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New relationship with trade unions
30/01/2008
The first fruits of the new relationship between the Scottish Government and the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) have been borne on what First Minister Alex Salmond described as "an important day for this Government, and an important day for Scotland's unions".
Two joint communiqués outlining shared aims and objectives - one on Skills Utilisation and the other on Poverty and Health Inequalities - were agreed at today's meeting, the first since last month's joint signing of the revised Memorandum of Understanding between the Scottish Government and the STUC.
Following today's meeting with the STUC General Council, at which the First Minister was joined by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth John Swinney, Mr Salmond said:
"When I signed the Memorandum of Understanding last month I made clear that I saw the document as representing a real opportunity. An opportunity for Government to work with a vital partner to take forward our vision for a more prosperous Scotland.
"And only a few weeks since that signing, I am delighted to have reached agreement with the STUC on how we can work together to best utilise Scotland's skills and to tackle the scourge of poverty and the health inequalities that blight so many of Scotland's communities. These are not wishlists - they are shared statements of intent by those committed to building a Scotland that is wealthier and fairer.
"This Government is committed to working with others to take Scotland forward. Our groundbreaking agreement with Scotland's local authorities will help bring long lasting improvements to our country. The Memorandum of Understanding with the STUC can also be a template for better working, for the benefit of Scotland's people.
"In signing the Memorandum, the Government and trade unions agreed to work together. In signing two communiqués today, we are taking that agreement to the next step - making this an important day for Government, and an important day for Scotland's unions."
The Government and STUC will meet bi-annually to take forward joint working. Today's meeting was the first to take place since the signing of the Memorandum.