SNP and Greens Power-Sharing Deal Reaction

Responding to this morning’s (Friday 20 August) announcement that the SNP and the Scottish Greens have agreed a new power-sharing partnership, GMB General Secretary Gary Smith said:

“In the election the Greens said they wanted carers to be paid a £15 minimum, and with the consultation under way on the National Care Service, tens of thousands of staff undervalued on £9.50 an hour will expect Lorna Slater and Patrick Harvie to deliver on their promises.

“They also campaigned on a platform to deliver a 12.5 per cent pay rise for nurses, the 4 per cent increase implemented didn’t come close to closing the massive pay restoration gap after years of cuts, and in 2022 our NHS staff will expect better.

“And workers across our energy sector will be looking on with real concern, they will be seeking assurances that this deal will not be a one-way ticket to the dole queue – it’s as simple as that.”

ENDS

Contact: GMB Scotland Communications on 07976 447077.

Notes to Editors:

“Scottish Election 2021: Scottish Green Party policies explained”, BBC Scotland Newsonline, 14 April 2021, access at: <<Scottish election 2021: Scottish Green Party policies explained - BBC News>>