A Voice For Scottish Workers

Welcome to the
SNP Trade Union Group

The SNP Trade Union Group;

  • Gives a voice to Scottish Workers
  • Promotes policies to increase employment
  • Campaigns for workers rights
  • Supports Trade Union campaigns
  • Engages with Government
  • Works with back-bench MSP’s
  • Works with MP’s and MEP’s

We strive towards a Scotland that is vibrant, creative, healthy, well educated and peaceful, where we are proud of our past and confident in our future.

That will be best achieved in an independent Scotland

Group members are activists in a wide range
of trade unions including UNISON, EIS, FBU, GMB, RMT and UCATT.

 

 

 

Tributes to the late Jimmy Reid;

Alex Salmond;

“I am deeply saddened at the passing of Jimmy Reid. He loved Scotland and her people – it was this commitment that drove Jimmy to defend the jobs and communities of the upper Clyde when he first shot to prominence nearly 40 years ago, with his inspirational and successful leadership of the UCS work-in. It was the consistent mark of the man in all the years since – Jimmy’s depth and calibre were amply demonstrated in his unforgettable address as Rector of Glasgow University.
“Jimmy Reid was Clyde built. He has been Scotland’s great rallying figure over the last four decades, and was one of the few Scottish political figures who can genuinely say that they provoked real change for the better in society – always addressing both a Scottish and international audience. Above all, Jimmy was a warm, humorous, and generous human being.
“Scotland produces few people of Jimmy’s character and calibre – I was honoured to know him, and proud that he found his lasting political home in the ranks of the Scottish National Party. Jimmy’s political journey to embrace the cause of Scottish independence was hugely influential in promoting further change in Scotland. He became a kenspeckle and much loved figure at party conferences, and inspired a new generation in Scotland with his wisdom, eloquence, wonderful sense of humour, and above all the conviction that people coming together in a common cause can make change happen. Jimmy believed that nothing was impossible, and it was this spirit and sense of optimism that I loved most.
“Jimmy will be missed not just across the political spectrum, but throughout Scotland’s national life. I will miss his wise counsel, while Scotland has lost a commanding figure of great humanity.
“My condolences go to Joan, their three daughters Eileen, Shona and Julie, and three grandchildren. Their grief is shared by the nation.”

 

John Duffy - TUG Convener;

Sadly, once again our movement will come together to pay tribute to one of our own. For that is what Jimmy Reid was, one of us, one who saw the world was wrong as it is and did something to try and change it. His actions and words cuts across names and titles, parties, colours and ideologies. It was about making the world a better place for us all to live in. And that sentiment should be the driving force for the rest of us. A true "great", he will be sadly missed.

 

Anne McNair - TUG Secretary;

Jimmy Reid was a rare combination of fiery intellect, great humour and deep warmth. His commitment to the rights and aims of the trade union movement was resolute. His leadership in facing up to the Tory government in the historic fight to save UCS and the shipbuilding jobs on Clydeside remains as an inspiration for all. He was both an internationalist and a nationalist.
The SNP Trade Union Group were privileged to have worked alongside Jimmy Reid and to have shared his aspirations.
Our thoughts are with his family.


Chris Stephens - TUG NEC Rep;

It was a joy to work with Jimmy Reid. A giant of the Trade Union Movement in every sense of the word. The Trade Union Group held a fringe meeting four years ago with Jimmy and Bill Speirs. They both held the audience in the palm of their hand. Jimmy knew what civic nationalism meant, and was quite simply the best orator I have ever met. So long comrade, you will never be forgotten.

Malcolm Balfour -TUG Liaison Officer

Jimmy Reid joined the party in April 2005 at the S T U C in Dundee and was made life president of the SNP Trade Union Group the following November, being proposed by myself and Chris Stephens.
The experience he brought to the group was of immense help in our endeavors and the help that he gave to me personally opened many doors that otherwise would have remained closed and this has enabled me to forge closer links with both the STUC and many of it's affiliates .
I was privileged to have him call me his friend and to have him call me his comrade was an honour.
Goodbye my friend.

 

 

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