SSP SLAMS NEW LABOUR MUSSOLINI-STYLE UNION BUSTERS

The Scottish Socialist Party today condemned Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott’s statement that he will force a settlement on the firefighters and impose a new national pay and conditions package on the FBU.

SSP Industrial Organiser Richie Venton said,
“This is a dictatorial attempt by a Labour government to impose a settlement as part of its plans to cut the number of firefighters, fire stations and fire cover. It is a major threat to public safety and a dramatic attack on trade union rights. The whole trade union movement should resist this and I urge all trade unionists to turn out on Saturday 1 February at 12 noon in Blythswood Square, Glasgow to the STUC rally where Tommy Sheridan and Andy Gilchrist will be speaking.”

Tommy Sheridan, SSP MSP and National Convenor said,
“This is a disgraceful attack on trade union rights and Scotland must resist it. The fire service is a matter for the Scottish Parliament and I will today be placing a motion in the Parliament and a question to Jack McConnell demanding he refuses to implement this dictatorial settlement in Scotland. The SSP will continue to give full support to the FBU on the picket lines and we hope that people across Scotland will support them.”

He added,
“This highly provocative action is more akin to Mussolini’s Italy than to a democratic country.”

MOTION: That the Parliament condemns the dictatorial attempt by the Deputy Prime Minister to impose a new national settlement on the firefighters; believes that this is a prelude to cutting the numbers of firefighters, firestations and firecover and is a threat to the people of Scotland and the UK as a whole; and demands that the Scottish Executive resists these attempts and continues the normal process of negotiations and agreement with trade unions.

For more information, contact Tommy Sheridan on 07887 795075 or Hugh Kerr on 0131 348 5631 or Richie Venton on 07899 732068