The speech touched on, among other things: the potential implications of George Osbourne’s spending review; the positive impact trade unions have had and continue to have on British society; and the Scottish Government’s Fair Work Convention.

Describing the Conservative’s Trade Union Bill as an “extraordinary and unwarranted assault on some of the social and economic rights we value and have come to take for granted ” she went on to describe how trade unions “ help employers to create the safe, humane, productive working conditions which head off industrial disputes - and which build better businesses ”.

The full transcript of Sturgeon’s speech can be read here: http://news.scotland.gov.uk/Speeches-Briefings/Jimmy-Reid-Memorial-Lecture-1fa2.aspx

While the political landscape in Scotland is currently much more open to working with trade unions than against them there has never been more of a need to be a member of a union. Without members trade unions have no remit to negotiate and consult on workers behalf so encourage your colleagues, friends and family to join Prospect, or their relevant trade union, today.