Next ATUC delegates meeting to be held on 7th January 2015

The next Aberdeen Trades Union Council (ATUC) Delegates meeting will be held on Wednesday 7 January 2015 at 7.30pm, within the ATUC Premises, John Londragan House, 22A Adelphi, Aberdeen.

Alan Robertson, ATUC President encouraged all affiliates and associates to attend. He said, "This is an important meeting as it will consider the motions submitted by affiliates for the 2015 STUC Congress in Ayr. ATUC is entitled to submit three motions and those will be decided at the meeting."

Alan added, "We also need to begin the planning for next year's events, including the Workers' Memorial Day service and the May Day March and Rally."

All are welcome to attend.

Festive greetings from Aberdeen Trades Union Council

The ATUC would like to wish a Merry Christmas and best wishes for the New Year to all affiliates, delegates, friends and supporters of ATUC.

Alan Robertson, ATUC President said, "We are sending festive greetings to all, and especially to our trade union members who are providing essential services over the Christmas and New Year period.

"We hope everyone enjoys the festive season, and gets a chance to recharge their batteries to continue the struggle against austerity in the New Year, by looking after all our members' interests and furthering the cause for fair treatment, respect, dignity and equality for all at work and in life in general.

"Have a great time everybody!"

We must fight against racism and fascism and demand justice and humanity for all oppressed peoples.

The St Andrew’s Day Rally on 29^th November praised  Aberdeen’s courageous actions 30 years ago when it gave the freedom of the City to Nelson Mandela. However, speaker after speaker warned that there is no room for complacency in the North East  -  racism and the far right are still with us and we must all challenge them wherever they raise their ugly heads.

Politicians, trade unionists and community activists had earlier marched along Union Street from St Nicholas Churchyard, led by the upbeat rhythms of the Guarana Drummers, and fuelled by a commitment to fight for social justice and humanity and against racism and fascism not only in the North East but across the world. Christmas shoppers once again stopped to watch the colourful display of banners and flags.

Come along to the next ATUC Meeting on 3rd Dec 2014

The next Aberdeen Trades Union Council (ATUC) Delegates meeting will take place on Wednesday 3 December 2014 at 7.30pm, within the ATUC premises at John Londragan House, 22A Adelphi, Aberdeen.

Alan Robertson, ATUC president said, "We have 2 speakers organised for this meeting - a speaker from the Living Wage campaign and one from RIC on local actions and events planned for the future. We hope to see as many of you there as possible, as this is the last meeting before christmas and the new year.

"Other topics to be discussed will be the 2014 ATUC Annual Report and motions for next years STUC Congress in Ayr."

"Can delegates and associates also note that the International Brigade Memorial Trust AGM 2015 organising meeting will be held in Unite Offices, King Street, from 6.30pm sharp, on 3rd December.

"All are welcome to attend both meetings."

Come along to the St Andrew's Day March and Rally and show that racism is not welcome in the North East

This year's St Andrew's Day March and Rally will be held on Saturday 29 November. Organised by the Aberdeen Trades Union Council and the STUC,  the march will assemble at St Nicholas Churchyard at 11 am and will march off at 11.30 am to the Casltegate. The rally is scheduled to begin at 12.15 pm and finish by 1.00pm.

ATUC President, Alan Robertson said, "The St Andrew's Day March opposes racism in all its forms and celebrates diversity The particular theme this year is Anti-Apartheid, because it is 30 years since Aberdeen gave the Freedom of the City to Nelson Mandela.

"It is also UN Day of Solidarity with Palestine, a country still suffering from Israeli apartheid. Hopefully Aberdeen City Council will be flying the Palestine Flag that day.

"We really hope that all our affiliates and associates will get along with their banners, to make sure that we give a clear message that racism is not welcome in the North East."

The Rally will be compered by ATUC Vice President, Kate Ramsden and there will be a range of speakers from local groups including Aberdeen SPSC, Aberdeen Anti-Fascists, Aberdeen RIC and Aberdeen CND, as well as local politicians.  

Stop bombing Iraq and Syria - Protest on Sat 8th November

There will be a Rally on Saturday 8th November at 11.30am in St Nicholas Square, Aberdeen (outside Marks and Spencers) to protest the bombing in Iraq and Syria.

Hosted by Aberdeen and District CND, the protest will be entitled "The Way Forward for Iraq and Syria" and speakers will include Dame Anne Begg, MP, Christian Allard, MSP, Sean McVey of Radical Independence and Brian Carroll from the Aberdeen Trades Union Council.

All delegates, colleagues, friends and members of the public are welcome to attend this very important protest.

Talk on the arms trade - merchants of death and oppression - 10th Nov in Aberdeen

All ATUC delegates, friends and members of the public are invited along to a talk on the arms trade by Jonathan Russell, Chair of Aberdeen and District CND and member of Campaign against the Arms Trade (CAAT), on Monday 10th November at 7.30pm

The talk is titled, "Merchants of death and oppression" and will be held in the Unite Offices, 42-44 King Street, Aberdeen.

Click here for more information and a map to the venue on the facebook site.

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

Next ATUC meeting Wed 1st October - all delegates and associates welcome

The next meeting of the Aberdeen Trades UnionCouncil will be held on Wed 1st October in the ATUC Premises, John Londragon House, 22a Adelphi, Aberdeen.

 

A full agenda will include the STUC March and Rally "Decent Work, Dignified Lives" on 18th October; the "A Just Scotland" Conference on 15th October and the planning for the St Andrew's Day March in Aberdeen.

 

All delegates are encouraged to attend and associate members are welcome.

Keep up the pressure against Barclay's complicity in Israeli war crimes - protest on 27th Sept

The Scottish Palestinian Solidarity Campaign, supported by the ATUC will be holding another protest in St Nicholas Square at 12 noon on Saturday 27th September, for protest at Barclays Bank at 12.30. 

We are calling on all our affiliated unions to join us, and add your voice to the protest - NO MORE UK COMPLICITY IN ISRAELI WAR CRIMES!

As Desmond Tutu said, “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor”. Please come and join us to campaign to end the injustices in Palestine.

Click here to find out more on the SPSC events facebook page

Join the ATUC at A Just Scotland March and Rally 18th October 2014

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

Join the protest on Saturday and keep up the pressure on Barclays to end its complicity in Israeli war crimes.

On Saturday the 30th of August, people from Aberdeen and the North-East will again gather outside Barclays Bank to voice their condemnation of Barclays’ complicity in Israeli war crimes.

Meet in St Nicholas Square at 11.30 for protest at Barclays at 12.30.

Join us, and add your voice to the protest - NO MORE UK COMPLICITY IN ISRAELI WAR CRIMES!

WHY BARCLAYS?
Barclays bank is a major shareholder in Elbit Systems, an Israeli arms manufacturer. Barclays holds about 6.5% of all of Elbit shares and has more than £7 billion invested in global arms companies. The Scottish Government has called for an arms embargo on Israel given the mounting evidence of Israeli war crimes in Gaza. This MUST be accompanied by global divestment from Israeli arms companies.

Protesters again call on Barclays to stop profiting from Israeli war crimes

As the slaughter in Gaza continues, taking the lives of more children and their families, members of Aberdeen Trades Union Council, Scottish Palestinian Solidarity Campaign and faith and community groups kept up the pressure on Barclay's Bank to divest from Israeli arms manufacturer Elbit systems.

For the second Saturday, protesters demonstrated outside Barclay's Bank and staged a "die-in" to commemorate all those who have lost their lives as a result of the Israeli assaults on Gaza, and calling on Barclays to end their complicity with Israeli war crimes.

Passers by again took leaflets and many signed the petition with some even joining the protest. Speakers again called for Israel to end its occupation of Palestine and for the establishment of a Palestinian Free State.

Come along to the ATUC Special General Meeting and the Delegates Meeting on 3rd Sept

There will be a Special General Meeting for ATUC delegates on Wed 3rd September from 7-7.30pm in 22a Adelphi. The sole purpose of this meeting will be to consider the immediate implementation of the Constitution and Standing Orders already approved by the AGM in March.

This will be followed by the usual ATUC meeting which will begin at 7.30pm.

ATUC President, Alan Robertson said, "Please do your best to come along to both these meetings. The sooner we can put in place our new constitution and standing orders the better, and after our Summer break, there is a lot of business to be considered at the normal delegates meeting.

"We hope to see you all there."

Barclay's Bank - STOP PROFITING FROM CRIMES AGAINST THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE AND DIVEST FROM ELBIT SYSTEMS

Join the Aberdeen Trades Union Council, Scottish Palestinian Solidarity Campaign and other community, political and faith groups, again on Saturday 23rd Aug, when people from Aberdeen and the north-east will once more gather outside Barclays Bank to voice their condemnation of Barclays’ complicity in Israeli war crimes.

Meet in St Nicholas Square at 12 noon for the protest at Barclays at 12.30 and add your voice to the protest - NO MORE UK COMPLICITY IN ISRAELI WAR CRIMES!

WHY BARCLAYS?
Barclays bank is a major shareholder in Elbit Systems, an Israeli arms manufacturer. Barclays holds about 6.5% of all of Elbit shares and has more than £7 billion invested in global arms companies.

The Scottish Government has called for an arms embargo on Israel given the mounting evidence of Israeli war crimes in Gaza. This MUST be accompanied by global divestment from Israeli arms companies.
 

Go to the SPSC facebook site for more information

Aberdeen stands with Gaza and calls on Barclays Bank to stop profiting from Israeli crimes against Palestinians.

Aberdeen Trades Union Council joined Scottish Palestinian Solidarity Campaign (Aberdeen), RIC, community and faith groups at a "die-in" at Barclays Bank, Union Street Aberdeen on Saturday 16th August, to raise awareness of the bank's involvement in the supply of arms to Israel and its subsequent complicity in war crimes.

Demonstrators marched from St Nicholas Square, along Union Street to the die-in at the bank, to show their support for Palestinian human rights. They leafleted passers-by, many of whom stopped to sign a petition calling on Barclay's Bank to divest from their holdings in Elbit Systems, an Israeli Arms manufacturer.

The demonstrators then entered the bank to hand over the petition, and to leaflet customers of the bank calling for them to put pressure on Barclays to divest.

Aberdeen stands with Gaza: Gather for "Die-in" action in support of BDS

Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Aberdeen Trades Union Council, the Radical Independence Campaign, CND and Unite have organised a further demo in support of Palestine and to promote the campaign of Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS). Please join us on Saturday 16th August at 12 noon in St Nicholas Square, Aberdeen.

Kate Ramsden, Vice-President of the ATUC said, "Although Gaza is no longer headlining on the news and so far a ceasefire is holding, it is still extremely important to keep up the pressure on Israel to end the occupation of Palestine.

"The last few weeks have shown the world the brutality that the state of Israel is capable of, with the slaughter of over 1,900 Palestinians, around 85% of whom were civilians, amongst them over 400 children.

"The UN has called Israeli attacks on civilians in the Gaza Strip “gross violations of international law” and a particular attack on a UN school “a moral outrage and a criminal act”. We must act to make sure that this ends now, and that the UK Government and British banks and businesses do not profit from these crimes against the Palestinian people."

Gaza: We march for three things - the children, the children, the children

Thousands of people in London and Edinburgh marched for Gaza on Saturday 9th August in a "global day of rage".

More than 150,000 gathered in London, the third mass march in the city in as many weeks and the biggest, whilst many of the Aberdeen protesters joined the thousands in Edinburgh, to demand an immediate end to the killing, Israel to lift the siege and to abide by UN resolutions; an end to arms sales to Israel and boycott, divestment and sanctions to bring pressure on the Israeli government; and a free Palestine.

In Aberdeen those protesters who couldn't get to Edinburgh, again gathered at the Scottish Palestinian Solidarity Campaign stall in St Nicholas Square, to remind the people of Aberdeen that the Israeli assaults on the people of Gaza continues.

PCS Aberdeen Hustings Monday 11th August. All welcome

PCS Scotland is holding a Hustings on the Independence Referendum in Aberdeen on Monday 11 August 2014, Aberdeen Arts Centre, between 6pm and 8pm  in the Aberdeen Arts Centre.

PCS has invited speakers from both official campaigns as well as a speaker from Radical Independence and the Red Paper Collective.  The event will be chaired by a PCS Scottish NEC member.

The speakers will be invited to give an opening address which covers their respective organisation's response to the PCS's key demands. The meeting will then be opened up to the floor for contributions.

Brian Carroll, PCS said, "Although principally being organised for PCS Members, the event will be open to the public if they wish to attend. All ATUC delegates and friends are invited and I would encourage your attendance and participation at the event.

 

"Only PCS members need to register. Anyone else can just turn up on the night."

Stand with Palestine - Come along to a Public Meeting on 14th August and find out what you can do

Come along to a Public Meeting on Palestine on Thursday 14th Aug, 7-9pm, MacRobert Lecture Theatre (MR051), Aberdeen University and find out what you can do to stand with Palestine.

Fiona Napier, of SPSC Aberdeen said, "We are all angry at the horror of what has happened over the 4 weeks of massacre that Gaza has endured, and at the on-going injustices faced by Palestinians. Let's take that anger and do something with it.

"Come along and hear more about the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement - the local, national and international campaigns - and how you can be involved. Palestine is not asking us for charity, we are being asked to take action, now!! Help us do that in Aberdeen!"

Stand with Gaza - All Scotland Demo in Edinburgh and solidarity action in Aberdeen

There will be an all-Scotland demo in Edinburgh on Saturday 9th Aug, in response to a call  from Palestine for an international day of action.

"As we face the full might of Israel’s military arsenal, funded and supplied by the United States and European Union, we call on civil society and people of conscience throughout the world to pressure governments to sanction Israel and implement a comprehensive arms embargo immediately. WE ARE NOT ASKING FOR CHARITY. WE ARE DEMANDING SOLIDARITY, BECAUSE WE KNOW THAT UNTIL ISRAEL IS ISOLATED AND SANCTIONED, THESE HORRORS WILL BE REPEATED."

Click here to see more

The Edinburgh Demo will assemble 2pm, Saturday 9th Aug, at top of the Mound. Please go along if you possibly can.

Click here for further details.

Solidarity Action

There will also be solidarity action in Aberdeen where the Scottish Palestinian Solidarity Campaign (Aberdeen) will have a stall in St Nicholas Square on Saturday 9th Aug from 12-2pm.

If you can't make it to Edinburgh, join us at the stall. We have a number of big boycott actions coming up in Aberdeen and we need you! Come down on Saturday, and get signed up for action!

Aberdeen stands against the "barbaric and inhumane" tactics of Israel as the death toll in Gaza rises with almost 400 children killed

In a week which has seen the death toll in Gaza rise to 1712 including 398 children,  the people of Aberdeen stood once again with the people of Gaza as, for the fifth week in a row, hundreds turned out to the protest in St Nicholas Square on Saturday 2nd Aug, to show their outrage at Israel's assault on ordinary civilians.

Brian Carroll of the ATUC said, "This was another great turnout and event. New faces, new speakers but very importantly, the same message.

"Israel - STOP the Illegal Occupation, STOP the Genocide, STOP the Indiscriminate Killing and STOP the Blockade.

"Who are the terrorists ? Not those trying to survive an overwhelming onslaught of military power from land, sea and air. Not the ordinary civilians, including women and children, killed, injured and made homeless. No, these are people just like you and me.

ABERDEEN STANDS WITH GAZA - Join the protest against Israel's war on children and civilians

Please join the protest against the on going Israeli attacks on Gaza on Saturday 2nd August at 12 noon in St Nicholas Square, Aberdeen.

The protest has been organised by the Scottish Palestinian Solidarity Campaign and the ATUC amongst others.

Brian Carroll of the ATUC said, "We are calling on all citizens and trade unionists to come along and support Gaza in a week which has seen a UN school targeted amongst many other atrocities.

"It has never been more important to join in the global mass protest.

"With a ground assault now adding to the relentless air and sea attacks, the death toll now stands at well over 1,000, with more than a quarter of these children. Thousands more have been injured. Homes, hospitals, schools - all targets. Almost 120000 have been forced from their homes.

"THIS HAS TO END!!  Let's stand with Gaza!"

Aberdeen stands with Gaza facebook page

Aberdeen CND's Hiroshima Memorial Event commemorates 200,000 victims of the atomic bomb

The Hiroshima Memorial Event in Aberdeen will take place at the Fisherman's Hut down by the River Dee on Wednesday 6th August starting at 8.30pm. All are welcome.

The event has been organised by Aberdeen and District CND to mark the 69th anniversary of the first use of nuclear weapons. In August 1945, the US dropped two atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Jonathan Russell, Chair of Aberdeen and District CND said, "As well as speakers from trade unions, community and faith groups, and civic leaders, songs and poetry, we are particularly pleased to have Yu Aoki, who lives and works in Aberdeen but who comes from Hiroshima, speaking at the memorial event.

"We will release 200 peace lanterns on the River Dee to commemorate the 200,000 men, women and children who died."

Fourth week of Aberdeen protest to end the Israeli bombardment of Gaza as the Palestinian death toll rises to 1000

As thousands gathered in Edinburgh today to protest the killing of more than 1000 Palestinians in Gaza, the vast majority of them civilians and many of them children, the people of Aberdeen also came together for the fourth week in a row in even greater numbers than last week.

Today's ceasefire has allowed the true scale of Palestinian deaths to come to light as more bodies, mainly women and children, have been pulled from the rubble of bombed buildings. Over 5,700 people have been wounded and tens of thousands have been left homeless by Israeli shelling.

The Aberdeen Youth Festival kindly turned off their music, as the crowd observed a minutes silence to mourn the dead and speakers again spoke of the terrible impact of the Israeli assault on Gaza, and the need for the world to wake up to the terrible wrongs that have been done to the Palestinian people, not only now in Gaza, but over the past 6 decades.

Kate Ramsden, of the Aberdeen Trades Union Council welcomed around 400 protesters who had come out in support of the Palestinian people and to call for an end to Israel's "collective punishment" in a week that had seen one child in Gaza killed every hour in a two day period. "This is shameful," said Kate, "and we must all do everything we can to make Israel stop."

Ibrahim spoke again. He grew up in Gaza and some of his family still live there. He spoke about the history of the occupied territories, and condemned Israel's treatment of the Palestinian people. "All we want is for them to treat us with humanity, and give us our freedom," said Ibrahim.

ABERDEEN STANDS WITH GAZA Join the protest against Israel's war on children

Come along to St Nicholas Square in Aberdeen at 12 noon this Saturday 26th July, and join the protest against the ongoing Israeli attack on Gaza.

With a ground assault now adding to the relentless air and sea attacks, the death toll now stands at 630, with 3600 injured. Homes, hospitals, schools - all targets. Almost 120,000 people have been forced from their homes, and a child has been killed every hour since the Israeli bombardment began, with many more injured and traumatised.

THIS HAS TO END!! Join in the global mass protest! Let's fill St Nicholas Square and stand with Gaza!

Called by Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Aberdeen Trades Union Council, Unite, Aberdeen Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, Aberdeen Radical Independence Campaign.

Go to the ABERDEEN STANDS WITH GAZA facebook page for more information

Hundreds of voices raised in protest and outrage against Israel’s “war against children” in Gaza

Almost 300 protesters gathered in St Nicholas Square, Aberdeen on Saturday 19^th July to show their outrage at the continuing Israeli assault on Gaza and the brutal killing and injuring of civilians, including many children.

Organised by the Scottish Palestinian Solidarity Campaign, Aberdeen Trade Union Council and other local groups, these numbers have swollen tenfold over the past two weeks as more and more people from the North East raise their voices in condemnation at the Israeli policy of collective punishment and the failure of the international community to put a stop to this.

Kate "ordinary people
raising our voices"

ATUC Vice President, Kate Ramsden, welcomed the protesters and thanked them for turning out in such numbers. She reminded us that in the dark days of South African apartheid, the voices raised in protest were not those of governments but those of ordinary people like ourselves, of trade unionists, of activists and of citizens who just knew apartheid was wrong.

“That is why we are here today, ordinary people raising our voices because we know that the Israeli occupation of Palestine, the brutal oppression and repression of the Palestinian people, and in Gaza, the killing of Palestinian civilians, including so many children, is just wrong.”

Members of the public, out shopping stopped to listen and to lend their support as the speakers gave moving testimony of the impact on the Gazan people of occupation, oppression, and now out and out assault by Israel.

Build international pressure for an end to Israel's bombardment of Gaza - Protest on Saturday 19th July 12 noon

As the death toll in Gaza rises to more than 200, with almost a thousand wounded, most of them civilians and many of them women and children, SPSC Aberdeen and the ATUC is calling for action to show our outrage at the Israeli assault on Gaza and to build the international pressure to condemn Israel’s crimes against humanity.

We must keep up the pressure. Please join us again next Saturday 19th July for a demonstration demanding the end of the bombardment of Gaza.  The event will start at 12noon - LET'S FILL ST NICHOLAS SQUARE.

You can also join the SPSC protest outside the BBC offices at 36 Beechgrove Terrace on Friday 18th July at 12.30pm (www.facebook.com/events/1438472256438071) to express your outrage at the biased BBC coverage of the illegal blockade and bombing of Gaza.

Dave Black of SPSC Aberdeen said, "Thanks to all those who came along to the protest last Saturday,  for showing your solidarity with the Palestinian people and outrage at the illegal and inhumane aggression against the population of Gaza by the Israeli occupation forces.

End Israeli terror tactics in Gaza

ATUC delegates joined around 120 other protesters on Saturday 12th July, to mourn the deaths of over 120 Palestinian men, women and children at the hands of Israel in the past few weeks, and to call for an end to the Israeli bombardment of  Gaza.

Protesters called on politicians to act to put a stop to "this brutal assault on a captive population."

The protest was one of many held across Scotland and the UK as revulsion for the tactics of Israel continues to grow.

Passers by stopped to listen as speaker after speaker told of the terror of ordinary people, "people like you and me" as the drones and rockets fired from Israel, landed near by, killing and injuring their friends and neighbours.

ATUC congratulates the thousands of PCS members striking for fair pay

THOUSANDS of Scottish public sector workers - members of the PCS union - joined a UK-wide walkout to demand an increase in pay. The ATUC had earlier sent greetings and solidarity to the strikers and congratulates the union on a very successful day of action.

Court services were reduced and museums and driving centres closed as members of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union protested over what it has calculated as a 20 per cent cut in earnings through a pay freeze and cap in recent years.

Civil servants, council staff and cleaners stood on picket lines across the country, and rallies were held Glasgow and Edinburgh.

The PCS in Scotland said the 24-hour strike had enjoyed large support as people called on ministers to "break with the imposed UK austerity pay cap" in the run-up to the independence referendum.
 

Aberdeen in solidarity with Palestine: Stop the attacks on Gaza

Scottish Palestinian Solidarity Campaign (SPSC) Aberdeen have organised a further protest on Saturday 12th July in St Nicholas Square, Aberdeen, to call for an end to the Israeli assault on Gaza.

As Israel continues to relentlessly bomb the besieged Gaza Strip, the number of Palestinian dead is now estimated to be at least 81, including dozens of children. More than 550 Palestinians have been injured during the attacks, with many in a serious condition, and medical services are struggling to cope with the wounded. Hundreds are being left homeless as family homes are reduced to rubble by Israeli missiles, and deliberate targeting of agricultural land destroys livelihoods and the ability of the region to feed itself.

Dave Black of the SPSC said, "This brutal assault on a captive population must end. Israel is not acting in self-defence - it is an oppressive occupying power carrying out a calculated programme of collective punishment across the West Bank and Gaza. As Israeli war-mongering rhetoric builds, its forces are massing along the Gazan border, prompting fears of an imminent ground invasion."

Join SPSC this Saturday as they stand in solidarity with Palestine to protest Israeli aggression and crimes against humanity.

END the attack on Gaza! END the collective punishment! NO to occupation and oppression! FREE Palestine!

ATUC solidarity with trade unions across the UK striking for fair pay

Aberdeen Trades Union Council sends greetings and solidarity, as almost 1.5 million public sector workers take action simultaneously today 10th July.

Whilst most of the action takes place in England and Wales, the civil service union, PCS has thousands of members out in Scotland, fighting for decent pay for members.

Brian Carroll of the PCS said, " Whether it’s local government or civil service pay, firefighter pensions or teachers’ workloads – the underlying problem is the same: public sector workers are being made to carry the can for the economic crisis.

"Due to pay and pension cuts, some of our members have seen real terms losses in their income of 20% since 2010. Yet the top bosses continue to get inflation-busting pay deals, and a tax cut too.

Activists protest the Israeli enforced collective punishment as more children are victimised

The Scottish Palestinian Solidarity Campaign protest in Aberdeen saw activists from across the North East of Scotland come together in St Nicholas Square on Saturday 5th July, to stand in solidarity with Palestine, and to protest the latest instance of Israeli enforced collective punishment and the biased mainstream media coverage in the UK. 

Activists from Dundee and Perth joined over 30 others from a range of organisations and communities, demonstrating the diversity of the support and solidarity with Palestine. 

Emergency Demonstration in Solidarity with the people of Palestine: No More Collective Punishment!

SPSC Aberdeen has called on the people of Aberdeen to come together this Saturday 5th July at 12 noon in St Nicholas Square, Aberdeen City Centre, "to send a clear message to our fellow citizens, our governments and the people of Palestine that we deplore yet another illegal collective punishment against the Palestinian people being perpetrated by the Israeli occupation forces."

 

SPSC Aberdeen is calling for increased solidarity with the Palestinian people. Since the kidnapping and subsequent murder of three Israeli teenagers in illegal settlements in the West Bank, the Israeli occupation forces have killed at least 6 Palestinian civilians, including one 14-year-old child and a mentally ill man on his way to morning prayers.

Next ATUC Delegates Meeting on Wed 2nd July - all delegates welcome

The next ATUC Delegates meeting will take place on Wednesday 2 July 2014 at 7.30pm within the ATUC premises, John Londragan House, 22A Adelphi, Aberdeen.

We hope as many of you as possible will attend.

 

Remember there is no meeting in August.

ATUC delegates in shmu independence debate

Nathan Morrison

Brian Carroll

ATUC delegates, Nathan Morrison (Secretary) and Brian Carroll (ex-President) featured on shmu radio on Friday 6th June, in a debate on Scottish Independence.

Nathan presented the "Better Together" arguments and Brian argued for a yes vote. Click here to see who, if either of them, won the debate.

Station House Media Unit (shmu), was established as a charity in 2003, is one of the core cultural organisations in Aberdeen, and is at the forefront of Community Media development in Scotland, supporting residents in the seven regeneration areas of the city in radio and video production, traditional and on-line publications, music production and digital inclusion.

The organisation also supports other disadvantaged communities, both geographic and communities of interest, with an employability and training arm and a programme for offenders, both pre and post release.

shmu often gives the ATUC a platform for getting our message across and delegates will remember that the Unit broadcast coverage of the St Andrew's Day March and Rally.