STUC Report 2017

Kevin Hutchens

Aberdeen Trades Union Council's delegation to the 2017 Scottish Trades Union Congress in Aviemore was: Kevin Hutchens, delegation leader, Fiona Napier and Eamonn Duncan.

ATUC motions included a call for the STUC to support our 150th anniversary celebrations in 2018.

Moving the motion, Kevin Hutchens outlined the achievements of the ATUC over the past 150 years. Responding from the General Douncil, Mike Arnott of Dundee STUC pledged STUC support.

Fiona Napier and Eamonn Duncan accepted remit of ATUC's two Palestinian motions, in favour of a General Council statement. This confirmed that the STUC has no links with the Israeli Tade Union Histradut. The General Council pledged to update its BDS policy and to encourage all affiliates to support activists acting within the boundaries of this policy.

Fiona Napier

ATUC delegation also submitted an emergency motion calling for an improved safety regime on the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route, following over 100 injuries during construction. This motion was overwhelmingly approved.

Eamonn Duncan

Moving Workers' Memorial Day ceremony pledges to remember the dead, fight for the living

Kevin Hutchens

The weather was kind as a crowd gathered to commemorate International Workers' Memorial Day, to mourn those who have lost their lives, and to pledge to fight to ensure no other worker is killed, injured or made ill at their work.

Wreaths were laid by Aberdeen City Council, trade unions from Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire, the Aberdeen Trades Union Council who organised the event and from Unite the union.

ATUC joint-President, Kevin Hutchens welcomed everyone and asked for a two minute silence for everyone to remember and mourn those who did not return from their work.

Andrew Lawtie

Andrew Lawtie, Lord Lieutenant, on behalf of the Provost of Aberdeen reminded those gathered that today, around the world, bereaved families, workers, trade unionists and campaigners come together to remember those who have died, been injured or made ill by their work.

"Aberdeen City Council support this event so that we firstly ensure that those workers are remembered and that such tragic loss is not repeated and their suffering is used to reinvigorate the campaign for healthier and safer work.

"Fighting for the living is equally important," added Andrew, pledging to work with trade unions to make all work a safer and healthier activity for all workers.

Get along and see Undermined at the Blue Lamp in Aberdeen on 26th April

Celebrate May Day at the March and Rally in Aberdeen on 6th May

Help Dundee TUC celebrate its 150th Anniversary at its May Day events on Saturday 29th April 2017

"Remember the dead, fight for the living" Come along to this year's Workers' Memorial Day service on 28th April.

This year's Workers' Memorial Day Service, organised by Aberdeen Trades Union Council, will be held on Friday 28th April at the Persley Walled Garden, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen. Meet at 12.30pm for the ceremony at 1.00pm.

All delegates, affiliates and friends are invited to come along and join us to "remember the dead, fight for the living."

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

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

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.

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.