Gordon Morgan Mary Senior Gregor Gall Tom Nairn Isobel Lindsay Jonathan Shafi Crown Estates...... 22 John McAllion Tommy Sheppard Jim and Margaret Cuthbert Robin McAlpine (Editor) Elaine Smith Reviews...... 24 Peter McColl Bob Thomson (Convener) Kick Up The Tabloids...... 26 Printed by Clydeside Press Ltd, 37 High Street, Cover and illustrations: Nadia Lucchesi G1 1LX [email protected]

Comment You would barely think there is an EU election barely two months away for all the profile it has. But ignoring Europe is a mistake.

t’s a fascinating issue of Scottish Left for working people?’ and we don’t frame membership of the EU. In the self- IReview, if only for the complexity and elections to the in reflecting world of the UK media it is diversity in our Views of Europe feature. terms of ‘can this Parliament make any widely predicted that UKIP may ‘win’ We asked four writers to answer six real difference?’. But suddenly the EU the Euro election primarily on the questions each. All of the writers come has a very specific feel of being optional. basis that they have received saturation from a left, socially-progressive position. In Scotland we’ve been forced to coverage from the media telling us it All of them want to see an effective social think about life outside the EU as a is likely to win the Euro elections. If Scotland. And yet when asked if the EU result of political interventions in the UKIP was ever to take power in the UK is a barrier to that, one answers Yes, one independence debate on the part of it would be perhaps the first case not of answers No, and one answer Yes/No. right-wing Eurocrats like Barosso and a state controlled media but of a media Under usual circumstances this right-wing European politician like Rajoy controlled state as wild-eyed radical would not be the question you’d be threatening us with eviction. righ-wing editors pushed for ever-more asking. We don’t frame a British General Meanwhile at the UK level we right-wing politics. Election in the terms ‘can British are now staring in the face an in/out So that’s easy then, the right hates Democracy ever deliver social benefits referendum on the UK’s continued Europe so the left must love it? Except

3 the one attempt to set up a left party in without debate - national leaders were make it illegal for nation states to do the UK in recent years was the RMT- left with the option of going along with almost anything that a secret court of funded No2EU. any new set of proposals quietly or face business figures think interferes with the The confusion is straightforward the wrath of the global markets on their commercial interests of a corporation. in origin; the EU is a pretty effective own. So the EU can easily become ally tool for protecting various of the social That was until a group of Latin or enemy to progressives depending on gains of the post-war era and for pushing American nations gathered together the issue. It seems hard to come to a agendas such as equalities and human under the banner of MERCOSUR and final conclusion - although if the TTIP rights. It has acted to prevent the decided collectively to block yet another is passed as it stands it certainly clarifies continent-wide Dutch Auction which round of trade libreralisation. Twice it the risks. has afflicted the US in which states and blocked attempts to introduce laws that Which all means that Scotland/ nations are set one against the other in basically put the interests of corporations UK membership of the EU becomes a an attempt to undermine protections for well ahead of those of any democratically complicated question for a progressive workers and the welfare state. It is fair elected government. But both the WTO’s (though virtually none wants to be left to say that the EU has both protected Doha and Copenhagen summits ended outside the EU in a rightward-drifting and extended the gains of post-war social in deadlock. It became clear that the UK). democracy. ‘bully the globe in one go’ model had However, this is for a not-to-distant But if all-for-one-and-one-for-all reached the end of the line. future. The key in May is that the EU we can be used to protect us from global Which is where the EU comes have is populated by as many progressive corporations picking us off one by one, it in. Trade deals are now negotiated voices as possible. Yes, this issue has given can also be used by global corporations to not multilaterally at a global scale but the a platform to make pick us off all in one go. From the 1980s bilaterally between nations or groups a case for why we should consider giving until a few years ago there was a powerful of nations. Since it seems unlikely that our vote to them. Many of you may global movement which aimed to bypass there is a member state of the EU that choose to stick with Labour or the SNP. democracy altogether in the pursuit of would easily pass legislation in its own But we must all think carefully about the destruction of the post-1945 social jurisdiction that granted supremacy to the outcome. It cannot be in anyone’s democratic consensus. Its primary agents corporations over their own government, interests on the Scottish left for the were the IMF and the WTO which the EU was seen as suitably distant and end result to be Nigel Farage gaining a sought to create global trade rules that undemocratic to be the vehicle instead. foothold in Scotland. worked against citizens and in favour And thus we have the Transatlantic Trade of corporations. And it sought to do it and Investment Partnership, a move to

Defending FREE education www.ucu.org.uk/scotland in Scotland

4 Ending Europe’s economic war Alexis Tsipras is the candidate of the European Left Party for the post of President of the European Commission, which will be elected by the European Parliament following the Elections in May. He outlines his platform.

urope is at a critical crossroads. solution to the problem. It is for that people that we could win and change the EAnd there are two ways to go. The reason that the European political conservative policies and political parties alternatives are clear. establishment – a voluntary hostage to that divide Europe. We want to unite Either we stand still. Or we move Ms Merkel – insists to impose on the Europe. forward. Either we consent to the entire Eurozone South policies that have My candidacy for President of the neoliberal status quo and pretend that deteriorated the initial problem. European Commission is on behalf of the crisis can be resolved with the policies We have to stop austerity. Current each and all of you – on behalf of the that have recycled it. Or we march into policies create pain, disappointment, European Left – for the Presidency of the the future with the European Left. unemployment and disaster in Europe. European Commission. It is more than Because the peoples of Europe are in We have to create hope. Europe needs a candidacy, it is mandate for hope and danger, democracy itself is in danger. a ‘New Deal’ to fight unemployment change in Europe. Neoliberalism is a threat to the and to finance its future. If Europe is It is an honour for Syriza and the peoples of Europe. The extreme right to survive it needs redistribution and Greek people who are in the front line. is a danger to democracy. And the only solidarity. It is a roll call for democracy, in which alternative is the resistance of the peoples Those are the foundations of the every generation deserves to participate, and the strengthening of the European totally new Europe that we are fighting which every generation is entitled to Left for; in the place of a Europe that live. However, let me assure you, my There can be redistributes income candidacy is not just a candidacy of the no monetary union The European to the rich and fear to south of Europe but of all of Europe. divided by a wall of the poor. The European election next May money. A monetary election is a good A monetary provides a historic opportunity for union, indifferent to chance to change union which divides the peoples of Europe to make change society and responsive its member-states, possible. To reject those who are recycling only to the needs of the balance in divides the societies a world crisis in Europe. And, against finance capital, is Europe. If we of its member- common logic, insist that a recipe that a Eurozone prone states, increases has failed is a recipe to be continued. to uncertainty, succeed, we will unemployment, The whole of Europe is under instability and crisis no longer be a poverty and social economic war. The victims are poor – a Eurozone with a polarization people and unemployed people. But it short deadline. No marginal political would either be is not a war between nations of peoples. monetary union can force. reconstructed or Is a war between the labour forces, the function without a collapse. interests of citizens, of employees and central bank, acting With the active of peoples against the interests of the as such. That is, acting as lender of last solidarity of a broad European anti- financial markets, of neoliberal capitalism resort for member-states and not only for austerity movement, we shall win that and of international finance. member-banks. fight. I am very optimistic that in these Europe needs its own Glass- Because, for the European Left to elections the EL will be the surprise and Steagall Act, to separate commercial and grow and influence in a decisive way the that finally we will be able to change the investment banking activities and prevent everyday lives of ordinary people, it needs balance. We will win with more forces such a dangerous merger of risks into the broadest possible social and political united. And I believe we will finally one uncontrolled entity. Europe needs alliances. manage to create a very clear alternative effective European legislation to tax The European election is a good proposal for Europe. offshore economic and entrepreneurial chance to change the balance in Europe. And, allow me to repeat; the activities. If we succeed, we will no longer be a European Left is the alternative to The European political marginal political force. We will be in the neoliberalism. When the wheel of establishment saw the debt crisis as an field fighting to aid the peoples of Europe History turns back, it is the Left’s opportunity to rewrite Europe’s postwar in favour of citizens, of employees and moment to move Europe forward. We political economy. It is for that reason young people for future of Europe. represent the forces of labour and we will that they reject our proposal for a We have to cooperate and bring win this fight. European Debt Conference, modelled on message of hope and change in every the Debt Conference in 1953, European country. Firstly create Alexis Tsipras is the President of to give a definite and viable collective resistance. Give hope to disappointed Syriza, Greece’s radical left party

5 Views of Europe

Michael Keating is Professor of Politics remit, focused on inflation rather European Parliament. A social Europe at the and than employment and growth. The would enjoy support for a clear stance on Director of the ESRC Scottish Centre European Commission has made itself popular politics that increase the quality on Constitutional Change, www. of monetary orthodoxy, of life of individuals and communities. futureukandscotland.ac.uk/sccc without a word of dissent from the The need to take action on global Social Democratic commissioners. human rights and climate change are Maggie Chapman is the Scottish Green Member states have used Europe to areas where the EU could act decisively Party candidate in the EU elections impose austerity on their populations, so to change the world for the better. But escaping blame. European competition only if there is genuine democracy at the Bill Paterson is Lecturer in policy, an essential tool to combat heart of Europe. International Relations at University of private monopolies and cartels, has been Stirling extended deeply into public services, IB/BP: The EU is clearly more neoliberal promoting their marketisation. It has than social democratic. This is more Iain Bruff isis Lecturer in European undermined national labour regulations. obviously the case now than at any time Politics at Manchester University Matters are exacerbated by the lack in the past, especially given the austerity of any countervailing duties to take measures that are being imposed on into account social considerations and peripheral Eurozone states. Moreover, the way that the Court of Justice has the recent upsurge in rhetoric about the Is the EU more social interpreted competition law. The tragic EU’s so-called ‘Social Dimension’ and democratic or more result is that Europe is blamed for the need to ensure jobs as well as growth, neoliberal? recession and austerity, obscuring the masks the growing reality of widening MK: Social democracy is impossible benefits it has brought and could still inequality, increased disciplining of without the EU. Individual countries are bring. The beneficiaries are populist workers and unions, and the erosion of susceptible to movements of footloose movements mostly on the extreme right, public services. The EU does promote capital, speculative pressures and the taking their grievances out on minorities, regulatory standards which are more vagaries of the credit rating agencies. migrants and the European idea itself. ‘social’ than is the case, for example, Without an overall framework governing in the US or the UK, but at the same competition, European states would MC: That’s a complex question. The EU time we should not mistake this for a be under massive pressure to subsidise is more corporatist than anything else. social democratic set of institutions. It business, cut taxes and engage in a race to The assumption is that big government, is an error to equate neoliberalism with bottom in social provision. In European big corporations and big trade unions free-market economics, for in practice jargon, this is called social dumping. can negotiate a settlement. That neoliberalism has often been established Europe may not be itself a welfare state corporatist approach has little remaining via formally ‘non-market’ institutions CWU Scotland welcomes all but it has allowed the European social support in British politics, so the EU rather than in opposition to them. One model (in all its variations) to survive is seen as too social democratic by the clear example is the preference at all in spite of international and domestic right where it enforces popular social levels within the EU for ‘flexicurity’ and delegates and visitors to pressures to dismantle it. At European chapter rights like the Working Time level, a coordinated, Keynesian response Directive. It’s too neoliberal where it to the crisis was possible, sustaining negotiates treaties like the Transatlantic demand and mobilising investment Trade and Investment Partnership, STUC 2014 in and for growth. Europe has tamed the which will prevent aggressive nationalism of the large states, renationalisation of it has provided a beacon to countries privatised services. emerging from Communist and Fascist We need a hopes everyone attending dictatorships and it has (through the workers’ Europe, not Council of Europe as well as the EU) a bosses Europe, and entrenched basic human rights. It is that means more focus on has an enjoyable and no surprise that social democrats have the rights of workers, on the been among the strongest supporters of freedom of movement of people European integration. and on the spread of human Current developments in Europe, rights. It means that we have to successful conference however, give social democrats cause end austerity and the actions for despair. Monetarist doctrines have of the Troika (of the European not only been adopted but actually Commission, European Central written into the treaties which form Bank and International Monetary the constitution of the EU. Following Fund) in southern Europe. It the fashion of the 1990s, the European also means that we need to shift Central Bank has operational power away from the unelected John Brown: Regional Secretary Scotland independence, subject to a narrow Commission and towards the Pauline Rourke: Regional Chair Scotland 6 We asked four experts to consider six different questions about the European Union which should shape how Scotland votes in May. Here are the answers they gave.

‘activation’ as the cure for all labour In any case, falling back on the nation- means that Europe will be incorporated market ills, such as high unemployment. state is futile, given the impotence into national and local politics, and As has been documented in numerous of nation states in the contemporary vice versa. More flexibility could also studies, flexicurity and activation are world. There have been some positive be given in the application of European bywords for labour market casualisation, experiences in Europe including, directives at national and local levels. The the hollowing out of corporatist surprising though it may sound, the Committee of the Regions was a good structures at the firm and policy-making European Parliament, which has greatly idea very badly applied, but there is scope levels, and the justification for greater extended its power and is less beholden for a stronger multilevel dimension to the inequality on the grounds that any job to the executive than most national European project. is better than no job at all. Therefore, if parliaments, including Westminster Democratisation is inescapably tied we view neoliberalism as the increased and Holyrood. There is a commitment up with the need for a stronger social disciplining of workers and households this year that in appointing the new dimension for Europe. It really makes via market and non-market means, then European Commission, the results of no sense to talk of democratisation the EU is clearly more neoliberal than the European election will be taken into and then insist that Europe be bound social democratic, and this is becoming account – a vague promise but at least into a monetarist straitjacket. Europe more apparent over time. it is a start. The present Commission is is, and must be, a political space in a sad contrast with the time of Jacques which there are political choices. Here Can the EU ever be Delors, when it was a hive of ideas and again the social democrats should be in democratised? progressive thinking. the lead. Prospects of a pan-European MK: It is often said that Europe cannot The other channel for democratising social democracy looked promising be a democracy because there is no Europe is by linking it more closely in the 1990s, when social democrats demos. According to this argument, to politics at other levels. This is not were simultaneously in so many states. only the unitary nation-state can provide the demand by Tory Eurosceptics that They were fatally undermined by the democracy. I do not agree. Plurinational national parliaments should be able Blair government’s turning it back on and complex states can be democratised, to block European laws, which would European social democracy in favour of as the experience of Scotland has shown. undermine the whole project. Rather it its preferred ‘third way’, which included

CWU Scotland welcomes all delegates and visitors to STUC 2014 in Dundee and hopes everyone attending has an enjoyable and successful conference

John Brown: Regional Secretary Scotland Pauline Rourke: Regional Chair Scotland 7 have a heritage that at least partly points to values such MC: The ongoing use of EU Directives as social justice, cooperation, to promote the corporatisation of and solidarity, to our economy is the major issue we be need to tackle. A case in point was the use by George Lyon, the current Liberal Democrat MEP for Scotland, of European directives to push for privatisation of Caledonian MacBrayne ferries. His actions as a Scottish Minister are replicated by Councils across the country. I will argue against directives promoting the privatisation reclaimed for more and tendering out of services. This progressive and radical ends. Therefore, Bill will remove one of the most persuasive it would be foolish to rule out the Clinton arguments for privatisation and tendering prospect of the EU being democratised and out. in the future. However, it depends excluded The EU is currently negotiating to some extent on your definition of Lionel Jospin, the Transatlantic Trade and Investment democracy; in a procedural, formal sense, and Blair’s Partnership which will undermine the EU is more democratic than ever odd choice of our economy and our democracy if before, with the European Parliament political friends enacted. It will allow corporations to possessing more powers than was the (Berlusconi, sue governments who want to regulate case a generation ago. In other words, Aznar, Sarkozy) – markets to prevent speculation, we need to be careful when answering and that was even labour rights abuses or environmental this question, for a procedural definition before the Iraq war. destruction. We must fight this to retain of democracy still leaves us well short of our democracy, and control over our where we should be. There are two ways MC: The EU must economy. The austerity agenda must of thinking about this. Most obviously, be democratised. And we must build be resisted at the EU level. The actions the last several years of crisis and conflict a campaign of trade unionists, social of the Troika have destroyed lives and have made it clearer than ever that the movements and communities for a communities and have resulted in a EU has some way to go before it can Europe of the people. The demand massive transfer of wealth to Germany. be viewed as representative of the ideals that the EU reflect the needs of people This is unacceptable, and must be and aspirations of the European peoples. and communities, not the needs of big resisted. Countries must be allowed But more importantly, and also less corporations and distant governments, to adapt to economic circumstances visibly, the ways in which policies and can have a popular resonance. The and therefore controls on deficit are institutional reforms are produced at the imposition of austerity on Greece and inappropriate. We must also make the EU level indicate a highly undemocratic other EU states as part of the Eurozone case for the freedom of movement of way of operating. More specifically, and stability plan has brought the EU into people, which is under attack from racists as detailed in David Cronin’s recent disrepute. We must prevent any future and opportunistic politicians. At the book on corporate Europe (Corporate imposition of austerity, and instead build same time we must find ways to curtail Europe: How Big Business Sets Policies collective responsibility for our shared the movement of capital to offshore tax on Food, Climate and War, Pluto Press), economy. havens. The current model is fatally distant there is a systematic and enduring bias towards transnational corporations. from communities and democratic IB/BP: Perhaps the most important Examples include the privileged access structures. The concentration of issue on the agenda for all EU to policy-makers given to lobbyists power in the EU with the unelected members, and those seeking accession, acting on behalf of these companies, Commission means that there is little is the completion of the EU and US plus the committees which they ‘advise’. transparency, a disengaged public and Transatlantic Trade and Investment Nevertheless, it is worth stressing that, as a total lack of democracy. We need to Partnership (TTIP). I argue this on this long as the EU exists, its origins in the use the demand for EU Reform to place basis that the conclusions of the TTIP above-mentioned values will always make democracy at the heart of the EU. While will fundamentally transform the ability it possible for organised and long-term the movement for change in the EU is of member governments’ to exercise activism to make a difference. far from ideologically united, we must policy autonomy. Before setting out this make a case for democratisation that is What current issues on argument it is important to note the irrefutable. And that will mean moving following. In 2011 Scottish international away from a corporatist model and the EU agenda are most important to Scotland? exports (excluding oil and gas) were towards one that recognises the role of estimated at £23.9 billion. The USA was popular movements and communities in Scotland’s main international export MK: Recovery from the crisis and the creating politics. destination (£3.5 billion), but collectively need for a proper European response. the EU (primarily Netherlands (£2.7 Recognition of the social dimension. IB/BP: There is always the possibility, billion), France (£1.9 billion), Germany Research and development policy. with institutions such as the EU, which (£1.4 billion) and Belgium (£1.0 billion)) Energy.

8 accounted for £11.0 billion of Scottish ISDS is undemocratic; they are deeply achievements. European pressure has exports (Scottish Government 2013). sceptical about the growth promised, been instrumental in promoting LGBT+ Given that nearly half of Scotland’s and fear that liberalisation will cause rights and women’s rights globally. But international exports are destined for the ecological standards to decline (the ban these gains must be seen in the light of single market membership of the EU of fracking in the EU could be contested the disastrous austerity that has produced seem important. However, it is important as protectionism); and that labour rights conflict and severely shortened lives. The to consider what future EU membership may be deemed protectionism. A recent undemocratic nature of the EU has led might demand under the TTIP. In study has argued that the TTIP will to corporate dominance, particularly in essence the TTIP negotiations are to require the UK’s NHS to engage and the post-Thatcher era. The priority given establish the largest ever free trade area lock-in a further drive for privatisation to big corporations and their sectional (FTA) that seeks the elimination of tariffs and that health care will be driven by interests undermines the democracy and the harmonisation of regulatory EU and US corporations compete to of individual states and the rights of standards. To date these negotiations offer the lowest price for contracts. It workers. It privileges capital over labour. have been devoid of public transparency further argues that the purpose of the The EU must move to a democratic and participation, but there have been TTIP is for all government procurement model that places people, their leaked documents. Whilst some argue (other than security) in the EU and communities and their rights as citizens that the TTIP will simply be a case US to be subject to such corporation and at work at the heart of Europe. of harmonising regulations that will competition. Given the above, the TTIP enhance consumer choice, but will be is an important issue on the EU agenda IB/BP: One thing the EU has done largely inconsequential to wider society, for either an independent Scotland in the consistently well since its inception is more detailed studies of the template EU or a Scotland in the union with the prevent a continent-wide war. We need used by the US for previous FTA’s paints UK because it will impact on the policy to remind ourselves, especially with this a different picture of a litigation process autonomy of all EU member states. year being the 100th anniversary of the securing corporate interests. It is widely start of World War I, that continent- known that the TTIP will establish What things does the EU do wide war, or at least war involving some the National Sovereignty and Investor well, and what does it do or all of the major European countries, State Dispute Settlements (ISDS), badly? was the norm for centuries. Therefore, which will give private corporations MK: The free movement of labour in if nothing else the EU has brought that the legal powers to force governments Europe is a huge achievement. The vicious cycle to a close – and this should to maintain trade and investment Schengen area of free travel is a boon justifiably be seen as an impressive liberalisation – or face legal battles and to citizens – I just wish the UK would achievement. In addition, although financial penalties. This means that if join. The EU has been very important the EU did far too little with regard to a corporation has investment or trade in the expansion and consolidation of many of the conflicts which consumed in Scotland and this is covered by the democracy. The most infuriating aspect the former Yugoslavia, it is easy to TTIP, a Scottish Government pursuing of Europe can be the bureaucracy. There forget that in the early 1990s many economic, environmental, and social is often an obsession with procedure and predicted that these would spill over to policies that undermined the ability of regulations at the expense of thinking numerous countries in the former Soviet that corporation to maintain its rate about policy. Bloc (the most obvious example being of profit would face legal action and countries potentially threatened liability to compensate the corporation MC: The EU has done valuable work by a revived Hungarian for losses. Due to this it is argued in promoting rights at work and irredentism). The carrot/ that TTIP will impact on regulations spreading human rights. This is stick of potential/future concerning agriculture, consumer choice, balanced by the imposition of environmental protection, finance, austerity on Greece and other health, labour and human rights, public southern European countries. services and intellectual property. As a While many value the lack of war member of the EU, the UK Government between the major European is both party to negotiations and powers, at heart the EU’s failure has been a staunch supporter of the to embrace democracy means it liberalisation inherent in the TTIP. will always fail to work properly One the one hand, both for the people. transatlantic political and corporate The abolition of the death elites are championing the TTIP on penalty and the promotion of the grounds that it will cut the cost human rights has been one of of business transactions and boost the EU’s finest employment. On the other hand, it has been argued that the TTIP may undermine European integration because as the single market is opened to US corporate competition intra-European trade will decline. A recent report by the European Greens argues that the TTIP is shrouded in secrecy; the

9 EU membership proved to be crucial in that can’t be attacked. We can learn from inequalities, promote low poverty steering several countries away from more Latin America where initiatives like levels, develop a more skilled labour violent routes. At the same time, the Participatory Budgeting and democratic force, engender greater democratic EU has not done well when it comes to ownership of utilities are a way to prevent participation and an re-establish a living up to values such as social justice, right-wing extremists in government tripartite relationship between the cooperation, and solidarity. This often selling off public services. state, employers’ associations and trade leaves one in a quandary when it comes We need to create housing coops unions. Central to achieving these aims to critiquing the EU. That is, how does and municipal energy companies. We is a commitment to using government one seek to build a more socially just should wholly elect the boards of public tax-raising and spending (fiscal policy) to Europe when the core aim of European organisations like universities. These invest and protect both existing and new integration – to prevent another changes will build an economy that sectors of the economy to initiate growth. Europe-wide war – has been achieved so works for the many, not the elite. That’s Indeed the ‘Common Weal’ echoes successfully? Key to any successful Left what Common Weal is about, and that is many aspects of Keynesian economic critique of the EU is the need to show what we must work for. policy. In contrast the EU is committed how the traditional neoliberal view of to the deconstruction of Keynesian Left politics, national protectionism in social and economic policies through the name of inertia, can be challenged not only limiting EU membership to through a Left politics which is visibly market economies, but with the aim internationalist and diverse in nature. of outlawing government assistance/ Unfortunately, the Left is not always so subsidies to domestic workforce/sectors/ good at rising to this necessary challenge. companies. Since the 1980s the EC Nevertheless, the recent explosion of has been assertive in seeking to clarify, protest and creation of cross-national legalize and enforce the conditions under solidarities give us hope. which EU members can use state-aid for the above purposes. For example, the What are the constraints legal framework found in the Article 107 on a Common Weal agenda (1) of the Lisbon Treaty places significant from EU membership? restrictions on the use of state subsidies MK: There are not many. The Nordic by member states, ‘which distorts or states have shown how EU membership threatens to distort competition by is compatible with a social investment favouring certain undertakings or the and social democratic state. Welfare production of certain goods shall, in so cutbacks have been the work of national far as it affects trade between Member governments, not the EU. European rules States, be incompatible with the common do impose limits on debts and deficits market.’ Thus members are also obliged but then social democratic governments under the treaty to illustrate to the EC have never been particularly fiscally that state-aid is not distorting the single profligate. They do have high spending market. Exceptions are possible, but only levels but these are covered by taxes. within a very limited criterion of defined Europe has abandoned Keynesianism policy objectives – see Article 107 (2). but then small states cannot practice that At present members use the ambiguity anyway; it must be done at the European of the language on state-aid in the treaty level. The dogmatic application of to frame subsidies to national champions competition policy and its extension into in terms of restructuring or streamlining public services is problematic and could corporations/sectors to enable their be the most serious constraint. IB/BP: The SNP Government has competitiveness in the global economy. discussed embracing the social and This has caused conflicts between MC: The corporate control of the EU is economic policies of the ‘Common the EC and member governments. the biggest threat to a more cooperative, Weal’ after independence. The ‘Common The EC’s assertiveness to address the more equal Europe. This corporate Weal’ emerged from Scottish scholars, ambiguity continues, as the declared control is articulated through austerity in trade unionists and activists deliberating objectives of the EC for the coming southern Europe. It also finds expression on an alternative economic agenda year are to “focus on modernising areas in the tendency to promote privatisation to the neo-liberal model favoured by such as state aid rules, industrial policy and tendering out of public services. But Westminster (privatization and market- and completing the single market”. we can build a movement that forces discipline). The Jimmy Reid Foundation Furthermore, the EC European an economy for all onto the table for has been among the main bodies seeking Competitiveness Report (2012) asserted Scotland, and creates a model for the to articulate the ‘Common Weal’ and that “the modernisation of the industrial rest of Europe. This model would reject defines it as ‘(it is) done in the interests base and the removal of institutional austerity and the low tax, low regulation, and for the benefit of the majority or the impediments to entrepreneurship can high inequality of the neoliberal general public’. Inspired by the Nordic be seen as crucial for the European economy. (Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway) enterprises”. This modernisation not only We must fight for economic economic models, the ‘Common Weal’ involves addressing subsidies, but also democracy. We should build systems aims to address low income and wealth a commitment to establishing a flexible

10 11 The CWU WelComes delegaTes and visiTors To The 2014 annUal Congress of The sTUC

Billy Hayes General Secretary www.billyhayes.co.uk

Jane Loftus President

labour market [i.e. short term contracts Edinburgh Agreement, Scotland would minds and apply now, they would be in for labour]. The EC has also promoted be recognised by the . very quickly. There are many questions the benchmarking and monitoring There is no reason for any of the other about Scotland’s position and strategy of member states economic policies EU members to refuse recognition. within the EU, which the Yes side need to identify government subsidies and There is no precedent for a seceding to clarify. These include the implications protection so that they can be addressed. state, recognised by the host state, of keeping the Pound, a matter on which The supremacy of EU law, including not being recognised by others. EU the Yes side has recently been put on the state subsidies and domestic labour membership is open to any recognised back foot. Suggesting that Scots would law, are important parts of the process European democracy that meets the be thrown out of the European Union for successful accession to the EU. An Copenhagen criteria and adopts the simply for exercising their democratic independent Scotland developing a acquis communautaire. Scotland has rights, however, is to undermine the fiscal policy that sought protection and been within the EU/EC for over forty very basis of the European order. This subsidies for the domestic workforce/ years and does meet these criteria. The is essentially a political issue. The legal sectors/companies as found in the situation is not like Catalonia, where details are entirely secondary, as a way ‘Common Weal’ would have to justify the Spanish government has ruled out can always be found. to the EC that these subsidies met the an independence referendum and the criterion laid out in Article 107 (2) of the constitution forbids secession. MC: There is almost no question that TFEU. It is in nobody’s interest to throw Scotland would be admitted to the Scotland out of the single market – not EU. The only way in which Scotland Europe and the Scotland, the rest of the UK, the other would not be admitted is because of a independence debate: member states, business or anyone would veto by an existing member state. But would Scotland get into gain from this. There is no ‘queue’ to get no member state is going to want its EU and how, and will the UK into the EU. Applicants are admitted nationals living abroad removed from stay in Europe and in what as and when they are ready. Turkey first Scotland. No state is going to want to form? tried to get in 50 years ago, so if there lose access to shared resources. No state is MK: I have written extensively about were a queue they would be at the head; going to wish to see its students charged this but, every time the argument but 22 other states have got in before university fees at Scottish Universities. seems to be won, somebody comes them. As the UK Government noted The Spanish are not going to give up back and opens it up again. Scotland in one of its papers, the Nordic states access to Scottish fishing. Scotland has all would need to apply for membership completed negotiations in 1-2 years. of the required legal and cultural status but it would be admitted. Under the Were Iceland or Norway to change their to enter the EU, so there would be little

12 reason to refuse entry. This is why no been given, but we do know that popular human rights; property rights; the EU member government has yet stated demands for independence are not democratic process; privatisation of that they will veto Scottish membership. predicated solely on membership of the state-owned assets; and the creation of a Scotland will remain an EU member if it EU. There is certainty on the criterion flexible workforce. With regards to the so wishes. for accession as it is written down in EU ‘exceptional’ membership of Bulgaria On the other hand, UK treaties and known as the Copenhagen and Romania in 2007, it has been membership of the EU looks increasingly criteria. This includes 35 different policy demonstrated that both the EC and the shaky. The media-fuelled rise of the fields (Chapters of the acquis), such as a European Council were prepared to offer UK Independence Party and the need commitment to accepting the Schengen a greater degree of flexibility over these for to keep his right Agreement and privatisation of the states meeting the Copenhagen criterion. The CWU WelComes delegaTes wing fringe on board has led to the postal service (Chapter 3); to prevent For example a year after being granted promise of an ‘in-out referendum’ if the state subsidies (Chapter 8); ensuring membership, the continuation of fraud Conservatives win the next election. It privatisation and competition in the within Bulgaria saw tens of millions of and visiTors To The 2014 seems increasingly likely that Labour will supply of energy (Chapter 15), and to EU funds frozen by the EC. Given that also promise such a referendum.Because adopt the Euro (Chapter 17). Since the the UK’s current membership illustrates annUal Congress of The sTUC none of the UK parties are able to make Amsterdam Treaty (1999) all new EU that the whole of the UK meets the a case for EU membership, and there is member states automatically accept Copenhagen criteria, Scotland must little prospect of the sort of pro-corporate the Schengen Agreement (abolition of already meet the accession criteria after reform they want, it seems likely that the border checks on EU citizens) because 40 years of membership as part of the British electorate will overwhelmingly it has been integrated into the EU law UK. If an independent Scotland was to vote to leave the EU. for accession. Ireland and the United apply for EU membership in the ‘usual Kingdom are the only EU members to way’ and a European Council prevented Billy Hayes General Secretary IB/BP: The question of whether an have secured opt-outs from the principles Scotland’s membership, it would give www.billyhayes.co.uk independent Scotland would have of Schengen Agreement. Similarly the the impression that Scotland was being continued membership of the EU UK has negotiated an opted-out from discriminated against. Membership could Jane Loftus President through being a former territory of the adopting the Euro. be legitimately blocked if the European UK or whether it would have to begin A key question is what would Council refused to allow the UK’s opt- its own accession process is mired with it mean if an independent Scotland’s out from Schengen to be transferred uncertainty. The reason for this is that preferred fast track route was block by to Scotland, and Scotland refused to this is the first time the EU has been the Council of Ministers and it had accept the principles of the Schengen confronted with the division of an to apply for membership in the ‘usual Agreement integrated in the EU law. A existing member into two separate states. way’? A point to consider here is the similar point could be made about the On the one hand, the EU could accept accession experience of the former acceptance of the Euro. Again this is all the status of an independent Scotland’s communist states during consecutive speculation because none of the above as continued membership due to being a waves of EU enlargement. These has been confirmed by the EU. Briefly former country of the UK, but this could states have undertaken an economic, on the UK membership of the EU: If still require a unanimous agreement judicial, political and social the UK remains in the EU, then it will at the EU. Article 49 of the transformation in an do so as a state which is largely focused Lisbon Treaty stipulates that attempt to meet the on maintaining close economic links accession requires unanimous Copenhagen with its main export market. If the agreement amongst the criterion. For UK leaves the EU, then it will Council of Ministers after these states do so as a state which is largely consultation with the the issues focused on maintaining close European Commission that have economic links with its main and the European normally export market. Other issues, Parliament. Given that slowed in both scenarios, will be many EU members the process secondary. Unfortunately, have their own semi- of accession, and as outlined above, those autonomous regions continued after close economic links will demanding secession, membership, have be in stark contrast to the blocking Scotland’s centred on goals and objectives of the access to the EU may establishing Common Weal. appear as a strategy to the legal and undermine popular institutional support for seceding. framework for Confirmation of the protection whether of political elites will act in this way has not

13 It’s Greens versus UKIP

t’s pretty great being Nigel Farage. He’s apparently wouldn’t piss on you if you our apparent predilection for more Ialready vastly wealthy from his career were on fire is distinctly inconvenient. progressive policies is nothing more than as an international banker, speculating on So winning an MEP in Scotland an illusion brought on by our lack of commodities that the lower orders dug is hugely important for UKIP. It’s their fiscal responsibilities, a symptom of our out of the ground. And now he’s an MEP, chance to show they can operate beyond subsidy junkiehood. giving him the opportunity to pocket The Wall, that their appeal is as universal However much the No campaign three million quid or so in expenses while as the media currently suggest. It’s their distance themselves from UKIP, they not actually showing up all that much. chance to silence the dissenting voice. know that a Farage triumph splashed The media love him, he’s the toast of the To see how significant Scottish across the front pages, identifying the UK lounge bar, and he never has to pay for a resistance to the far-right party is, one as UKIP country, while Scotland remains pint or a taxi. need only look at the coverage of Farage resolutely unmoved, would be a crushing But in his quiet moments, perhaps on tour before and after his visit to blow to that theory. It would prove that alone in a Brussels hotel at four in the Scotland in May last year. Prior to his we have a different political culture, that morning, there is a vision that haunts trip north (to campaign in the Donside we are more progressive. And it would him. A spectre, a Frankenstein’s monster by-election in which UKIP spent prove that the Coalition government is of all the worst things he can not just a blip in history that imagine. A feminist, socialist, will be swept away in a glorious vegan, African immigrant; a One-Nation Labour landslide public-sector trade unionist; a – – rather the UK is a country he holds his copy of According that is marching rapidly to the To Clarkson tight for comfort right and far from what Scots – a Scot. consider a moderate politics. Nigel doesn’t know it yet, A UKIP seat in Scotland, but this nightmare has a name. on the other hand, will help Her name is Maggie Chapman. the No campaign make Maggie, a South African their case that Scotland’s citizen brought up in Harare, progressivism is all for show. , a university lecturer That radical Scots should fear and EIS organiser, an Edinburgh the hidden conservatism of their City councillor, an unabashed neighbours, which will creep socialist and the Scottish Greens’ out in the first election of an £19,000 and still lost their deposit) every co-convenor and European Parliament independent Scottish parliament and Farage appearance featured smiling locals candidate, is the person with the strangle our hopes for change. It would and a windowed pint of best British ale. opportunity to spoil Nigel’s big day. tell us what the No campaign need, No-one could have guessed from these For UKIP, the European election above all, to tell us: there is no hope. photo opportunities that the UKIP on 22 May should be their finest hour. A year after the Battle of the leader wasn’t some kind of national While the collapse of Liberal Democrat Canon’s Gait, on 22 May this year, treasure, a cross between Stephen Fry and votes to Labour have dampened Scots have a chance to continue Delia Smith. their hopes of winning the election our inconvenient resistance to the But after protestors organised by outright, they will probably relegate the xenophobic, ultra-nationalist politics of the Radical Independence Campaign Conservatives to third place, exerting UKIP, and to proudly proclaim our belief ‘welcomed’ him to Scotland by kettling massive pressure on the government to in change for the better. But we also face him inside Edinburgh’s Canon’s Gait pub pander to UKIP’s palaeoconservative the biggest threat to our resolve. (still a much more considerate place to agenda. Scotland has not proved entirely be kettled than those the rest of us get at In Scotland, though, they face a immune to the bombardment of pro- the hands of the boys in blue), suddenly different symbolic challenge. UKIP has UKIP messages in the British media, or there were voices of dissent everywhere. never won a single election in Scotland. to the plague-on-all-your-houses nihilism He even had to face protests in Kent of No councilors, no MEP, certainly no that suggests electing the unelectable all places, his birthplace and his party’s MSP or MP. And it burns. You may might be the best way to express one’s spiritual home. It was an Emperor’s New think that UKIP don’t care about anger. Clothes moment. winning here, but Scotland’s refusal to In YouGov’s first poll on the And if a UKIP victory in join in the Farage lovefest is an existential European elections, UKIP scored 26 unconquerable Scotland is important to threat to UKIP’s everybody-loves-us per cent, a result which would push the Farage, it’s even more important to the image. When your success is based Tories into third place for the first time campaign against Scottish independence. upon a media consensus that everybody in their history and more than double the Crucial to their campaign is the secretly agrees with you, the taciturn number of UKIP MEPs to 23. argument that Scotland is politically disapproval of a whole nation that In Scotland they took just 10 per no different to the rest of the UK, that

14 There is likely to be one seat up for grabs in the Euro and Gary Dunion argues that it’s between teh Scottish Greens and UKIP. And the Scottish Greens are currently only one point behind in the polls. cent, less than half their support in any just released guidelines ensuring that question, this is about two visions of other region. But enough to put them in they’ll be treated as a ‘major party’ for Scotland, diametrically opposed. the race for the sixth and final Scottish UK-wide broadcasts) and have deep On the day the results are seat. With the Lib Dems collapsing – pockets. They will be in play. The Greens announced, we will be presented with they polled at five per cent in Scotland have never failed to increase vote share a triumphant vision of Britain as seen – George Lyon’s seat is up for grabs and from one European election to the next, from a Kentish lounge bar. A Britain of UKIP’s London branch chairman, David and are usually underestimated by early immigrants cowering as Home Office Coburn, has his sights set on it. polls. The Lib Dems are collapsing thugs kick in their doors, of welfare Who can beat him to that seat? The everywhere and are unlikely to retain claimants destituted then arrested for feminist, environmentalist socialist from their seat. cluttering the streets, of gays and lesbians Harare, Maggie Chapman, is polling just And, crucially, while both SNP and turned away from segregated businesses, one per cent behind UKIP. Labour will hope for a third seat, the all presided over by the banker who For the purely tactical voter, there tactical voter needs to remember that by became the most popular man in the are some fascinating but ultimately the time we get to that count each SNP land, and cheered along by forelock- inconclusive maths to consider. We and Labour vote will have been reduced tugging commoners, happy with their lot cannot know exactly where the votes will to a third of its value. If you’re just voting as long as they know they can always kick fall; to my mind it seems unlikely that to keep UKIP out, you’ll need to cast down. Labour will romp to a 17-point lead over three SNP or Labour votes to get the Will that vision extend to Scotland? the SNP for example. same stopping power as one Green vote. Or will we have grabbed the opportunity But we can know this: UKIP will be But for me this isn’t a purely tactical to say we will not submit to hopelessness; heavily supported by the media (Ofcom we will not be driven apart, we will not accept that our best days are decades behind us? If in the aftermath of that election Scotland has elected Maggie Chapman, a Green, and rejected UKIP, we will have forced our own vision onto the scene. A vision of a Scotland of a war on inequality instead of on the poor, where austerity is thrown off in favour of making the rich pay for their own mess, where our brothers and sisters from around the world are welcomed, and our nation is known around the world as a voice for peace, a friendly refusenik to the NATO nuclear alliance. I know that struggle won’t be won overnight. But it won’t be won ever if we don’t take the field. If Maggie Chapman wins on 22 May, radicals will wake up with our banner flying high over Scotland. That’s a good start.

Gary Dunion is a Green Party activist

15 It isn’t obvious

he theme of the STUC‘s 2014 reach either a Yes or No position, what inequality. There has been no meaningful TCongress is ‘A Just Scotland’, it will do is set out a progressive policy reform of the banks and there has the title under which we have been agenda to be advanced whatever the been no rebalancing of our economy conducting our consultation and outcome in September. away from financial services towards engagement initiative with unions At the heart of that agenda will manufacturing. and their members on Scotland’s be our economic alternative. I believe What little growth we have had in Constitutional future. we have won the argument against the UK recently has been fueled by an Inevitably, given this will be our last austerity and the opinion polls seem to increase in house prices in the South East Annual Congress before the Referendum, back that up. However, there is no room and an increase in consumer debt. We it is the issue that is sure to dominate for complacency. One continue to have the sort of inequality discussion. While it is always dangerous only has to look at the and instability that to prejudge the outcome of any Congress response to some fairly Congress is caused the crash in 2008, debate, anyone who expects either a Yes modest economic good unlikely to and which suggests that or No position to emerge should not news to see how things another crisis may be just hold their breath. might play out over the reach either around the corner. As I said when I launched our coming year. a Yes or No We may have won second A Just Scotland (AJS2) report in Let’s get some of the argument austerity; February, whilst many union members the facts straight on the position but what we have yet to do is have made their choice, for a significant economy. The recent will set out a convince enough people proportion, the answer ‘isn’t obvious’ and data on growth and that there is a genuine, they are in the process of balancing the employment cannot progressive credible alternative - advantages and disadvantages based on mask the fact that policy agenda through fair taxation and the recognition that changing Scotland’s austerity has failed, even a living wage, through relationship with the UK involves a in the terms set by its to be advanced quality jobs and decent ‘trade off’ of powers and/or opportunity. staunchest advocates. whatever the services, through fair Exaggerated claims from both campaigns, In 2010 we benefits and stronger and the increasingly febrile tone of were told by the UK outcome in communities and debate, are an impediment to these vital Government that the September through a comprehensive considerations. economy would grow by industrial strategy While some may be disappointed, I 8.2 per cent by the end of 2013 - actual including a statutory scheme of sectoral make no apology for our approach which growth 2.7 per cent. In 2010 we were collective bargaining. I expect Congress to fully endorse. It is told that borrowing last year would be Perhaps the most fundamental an approach that takes a detailed look £60 billion – actual borrowing £111 problem we face in Britain today is at the issues and asks hard questions of billion. We were told that the deficit inequality. The UK is one of the most both campaigns, concentrating on which would be eliminated by 2015. Now we unequal nations in the developed world. of the referendum outcomes is most are told that won’t happen to 2018. We This has its roots in short term thinking, likely to promote social justice and tackle were told that real wages would grow by share price driven, profit obsessed, bonus economic inequality. 0.5 per cent in 2013. We are now told grabbing, financial capitalism. It has been AJS2 identifies the pressing need for real wage growth will be 0.1 per cent. caused by a political and economic elite the pro-devolution parties to present vision There might be some positive that willfully undermined the institutions for Scotland and give clear commitments signs on employment. But it is what that in any democracy should hold them to bringing forward enhanced devolution is underneath the figures that matters. to account - principally trade unions. proposals and to be definitive that any We have a labour market characterised The decline in real wages as a share of block grant funding formula would not by long term youth unemployment; national income is a direct result of the place Scotland in a worse position relative persistent unemployment amongst political and industrial attacks on union to rUK if we vote No. women; declining real wages; increasing organisation and influence. It is also clear that, despite some underemployment; and the vulnerability And the power imbalance we see very positive policy commitments, and insecurity of part time, temporary in our economy will not be reversed the Scottish Government and Yes work, forced self employment and the until the legitimate role of unions in campaign have thus far failed to convince increasing use of zero hours contracts. the workplace and in wider society is many that the institutional and fiscal The level of full-time employment recognised and an environment exists circumstances post-independence would across Scotland is still more than 50,000 where unions can function effectively and allow meaningful economic and social fewer than it was in 2008. And our responsibly in the interests of working progress to be achieved. Nor has it underemployment rate of 10.6 per cent people, their families, and wider society. accepted the level of tax redistribution is almost four per cent above the rate in That is why, as our Congress has which will be necessary to realise the 2008. repeatedly emphasised, we need the positive vision presented. We have an economy characterised removal of all anti-union legislation and While the Congress is unlikely to by underinvestment and growing a framework - underpinned by legislation

16 This April’s STUC Congress will inevitably be dominated by the approaching independence referendum. Grahame Smith makes clear that the STUC will not adopt sides but look for answers on the best future for Scotland. if necessary - to put collective bargaining Future’ to greater employee involvement of collective bargaining need to be arrangements in place across the economy. in industrial decision-making, including accompanied by steps to promote union When a union, on behalf of a a role for employee representatives recognition; full access for union reps workforce, and an employer enter into on company Boards and industry to all relevant company information, a collective agreement it is a form of fora. These, together with the recently including financial information; industrial democracy or, although in no launched Review of Progressive provision for the appointment of sense equal, of workplace power sharing. Workplace Policies which the STUC elected and accountable union reps to With it comes a responsibility on both was instrumental in creating (and which company Boards; the representation of sides to negotiate to resolve differences stands in stark contrast to the Coalition’s unions on Industry Leadership Groups; and, on union members, a legal Carr Review of legislation on Industrial and a recognition that an extension requirement to demonstrate through a Disputes announced before Christmas of accountable forms of public and secret ballot that there is support for any - which if followed through on after the common ownership are an essential industrial action proposed if agreement UK election could have a significant element of building meaningful cannot be reached. impact on the ability of union members industrial democracy and a fairer and However, as recent events have in key services and utilities to take ultimately more successful economy. shown, when an employer despite industrial action) offer an opportunity to The Scottish constitutional debate voluntarily entering into a collective advance industrial democracy. is a debate about where power should lie agreement simply refuses to negotiate at However, there are dangers in this and why. It will be of little real relevance every turn, issues threats and ultimatums, particularly if the focus is on employee unless Government, wherever it sits, including the ultimate threat that they will representation, rather than trade union has the power and is willing to use it to simply walk abandoning the workforce, representation, if employee involvement prevent the destructive actions of private the community and the economy we not is limited and does not deliver genuine equity capital or if workers through only have an economic crisis - but perhaps influence over company decisions, or their union, do not have the power to more importantly we have an economic employee involvement schemes are used influence the actions of an employer, and crisis caused by a crisis in democracy - by some employers to bypass and weaken achieve a much more equal share on our political and industrial democracy. trade union involvement in consultation national wealth. I welcome the commitments in and negotiation structures. Grahame Smith is General Secretary the Scottish Government’s ‘Scotland’s Measures to ensure the extension of the STUC

Bob Crow, General Secretary 17 Peter Pinkney, President A real chance for workers

he fact that the current industrial referendum debate has offered us the and to pass problems up the line for Trelations arrangements in the UK opportunity to consider possibilities resolution, when the clues to the solution are not working will come as absolutely that would not normally be available. It are more likely to be down the line, no surprise to those in the trade union would be simple and accurate to say that nearer the point at which they were movement, who have for years now been the form of industrial democracy that generated. This top-down hierarchy leads driven back – sometimes physically - in was being considered in the JRF report to a command and control culture that their efforts to protect and improve is not possible within the current UK produces counter-intuitive weaknesses in the jobs and the terms and conditions constitutional arrangements, as economic an organisation, such as an over reliance of their members. Indeed ahead of the policy and much employment law sits on a small pool of brains at the top of a Scottish Trades Union Congress in April firmly in the reserved powers category. structure whilst ignoring all of the many there are calls for a different approach to This alone might normally be sufficient other brains throughout the organisation. industrial relations including encouraging to terminate any realistic possibility of It can also lead to stagnation on one collective bargaining and increased change, but whilst we are considering hand or extreme changes of direction industrial democracy. This realisation what an independent Scotland might look on the other as leaders are replaced. of the need for a different approach to like, we really should contemplate what This culture can also prevent the industrial relations is not just coming effect more positive industrial relations dissemination of accurate information, in from the union perspective however, as might have on the economy of the nation. particular the data required for informed we have seen the recent establishment The JRF report compared two decision-making is often sanitised on its of an independent review group to sets of countries, those with strong journey in order to provide a positive look at workplace policies. The Cabinet worker participation against those impression of activity. This disconnect Secretary John Swinney in introducing with weak worker participation. These from the ‘shop floor’ can result in delays this new group said: “Together with were considered in terms of a series of as excessive hierarchical approval is STUC and senior business partners, the indicators including; labour productivity, required for common sense decision- review will help foster a constructive gross domestic expenditure on research making, with the resultant micro and collaborative approach to industrial and development, employment rate, management and inertia costing money. relations, helping create stronger educational attainment and poverty This resistance to collaboration relationships between government, levels. In all of these indicators and more often leads to more and more detailed employers and trade unions.” the countries with strong participation plans being drawn up in order to progress This different relationship was also did better. If this is the case and business a matter. These take time to produce and the basis of a report by the Jimmy Reid performs better, educational standards are almost certain not to result in the Foundation, which under the title of are better, environmental impact is expected outcomes. It will be common Working Together (www.reidfoundation. better, why is the answer not blindingly to see a new plan rolled out and be given org/library) looked at industrial obvious? I suggest the problem is deep- an enthusiastic launch, which some time democracy across some of our European seated and is both cultural and structural. later will have stalled or have stagnant neighbours and the impact this had In its simplest form any progress leading to increased costly on industrial relations and its broader participation in decision-making by supervision as the assumption is that the industrial consequences. The fact that those outside of the management grade is plan was not being followed correctly. the report found considerable benefit to seen as a diminution of power at both a Again the reality is that the disconnection the employer and the wider economy corporate and personal level. This in itself between the planners and the operators perhaps suggests why this topic is now is a weakness however as it leads to a has failed to recognise the on-the-ground being discussed in Scotland. The timing hierarchal decision-making process where situation. In a different environment this is very significant because the current the tendency is to defer responsibility would not see the failure as a problem

18 John Duffy looks at the Reid Foundation paper on industrial democracy he co- authored and sees a genuine hope for real industrial democracy - but that the only chance it will happen is with independence. but as an opportunity to improve the current levels of poverty inflicts on us. current culture towards industrial system. By holding on to the perception Industrial democracy does not require democracy but also indirectly by of power managers routinely cut off the the capitulation of trade unions or place aligning legislation, policy and practise best source of accurate data and practical constraints on management and good and perhaps even the tax system to be problem solving they have. governance, it supportive of From a trade union perspective will not resolve It would be accurate efforts to embed there is often a desire to seek all problems nor these new ideas. participation and a recognition that early remove difficult to say that the It may be the case discussion on a topic can often prove to decisions. It does form of industrial that if people must be helpful. The traditional trade union however provide be forced into approach however is almost totally a basis for more democracy that was doing something reactive. An issue occurs and the local constructive being considered then there has reps react, there is limited thought – dialogue. It will be been a failure to outside of health and safety perhaps – to no easy task. This in the Reid communicate be proactive. The determination that is not an off-the- Foundation report the advantages something is ‘management’s job’ is of shelf solution that fully; however course a very simple measure and is clear can be picked up is not possible it would give a and easily understood. But what happens from Germany within the current clear indication if the rep has a suggestion? How does or Denmark etc. of Government that get put forward and articulated? And and rolled out in UK constitutional intension if all do they run the risk of being accused of Scotland. arrangements businesses over a doing management’s job for them? When In order to certain size had faced with a proposal it is considerably deliver industrial democracy there are a requirement to place workers onto easier for the trade union officials to huge barriers to be overcome including a management board. Other methods determine to fight knowing they will the education of business, industry, could incentivise the process, for example lose than it is to take responsibility for corporate leaders, employer, owner and through public sector procurement, tax a course of action that may be the best management on why this is good for incentives, trade union rights, provisions solution in the circumstances but will them. It requires education of workers, for collective agreements etc. be unpopular. Union members expect employees and their representatives on As I look around our towns and their reps to be fighting on their behalf why there are benefits for them. Business cities and note the jobs, the industries but industrial disputes are not resolved leaders, trade unionists, academics and and the workplaces that have been on the picket line, but rather around the politicians will have to work together removed from them, I consider we face negotiating table. If the seat at the table to provide the message that it is in all a stark choice; do we try and recover is available without the need for the fight of our interest to improve the current that by lowering wages to compete to get there, is that better or worse for the situation. The first movement to consider with China, by creating low paid, high trade union and its members? adopting some of the ideals put forward turnover, unskilled work? Or do we The biggest single issue in industrial will require nurture and support. And try to create a new industrial landscape relations is trust and that is a commodity that support will be required on a routine supporting the creation of highly skilled, that is in short supply when the industrial basis throughout any process, beyond well-waged jobs? If we wish to consider relations environment is structured in a the setting up and long into the future the later then we must also look to combative, positional, side-taking way. as this will not be an easy journey for replace the old fashioned top down, The needs of the union and its members either the individuals or the organisations hierarchical, command-and-control as well as the needs of the organisation involved. Any movement towards a management methods and replace and its shareholders all become secondary new way of working will require help then with a new collegiate approach to winning, irrespective of the cost – to and advice on how to go about making to industrialisation. In order to do so either side, the local economy or the that change, they will need practical we will need to educate, to support national interest. The JRF Working assistance and experience in making that and to take control of our legislative Together report looks at alternatives to the change and they will need support and processes, our taxation system and our current situation and provides a vision encouragement to maintain progress economic policy. Industrial Democracy of what those options might provide. In when it will seem easier to give up. That is a desirable feature of a new landscape, that vision industrial democracy creates level of support will require commitment but one that is only available to us as an an opportunity to develop sustainable from Government and it is encouraging independent Scotland. employment that can generate decent, to see the setting up of the review group John Duffy is Scottish Regional well paid, long term jobs in such a way and the fact that it contains a cross Secretary of the FBU as our nation can start to invest properly section of participants. in research and development, look after The final element in terms of Jackson Cullinane will consider our environment, provide education and requirements will be legislative. Both industrial democracy in a UK context start to eradicate the scourge that the directly in support of changing the in the next issue 19 The university challenge

he forthcoming referendum on Scottish Executive Committee for some of the current method of allocating TScottish independence sits above time. We look forward to the debate research funding, both here in Scotland Scotland’s political landscape like continuing at our forthcoming Scotland and south of the border. The recent little else has done in recent years. Congress. Research Excellence Framework assessed Depending on your view it is either Education is already one of the most the quality of research in the UK, but we casting a shadow or shining a light. All devolved areas in Scotland due to historic believe it is already having unintended policy issues currently being debated are differences in both school and post- consequences in universities. There needs viewed through the prism of whether school education, as compared to the rest to be a less high stakes research funding they help or hinder the Yes Scotland of the UK. Prior to the establishment system, and a fairer way of recognising or Better Together campaigns. Critics of the Scottish Parliament in 1999, the and rewarding the diversity of research of independence argue that Scotland higher education budget and policy was in universities, which does not polarise is currently on hold, while proponents determined by the Scottish Office, with university career paths, nor penalise argue that eyes are being cast upwards a Scottish Higher Education Funding those working to longer term or localised and that what is up for grabs is no less Council only established as late as 1992. research goals. that the very essence of the type of Devolution in 1999 led to further Universities maintain collective country we want to live and work in. divergence in higher education policies pay bargaining arrangements on a With both sides accusing each and Scotland has been able to pursue UK-wide basis – a situation which other of offering nothing more than distinctive policy priorities, including is commonly (including by UCU jam tomorrow, the University and on landmark issues such as tuition fees. Scotland) regarded as benefiting both College Union is deliberately neutral in The approach in Scotland on enhancing employees and employers. Doing so the referendum debate and is carefully university governance has been allows the sector to negotiate pay on a analysing the arguments on both sides dramatically different from the highly fair, efficient and sector-led basis which – fact reiterated by motions passed by marketised agenda of the Westminster reflects the UK-wide - and for many branches in advance of our Congress. Government. UCU wholeheartedly institutions and disciplines - worldwide We are, however, absolutely determined endorsed the 2012 Von Prondzynski nature of the labour market. Of course, to use the opportunity the debate Review of HE Governance and continues that there is consensus on the need for has created to consider the essential to push for the implementation of all its UK-wide collective bargaining doesn’t purpose of higher education and of our recommendations in full. We are clear mean it follows that there is not also universities in Scotland. While the nation that inclusive, transparent and collegial disagreement on our members’ pay offers. considers its future it seems opportune governance systems, which value the Far from it. Since October 2013 we have to also reflect on what role education academy, staff and students can make a seen an increasingly bitter pay dispute, and higher education in particular will positive difference. with employers seeking to impose a play whatever the outcome on September Nevertheless, there remains much real terms pay cut on our members 18. This is particularly so given the that is common between the sector equating to around a 13 per cent cut role of higher education and its hugely in Scotland and that in the rest of the since October 2008. At the same time positive impact both on those individuals UK. The Research Councils that fund university leaders have been awarding undertaking study but also on the academic research are currently UK- themselves huge pay rises – on average economy, our society and the nation’s wide and one of the few areas that are receiving a rise of 5.1 per cent last year reputation and place in the world. not devolved. Scotland is generally whilst refusing to give staff more than UCU Scotland’s members’ regarded as doing well from the councils one per cent. Every university Principal deliberations on the purpose of – Scotland currently receives around 13 in Scotland earns more than the First universities and what they are for per cent of grants which is higher than Minister and the Prime Minster, with the is hugely wide ranging. It embraces a simple population share would give. average annual salary across the UK for the manifold benefits - economic, The Scottish Government’s white paper vice-chancellors now almost £250,000. social, cultural, health and civic - of on independence imagines UK-wide Despite this pay dispute UCU sees value higher education to the individuals funding arrangements continuing and to benchmarking pay in universities and to society as a whole and the envisages Scotland continuing to do across the UK, and we believe there is a communities we live in. As a trade well both on a UK playing field but also strong case for continuing cross-border union we unashamedly approach the increasingly from sources outwith the arrangements. debate from the perspective of our UK too. What is clear is the need for One of the other major issues members – the workers in the sector continued research funding regardless of our members face is the increasing – but we are also taking into account the constitutional set up, and it is vital casualisation of the workforce in higher the union’s commitment to students, that research investment is maintained education and increased use of zero hour and our fundamental belief in the value to ensure our universities’ continued and other atypical worker contracts. of education for itself. UCU members success and to support uniquely Scottish An investigation the UCU carried out have been debating these issues in their research. in 2013 found that Universities and workplaces, in branches, and in our As a union we are less convinced Colleges were more than twice as likely

20 Scotland’s universities have policy-making almost completely devolved to Scotland but they remain part of a UK-wide system. Mary Senior considers what they mean to the independence debate - and Scotland afterwards.

as other workplaces to use zero-hour in Scotland should continue to be our system in Scotland, and makes contracts. And the use of these casual free at the point of entry and to that an undergraduate degree in Scotland zero hours contracts was more prolific in end the union opposes undergraduate the most expensive in these isles. The Scotland with two-thirds of institutions tuition fees. Intellectual ability, not RUK fee does raise obvious questions using them. The UCU’s report into family background and income should for its continuation in an independent the issue found that the University of determine participation. UCU believes Scotland. Edinburgh had more members of staff that it is right that students who benefit The referendum debate is also on zero hours contracts than any other in from higher-than-average incomes an opportunity to set out our desire the UK. On the back of UCU Scotland after graduation should pay something for an immigration policy which is publicising this and gaining political back – but they should do so through more in tune with the ambitions of momentum against their use, the progressive income tax. higher education and the desire to be a University signed a welcome agreement Maintaining that basic principle welcoming, inclusive nation. The current with UCU Scotland to work towards that ability to learn should be the driver UK government’s draconian immigration ending their use, work that is still in for someone accessing higher education system is damaging international progress. Sadly casualisation within also raises the question of how we widen engagement, and prevents the free higher education in Scotland is about access. The higher education sector movement of staff and students. The more than one University, and we will in Scotland is attempting to address Fresh Talent initiative was pioneered in continue to work and campaign on the relatively disappointing and poor Scotland and should be reinstated. issue until the scourge of casual contracts widening access levels at the moment There have always been differences is outlawed or so discredited that through Outcome Agreements between in education policy in Scotland from Universities are unable to use them. institutions and the Scottish Funding the rest of the UK and devolution has One of the major differences Council, and the Post-16 Education accelerated many of these, often to between higher education post- Act commits universities to do more on Scotland’s advantage. But there are also devolution between Scotland and other increasing access. The level of student strengths in the benefit of cross border areas of the UK are tuition fees. UCU support is inextricably linked to this research funding and in the common Scotland believes that higher education agenda, and Scotland needs to do more cause between workers in the sector to support students to across the nations of the UK. UCU enter and sustain study. members across the UK face common Funding is an important hardships – be it casualisation, pervasive Scottish Left Review part of the widening access managerialism, or the ongoing dispute The Scottish Left Review is a non-profitr makingadical s cpublication.ottish writing and participation agenda. over pay. Please subscribe or make a donation by going to www. It also relies on other It is true that the heightened nature scottishleftreview.org where you can pay by credit card educational and social of debate in the months to come can or by filling in your details in the form below and returning levers, including pre-school lead to organisations failing to have to Scottish Left Review, 741 Shields Road, Pollokshields, education and wider issues they raise properly considered Glasgow G41 4PL tackling poverty initiatives. other than whether their comments or Therefore, the ability to campaigns are construed as supporting Name increase participation in either Yes or No. But the reflective higher education, and to nature of a nation deciding its next steps Address ensure students from non mirrors UCU Scotland’s decision to take traditional backgrounds stock and consider the future of higher benefit from a university education and our universities and what education, will depend they mean to our economy and society. on both political will UCU Scotland is determined to use the Tel: and funding provisions, opportunity of the referendum to ensure whether in a devolved or the sector is part of the debate, and to E-mail: independent context. present our vision for the sort of higher The sector in Scotland education system we could have, which is of course not immune is inclusive, well funded, collegial and Subscription/Donation to the market given the pushing the boundaries of learning and introduction in 2012 of knowledge. We will do this alongside Date: rest of UK fees of up to ensuring we value those working in the I81 £9000 a year for students sector, to provide a fair deal for all. Subscriptions: £18 (waged), £14 (unwaged), £15 (local from England, Wales and Mary Senior is Scotland Official of the organisations), £30 (national organisations. Northern Ireland. This University and College Union Donations will be gratefully recieved. Cheques should be move, strongly opposed by crossed and made payable to: Left Review Scotland Ltd. UCU, does not enhance

21 Hidden crowns

hen constitutional change is related cancer) victims to compensation little more detail as follows: Wunder consideration, all of the and the Bill to introduce a minimum “The SNP proposes that the Queen protagonists have a responsibility to be price for alcohol in Scotland. and her successors remain Head clear about what would be involved in the What is clear from this hard-won of State, in the way that she is particular model that they are proposing. information, therefore, is that the royals presently Head of State in fifteen You wouldn’t even want to buy a used car do indeed have the right to be consulted other independent Commonwealth from someone who refused to reveal what in advance on a wide range of legislation. countries. The constitution which went on under the bonnet. What the long-suffering British pubic the SNP favours will define the In relation to the role and is not permitted to know however, is powers of the Monarch, removing responsibilities of the Head of State, both the detail of how the royals exercise a number of her present powers, sides of the independence debate have this right, and on what effect it has on though she will still confirm signally failed to come clean about what legislation being passed. There is no Parliament’s nomination of a Prime their proposals would actually involve. doubt that the royals have the potential Minister…. If, in the future, the As regards the Better Together campaign, power to make a major impact on people of Scotland wished to change there is in fact a great deal that the public legislation: as pointed out in the guidance these arrangements, they would does not know about to civil servants be free to do so by amending the the powers of the finally released constitution through a referendum, present monarchy, and The SNP should through freedom and it is the SNP’s policy that the how these powers are do something of information on issue should be tested by such a exercised. Here are 15 January 2013, if referendum once Independence some examples. which it has advanced consent is fully in effect. Ultimately, the First of all, it is signally failed to from the royals is not decision rests with the people of a little known fact forthcoming, then Scotland.” that the Queen and do so far, namely, a major part of the In fact, in the detail in their recent White Prince Charles, as to make a firm relevant bill might be Paper, the Scottish Government did not the senior royals, removed. specify which powers might be removed: have the right to be statement that Another area the following questions about the SNP’s consulted and have an independent where the royal position on the monarchy therefore to give their consent family operates appear unresolved. before any legislation Scotland would under the radar is in First, there is the question of is discussed in either not be bound by relation to freedom whether the monarchy should retain the Westminster or of information. its exemption from Freedom of Scottish parliaments, anything like the In January 2011, Information. It seems clear that it should which potentially provisions of the special exemptions not. Intervention and correspondence by affects their hereditary were written into royals, if kept secret, could lead to abuse revenues, personal UK Sovereign the UK Freedom of power. Their position gives them huge property, or private Grant Act of Information Act powers of influence and of patronage, interest. It is now granting absolute and they therefore cannot be seen as known, following a campaign waged by protection to the royals from public private individuals. Since their influence the Guardian and others, that the list of scrutiny. Scotland followed suit. So while comes ultimately from the state, they are subject areas covered by this royal right we do know, for example, that Prince intrinsically part of the state machinery, is extraordinarily broad: for example, Charles writes extensively to government and their correspondence should the royals have been consulted on departments, and also has frequent therefore be as open as that of any other Westminster legislation relating to such meetings with Ministers and civil servants, government department. topics as higher education, paternity pay, the public has no way of knowing on what Second, should the monarchy identity cards, and child maintenance. topics he is lobbying, or what effect he is have the right to be consulted, and to The Duchy of Cornwall was even having in influencing policy. influence legislation at stages during consulted on the Apprenticeship Bill Paradoxically, therefore, if Scotland the passage of a Bill? It seems clear they because the proposal to create a statutory votes No in the coming referendum, should not. Even if one accepted that the basis for apprenticeships potentially there is a great deal we do not know Queen had a right as head of state to be affected the Duchy of Cornwall’s interests about the powers of the head of state consulted on a few critical issues such as an employer. We also know, from and how they are exercised. Even more as war, under what possible stretch of information released by the Scottish paradoxically, the same is also true if imagination could this extend to asbestos Parliament, that the royals had to be Scotland votes Yes, as we will now see. related disease or the price of alcohol. But consulted in advance on Holyrood The SNP’s position is that an in her capacity as a private individual, the legislation on topics as diverse as salmon independent Scotland would retain the monarch should get no more rights than conservation, planning, the rights of monarchy. In a booklet issued to help any other private individual. relatives of mesothelioma (an asbestos activists in the early 2000s they gave a Third, there is the question of the

22 Jim and Margaret Cuthbert argue that at the moment neither side in the independence debate is willing to tell us exactly what powers our undemocratic Monarchy would have. This simply isn’t good enough.

status of the Queen in relation to taxes much greater control to Scotland were statement that an independent Scotland and subsidies. At present in the UK, the rebuffed by the UK government, with would not be bound by anything like the monarch is exempt from Inheritance Tax. only fig leaf changes being made. In an provisions of the UK Sovereign Grant Act. This should clearly not continue in an independent Scotland with a continuing There are, in fact, good precedents in the independent Scotland. monarchy, would the crown estates be shape of other Commonwealth countries, Fourth, what is to be done about returned to the proper stewardship of on how the monarchy should be paid the Crown Estates in Scotland? Under the Scottish people, and managed by for. Australia and New Zealand, for UK stewardship, exercised by the Crown their representatives, that is, the Scottish example, pay only those costs associated Estates Commissioners, we have seen Parliament? with functions actually carried out by the Crown Estate Commissioners acting Fifth, as regards the funding of the monarchy in those countries’ own primarily as a property investment the monarchy, the SNP needs to make territory. The SNP should make a firm company, putting the pursuit of it clear where it stands. At present, the commitment that, if Scotland votes to profit before the interests of Scottish most direct source of funding is through continue with the monarchy, it should communities and the Scottish economy. the provisions of the UK Sovereign Grant adopt the same principle. One by-product has been years of Act, which essentially hypothecates 15 Overall, therefore, we have seen disquiet and anger among Scotland’s per cent of the Crown Estate profits that, as regards the vitally important coastal communities at the actions and to the monarch, and which, in these question of the head of state, both sides inaction of the Commissioners. There is times of austerity, still delivered a 16 per in the independence debate are failing to also an issue about the UK focus of the cent increase this year in the monarch’s tell the electorate what their particular Crown Estate Commissioners in that income from the state. This does not, constitutional model would imply. their portfolio is seen as a UK entity however, represent the total cost of the This is not merely bizarre: it also with, for example, properties sold in monarchy. For one thing, the cost of represents a major missed opportunity Scotland, and the resulting revenues security is not included in the above, on the part of the SNP. Suppose the SNP used to buy property elsewhere in the and these costs are substantial. The single had addressed the questions identified UK. The recent recommendations by the event of the marriage of Zara Phillips, the above, and had put forward a platform Scottish Affairs Committee to devolve Queen’s granddaughter, in Edinburgh, where the role, powers, influence, and cost the Scottish police funding of the Scottish head of state £400,000. In addition, (whether the existing monarch or a it is clear that the UK president) had been fully set out and monarchy also gets specified. The SNP would then be substantial support in in a strong position to challenge the SCOTLAND the form of upkeep of unionists to come clean on what the royal parks, and the existing powers and influence of the services of government UK monarchy actually are – powers SERVICES departments like the and influence which, as we have seen, Foreign Office and the the UK public is currently prevented Ministry of Defence from knowing. The unionist response OUR FUTURE (though the amounts could take one of two possible forms. involved are never Either they would refuse to divulge this PCS sends greetings precisely identified or information – a stance which would added up). count against them in the independence to all delegates The SNP really campaign. Or, for the first time, the need to be clear about UK public would be granted a clear attending the 117th just how Scotland would statement of the actual powers and fund its head of state. costs of the monarchy: this would be Annual Congress of In particular, it seems something which would be beneficial unthinkable that an in its own right. And if, as the available the STUC independent Scotland circumstantial evidence strongly would agree to an open- suggests, the monarchy is actually Janice Godrich ended commitment to currently exercising undue power and National President hand over a percentage influence, confirmation of this would of the revenues or profits again play badly for the unionists in the Mark Serwotka from Scotland’s public independence debate. General Secretary estate and seabed. So So come on SNP. There is an open the SNP should do goal here waiting for you to score. Lynn Henderson something which it has Jim and Margaret Cuthbert are Scottish Secretary signally failed to do so far, independent economists namely, to make a firm 6766

23 Public and Commercial Services Union | pcs.org.uk Reviews

he global dominance of neoliberal sides: to prove or disprove the view that NORDIC LIGHTS: Work, Tideas has led to a major decline small and relatively enlightened countries Management and Welfare in of social and environmental justice in could be political and economic models Scandinavia Europe. Bastions of social democracy for an independent Scotland. Some such as Scandinavia, never of course commentators have mistakenly described Sandberg (A), SNS Förlag 2013, perfect models, have been seriously those sympathetic to the social and ISBN 9789186949372 threatened by these neoliberal ideas economic policies of Scandinavia as Available as an ebook from www. but have actively resisted with some being uncritical whilst they themselves akesandberg.se/nordic-lights/ successes. Now the Scottish referendum remain befuddled by and sympathetic to is looming, a great deal of interest is the reactionary and vicious policies of the being shown in the Nordic circle by both coalition. In this context Nordic Lights, a recent book edited by a group of social scientists on Work, Management and ASLEF CALLS FOR AN Welfare in Scandinavia, should be essential reading from empirical and theoretical perspectives. The book INTEGRATED, PUBLICLY explores a series of tensions These include ones surrounding welfare and individualism, gender issues in OWNED, ACCOUNTABLE new management strategies, business process re-engineering, flexible working, lean production, managing work RAILWAY FOR SCOTLAND environment, precarious work, employees on private sector boards, and threats to trade unions from new management approaches and production systems. Particular sectoral groups are examined (which used to be the SNP’s too such as those in digital and print media and developments in Ford and Volvo after ownership changed. All is not position – before they gloom and doom. The authors report that the impact of global capitalism has been slowed by union membership, became the government!) workplace organisation and other structures as well as by the existence of many nationally agreed collective agreements. But even so, conservative administrations slashed social insurance funding, unemployment insurance system and training budgets for new jobs. In certain fields, the resistance has been even more successful and the Scandinavian approach offers some indicators for strategies that could be adopted in Scotland post-referendum whatever the result. For example, Annette Kamp and Klaus Nielsen provide a complex and subtle analysis of Nordic trends relating to the “Work Environment Management” concept and consider new developments to workplace Mick Whelan Alan Donnelly Kevin Lindsay health and safety. The concept appeared in the 1970s in Scandinavia drawing on General Secretary President Scottish O cer industrial relations ideas with democracy

ASLEF the train drivers union- www.asle24f.org.uk and participation of employees at its implemented in close interaction with of SMEs. This may perhaps be because centre. Health and safety at work was public regulation, and the enterprise the Nordic countries not only accept the placed on equal footing with quality and therefore has to consider the question of analysis that healthy work and healthy environmental protection: something legitimacy in relation to the surrounding workers are good for the economy but that never occurred in the UK where society” (p319). adopt the analysis in practice. market thinking dominates regulatory In the UK , including Scotland, As one American commentator on approaches and has even led to changes the ‘soft laws’ and ‘better’ and the book has noted: ”The Nordic and in mission statements of bodies such as responsive regulation agenda has proved Scandinavian countries have long been HSE charged with protecting worker exceptionally influential across all beacons for people around the world who health and safety to include economic parties and threatens efforts to maintain were eager to see workplaces transformed growth as a key objective. never mind improve basic work and into spaces where working people could The Nordic debate at the time was wider environmental health and safety express their humanity and aspirations” whether this ensured workplace health conditions. In the Nordic countries, (Adler in Sandberg 2013: 7). With all its and safety would be prioritised or would the commitment to effective public faults, this Nordic model still has much be marginalised and neutralised. Trade regulation on hazards on the other hand to commend it to Scotland. union safety reps and safety committees has wide societal approval and appears were viewed as part of the ‘management to operate relatively harmoniously with Prof Andrew Watterson of health and safety’ but in a far less efforts to support the economic activity hostile work environment to that prevailing in the UK. Tripartism was also less tokenistic and stultifying in the Nordic circle than it proved to be in the UK. Significantly, the Scandinavian application of work environment management was not influenced in any major way by such things as lean production, business process re-engineering and balanced Union of Construction, Allied Trades and score cards. In the UK we Technicians would consider the lack of these influences as a very positive feature. As time passed, more management-oriented ideas were introduced in Nordic countries and today what might be termed as mainstream ‘human resource management’ ideas have influenced employers stressing motivation, self- management and individual developments as the key to success. This linked to ‘soft law’ ideas that supposedly lead to individual enterprises improving their own working environments. Nevertheless Campaigning for: the authors conclude “It is a striking fact that many of the Public investment in construction forms of management (Lean Production etc.) that have Justice for Blacklisted workers passed through Scandinavian enterprises in the last 30 Craft apprenticeships years have not had a stronger impact in the field of working environment. This is probably Harry Frew Andy Wilson because management of the Regional Secretary Regional Chair working environment is

25 https://www.ucatt.org.uk/join UCATT, 53 Morrison St, G5 8LB – Telephone 0141 420 2880

VLADIMIR McTAVISH’S Kick Up The Tabloids PIRATES STEAL INDY SCOTLAND PANDAS AND LOTTERY TICKETS lections to the European Parliament lower after independence. Well done Irish Lottery. Furthermore, the idea that Ehave never really caught the public’s if you spotted that I made this one up, Camelot would voluntarily give up 10 imagination and turnout tends to be but then it is only slightly more more per cent of its profits is ludicrous. low. But I do think it is important that ridiculous than this; 11: If Scotland votes Yes, we will we vote; these could be our last-ever 5: If Scotland votes Yes The Royal no longer be able to access large sections European elections. Bank Of Scotland would leave Scotland. of the internet, as we will not be able to If we vote Yes in the Referendum, This is according to Vince Cable, so connect with websites or e-mail addresses we will then be immediately thrown out obviously it’s complete bollocks. The RBS ending in dot.co.uk. Well done if you of the European Union, according to is a multi-national corporation which noticed, I did make that last one up. David Cameron and many others in the owns banking operations in thirty-eight However, I got the idea from this claim Better Together campaign. This is one different countries. So maybe Vince does made by Better Together: of the more credible scare stories which have a point, as it is almost inconceivable 12: If Scotland votes Yes, you have been trotted out in the right-wing that they would want to operate in as won’t be able to receive phone calls from press since the start of this year. At one many as thirty-nine. England as the rest of the UK will not time or another most of the following 6: If Scotland votes Yes, we will know the international dialling code for claims have been made. One or two, I’ve have to be in a different time zone from Scotland. made up. See if you tell which is which. England. This claim was made as long 13: If Scotland votes Yes, over 1: If Scotland vote Yes, we could see ago as 1997, just after we had voted six-hundred-thousand people will a return to piracy within British waters, for devolution. It was made by Jeffrey immediately leave the country. I read that as ships are ambushed on lawless seas. Archer, and indeed, it is still widely claim in the Daily Express. What struck This claim was made by David Cameron regarded as his best work of fiction to me unusual was that the Express should no less. So, if anyone is thinking of date. Archer said that Scotland should be write a scare story about thousands of voting Yes, don’t be surprised if the Arran forced to be one hour behind England, people flooding out of the country. ferry is regularly hijacked by gangs of until it was pointed out to him that They usually tend to warning us about cutlass-wielding one-legged ne-er-do- Thurso was already thirty-five years thousands of people flooding in. wells with parrots on their shoulders. behind England. 14: If Scotland votes Yes, women all 2: In the event of a Yes vote, 7: If Scotland votes Yes, you will be over the World will be more likely to be Universal Care for the Elderly will be more likely to die of cancer. Believe it or raped. Believe it or not, someone actually Unsustainable, a claim recently made by not, this claim has been made on a pro- made this claim. Indeed, the person who the UK Government. This totally ignores Union website. made this claim happens to be the Lib- the fact that we already have universal care 8: If Scotland votes Yes, Scotland Dem spokesperson on Overseas Aid. for the elderly and it is sustainable now. will still be at war with the USA. Yes, You may have thought some of the Furthermore, this is Scotland we’re talking that’s true. The treaty which ended claims you have just read are ridiculous, about. Very few people live to be elderly. the American War of Independence and many of them are indeed barmy. 3: If Scotland votes Yes, an was signed by the whole of the UK. Implausible as it may sound, I have the Independent Scotland Will Face a So, depending on whether we became best until last: Pensions Black Hole. If this claim was independent, we could be fighting a war 15: A Yes Vote Could De-Stabilise not made by Vince Cable, it was made of independence against a country that is Northern Ireland. You did read that by some other member of the Coalition already independent. That’s according to correctly. According to the Financial cabinet. And my reaction to it is similar The Independent. Times, “If Scotland were to become as to the last claim. Anyone lucky enough 9: If Scotland votes Yes, Edinburgh independent, its borders withy Northern to live beyond retirement age in Scotland Zoo will have to hand back the Pandas to Ireland would be a nightmare to patrol”. is going to be coining it in. There has to China. OK, I made that one up, but it’s Geography was not my best subject be some advantage in living beyond 65 in no more ridiculous than this one: at school and national boundaries can country with the lowest life expectancy in 10: If Scotland votes Yes, no-one in be redrawn, but the last time I looked, Western Europe. Scotland will be able to win the Lottery, Scotland’s border with Northern Ireland 4: If Scotland votes Yes, we will as UK Lottery tickets will no longer be was quite a big bit of sea. no longer get the Gulf Stream, so our on sale in an independent Scotland. So do you use your vote in the Euro winters will become even colder. So, if This has been claimed, despite the fact elections. Just don’t vote for any of the anything, life expectancy will be even that we can currently buy tickets for the people whose ideas are quoted above. Scottish TUC A4 2014_Layout 1 27/02/2014 16:28 Page 1

LANDLORDS HIT HOUSING BENEFIT JACKPOT In Scotland there are 97,168 households renting private · Strathmore Estates Holding Ltd – Earl accommodation and entitled to of Strathmore and Kinghorne, the Queens cousin and owner of Glamis housing benefit. GMB has shown Castle. £11,500 from Angus. that wealthy individuals and · Moray Estates Development Company – companies get housing benefit Earl of Moray, owner of Darnaway for houses they rent to tenants. Castle. £10,000 from Moray. Harry Donaldson, GMB Secretary for Scotland · Bellgrove Hotel – £1.56m from Glasgow said, “This research lifts the lid on the mainly · Martin & Co – Letting Agents, £3.1m secret payments to landlords who are the real from 20 districts nationally. £26,000 winners from Britain's welfare system. We see from Stirling, £365,000 from F taxpayers cash subsidising buy-to-let ife, £78,000 from Clackmannans empires where the money ends up ta hire and x free £182,0 in tax havens. 00 from South Lanarkshire. · Hovepark Lettings Ltd – B The research shows the rich and powerful righton based lettings agent. £455,000 from sucking up taxpayer’s money through housing North Ayrshire. benefit. This is made possible by out of control rents and a lack of affordable and council · Argyll Estates – £126,000 from Argyll homes that so many hard working people and and Bute. 50,000 acre estate including their families desperately need. Inveraray Castle, home to Torquhil Campbell, the Duke o This should bring both shame and action from f Argyll. this government to end this exploitation of · Wemyss Properties Ltd – Owned by public money. William Wemyss, part of a Scottish business dyna These billions going into fat cats wallets and off sty which includes proper shore tax havens would be better spent ty, whisky and gin productio building houses and homes for real working n and energy production. £141,000 people. Shovelling millions of pounds to the from Fife. likes of castle owning barons, whilst so many · Haddo Estate – £42,000 from eithe r wait for a home or have to pay Aberdeenshire. Owned by the Marquess exorbitant rents, is a public scandal. It is also and Marchioness of Aberdeen. bad economics for the nation.”

Join GMB online at www.gmb.org.uk/join 27 Join UNISON to campaign with the STUC for A Fairer UNISON’s priorities Scotland for A Fairer Scotland

The debate on Scotland’s constitutional future before this year’s referendum is only likely to deliver concrete benefits for working people if we ensure that our concerns and priorities are placed at its very heart.

UNISON’s approach to constitutional questions is driven by the interests of our members, by the sort of Scotland we want and deserve to live in. This means that for us, precise constitutional arrangements are the end point and not the starting point of the debate.

We must first define the sort of Scotland we wish to see and then try and examine the likelihood of differing constitutional arrangements on offer to deliver on that vision.

Our role is not to promote or condemn the politics of national identity, Scottish or British. We should not accept at face value any of the claims from any side of the constitutional debate.

Our role is to examine assertions made by all sides in the debate, to get them to spell out what their proposals mean for working people.

Our objective is tackling inequalities, poor health and Fairer Scotland deprivation. Doing so is social change - and unless it and devolution is explained how this is to be achieved, arguments for or against constitutional change mean very little. UNISON Scotland’s contribution to the debate Join online at joinunison.org on how the current devolution settlement or call us on 0800 171 2193 can be strengthened.

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