Next ATUC meeting Wed 5th November - all delegates and associates welcome

The next ATUC delegates' meeting will be held on Wed 5th November 2014 in the ATUC Premises, John Londragon House, 22a Adelphi, Aberdeen.

A full Agenda will include speakers from Scottish Palestinian Solidarity Campaign and Steve Dillon of UCATT on Blacklisting. Plans for the St Andrew's Day March and Rally, the 2015 STUC, and discussion on the filling of the vacant posts on the ATUC Executive will also be on the Agenda.

A revised Agenda has now been circulated and all delegates are encouraged to attend. Associate members are also welcome.

Join the picket at Mcdonalds against zero hour contracts

Aberdeen Trades Union Council will be lending support to the bakers union, The Bakers, Food and Allied Worker's Union( BFAWU) in their campaign against zero hours contracts.

ATUC's Gerry McCabe said, "Following their success at the Hovis Factory in Wigan, they are coming to Aberdeen to continue their campaign on Wednesday 29th October and Thursday 30th.  

"Activity is being kicked off by a picket of McDonald's in Union Street on the 29th between 4.00p.m. and approximately 7.00p.m. On Thursday there will be pickets at KFC and Burger King.  The details of the second days activity have yet to be firmed up and any suggestions would be more than welcome.  

"We hope to have the ATUC banner at these events and I would urge as many of our affiliates as possible to come along.  If you can make it along then we will see you at 4.00p.m. on the 29th."

Thousands march for social justice

Trade unionists from the Aberdeen Trade Union Council  were amongst thousands of trade unionists and anti-poverty campaigners in Glasgow on Saturday 18th October to demand a just Scotland with decent work and decent pay, and an end to austerity, child poverty and foodbanks.

Hundreds of banners and balloons made a colourful display as the march made its way from Glasgow Green to George Square. At the same time tens of thousands marched in London and in Belfast to make the same demands and to call for decent wages and an end to the low wage economy created by this Condem Government.

In Glasgow, the assembled marchers heard from a range of speakers calling for an end to attacks on the poorest and most vulnerable in our country whilst the richest continue to amass huge wealth which could clear the deficit many times over.

Kate Ramsden, ATUC Vice President said, "The speakers told harrowing stories of the effects of the Government cuts on the most vulnerable; people with disabilities whose benefits have been cut and who can't get into work; the one in three children growing up in poverty, most of whom have parents in work - a new generation of working poor, on part-time, zero hours or self employed contracts; the young people who can't find work, the first generation whose prospects will be poorer than their parents.

"However they also reminded us how powerful we can be if we work together for a more equal society. The money is there - we know that. It's just in the wrong hands and that needs to change."

Tackling inequality and promoting social justice will benefit the economy as a whole

Growing inequality, poor wages and the growth of low paid, part-time jobs is bad not just for individuals but for the economy as a whole and we need to find ways to address it. That was the message from the STUC Conference, “Decent Work, Dignified Lives” held on 15^th October 2014, in the middle of Challenge Poverty Week.


Grahame Smith

The role of the trade unions in tackling poverty was high on the agenda, and kicking off the conference, STUC General Secretary, Grahame Smith called for the UK and Scottish Government to recognise the legitimate role of trade unions in society. He commended the recommendations of the “Working Together Review” in Scotland, which, if implemented, could change the whole culture of trade union involvement. Chaired by Jim Mathers, with representation from trade unions, employers and academics, the review looked at ways to optimise industrial relations.

This was endorsed by the First Minister Alex Salmond who pledged to implement the key recommendations including the establishment of a Fair Work Convention, and to take steps to promote the living wage across all sectors and to support living wage accreditation schemes. He described the STUC as a partner in delivering social justice in Scotland. 
 

Join the anti-war protest in St Nicholas Square, Aberdeen on Saturday 25th October

There will be an anti-war protest on Saturday 25th October at 11.30am in St Nicholas Square, Aberdeen, outside Marks and Spencer's. Please get along and support it if you can.

The protest has been organised by a range of local groups including trade unionists and there will be a number of speakers and stalls. Trade unionists and community activists are urged to bring along their banners.

Click here for more information on the Stop the Bombing facebook page

March on Saturday 18th October against austerity and for a decent future for all

A reminder that Aberdeen Trades Union Council is calling on all our affiliated unions and associated community groups to join us at the March and Rally in Glasgow on 18th October 2014 which will call for decent work and dignified lives.

The March and Rally is part of Challenging Poverty week and has been organised by the Scottish Trade Unions Congress (STUC) . The march will muster in Glasgow Green at 10am and will march off at 10.30am to a Rally in George Square.

Click here for more information on the STUC website

 

The March and Rally has been timed to coincide with the TUC's mass demonstration in London, "Britain needs a Pay Rise."

 

Hope to see you all there!

UK Oil and Gas Industry - Annual service of Remembrance

The UK Oil and Gas Industry will hold their annual service of remembrance in the Kirk of St Nicholas Uniting, Union St, Aberdeen on Saturday 1 November at 11.00am

This service allows all those connected with the industry to gather to remember those who have died offshore during the previous 12 months and also through the years. A candle will be lit for each of those who have died in the last year and a minute’s silence is observed allowing family, friends and colleagues to remember.

The service will last approximately 45 minutes however refreshments will be served at the close of the service to allow families, friends and colleagues an opportunity to meet and chat.

All are welcome.

Click here for more information

Giggin for Gaza 11th October - come and support the children of Gaza

Come along to the Tunnels, Aberdeen on Sat 11th October 2014 for a night of great music and activism in support of the children of Gaza.

• Date: Saturday 11th October 2014
• Venue: The Tunnels
• Location: Aberdeen
• Doors: 6:00pm til 1:00am (last entry 10:00pm)     

Get your tickets here at the Skiddle website

 

Kate Ramsden, of the ATUC who will be at the event, said, "This great night of music and activism will feature bands, the Chandeliers, D.O.C., Sage, Sons o' the Soil and DJ.

"All ticket sales going to support the children of Gaza. The chosen charity is the Palestinian Trauma Center UK, a charity that supports mental health and community workers in Gaza who are dealing every day with a traumatised population."

June McGuire, SPSC added, "Both rooms at the Tunnels will be in use. One room, which opens at 6pm, will host talks, films, teas and discussions about the situation in Gaza and how we can support a peaceful and just transition that supports the Palestinian people. We will have live hookups to friends in Gaza to get the real view from activists working on the ground and support from some big names in the UK.

"The second room will host a great evening of music featuring some amazing North East bands including Sons o' the Soil, Sage, D.O.C. and the Chandeliers, and supported by a DJ in between the bands. A great night of rock, folk, world music, soul and ska guaranteed to get you singing and dancing in support of Gaza!"

So come along and get involved and show your support for the people of Gaza! They need our help.

If you can't make it . . no problem, a donation can be made via PAYPAL gigginforgaza@gmail.com