Scottish independence: RMT explains ‘Yes’ support

The RMT said a Yes vote would 'see the needs of the millions put before the greed of the millionaires.' Picture: TSPL

Members of the transport union narrowly backed a Yes vote in a referendum ballot last week.

The RMT formally declared its position at a meeting in Cowdenbeath, Fife, today, saying independence would lead to a fairer society in Scotland.

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Regional organiser for Scotland Mick Hogg said: “I believe a Yes majority will send a clear message to the Westminster establishment that working class people have had enough of the savage Con-Dem austerity cuts - cuts which, incredibly, Labour support.

“A Yes vote will give us a chance to eradicate poverty and consign foodbanks to the history books through a government we will vote for carrying out the policies the people of Scotland want and need.

“I believe an independent Scotland will be a force for good internationally and a beacon of hope and aspiration to the working class communities of the rest of the UK, Europe and beyond. Politics is about priorities. A Yes vote will see the needs of the millions put before the greed of the millionaires.”

The result of Thursday’s RMT ballot was 1,051 for Yes (44 per cent), 968 for No (41 per cent) with 365 taking no position (15 per cent).

Yes Scotland campaign chairman Dennis Canavan said the move is “further evidence” that Labour supporters are moving over to a Yes vote.

He said: “They recognise that an independent Scotland will be able to pursue the sort of policies which trade unionists hold dear, such as improving opportunities for working people, equal rights for women, getting rid of nuclear weapons and pursuing policies of peace and social justice.”

Scottish Labour said following the ballot that six trade unions representing 130,000 people are in favour of a No vote on September 18.

They include the train drivers’ union Aslef.

The STUC has remained neutral in the debate but today questioned the announcement of extra powers for Scotland with less than 10 days until the referendum.

General secretary Grahame Smith told the Herald newspaper: “We called on the Better Together parties to come together in February this year.

“They have had lots of time to do something and yet they are doing this now, within days of the referendum and when tens of thousands of people have already voted.”

Mr Smith said it was clear that the issue of social justice will be significant in determining the outcome of the vote.

He said: “Whatever the outcome next week, Scotland and the UK will be different. The trade union movement on this island will continue to work together in the interests of working people.

“Our concern for workers’ rights, our demands for an extension of collective bargaining, for fair pay, for quality jobs and public services, for serious measures to end poverty and inequality, will not change. But how we affect that change, the way in which we work together, will be different.”