Uplifting show of unity and solidarity at the Rally Against Hate

Aberdeen Trades Union Council was proud to be one of the organisers, along with an anti-fascist alliance of local left groups, of the Rally against Hate in Aberdeen's Castlegate on Saturday 7 September. 

The expected presence of the far right, with their messages of division and hate didn't materialise and those far right protesters that turned up in Glasgow's George Square were completely outnumbered by thousands of anti-racism, anti-fascism protesters.

Our Aberdeen event was an uplifting show of unity against the far right. With a mix of music, speeches, poetry and chanting, the event celebrated solidarity and inclusivity. All were welcome, all came along from all faiths and none and from across different communities. 

Children made posters with messages of hope and love. Food not bombs gave out free vegan food to anyone who wanted it. The Melting Pot - a band that is a living example of inclusivity - kicked us off with their set of songs promoting messages of collective action and hope for the future, including a rendition of "We shall overcome," for the people of Palestine and Gaza. We also heard great sets from musicians, Fred and JC Bigfoot. And of course the wonderful Guarana Drummers had us tapping our feet and clapping along - and ended the rally on an upbeat note with a conga.

Join us to rally against hate and division and for unity across our communities

Aberdeen Trades Union Council has joined with other local anti-fascist and community organisations to organise a Rally against Hate on Saturday 7 Sept at 12 noon in the Castlegate, Aberdeen. 

The rally is being held to promote inclusion and solidarity within Aberdeen and the North East and to combat the rising threat of the far right, who we have heard may be in Aberdeen that day.

Vice president, Kathleen Kennedy who has been chairing the organising meetings said, “It has never been more important to stand up against those who would divide us as we continue our struggle for equality and justice for all.

"We would ask all our delegates to attend this important event if you can. We would also encourage all trade union branches to write out to each of their members urging them to come along and join us.

“The event will be a celebration of unity across our community and will have music and poetry as well as speeches, and food and children's craft activities.

“Please join us and show racists and fascists that Aberdeen and the North East is a welcoming and inclusive community and we will not be divided by hate.”

May Day March and Rally - standing in solidarity with comrades in struggle

Aberdeen Trades Union Council's May Day march and rally had a focus on the terrible situation in Gaza where thousands of innocent civilians, including at least 15,000 children, with many more missing, have been slaughtered by Israeli bombardment.

This took centre stage as Palestine solidarity protesters swelled the numbers on the march, some from the outset, some from their BDS action outside Barclays. A massive Palestinian flag was carried along Union Street, highlighting the support from the trade union movement for Gaza and Palestine, even as we witness the terrible genocide by Israel.

Led by the Guarana Drummers and the ATUC banner, community groups like Friends of St Fittick's Park and many trade unions were also represented, their placards held proud and their banners flying high. Passersby stopped to watch and clap as the colourful procession passed by.

A rally in the Castlegate was chaired by Vice-president Kathleen Kennedy and heard from several trade union speakers as well as from community activists and Palestine protesters. 

Rainy but very moving International Workers' Memorial Day ceremony

Despite the rain, the International Memorial Day (IWMD) ceremony in the beautiful surroundings of Persley Walled Gardens was well attended and very moving.

Wreaths were laid from many unions and organisations to remember all those who died at their work and to pledge to continue our fight for the living. The provost of Aberdeen laid a wreath on behalf of Aberdeen City Council whilst Kate Ramsden laid the wreath on behalf of ATUC.

We are grateful, as always to Norman Adam, ACC photographer for these photographs.

Kate Ramsden lays wreath on behalf of ATUC

The ceremony was chaired by Vice President, Kathleen Kennedy, who called for a minute's silence to remember all those killed at their work. In doing so she paid tribute to two of our own who died last year, Ron Webster and Gerry McCabe.

Aberdeen City Council provost, David Cameron was the first to speak. He reminded us of the international context to the event and spoke of the importance of campaigning for workers’ health and safety not only in this country but also across the world, highlighting countries like Bangladesh where regulation is lax.

Care workers ask Scottish Government "Where are the missing millions!"

ATUC sends solidarity to social care workers from Unite, UNISON and GMB who today picketed the Scottish parliament demanding the return of the ‘missing millions’ cut from the Scottish Government’s Budget for social care workers.

Information from the Scottish Trades Union Congress’ ‘Missing Millions’ campaign has shown that £38 million of ringfenced funding for maternity, paternity and sick pay for social care workers in Scotland was secretly cut from the latest Scottish Government budget.

Workers protested outside the Scottish Parliament to demand the return of the cash, accusing the Scottish Government of “betraying” social care workers. ATUC delegate Paul King was amongst those protesting and features in this STUC video. 

The ‘Missing Millions’ campaign was launched last week during STUC Congress. A Freedom of Information request has shown that the £38 million cut was pulled directly from the Scottish Government’s Fair Work in Social Care terms and conditions workstream in September 2023.

Join us at our May Day march and rally on 4 May

Please join us at our Aberdeen Trades Union Council May Day march and rally on Saturday 4th May 2024 to celebrate International Workers' Day.

Marchers will gather at Rubislaw Terrace at 11.00am, to march off at 11.30am down Union Street, led by the beats of the Guarana Drummers. 

In a change of route, the march will then proceed down Union Terrace and up Schoolhill to Broad Street.

A rally will be held in the Castlegate from 12 noon where we will hear from a range of speakers from trade unions and community groups.

ATUC Vice President, Kathleen Kennedy, who aill chair the rally said, "As councils again face unprecedented cuts to their budgets, and citizens of the North East struggle with the cost of living crisis, it has never been more important that we stand together in solidarity.

"Workers face cuts to terms and conditions and increasing pressures in the workplace and at the same time, communities are faced with the impact of cuts that will undermine their living standards and quality of life. 

"It has never been more important to support all these struggles. They are all linked and collective action is our strength. A win for one is a win for all."

Join us at International Workers' Memorial Day and "remember the dead, fight for the living"

Representatives from the affiliated Trade Union branches of Aberdeen Trades Union Council, Action on Asbestos, Thompsons Solicitors and Aberdeen City Council will commemorate International Workers Memorial Day (IWMD) on separate events on Friday 26th and Sunday 28th April at the locations listed below.

The International Workers’ Memorial Day theme is to "remember the dead, fight for the living."

Kathleen Kennedy, Vice-President of ATUC said, "On International Workers Memorial Day we pay our respects and remember all those who have lost their lives through a workplace accident or an industrial related disease.

"Whilst we will always remember the dead, we reiterate our fundamental right and duty to fight for the living by ensuring that all workplaces are safe and healthier to work in."

IWMD Aberdeen Events