Renfrewshire Council has launched a new construction charter that will promote local employment, fair wages, and protection for workers…
The Renfrewshire Council Construction Charter will prevent poor practices in the sector. The charter was drawn up with the aid of trade union Unite.
The council agreed to the charter last week, which will promote local employment, ensure fair wages, and offer protection for workers in the sector.
Councillor Jim Harte put the document forward. He said: “When the council spends public money, we want to make sure it is going to companies who are investing in the local community, paying a fair wage and treating their workers with dignity and respect.
“The charter makes it clear that the council expects health and safety standards to be rigorously implemented and adhered to.
“We’ll expect companies to promote and improve opportunities in education and training, so that local people can help fill the construction skills gap and learn for the future.
“They should also promote and encourage full apprenticeships for local young people.
“This council is a Living Wage employer and we want all construction companies to follow that example, including encouraging them to register as Scottish Living Wage Employers.”
Unite Scottish secretary Pat Rafferty also commented, stating: “We would like to thank the councillors who supported this Charter.
“This is a most welcome step in the right direction, protecting the right of construction workers is an ongoing struggle.
“We’re particularly pleased that the Charter says companies must certify that they have not engaged in the practice of blacklisting workers for any reason.
“Now that this Charter has been agreed in Renfrewshire, we will be pushing for other public bodies across Scotland to follow their example, including the Scottish Futures Trust – the Scottish Government agency that is bringing private finance into public construction projects.”
