SCOTTISH Greens called on Scotland’s government today to expand the unions into Schools programme to every high school.

Launched in 2004, the government-funded STUC-delivered scheme brings union reps into the classroom, working with teachers to ensure young people are aware of their workplace rights.

At present, just 7,000-a-year out of the 300,000 pupils in Scotland’s secondary schools, benefit from the classes, but Green MSP Ross Greer has called for all students to have that chance.

“There is nothing that terrifies cruel and exploitative employers as much as unionised workers who know their rights,” he said.

“Every young person deserves to know about their rights in the workplace before they get there.”

Arguing Unions into Schools has “never been more vital,” STUC general secretary Roz Foyer said: “This is a progressive, welcome move from the Scottish Greens who are absolutely correct: educating our young people in their workplace rights is an intrinsic value to not only a healthy workforce but for economic growth.

“When workers win, we all win.”

The Scottish government was contacted for comment.