Co-Op Funeral Care and Unite Members Industrial Action

Early day motion 593, tabled 17 November 2022 by Chris Stephens (Scottish National Party). Signed by 24 members.

That this House shows solidarity with Unite members working at Co-Op Funeral Care in Glasgow who are currently taking industrial action over pay; understands the context of the cost of living crisis with rising food costs, energy bills and inflation at a 41 year high; notes that the Retail Price Index is at its highest level since 1980; further notes that this means RPI is currently over 10% higher than the Co-Op Funeral Care’s latest 4% pay offer; is alarmed by the absence of planned talks with the employer, Co-Op Funeral Care; is disappointed to see this behaviour in a workplace that carries the Co-Op brand name; is surprised to see an organisation, like the Co-Op, whose values are linked to democracy, equality and caring for others, treating workers in such a way that has left them feeling forced to take industrial action; expresses concern that this dispute will continue risking significant coffin supply disruption at a time when seasonal mortality rates are highest; and urges Co-Op Funeral Care to get back round the table to engage in meaningful negotiations.

Signatures by party: Labour 14, Scottish National Party 6, Independent 2, Alba 1, Labour/Co-operative 1.