NEWS RELEASE
FIRE SERVICE MODERNISATION STUC TALKS WITH LABOUR MSP's
Representatives of the STUC met last evening (1 October 2003) with members of the Scottish Parliament Labour Trade Union Group of MSP's, to discuss the Scottish Executive's proposals for the future of the fire service in Scotland.
Speaking after the meeting, STUC General Secretary, Bill Speirs said,
"The STUC values its on-going relationship with the Labour Trade Union Group at Holyrood. Our meetings are rarely headline grabbing, but they are where we do the bread and butter work of making sure that trade union views are taken account of in policy making.
"The future of Scotland's fire services is clearly important to fire fighters and emergency control staff. But shouldn't be categorised as a producers' lobby we also represent ordinary working people, across the country, who want to be sure that fire service are delivered efficiently and with the preservation of life as the top consideration.
"This is a position that drew much sympathy at last night's meeting and the STUC looks forward to working with the Labour Trade Union Group to secure these objectives".
ENDS
For further comment contact:
Bill Speirs, STUC General Secretary
Tracey White, STUC Assistant Secretary