The debate around Scottish independence is largely ignoring crucial issues facing workers, especially around cuts, austerity and social justice, the Fire Brigades Union has said.
At the union’s last conference, a motion proposed by Scottish firefighters declaring the organisation neutral on the issue was passed without anyone speaking against it, and this week FBU general secretary, Matt Wrack, confirmed that union officials would not indicate support for a Yes or No vote in an official capacity.
However, Wrack also said that the independence debate was failing to address crucial issues affecting workers, such as cuts, austerity and falling living standards.
“What firefighters and other workers need is a real alternative to austerity, but on both sides of the referendum debate most politicians aren’t even asking the right questions, never mind providing any answers,” Wrack said.
“We need policies that stop the cuts, create jobs and provide security and a future for all. We want the long standing concerns of the trade union movement and working people to be heard in this debate.
“There are strong views on both sides of the Scottish independence debate, but neither camp has provided any serious alternatives to the policies of cuts and austerity that are devastating our public services, cutting living standards and prolonging economic stagnation.”
You can read more on the FBU’s position in circular 2014HOC0157MW.
