Workplace relations – a new agenda for progressive change?Aug 22, 2016Following months of political turmoil, Gregor Gall, professor of industrial relations, University of Bradford, analyses proposals now in the mainstream political agenda concerning workers’ rights in the workplace that have long been marginalised and ridiculed. Using historical experience, he concludes that considerable fleshing out of the proposals is needed in order to avoid any potential pitfalls.
Unions and Europe: what are the choices?May 12, 2016The referendum on 23rd June 2016 is a referendum on whether Britain’s membership of the European Union should be maintained regardless of the deal David Cameron struck with the EU member countries on 19 February 2016. As such, the questions facing unions and their members are even more profound and searching than could have been expected. Boycotting, active abstention or not taking a position (as some unions did in the Scottish independence referendum) are not quite so credible options as the contours of the debate are clearly only about ‘in’ or ‘out’ per se with the choice faced being one of working out which is the least worst option.
Agenda for ActionApr 25, 2016The Jimmy Reid Foundation has published its ‘Agenda for Action’ highlighting seven areas requiring the immediate attention of the newly elected Members of the Scottish Parliament. Drawing on JRF publications, independent research and events, the recommendations cover workers’ rights, human rights, developing Scotland’s ports, the fiscal settlement, and getting better data to make informed decisions to grow our overseas trade and the economy.
Economic benefits of public sector provisionMar 30, 2016'The economic benefits of public sector provision' is the title of a new report commissioned by the RMT union into life-line ferry services in the Clyde and Hebrides. The report examines the relative merits of the private and public sector bidders in retendering process in relation to the fulfilment of the contract itself and other elements which have an economic value to the island economies and to the Scottish economy.
Human Rights Protection in Scotland – Raising the BarMar 03, 2016Today the Jimmy Reid Foundation publishes a new policy paper on why Scotland must do better to respect, protect and fulfil human rights across devolved functions. Publication coincides with Alex Neil, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Communities and Pensioners' Rights giving evidence to the European and External Relations Committee of the Scottish Parliament as it concludes its ‘Human Rights Inquiry’.