On Friday, 28th February, Scottish Left Unity members attended Scotland’s first-ever PCS policy-making conference. This landmark event represents a significant opportunity for PCS Scotland to raise, debate, and vote on issues that affect Scotland as a devolved nation.  Left Unity was at the forefront of securing conferences for the devolved nations.

Since the inauguration of the Scottish Parliament in 1999, numerous policies have been passed, many of which focus on workers’ rights. The Scottish arm of Left Unity has been at the forefront of the campaign for a Fair Work agreement. Unlike the national PCS policy, which currently lacks a stance on fair work, this conference allows PCS members to set mandates on Scottish-specific issues.

The standing orders committee received 46 motions, of which 31 were passed to be heard. These motions covered a range of topics, including expanding fiscal autonomy, changes to devolved taxation, supporting the Scottish Service Tax to calling for an expansion to the now faltering free school meals initiative. Additionally, the conference instructed the Scottish Executive Committee to produce campaign materials to explain these issues to members and the public.

As with any new committee, the model constitution required adjustments, particularly in the language used. Terms like ‘Devolved Area’ and the designation of PCS Scotland were refined to better reflect the unique context of Scottish governance.

This first PCS policy-making conference in Scotland marks a pivotal moment for PCS Scotland, providing a platform for meaningful discussion and decision-making on issues pertinent to Scotland as a devolved nation. This event underscores the importance of influencing and campaigning on Scottish policymaking and to hold Scotland to its fair work agreement.