Scottish Government Debate: Protecting Workers’ Rights

Jamie Hepburn S5M-05864 That the Parliament recognises the vital role of trade unions to Scotland's economy, society and its workforce; supports the Fair Work agenda to protect the rights of all workers in Scotland regardless of sector, background or employment status; is concerned about the impact that leaving the EU will have on the workforce in Scotland; agrees with Scottish Government plans not to impose employment tribunal fees when powers over tribunals are devolved, and calls on the UK Government to act now to protect workers across the UK by repealing the Trade Union Act 2016. Dean Lockhart S5M-05864.2 As an amendment to motion S5M-05864 in the name of Jamie Hepburn (Protecting Workers' Rights), leave out from "is concerned" to end and insert "welcomes confirmation from the UK Government that the rights of workers conferred under EU law will be adopted into UK law at the point at which the UK leaves the EU; recognises the significant enhancement of workers’ rights introduced by the UK Government since 2010, including the introduction of a national living wage, shared parental leave and the extension of flexible working rights, and welcomes the independent Taylor review on modern employment practices, which will include a review of how employee rights can be protected in a changing economy." Jackie Baillie S5M-05864.1 As an amendment to motion S5M-05864 in the name of Jamie Hepburn (Protecting Workers' Rights), after "devolved" insert “; recognises that, for too many people, work is insecure with real terms pay still lower than before the financial crisis and that a £10 real living wage is essential; believes that progress on flagship policies such as the Business Pledge has been poor with only 2% of jobs in Scotland covered by it; considers that all EU-derived workplace laws must be fully protected post-Brexit and that existing rights for all EU nationals living in Britain are guaranteed; believes that zero-hour contracts should be banned and that all workers should have equal rights from day one, whether part-time or full-time, temporary or permanent, which would help transform the workplace”. Andy Wightman S5M-05864.3 As an amendment to motion S5M-05864 in the name of Jamie Hepburn (Protecting Workers' Rights), after "employment status" insert "; supports the Better than Zero campaign and its efforts to support workers in the so-called gig-economy; agrees to make access to government support and funding dependent on clear ethical and environmentally-responsible business practices".