The general secretary of the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) has announced he will be stepping down from the role in May after almost 15 years in charge.
Grahame Smith has led the STUC since being appointed interim chief in May 2005.
Yesterday, he said he wanted to devote “more time to personal interests”, but would continue to campaign and stand up for the rights of working people.
He added: “I could ask no more of my working life than to have had the opportunity to support our unions in their efforts to improve the lives of working people, their families and communities.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Grahame is a dedicated and passionate spokesperson for the rights of workers and the role of trade unions and it has been a privilege to work with him.
“Since being appointed General Secretary of the STUC in 2006 he has made sure the views of working people are heard in government and by employers around the country and I am sure he will continue to contribute to public life.
“His important role in pushing the government to introduce the Fair Work First policy is highly valued, as is his contribution to industrial relations, and his pivotal contribution to the development of Scottish Union Learning. I wish him all the best for his well-deserved retirement next year.”
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