Scotland’s largest union, UNISON, voted overwhelmingly today (Saturday) to support the call for a second independence referendum, at a time to be determined by the Scottish Parliament.

Speaking at UNISON’s Scottish Council meeting in Glasgow, the union’s Scottish Convenor Lilian Macer said:

“This is no way pre-determines the views our members may take in the event of an independence referendum, but they should have the opportunity to express their views. UNISON Scotland will take this decision into the wider trade union movement and, together with the Jimmy Reid Foundation, we will promote the debate at the forthcoming STUC congress in April 2020.

UNISON Scotland defends public services and those who deliver them and it is imperative that we explore the full range of options available to the people of Scotland.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. Full wording of the motion: “UNISON Scotland was party to the Scottish Constitutional Convention, Claim of Right and acknowledges the sovereign right of the Scottish people to determine the form of government best suited to their needs. UNISON Scotland supports the call for a second referendum, at a time to be determined by the Scottish Parliament, by means of either a section 30 order or an amendment to the Scotland Act as a satisfactory means of transferring the power over independence referendums.”

UNISON Contacts

Danny Phillips, communications officer: 07944 664110