The Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) has voted to support a Nautilus International motion calling for the future proofing of maritime skills and training, at STUC's 127th Annual Congress in Dundee.
In delivering the motion to Congress, Nautilus head of Industrial Micky Smyth pointed out that globally, with a decarbonisation target date of 2050, 750,000 seafarers require additional training.
'The challenge is to deliver the skills at a pace that matches the ambition and delivery of change,' he said.
'With the country in a crisis of productivity, support for upskilling and reskilling is support for increasing productivity and support for people led economic growth that is sustainable.
'It is increasingly apparent is that as an island nation, there is huge dependence on food and fuel imports, and the increasing race to the bottom in maritime is a race to disaster
'We must ensure the Scottish government invests in maritime training with a focus on skills in emerging sectors such as offshore renewables and other sectors where skill gaps may emerge.'
The Nautilus motion commits the STUC to:
- work with key stakeholders for a just transition to net zero in the interests of all workers, including maritime professionals
- work to ensure that all workers, especially maritime professionals, can access training at no cost to the individual, so they can be equipped with any new skills needed at any stage of their career
- support efforts to encourage more young people to consider careers at sea and increasing diversity of the maritime industry
The motion was seconded by the RMT union. Dan Henderson, RMT trade union learning organiser, emphasised that quality apprenticeships and training opportunities are needed as well as lifelong learning to support workers in maritime and elsewhere.
The motion was unilaterally backed by all STUC affiliates and reaffirms broader support in Scotland to deliver Nautilus' ongoing commitments to a worker-led Just Transition in maritime.
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