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| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| Scottish independence: PCS union to vote on referendum position | Scottish independence: PCS union to vote on referendum position |
| (about 9 hours later) | |
| Members of one of Scotland's biggest unions are to vote on whether they should back either side of the independence debate. | Members of one of Scotland's biggest unions are to vote on whether they should back either side of the independence debate. |
| The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union, which represents civil servants, will debate and vote on the issue at its conference in Glasgow. | The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union, which represents civil servants, will debate and vote on the issue at its conference in Glasgow. |
| Two of the union's biggest branches have already voted in favour of backing a "Yes" vote. | Two of the union's biggest branches have already voted in favour of backing a "Yes" vote. |
| Other unions, including the GMB and ASLEF, are backing the "No" campaign. | Other unions, including the GMB and ASLEF, are backing the "No" campaign. |
| Delegates from the PCS, which represents about 30,000 staff in Scotland, are meeting following a consultation process in which branches from workplaces around Scotland were asked for their views on independence. | Delegates from the PCS, which represents about 30,000 staff in Scotland, are meeting following a consultation process in which branches from workplaces around Scotland were asked for their views on independence. |
| Three propositions | Three propositions |
| They will vote on three propositions linked to the result of September's referendum: backing a "Yes" vote, supporting a "No" vote or taking a neutral position. | They will vote on three propositions linked to the result of September's referendum: backing a "Yes" vote, supporting a "No" vote or taking a neutral position. |
| The outcome of the vote will be considered by the PCS National Executive Committee, with any final decision to be taken by the Annual Delegate Conference in May. | The outcome of the vote will be considered by the PCS National Executive Committee, with any final decision to be taken by the Annual Delegate Conference in May. |
| The union's Scottish secretary, Lynn Henderson, is expected to speak in favour of taking a neutral position. | The union's Scottish secretary, Lynn Henderson, is expected to speak in favour of taking a neutral position. |
| But members of the union's East Kilbride Revenue and Customs branch have already voted in favour of backing a "Yes" vote, as has the Glasgow Department for Work and Pensions branch. | But members of the union's East Kilbride Revenue and Customs branch have already voted in favour of backing a "Yes" vote, as has the Glasgow Department for Work and Pensions branch. |
| PCS members across the UK have demonstrated against UK government policy and public sector job losses. | PCS members across the UK have demonstrated against UK government policy and public sector job losses. |
| Earlier this week, Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) leader Grahame Smith said some of his members were "more attracted by the vision offered by the 'Yes' campaign and the Scottish government", particularly around social justice. | Earlier this week, Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) leader Grahame Smith said some of his members were "more attracted by the vision offered by the 'Yes' campaign and the Scottish government", particularly around social justice. |
| 'Significant impact' | 'Significant impact' |
| Launching an analysis paper into independence called A Just Scotland, Mr Smith said those members were "disappointed with the lack of vision from the 'No' campaign". | Launching an analysis paper into independence called A Just Scotland, Mr Smith said those members were "disappointed with the lack of vision from the 'No' campaign". |
| He also said that none of the currency options outlined so far for an independent Scotland were "wholly compelling". | He also said that none of the currency options outlined so far for an independent Scotland were "wholly compelling". |
| Among the speakers at the PCS conference will be Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Labour MSP Neil Findlay. | |
| Speaking ahead of the conference, Ms Sturgeon said: "Whatever else happens today, it seems unlikely that PCS will back No - which we in the Yes camp can take great encouragement from." | Speaking ahead of the conference, Ms Sturgeon said: "Whatever else happens today, it seems unlikely that PCS will back No - which we in the Yes camp can take great encouragement from." |
| Mr Findlay said he would be arguing that "no one is voting No for the status quo - I want a No vote for change." | |
| Chris Baugh, assistant general secretary of the PCS, said: "Clearly the constitutional settlement, one way or another, will have a hugely significant impact on PCS members in Scotland whether they work for the devolved government or for Westminster departments. | Chris Baugh, assistant general secretary of the PCS, said: "Clearly the constitutional settlement, one way or another, will have a hugely significant impact on PCS members in Scotland whether they work for the devolved government or for Westminster departments. |
| "The conference provides a fantastic opportunity for delegates from branches across Scotland to come together and discuss the key issues and I know that the debate will be passionate, informed and enlightening." | "The conference provides a fantastic opportunity for delegates from branches across Scotland to come together and discuss the key issues and I know that the debate will be passionate, informed and enlightening." |
| Voters in Scotland will be asked the yes/no question: "Should Scotland be an independent country?" in the referendum on 18 September. | Voters in Scotland will be asked the yes/no question: "Should Scotland be an independent country?" in the referendum on 18 September. |