First ATUC Meeting of 2016 will be held on Wed 6th January with packed agenda as we prepare to meet challenges ahead

The next meeting of Aberdeen Trades Union Council will be held on Wed 6th January 2016 at John Londragan House, 22a Adelphi, Aberdeen. All delegates and associates are warmly invited to attend.

Kate Ramsden, ATUC President said, "We hope all our delegates and associates have had enjoyed the Festive period and wish them all the very best for 2016.

"This is the fisrt meeting of the New Year and we have another packed agenda. We have to agree our motions for the STUC Congress in April as well as plan for our 2015 Annual Report and for our AGM in March.

"We are also very aware of the challenges that face the trade union movement in the coming year as the government presses on with the anti-union bill and attacks on the most vulnerable Also the pressures that face workers and their families as the government continues its assault on wages, jobs and services.

"We hope to see as many as possible of you along as we look at ways to meet and overcome these challenges."

Festive Greetings to all our affiliates and associate members and best wishes for a happy and peaceful 2016

Aberdeen Trades Union Council wishes all our affiliates and associate members a happy and peaceful festive season and our best wishes for 2016.

The first ATUC meeting of the New Tear will be held on Wed 6th January at 7.30pm in 22a Adelphi, Aberdeen.

We look forward to seeing you all there.

PETITION AGAINST THE THREAT OF COMPULSORY REDUNDANCIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN

Aberdeen Trades Union Council is encouraging all our members and affiliates to back the University and Colleges Union (UCU) and to sign the petition to urge Aberdeen University to rule out the use of compulsory redundancies and to seek alternative, more progressive methods for placing itself on a sustainable financial footing.

Click here to sign the petition.

The campaign is supported by Aberdeen Defend Education Cuts (ADEC); Aberdeen Students Against Cuts (ASAC) and Aberdeen University Students Association (AUSA).

The union is saying NO to compulsory redundancies because:

·         Through the Voluntary Severance Scheme, the University has already saved the £5.4 million they lost from funding cuts

·         The University has also generated an extra £3.2 million in additional surplus

·         It wishes to make a further £1.9 million - not due to funding cuts but for additional surplus

·         The University has refused to rule out compulsory redundancies in pursuit of their goal

·         It is highly likely that staff will be placed "at risk of redundancy" from January 2016

Vigil on International Human Rights Day 10th Dec for survivors of gender based violence around the world

All are invited to attend the Candlelit Vigil on 10th December 2015 at 5pm in St Nicholas Square, Aberdeen.

Falling on International Human Rights Day and the final day of the 16 Days of Action campaign, Aberdeen Violence Against Women Partnership is holding the vigil to bring people together to honour and remember survivors of gender-based violence.

The vigil will include speakers from Grampian Women’s Aid, Sacro, Aberdeen City Youth Council and other members of the Aberdeen Violence Against Women Partnership.

Come and join us to light a candle and show solidarity in honouring and remembering those who have suffered due to gender-based violence.

St Andrew's Day March and Rally welcomes refugees in the spirit of our compassion and shared humanity

Around two hundred trade unionists, politicians and members of faith and community groups joined together at the Aberdeen St Andrew’s Day March and Rally on 28^th November to give a clear and unequivocal message that  in the name of our shared humanity, refugees are welcome here in the North East of Scotland – racism and fascism are not!

As the march snaked down Union Street to the rhythm of the Guarana Drummers, passers by again stopped to watch the colourful procession created by the banners of trade unions and community groups,  led as always by the red and white banner of the ATUC.

At the rally in the Castlegate, speaker after speaker spoke passionately about our shared humanity with all those fleeing war, poverty and oppression.

Next ATUC Meeting on Wednesday 2nd Dec at 7.30pm with Tony Benn film "Our class, our culture" shown at 6pm.

The next meeting of Aberdeen Trades Union Council delegates will be held on Wednesday 2 December 2015 at 7.30pm in John Londragan House, 22A Adelphi, Aberdeen.

Prior to this, at 6pm the acclaimed Tony Benn film, "Our class our culture"  will be shown. Delegates, families, friends and colleagues are welcome to come along to that.

Kate Ramsden, ATUC President said, "Dave Moxham, STUC Depute General Secretary was unable to attend the November meeting but will be coming along to this meeting to speak on various topics and issues, including our campaign against the Tory Trade Union Bill.

"We will also consider any motions for the 2016 Scottish Trade Union Congress and there is the 2015 Annual Report to plan as well."

"Visitors are welcome and we hope to see as many delegates there as possible."

Aberdeen Trade Union Council condemns the terrorist attacks in Paris and around the world and sends sympathy to all those affected

In a press release issued today, Aberdeen Trades Union Council sent sympathy and condolences to the families and friends of all those affected by the recent atrocities in France, and condemned the use of violence and aggression against innocent civilians in Lebanon, Palestine and the wider Middle East.

ATUC President, Kate Ramsden said, “Aberdeen Trades Union Council opposes individual as well as state sponsored acts of terrorism as 'the continuation of politics by other means', anywhere in the world.

“We will continue to fight locally and internationally for a world free of war, violence and oppression and we are proud to stand for peace, freedom and tolerance. We will campaign vigorously against racism and the far right.”

Come to the St Andrew's Day March and Rally on 28th November and give a clear message - Refugees are welcome here

This year's St Andrew's Day March and Rally will be held in Aberdeen on Saturday 28th November - gather at 11am in the St Nicholas Churchyard, Union Street and march off at 11.30am to a rally in the Castlegate.

The annual event has been organised by Aberdeen Trade Union Council with a theme of "Refugees Welcome Here". This important message reflects the theme of the STUC March and Rally which will take place in Glasgow at the same time.

All affiliated unions, community and faith groups and politicians are urged to attend to give out a clear message that Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire welcome refugees, value what they bring to our communities and feel enriched by their presence.

There will be speakers from a range of community and faith groups as well from trade unionists and politicians.

ATUC President Kate Ramsden said, "Aberdeen has a very proud history of fighting fascism here and across the world and of welcoming people from other nations into our communities in the city and beyond.

"When local people saw the terrible plight of the refugees in Calais and across Europe they rallied to provide support. Both Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire councils have called on the UK Government to extend offers of asylum to many more refugees fleeing war and oppression in Syria and have pledged to take refugees into our communities.

"Yet still thousands of desperate people are fleeing war, oppression, and hunger, risking their lives on a hazardous journey. Many, including children, have lost their lives en route. But for accident of birth they could be our children. They deserve our compassion, but more importantly our support.

"When we see that there are more citizens stranded in Sharm el Sheikh than the number of refugees  the government is promising to take in between now and 2020 we see how paltry their offer of support is - how devoid of compassion.

"We must make it clear that this Tory government does not speak for us. There was never a more important time to stand up and be counted. Please come along and support this important march and rally and give a clear message that racism and fascism have no home in the North East of Scotland!"

Aberdeen trade union council sends our sympathy and support to all those affected by the tragic events at Cults Academy

Aberdeen Trades Union Council wishes to  express its sadness at the recent tragic events in Cults Academy in Aberdeen.

We send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Bailey Gwynne in their tragic loss.

We also offer our sympathy to pupils, staff and care workers who are finding it difficult to cope with their grief at this difficult time.

The lives of two families will not be the same again, as a consequence of what has happened.

To everyone who has been affected, in whatever way, we extend our support and good wishes to you and those you care about.

Urgent alert: Call on Aberdeen University to cancel visit of Yiftah Curiel, Israeli Embassy spokesperson

At 18.00 on Wednesday the 4th of November, Aberdeen University Politics and International Relations Society are hosting an event titled: US - Iran Nuclear Deal: Implications on Middle East, with guest speaker Yiftah Curiel, HEAD SPOKESMAN AT THE ISRAELI EMBASSY OF LONDON.

Please take a few minutes to click on this link and send off a letter, to send Aberdeen University a clear message that this is unacceptable and calling on them to cancel Curiel's visit.

It is crucial that a clear message is sent to organisers of the event, the university and AUSA: representatives of the racist, apartheid state of Israel are not welcome in our city and that such an event is offensive and completely inappropriate.

The event amounts to simple political propaganda. Mr Curiel is not an academic called to present his research or his opinion, but rather a State official called to express Israel’ s highly controversial stance on a very sensitive political matter.

Next ATUC Meeting on Wed 4th Nov 2015 at 7.30pm. Dave Moxham, STUC in attendance

The next meeting of the Aberdeen Trades Union Council will be held on Wed 4^th November 2015 at 7.30pm in John Londragan House, 22A Adelphi, Aberdeen. 

Last year's St Andrew's Day March

Kate Ramsden, Vice President said, "We have a very full agenda. Dave Moxham from the STUC will be in attendance and we will be making the final preparations for the St Andrew’s Day March and Rally, with a theme of "Refugees Welcome Here".

"We will be planning how to take forward the campaign against the Tories' Trade Union Bill, the greatest attacks on workers rights that we have seen in this country for a very long time.

"All delegates and associates are welcome to attend and we hope to see as many of you along as possible."

Celebrate the UN's 70th Anniversary at an event on "The Challenges Facing the UN" on 24th Oct at the Town House, Aberdeen.

The United Nations Association Aberdeen Branch and the Aberdeen University Model United Nations  (MUN) Society will be celebrating the UN's 70th Anniversary with an event on Saturday 24th October entitled, "The Challenges facing the United Nations."

The event will be held in the Town and County Hall, the Town House, Aberdeen. Speakers will include Dame Ann Begg, Dr Nigel Dower, Chair of the Aberdeen Branch of the United Nations Association and Pter Augustin and Joanna Sztandera of the Aberdeen University MUN Society.

Refreshments courtesy of Aberdeen City Council.

For further information contact Dr Nigel Dower at n.dower@abdn.ac.uk or 01224 702715

Arms to renewables

Delegates to the ATUC meeting on 3rd June unanimously pledged to campaign for the UK Government to transfer support and finance from the arms industry, to the renewable energy and low-carbon technology sectors.

The ATUC has also raised this issue with the STUC and has called on the General Council to press the UK government to support individuals and communities affected by such changes during the transition period.

Kate Ramsden, Vice President said, "The arms trade has a devastating impact on human rights and security, as well as damaging economic development through the diversion of resources.

"The UK government is sending a message of support to many of the world's most repressive regimes when it promotes and sells weaponry to them.

"The ATUC has already joined the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign in condemning UK arms sales to Israel and has called for these to cease."

International Brigades remembered at the AGM weekend in Aberdeen

The 2015 AGM of the International Brigade Memorial Trust was a huge success as delegates from across the UK, Ireland, Germany amongst other countries came together in Aberdeen.

Unveiling of the plaque to
Bob Cooney by Neil Cooney

The weekend saw the unveiling of two plaques, one to Bob Cooney and the other to John Londragan who gives his name to the ATUC premises, John Londragan House, both of whom fought in Spain.

Brian Carroll of the ATUC said, "Congratulations to Tommy Campbell and all those involved in hosting the International Brigade Memorial Trust AGM in Aberdeen.

"We also owe a big thank you to Aberdeen City Council for hosting a civic reception for AGM delegates on the Friday evening and for providing the venues for all the events that took place over the weekend.

"Aberdeen saw many of its citizens go to Spain to fight fascism during the Spanish Civil War, some of whom died during the conflict. The bloodstained flag which became a shroud for two of the fallen, is displayed in the ATUC office.

Aberdeen Trade Union Council stands with our Turkish and Kurdish brothers and sisters

Aberdeen Trade Union Council has sent our deepest condolences and also our support and solidarity to our Turkish and Kurdish brothers and sisters in the trade union confederations in Turkey, KESK and DISK, along with the Engineers and Architects Association and the Medical Association, who were at the demonstration and rally in Ankara on Saturday which was attacked by two bomb blasts.

This has resulted in the death of over 100 people with many hundreds more being injured. The demonstration was called under the slogan of ‘Labour for Peace.’

We condemn this attack on trade unionists in peaceful protest and we mourn the loss of life.

Our message reads

"Aberdeen Trades Union Council sends our deepest condolences on the tragic loss of so many of your members’ lives at the Labour, Peace and Democracy Rally in Ankara on Saturday. We also send our deepest sympathy to the families and friends of the victims, and our hopes for a full recovery for all those injured in the attack.

Aberdeen Trade Union Council joins with other trade unions and civic society in condemning this brutal attack on trade unionists campaigning in support of peace, democracy and workers’ rights, and against the increasing violence and repression that the people of Turkey are suffering. We support the call for a full, transparent and independent investigation into the circumstances of the attack and its aftermath.

We stand in solidarity with our comrades in KESK and DISK in the difficult weeks and months ahead as you struggle to come to terms with the tragic events of Saturday’s attack, and as you continue to work bravely and tirelessly for democracy, peace and rights."

Alan Robertson, President, ATUC

Kate Ramsden, Vice-President, ATUC

Come and stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine on Saturday 17th October

Aberdeen Trades Union Council is calling on all delegates, affiliates and community activists to come along to the Aberdeen Scottish Palestinian Solidarity Campaign protest this Saturday  17th October at 12.30pm, in St Nicholas Square, Aberdeen to join people of conscience around the world taking action in solidarity with Palestine.

Click here for more information

 

Remembering those who fought and died in the Spanish Civil War - A weekend of activities and the IBMT AGM

The International Brigade Memorial Trust AGM will be held this year in Aberdeen on Saturday 17th October. As well as the AGM itself, a range of events and activities have been organised over the weekend.

Click here for more information on the IBMT website

Tommy Campbell, of Unite who has had a key role in organising the event said, "All are welcome to come along to all the events apart from AGM itself on Saturday afternoon which is for IBMT members only.

"Also, don't forget march on Sunday from St Nicholas Kirk to the Castlegate when all unions, branches, community, anti fascist, affiliated groups and comrades will be led by a pipe band to the Castlegate for a farewell to our comrades and friends who came to Aberdeen for this event.

"It should be a great weekend and hope you can make it!"

Anti austerity and Refugees are Welcome Here Rally in Aberdeen on Sunday 13th September. Please get along and support!

The Radical Independence Campaign in Aberdeen is hosting an Anti-Austerity/Refugees are Welcome Here demonstration on Sunday 13th September at 2pm in the Castlegate, Aberdeen.

The ATUC urges all delegates, associates and affliated union members to get along to this important event.

Doug Haywood of RIC said, "A year after Aberdeen's biggest ever flashmob, let's show Westminster what we think of their austerity agenda.

"With foodbank collection and charities information, speakers and stalls it promises to be a great event. All are welcome and it is completely non party political.

"So far, speakers are confirmed from RIC Aberdeen, Aberdeen CND, Future Choices and Community Food Initiatives North East, plus music from Guarana Drummers."

Click here for more information.

Join the TUC Demo at the Tory Party Conference in Manchester on 4th Oct - book your bus from Dundee now

This is the chance for ATUC delegates, associates, affliated trade union members, community and campaign groups, family and friends, to travel to Manchester to lobby the Tory Party Conference on Sunday 4th October, to call for an end to austerity and to show our opposition to the Trade Union Bill..

Dundee TUC are organising a 49 seater coach to travel from Dundee, possibly picking up at Perth and/or Stirling on the way to and from Manchester. Seats will also be available to Aberdeen, Fife and Angus people on a first come first served basis.

Tickets are likely to be priced at £15 Waged, £5 Unwaged, with the rest of the cost hopefully met through donations from trade unions and Trade Union Councils. However if sufficient donations are not forthcoming or not enough people book seats, then the bus will not run.

Click here for more information.

Sign up to fight the Tory Govenment's attack on unions

On 17th July the government unveiled the Trade Union Bill and ATUC members will have seen and heard Tories taking to the airwaves to denounce trade unionists.

The bill is the biggest attack on trade unions in decades. The ATUC is calling on all our delegates, associates and affiliates to sign-up to Unions Together's 'Fight the Bill'  at  www.unionstogether.org.uk/anti_tu_bill

 

Melanie Bartlett, Campaigns Co-ordinator at Unions Together warned, "The text of the bill is a carefully crafted and chilling attempt to undermine the basis of trade unionism.  

 

"We need to stand together to stop this bill which represents an attack on both our human and democratic right to organise collectively.

 

"The Tories want to restrict our ability to protect our member’s terms and conditions at work, limit our ability to strike and restrict our ability to campaign on the political issues which matter.
 

"The right to strike is made significantly harder, other agency workers drafted in to make legitimate strike action redundant, attempts to criminalise pickets and reduce our political campaigning funds.

 

"Trade union laws in Britain are already outside international convention standards and this bill will take Britain far away from the democratic tradition."

 

Sign up today to join the campaign to fightback against this unfair, unnecessary and undemocratic law www.unionstogether.org.uk/anti_tu_bill.

ATUC pledges support for refugees

In keeping with our commitment to international solidarity, delegates attending the ATUC meeting on 2nd September pledged support for refugees fleeing war torn countries like Syria and condemned the uncaring approach of this Tory Government.

The ATUC is calling on all delegates, associates and affiliated trade unions to do what they can to support the local group Aberdeen Solidarity with Refugees which has been collecting donations of clothes, bedding and other essentials to take to Calais.

Antifascistas Exhibition in the Central Library, Rosemount Viaduct, Aberdeen from 1st Sept - 31st October 2015

The International Brigade Memorial Trust’s “Antifascistas” exhibition will be held at the Central Library, Rosemount Viaduct, Aberdeen AB25 1GW from 1st September – 31st October 2015 Mon-Sat 9am-5pm (8pm on Mon and Weds).

Get along if you can to find out and learn about a fascinating and interesting piece of history and the role of British volunteers in the Spanish Civil war and the struggle against fascism. Many volunteers from Aberdeen were amongst those who fought for freedom in Spain..

Morning Star event - Aberdeen and International Solidarity - Wed 2nd Sep 6.30pm. All welcome!

Please come along to "Aberdeen and International Solidarity - Spain, South Africa, Palestine" which will be held on Wed 2nd Sept in the ATUC premises at John Londragan House, 22A Adelphi, Aberdeen 6.30-7.30pm, directly before the ATUC delegates meeting. PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF VENUE.

The event is being held as part of the Morning Star's "Our class, our culture" programme and will feature talks from ATUC delegates, Tommy Campbell, of Unite, Cllr Barney Crockett, and Kate Ramsden, ATUC Vice President.

It will focus on Aberdeen's history of international solidarity from the Spanish Civil War, to its role in the South African anti-apartheid movement right through to its current links with Palestine through the Scottish Palestinian Solidarity Campaign Aberdeen.

All are welcome to attend before going along to the delegates meeting and those of us speaking would appreciate your support for what looks to be a very interesting and informative event.

Next ATUC Delegates Meeting on Wed 2nd Sept at 7.30pm. All welcome

The next Aberdeen Trades Union Council Delegates meeting, after the summer recess, will take place on Wednesday 2 September 2015 at 7.30pm in the ATUC premises at John Londragan House, 22A Adelphi, Aberdeen.

All delegates and associates are welcome to attend.

Alan Robertson, ATUC President said, "As always there is a packed agenda, and we will be starting the planning for the St Andrew's Day March and Rally at this meeting.

"We are also still looking for nominations for the post of secretary. Our thanks go to Brian Carroll and Fiona Napier for holding the fort but it would be great to have someone in the post. Please consider nominating yourself or one of your colleagues.

"I hope to see you all on Wed 2nd September."

SPSC Public Meeting - Time for change: Boycott & Isolate Apartheid Israel

Please come along to the Scottish Palestinian Solidarity Campaign public meeting this Thursday 18 Aug 2015 at 7.30pm in the Unite Offices, 42-44 King Street, AB24 5TJ, when SPSC Chair Sofiah McLeod will be discussing ‘where now?’ for BDS in Scotland.

SPSC Aberdeen member Fiona Napier said, "We are in a time of great political upheaval in Scotland – how do we ensure Palestinian rights stay high on the agenda, and how do we build on our successes? And how do we counter Israel's ever more aggressive efforts to counter BDS‏?

Join the Aberdeen Hiroshima Memorial on 6th August on the River Dee

Aberdeen and District CND will be hosting this years Hiroshima Memorial on Thursday August 6th. The Hiroshima Memorial takes place at 8.30pm at the Fishermans Hut on the River Dee in between Duthie Park and the Bridge of Dee. All are welcome to attend.

Jonathan Russell, Chair of Aberdeen and District CND said, "We have speakers, poetry and songs and following a minutes silence we will release 200 lanterns down the River Dee in comemoration of the people who died following the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki 70 years ago.

"This is a very special event and you are welcome along."

Click here for more information

Hope to see you there

Sign up to fight the Tory Govenment's attack on unions

On 17th July the government unveiled the Trade Union Bill and ATUC members will have seen and heard Tories taking to the airwaves to denounce trade unionists.

The bill is the biggest attack on trade unions in decades. Sign-up to Unions Together's 'Fight the Bill'  at  www.unionstogether.org.uk/anti_tu_bill

Melanie Bartlett, Campaigns Co-ordinator at Unions Together warned, "The text of the bill is a carefully crafted and chilling attempt to undermine the basis of trade unionism.  

 

"We need to stand together to stop this bill which represents an attack on both our human and democratic right to organise collectively.

 

"The Tories want to restrict our ability to protect our member’s terms and conditions at work, limit our ability to strike and restrict our ability to campaign on the political issues which matter.
 

"The right to strike is made significantly harder, other agency workers drafted in to make legitimate strike action redundant, attempts to criminalise pickets and reduce our political campaigning funds.

"Trade union laws in Britain are already outside international convention standards and this bill will take Britain far away from the democratic tradition."

Sign up today to join the campaign to fightback against this unfair, unnecessary and undemocratic law www.unionstogether.org.uk/anti_tu_bill.

Max Blumenthal - the 51 Day War - will speak in Aberdeen during the anniversary of the Gaza massacre

Max Blumenthal, the author of "The 51 Day War" will speak in Aberdeen on Wed 5th August at 7.30pm in the Unite Offices, 42-44King Street, as part of his Scottish speaking tour taking place during the anniversary of Gaza massacres.

 

Please get along if you can. It promises to be a very interesting event.

Click here for more information on the Facebook page.

The ATUC has condemned the killing and devastation of Gaza last year, which was carried out using both indiscriminate and carefully targeted bombing and shelling.

Max Blumenthal managed to enter Gaza during the assault, and the immediacy of his reports, his interviews with Palestinian survivors inside the killing zone, makes for compelling reading. In marked contrast to all mainstream UK media, the author contextualises the events he reports.

Read the book review - The 51 Day War - The 51 Day War http://www.scottishpsc.org.uk/index.php/103-zionism/current/mass-killings/1705-the-51-day-war-ruin-and-resistance-in-g...aza

Next ATUC Delegates Meeting 1st July 7.30pm at 22a Adelphi, Aberdeen

The next ATUC delegates meeting will be held on Wed 1st July at John Londragon House, 22A Adelphi, Aberdeen at 7.30pm.

As well as the usual business, a speaker from Scottish Palestinian Solidarity Campaign (Aberdeen) will attend to update delegates on the planned visit to Gaza this October and on their walk for Gaza on 13th June.

All delegates and associates are welcome to come along.

Aberdeen Trades Union Council delegates join 5000 to protest Tory cuts at Scotland United Against Austerity

#ScotlandAgainstAusterity Around 30 members of the ATUC and affiliate organisations joined over 5000 people at the anti-austerity rally in George Square, Glasgow on Saturday 20th June. Many had boarded the free bus from Aberdeen and our thanks go to the ATUC, Unite, UNISON Aberdeen City and UNISON Aberdeenshire for meeting the cost.

Over 5000 gather to demand an end to austerity

Trade unions, political parties and community groups brought their banners and placards in a colourful display, all with one message. End austerity - it only benefits the rich.

They were part of a day of demonstrations against austerity with almost 250,000 thronging the streets of London to give the same message to this Tory Government. Austerity doesn't work and austerity hits the poorest and most vulnerable hardest. End austerity NOW.

Kate Ramsden, Vice President, who attended the rally said, "With inspiring speeches, great music and even some sunshine, it was a great event.
"However, with the news of huge cuts in many of Scotland's councils, this can only be the beginning of the fightback against the vicious policies of this Tory government, which make no sense for the economy but are based on an ideology that hates public services and is only interested in furthering the interests of the rich at the expense of the rest of us. The hard work starts now.

"It is despicable that they richest 1000 in this country have doubled their wealth while more and more of our children grow up in poverty and families rely on foodbanks to survive.

"We have become the most unequal country in the EU. The money is there - it's just in the wrong hands."

Scotland United Against Austerity 20th June, George Square, Glasgow - Book your free bus now!

#ToriesOutNow #NoMoreAusterity

Aberdeen Trades Union Council, with sterling assistance from Doug Haywood, has organised a bus to Glasgow to take part in Scotland United Against Austerity on 20th June 2015.

Seats will be free but to book your place, contact Conductor John on  jconnon1@hotmail.com or on 07505006170 

Click here for the facebook site. However to book a place on the bus you MUST contact John.

Next ATUC Delegates Meeting 3rd June, 7.30pm at 22a Adelphi, Aberdeen

The next ATUC delegates meeting will be held on Wed 3rd June at John Londragon House, 22A Adelphi, Aberdeen at 7.30pm.



Jim Neave

All delegates and associates are welcome to come along.

ATUC President, Alan Robertson said, "I am particularly delighted that at this meeting, the CWU will be making a presentation to veteran trade unionist and longstanding ATUC member Jim Neave in recognition of his long service to the trade union movement.

"We will also have speakers from the Healthy Working Lives and Health Inequalities City project and Tommy Breslin will come and talk about a Local Learning Forum.

"We hope as many as possible of you will get along."

Walk the length of the Gaza Strip and Support Palestine - Sat 13th June 2015

Aberdeen Scottish Palestinian Solidarity Campaign is calling all supporters of Palestinian human rights to join them on Saturday 13th June as they walk the 40 kilometre (25 mile) length of the Gaza Strip along the Aberdeenshire coastline.

Click here to go to the facebook site for more information.

Dave Black of SPSC said, "You may already be aware of the SPSC delegation to Gaza, planned to take place in October this year.

"In addition to being a show of solidarity with the besieged Gazans, the delegation aims to defy the illegal Israeli blockade of the Strip to forge closer links with Palestinian civil society and networks (e.g. trade unions, health care, academia) - all the more vital given the deliberate devastation caused by last year’s brutal Israeli assault on the Strip."

Scotland United Against Austerity 20th June, George Square, Glasgow - Make it a truly historic event

Aberdeen Trades Union Council is calling on all our affiliates and associates to get along and support Scotland United Against Austerity on Sat 20th June in George Square, Glasgow.

As austerity and attacks on trade union rights are ramped up, it's vital that the entire anti-austerity movement in Scotland comes together in a show of opposition to the Tory government.

To coincide with the Peoples' Assembly event being held in London on the same day, the STUC is throwing its weight behind this major event which will underline the widespread disgust at Tory plans to embed and deepen austerity, targeting the most vulnerable.

Click here for updates on the Facebook page

The STUC expects that this event will be co-sponsored by a range of organisations involved in the Peoples' Assembly including major trade unions, the Radical Independence Campaign, Labour Party Campaign for Socialism, the SNP Trade Union Group, the Communist Party and anti-racist grouping Hope not Hate.

Let's make Saturday 20 June a truly historic event.

Watch the Facebook site for further announcements about how people can support and build for 20 June to be announced in due course.

Say no to compulsory redundancies at University Aberdeen - sign the petition

Aberdeen Trades Union Council, at its meeting on 13th May, pledged support to Aberdeen University and College Union to fight Aberdeen University's refusal to rule out compulsory redundancies as part of its plan to axe 150 jobs.

UCU members at Aberdeen University are currently being balloted for industrial action to stop planned job cuts including compulsory redundancies and you can sign the petition calling on the university to find more progressive ways to save money here.

ATUC is urging members of all our affiliate unions and associate groups to sign this petition in support of our UCU colleagues.

Next Aberdeen Trades Union Council delegates meeting postponed until 13th May

Can delegates and associates please note that the next ATUC meeting will be held on Wed 13th May at John Londragon House, 22A Adelphi, Aberdeen at 7.30pm and NOT on Wed 6th May.

This is because a number of our delegates are involved in eve of election activities. 

Alan Robertson, President said, "After our very successful May Day march and rally we are hoping for a really good turn-out on 13^th May and hope to see you there.

"We urgently need to fill the secretary and the treasurer’s posts and this will be further discussed at this meeting. Please do your best to get along."

Hundreds celebrate May Day and march for equality, social justice and workers rights

More than five hundred people from trade unions and campaigning groups, including a number of key local politicians and friends of the ATUC, took to the streets and marched along Union Street on Saturday 2^nd March to celebrate International Workers’ Day and to call for an end to austerity.

Led off by the Guarana Drummers, the march was both colourful and noisy as banners and placards were held aloft and marchers moved to the beat of the drums. Passersby stopped to watch, wave and to take photos, and to show their support for the marchers. Somewhere along the route, the sun came out and the weather stayed fine and Springlike as marchers gathered for an outdoor rally at the Castlegate.

For more photos go to the ATUC Facebook page

Greetings of solidarity from Aberdeen Trades Union Council on this International Workers’ Day

A statement from Tommy Campbell, Unite, reproduced on behalf of the ATUC

Long may the struggle continue  for  a better life for all workers as we resist the rise of the far right ideology that only serves the bosses interests.

Our class’s history has a lot to teach us about the roots of our socialist  radicalism and militant trade unionism.

STUC Report 2015

Scottish Trades Union Congress 2015

The 118th STUC Annual Congress was held At Ayr Racecourse 20th-22nd April 2015

Report of the STUC 2015

Fiona Napier

ATUC delegates to the 2015 STUC were Fiona Napier and Steve Gray

Steve Gray

We owe it to the memories of those who have died to fight for the rights of working people

Once again this year, local trade unionists and citizens joined councillors from both Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire, in a poignant service to commemorate Workers’ Memorial Day on 28^th April, in the beautiful setting of the Persley Workers’ Memorial Garden.

Welcoming people to the service, ATUC Vice President, Kate Ramsden asked those present to join her in a minutes silence to remember all those who had lost their lives at their work. Councillor Barney Crockett, on behalf of the Lord Provost of Aberdeen, then laid a wreath in their memory.

Barney paid tribute to the work of the trade unions in fighting for robust health and safety in the workplace, over the years and still in the present day.

He said, “This is a day to honour the working people throughout the world who have lost their lives while going about their daily employment.

“It serves as a reminder to us all to continue to stand up for working people’s rights and to ensure workplace practices are exemplary.”

ATUC delegates speak out against austerity and UKIP and call for affordable homes.

Report of the ATUC in action at the 2015 STUC Congress in Ayr

Our delegates to the Congress this year, Steve Gray and Fiona Napier were very active on behalf of the ATUC. They seconded two composites, one on living rent and affordable housing and one on austerity and local authority cuts. They also supported a composite on standing up to UKIP. All these composites included the ATUC's motions to Congress.

Homes for people, not profit

Steve Gray

The STUC is to call for a major house building programme,    focussing especially on affordable and council housing, not only to meet need but also to boost employment and the economy. It also called for work with Shelter, other charities, community groups, and the People’s Assembly, to build a broad based campaign to support a living rent.

This comes as a result of the Aberdeen TUC’s motion which was merged with motions from USDAW, UCATT and North Lanarkshire TUC.

Seconding the composite, ATUC delegate Steve Gray told delegates that homes should be for people not profits.

Come along to the May Day March and Rally and celebrate International Workers' Day

This year's May Day March and Rally will be held on Saturday 2 May 2015.

Organised once again this year by Aberdeen Trades Union Council, the march will assemble at Rubislaw Terrace, Aberdeen from 10.30 am and the procession will march off at 11.00 am.

The procession will march along the whole length of Union St to the rally at the Castlegate, which is scheduled to commence at 11.45 am/12noon.  Affiliates and community groups are urged to come along with your banners and placards and join us in celebrating International Workers' Day.

Click here for a poster

Speakers are yet to be confirmed but will include trade unionists, politicians and community activists.

Remember the dead, fight for the living - Aberdeen Workers' Memorial Day Service Tuesday 28 April 2015

This year's Workers' Memorial Day Service, organised by Aberdeen Trades Union Council, will be held on Tuesday 28th April at the Persley Walled Garden, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen. Meet at 12.30pm for the ceremony at 1.00pm. Come along and join us to "remember the dead, fight for the living."

Click here for a poster

What is Workers Memorial Day?
International Workers Memorial Day (IWMD) takes place all over the world on 28 April each year.

The purpose of IWMD is two-fold. Firstly it is about not forgetting those who have died, been injured, or made ill by their work. Secondly it is about ensuring that this tragic loss and suffering are used to reinvigorate the campaign for healthier and safer work.

The campaign slogan is "Remember the dead, fight for the living."


In this time of austerity, it is ever more important to protect our Health and Safety legislation, which is constantly under attack.

The Service will last for approx 30mins.

Next ATUC Delegates Meeting 1st April, 7.30pm at 22a Adelphi, Aberdeen

All delegates and associates are invited to attend the next ATUC Delegates meeting on Wednesday 1st April 2015 at 7.30pm, in ATUC premises, John Londragan House, 22A Adelphi, Aberdeen.
 
There will be a full agenda as always, including a presentation to a CWU Member by his Branch of Honorary Life Membership in recognition of long membership and long services to members. 

 

There will also be a talk by Naomi Brown from the Campaign to Save the Scottish Independent Living Fund.

Alan Robertson, President of the ATUC said, "We are still looking for delegates to fill the posts of treasurer and Secretary. These are key posts and they will need to be filled if the ATUC is to carry on doing its important work.

"The meeting will also finalise plans for the Workers' Memorial Day service and the May Day March and Rally."