Workers United: Demanding Better

Our review of the first day of the 2026 STUC congress in Dundee

The Scottish Trades Union Congress opened on April 20th by noting the role that trade unionists play on a daily basis. Representing members, defending terms and conditions and safeguard and enhancing pay. 

Added to this was a recognition that the movement face the threat from the far right and in contrast to the main political parties progressive taxation to fund services was forcefully argued for. 

In an attempt to respond to this backdrop, the STUC Congress agreed to re-organise the frequency of its key meeting and focus more on development. 

In another change, as well as inviting the First Minister and the leader of Scottish Labour to speak to Congress, Gillian McKay of the Scottish Greens will address the Congress later in the week. 

The first of the three speakers, Anas Sarwar spoke on Monday. It would be fair to Mr Sarwar's contribution did not set the heather alight. Whilst ripples of applauses were heard in response to references to Palestine and opposing the far-right, lengthening silences met the rehashing of electoral promises focussed on SNP failures. 

It did not feel good when Anas Sarwar asked delegates to ‘please give me five’, alluding to the years he wants in office. 

Responding to questions on tax, on local government and procurement the Scottish Labour’s leaders answers sounded limited. No tax rises on the rich, moves towards regionalisation and mayors, and skills centre on the Clyde and Rosyth did not quite cut it. 

Labour could do more to bolster its relationship with the Scottish trade union movement. It could more robustly articulate areas positive policy overlap. But it is clear that the relationship is now not what it once was. A worrying time for Labour, perhaps. 

The STUC and the trade union movement need now to consider the benefits of its gentle move towards a pluralistic relationship with Scotland’s progressive political parties. 

Given the challenges facing trades unions the movement cannot wait for an ideal party political ecosystem to emerge. 

Trade unionists need to acknowledge transparent support when it is given. Political parties need to work with trade unions to win the public to support appropriate taxation of the super-rich. We must demand but also build a better Scotland. 

Published 20 April 2026