The Scottish Government must “work night and day” to support working people, a trade union has said.
STUC general secretary Roz Foyer met First Minister John Swinney on Wednesday to discuss helping Scots with the cost of living, and supporting jobs and employment across the country.
During the meeting at Bute House, they discussed local taxation reform, collective bargaining and the future of public services.
Mr Swinney said: “There are many issues on which the SNP and STUC agree, including the importance of fair work, strong trade unions, and improved public services contributing to Scotland’s success.
“During the election campaign, I pledged to support a vibrant trade union movement – and I was pleased to meet with Roz Foyer today to reiterate that commitment.
“Whilst we will not always agree, the Scottish Government I lead will continue to closely engage with the STUC on Scotland’s public services, the cost-of-living crisis, and protecting and supporting jobs.”
The First Minister also pledged to seek early cross-party agreement on the issue of council tax.
Ms Foyer said: “I was pleased to meet with the First Minister today to set out the clear priorities of Scotland’s trade union movement.
“High-quality jobs with collective bargaining at its core, fully funded public services and an industrial strategy that’s built upon non-negotiable fair work practices are all central to growing our economy in favour of Scotland’s workers.
“Workers and their communities are suffering badly with the cost-of-living scandal, a crisis that prioritises profiteers over people.
“The Scottish Government must work night and day to give working people the urgent support they’re demanding to transform their lives for the better.
“As such, we’re pleased the First Minister has agreed to our calls on seeking a way forward on local taxation reform. Collectively, we must come together to support our local authorities and to give dignity, hope and positive change for Scotland’s workers.”