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Memorandum of Understanding
05/12/2007
A new agreement between the Scottish Government and the Scottish Trades Union Congress places economic growth at the heart of a stronger working relationship between the two bodies.
The Memorandum of Understanding, signed today by First Minister Alex Salmond and the STUC President Phil McGarry, sets out shared priorities and how the Government and STUC can work together to achieve these.
Mr Salmond said that today's agreement was 'a further sign of this Government's determination to release Scotland's potential and form strong alliances with all those who can help us to grow our economy'.
At STUC offices in Glasgow, the First Minister said:
"Scotland's trade union movement is a vital partner in taking forward our vision for a more prosperous Scotland. That is why I am so pleased to have signed this new agreement with them today. The Memorandum acknowledges the pivotal role of the STUC. It makes clear our shared values. This Government is committed to building a Scotland that is wealthier and fairer. Not just a richer country but a richer society.
"This Government has set out an ambitious target for economic growth. We want to match the UK's growth rate by 2011. I have established a Council of Economic Advisers to look at how we can best achieve this.
"As a Government we have also shown that we want to bring about a better Scotland through working closely with others. Last month saw a groundbreaking agreement with Scotland's local authorities which I firmly believe will bring long lasting improvements to our country.
"Today's agreement builds on that spirit of co-operation and is a further sign of our determination to release Scotland's potential and form strong alliances with all those who can help us to grow our economy."