The Herald: Public service workers ‘better-off’ under SSP tax scheme

PUBLIC service workers would be hundreds of pounds a year better-off under a Scottish Socialist party alternative to council tax, according to official research.
The SSP said yesterday its income-based Scottish service tax would benefit nurses, police officers, firefighters, social workers and teachers living in Band D homes by between £332 and £567, while nursery nurses would pay £1053 less per year under the scheme.
Pensioners on low incomes would pay nothing at all.
The party cited a paper by the Scottish Parliament Information Centre on the tax's impact on a range of different occupations.
It showed most low-income households would pay less under a service tax, but the well-off would pay much more than at present.
It claimed that a GP earning £56,000 a year would pay an extra £3200, while a council chief executive with an annual salary of £110,000 would pay £15,000 more each year.
The study also showed most low-income households would pay less under a service tax than with the SNP's local income tax plan.
However, the report did not look at how the new tax would affect state benefits, the cost of collecting it, or its impact on a large swathe of middle-income homes – a gap which will be seized upon by opposition parties.
Tommy Sheridan, SSP leader, said: "The well-paid and wealthy will undoubtedly pay more towards local services under the Scottish service tax, but 77% of Scots will be better off.
"Scotland's public services desperately need substantial resources and it is time the rich and better-off paid their share," he said.
The figures were released on the eve of the SSP's "axe the tax" rally against council tax in Glasgow tomorrow.

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SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 21/04/04

SSP responds over nursery nurses

Scottish Socialist Party MSP Carolyn Leckie today responded to news that UNISON leadership have agreed to look at the possibility of reaching settlements with individual councils, instead of holding out for a nationwide agreement.
Carolyn said;
"The Scottish Socialist Party continues to be 100% on the side of the nursery nurses.
"It is clear that the Labour Party, COSLA and the Scottish Executive are desperate to find a get out of jail free card prior to the European elections.
"The only acceptable get out of jail card is a settlement acceptable to nursery nurses across the board.
"The nursery nurses and their magnificent battle for recognition of the vital job that they do are a beacon to low paid workers, particularly women, everywhere.
"The nursery nurses will not forget that it was Labour politicians in the Scottish Parliament who sold them down the river on two occasions."
[ends]

The Herald: Socialists hail first trade union donations to the party

BBC News: Postal union in affiliation row

A branch of Britain's biggest postal workers union has sparked a row by breaking Labour Party rules and affiliating to another party.

The Edinburgh and Lothian section of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) handed over a £500 cheque to the Scottish Socialist Party.

The branch represents more than 4,000 postal workers.

The Scotsman: New Row Looming Between Labour and Unions

A fresh row between Labour and the unions was brewing tonight after a branch representing thousands of postal workers affiliated to the Scottish Socialist Party.

The Edinburgh and Lothians section of the Communication Workers Union gave £500 to the SSP and said it would be forging closer links with the party, led by Tommy Sheridan.

Evening News: Socialists get trade unions funds boost

TWO trade unions were today handing cash donations to the Scottish Socialist Party in a new blow to Labour.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) - expelled by Labour earlier this year for allowing branches to affiliate to the SSP - was due to present a cheque to SSP leader Tommy Sheridan.

It covers an affiliation fee and a donation towards the SSP’s European election campaign.

Meanwhile, the Communication Workers Union Scotland Number 2 branch, which has 4500 members in Edinburgh and the Lothians, was also due to announce its affiliation to the SSP.

Mr Sheridan said: "In the short history of the SSP we have proved to be a party that promotes trade unionism and organises solidarity for workers in struggle.

"The Scottish Socialist Party supports workers. To receive financial support from the trade union movement is a tribute to our solidarity work.

"Union members cannot understand why the Blair Labour Party continues to receive millions of pounds of union members’ hard-earned cash. This money will help us fight the council tax and win a European seat in June."

Scotland on Sunday: Union chief's 'break from Labour' plea

The Independent: interview with Bob Crow

Scotsman: MSPs slam Royal Mile parade plan

MSPS today spoke out against plans to stage a procession of politicians down the Royal Mile as part of the opening ceremony for the parliament building...

Lothians Scottish Socialist MSP Colin Fox said he could imagine disgruntled residents at their windows with rotting vegetables - and worse - at the ready.

"We could be hearing a few cries of ‘gardyloo’," he said. "And all those who dress up in their finery might find it’s not so fine by the time they get there."

Sunday Herald: The War May Be Over, But The Battle Goes On

One year ago a group of teenagers in the capital organised a walkout of their respective schools in protest over Iraq. Vicky Allan catches up with the alumni of Edinburgh Youth Against The War

BBC News Online
Scottish actor and director Peter Mullan is joining striking nursery nurses on the picket line.
Mr Mullan is showing his support for nursery nurses in Govan, Glasgow, on Monday along with the leader of the RMT rail union, Bob Crow.
The act of solidarity will take place as trade union activists gather for the first day of the annual Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) conference.
Scottish Socialist leader Tommy Sheridan will also join the protest.