Now You’re the Voices For the Dead

Please read this powerful and emotional poem writtien by our colleague Davy Kettyles from Unite.

Flanked by opulence and riches,

Stands a tombstone for the poor,

A landmark to indifference
To agony endured,
Warnings mocked and laughed at,

by the mighty of this land,
till the flames lit up the darkness,

and exposed this brigand band.

On the top floors of the tower,
Beyond firefighters reach,
Trapped, children and their mothers cried,

save us, hear them screech

all praying for a miracle, on phones some said  goodbye,

they've no angels wings to fly away,

they may get them, when they die.

As the smoke and flames engulf them,

and their last breath they inhale,
Their deaths will live in infamy
But truth it shall prevail,

hold to account the guilty,
on their shoulders place their crime.
For profit before people

Was the reason and the rhyme 

Neath the skyline of this city
Stands tall this blackened shell,

ash carried on the morning breeze

and the smoke you still can smell.

Cometh  righteous indignation,
Cry justice, - must be said
Arise arise the many,

now you’re the voices for the dead.

Davy Kettyles

June 17^th  2017

ATUC Special Meeting - Learning the lessons of the Grenfell Tower Tragedy

Aberdeen TUC  has called a special meeting with a speaker from the Fire Brigades Union (FBU)  to help us start to learn some of the lessons from the Grenfell Tower disaster.

This will take place at the UNITE office 44 King Street, Aberdeen AB24 5TJ at 6.45pm on Tuesday 27th June.

All delegates are invited.

In view of the importance of the issue some key residents organisations are also to be invited.

Kevin Hutchens, Joint President, who has organised the meeting had previously sent a message of condolence, support and solidarity to all those affected by the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

Kevin had said, "Aberdeen TUC sends its sympathy and support to all affected by the Grenfell Tower fire.For those killed in the tragedy we grieve, to the relatives and friends we send our condolences, to those injured we send our best wishes for recovery, to the rescue workers we send our admiration and gratitude for their bravery and to the community we send our solidarity.

"While recognising investigations have to be completed we call for justice to be done and for every effort to be made to ensure this never happens again."

Kevin added, "The meeting will start with a minutes silence as a mark of respect for all those who lost their lives in this appalling tragedy.

"I look forward to seeing you there."

Aberdeen Trade Union Council stands with the people of London and all those around the world affected by terrorist attacks.

Aberdeen Trades Union Council stands united in solidarity with the people of London,  as we did with the people of Manchester last week. We condemn last night's terrorist atrocity and all terrorist atrocities around the world, and we send our sympathy to the bereaved and best wishes for full recovery to the injured.

Terrorism will never prevail over the people, Only by working together in harmony can the forces of terror be defeated. Thanks to all the health service workers and emergency services keeping our streets safe, and to all those courageous citizens who went to the aid of those attacked.