Young trade unionists from across Scotland will gather in Perth to mark the 70th anniversary of the formation of the STUC Youth Committee at the annual STUC Youth Conference.
The theme of the conference is “Empowering Young Workers Through Learning” to reflect the importance of encouraging young workers to access lifelong learning opportunities through their trade unions.
Other issues subject to debate over the weekend include affordable housing, a fair living wage for all, apprenticeship rights and class sizes.
Speaking ahead of this year’s conference Jenny Duncan, Unite the Union, Amicus Section said
“Young workers continue to be exploited, subject to poor terms and conditions and employers do not invest in the workforce of tomorrow. The STUC Youth Committee welcomes the opportunity to debate the Apprenticeship Rights (Scotland) Bill at our conference that will, if successful, provide opportunities for all young people between 16 and 18.
John Slaven, Scottish Union Learning Development Officer added “For many young workers lack of educational opportunities adversely affects life chances, trapping them into a cycle of exploitative low paid employment, not only is this bad for the individual it is bad for wider society. This is why we believe a properly supported and funded educational system that supports workers from cradle to grave, allowing access to learning is central to our societies well being” .
Ian Tasker, STUC Assistant Secretary said
In addition to promoting the rights of young people in our society this weekend will allow our Youth Committee to debate emergency motions submitted by our affiliates. At this stage the Youth Committee will be submitting a motion raising our concerns on the situation in Zimbabwe calling for all countries in Southern Africa to follow Nelson Mandela’s lead in denouncing the horrific action of Robert Mugabe’s Zanu PF.