A staunch defence of universal benefits will be made by First Minister Alex Salmond when he addresses delegates at the congress in Perth.
Mr Salmond will say the Scottish Parliament has pursued and protected the likes of free personal care and free access to higher education since 1999 during a speech at the conference.
It is a direct challenge to Labour leader Johann Lamont, who said in September last year that: “Scotland cannot be the only something for nothing country in the world.”
Ahead of his speech to delegates, Mr Salmond said: “This administration is demonstrating the Scottish Parliament’s ongoing commitment to universal services, while our opponents are bent on a wholesale dismantling of such services.
“As the STUC knows, and has a proud history of showing, a country and an economy is about more than those who are in work.
“Our children, our students, our older people and those who are not fortunate enough to be in work are all important members of society and it is my firm belief that everyone contributes.
“At a time when many individuals and families across Scotland are seeing their household budgets pressed harder than ever, it is my belief that our national commitment to universal benefits should be stronger than ever.”