Welsh workers and their communities will benefit from a landmark
shift in how the Welsh Government shapes policy, First Minister
has told trade union
leaders today.
In a keynote speech to TUC Cymru's biennial congress this
morning, the FM outlined a programme placing workers' voices at
the centre of government — from procurement and skills to
industrial remediation and the green transition.
Public bodies in Wales currently spend more than £8 billion a
year on procurement. The Welsh Government aims to increase the
share of public contracts awarded to Welsh-based firms from
around 55% to over 70%, with the potential to support tens of
thousands of jobs.
Among the new Welsh Government's flagship policies will be a new
National Development Agency, established to attract high-quality,
fair-work jobs to Wales. A commitment to renewed social
partnership with trade unions, employers and government will also
guide solutions to complex challenges, including the just
transition to clean energy.
The First Minister told the Congress:
“As a union member myself, I personally have taken part in
collective action. And that belief in the power of trade unions
was instilled in me through having not one but two parents who
were national trade union presidents.
“I may have stood on picket lines with some of you in the past. I
have stood with educators, health and care workers, transport
staff and others to take a stand for fairness, for dignity, and
for the sake of a sustainable future for our public services.
“And now that I'm in the privileged position of being your First
Minister, it's my duty to remember the lessons I learnt from that
solidarity.
“I want to ensure that workers' voices are embedded in
policymaking from the outset. I know that empowering you, tapping
into your lived experience and giving you a seat at the table
will stand Wales in good stead.
“I hope our pledges to extend free school meals, introduce the
most generous childcare offer anywhere in these islands, and
pilot a Welsh Child Payment will help those households
experiencing in-work poverty.
“We can create workplaces where respect and fairness are the
norm, not the exception. We can ensure that prosperity is shared
across all parts of our country. But achieving that vision will
require all of us—Government, unions, employers, and
communities—working together.
“That is the partnership I am committed to.”
