Working for working people

On Monday (November 3) UNITElive reported that workers wanted a Holyrood-based MSP to lead Labour in Scotland.

And today UNITElive can announce the union is backing Neil Findlay, MSP for Lothian, in the upcoming ballot for the leader of the Scottish Labour party.

A poll of Unite members conducted on November 2 revealed that by approximately four to one (78 per cent to 22 per cent) Unite members said that they wanted an MSP for the job.

The survey of over 5,000 Unite members across Scotland also found a continuing drift away from Labour. Fifty four per cent of those who voted Labour in the last general election say they do not expect to do so again in 2015.

Today’s Unite recommendation came after detailed consultation with members’ reps on Unite Scotland’s political committee.

Committee membership spans working and community Scotland, embracing, among others, the finance sector, the NHS, manufacturing and the voluntary and public services.

“Neil’s impressive record of working for working people and their communities at Holyrood and in his role as shadow health minister won the day,” said Unite Scottish secretary said Pat Rafferty.

“In Neil we are confident that our members will find a leader who not only understands their concerns but will fight doggedly on their behalf. They can be assured that Neil is on their side.”

Aside from the clear lead members gave about wanting an MSP to lead Labour, the committee also believed Neil’s positive programme for social justice not only makes him the outstanding candidate, but also offers the best hope for the renewal of the Labour party within Scotland’s communities.

But members needed to get involved in the process.

“Ahead of the ballot, we will ensure Unite members are supported in their own decision making, and can be assured that their union will be seeking opportunities for them to question candidates at hustings meetings,” said Pat Rafferty.

“I would urge all three candidates to attend the union hustings.  These are an opportunity to connect with not just the people of our 165,000-strong union, but the hundreds of thousands of union members across Scotland,” he added.