Radical Independence Campaign

The growing momentum for a Yes vote in September has also filtered through to the trade union movement at this year’s STUC Conference.

RIC activist Suki Sangha said, ‘this year many more people are saying Yes at conference. The trade union movement is derided at Westminster, but it can play a central role in shaping an independent Scotland. I think the growing awareness of that fact is helping to convince trade-unionists of the potential of a yes vote in September.’

The youth section of the trade union movement is also debating the way forward for the unions, and the importance of the referendum.

Sarah Collins, a RIC activist based in Glasgow and Chair of the STUC Youth Committee said, ‘it is encouraging that the arguments for Yes are gaining traction at this year’s STUC conference. We need unions and young people to be front and centre of rebuilding Scotland after decades of Westminster neglect. Seizing the opportunity to vote Yes can signal a rebirth of the trade-union movement in Scotland.’

The Radical Independence Campaign’s inclusion at this year’s STUC Congress was an important addition to the 3 dozen or so campaigning organisations that exhibited their work.

Congress delegate and RIC Dundee activist Stuart Fairweather said, ‘RIC has made its mark at the STUC. The stall, the Yes fringe meeting and contribution by RIC supporters to the discussions have added strength to the idea that another Scotland is possible.’

Cat Boyd, a co-founder of RIC and Unite activist, spoke at Yes Scotland’s fringe event. She said, ‘more and more people across the trade union movement in Scotland are realising that a Yes vote is the most progressive move for socialists and trade unionists at home and abroad. The case for Radical Independence after the 18th of September is growing in strength. We are building a movement that is bigger than the vote. The referendum lasts for just one day and it is on the 19th of September that we will begin to shape the country that we all want to see.’