Scottish trade unions to get £250,000 to mitigate impact of UK Government reforms

A new Trade Union Modernisation fund of £250,000 has been announced by the Scottish government to allow them to maintain capacity in the face of reforms from Westminster.

The fund adds to existing funds to promote in-work learning and will be managed by the Union Modernisation Fund (UMF) supervisory board, part of the Scottish Trade Unions Congress (STUC).

Announcing the fund, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said it was designed to mitigate the impact on unions from the UK-wide Trade Union Act, which came into force in May.

RELATED CONTENT

Trade union reforms introduced

Scottish Government bid to block Trade Union Bill rejected

Jimmy Reid Foundation report: Demise of trade unions has created democratic deficit in workplace

The reforms changed the rules on strike ballots and trade union membership.

Sturgeon called the legislation “unnecessary”, and said the Scottish Government was “committed to supporting strong trade unions” as part of building “constructive employment relations” based on “partnership”.

“The fund will ensure that the time of union reps is not needlessly diverted to legislation compliance administration but can remain committed to supporting their members and innovation in the workplace through the Fair Work Framework.”

STUC General Secretary Grahame Smith said:

“From the inception of the Fair Work Commission to their opposition to the Trade Union Bill, the Scottish Government has made clear that it supports organised unions playing a positive role in delivering Fair Work and engaging the skills of its members in driving economic growth and delivering better public services.

“By assisting in mitigating the impacts of the Trade Union Act and encouraging the best use of reps time to positively promote Fair Work and workplace innovation, the Scottish Government has again demonstrated its commitment to positive industrial relations through workplace democracy.”