St Andrew's Day Rally: It May Be Cold Weather, But It's a Warm Message of Solidarity

St Andrew's Day rally speakers. A cold day, but a warm message of solidarity.
Posted by Aberdeen Trades Union Council on Saturday, 25 November 2017

It was a chilly November day for this year's St Andrew's day rally in Aberdeen, organised by Aberdeen Trades Union Council, but nevertheless we had a good turnout of people to support the event and to hear the speakers.

Regrettably we had been unable to start the rally with our usual march from St Nicholas Kirk, due to the prohibitive costs (in the region of £3,000!) of gaining a road closure order and therefore this year we only had the rally at Castlegate. We will investigate what could be done for next year to allow us to reinstate the march.

Nevertheless, this years national theme of No Racism: Educate, Agitate, Organise allowed us to hear from a variety of speakers, including Kate Ramsden (UNISON), Tommy Campbell (Unite), Lewis Macdonald MSP, and Fiona Napier (SPSC), who all took the microphone to denounce racism and promote equality, fairness, and justice for all citizens of Scotland.

We also gave a live Facebook broadcast of the speakers this year, so you can hear what they had to say in the video on the left. 💓

Kathleen speaks out at the STUC disabled workers conference

Kathleen Kennedy

Kathleen Kennedy, Vice President had a busy time as she represented the ATUC at the STUC disabled workers’ conference in November.

As well as moving the ATUC motion  Kathleen spoke in three other debates.

She said, “It was a sheer delight to be there participating on behalf of the North East of Scotland.

“Throughout the conference, there was a lot of enthusiasm that was infectious and you could see how everyone was willing to take part and encouraged each other to do so.

“As disability and work related issues is one of my specialist areas I was determined to take part.”

The ATUC motion called on the STUC to look at giving additional speaking time to people with communication disabilities at STUC conferences and to encourage other affiliated unions to do this also.

Kathleen said, “This is something that I am very passionate about as I have noticed in many conferences I have attended that I am sometimes the only person or one of only a few people with a communication disability speaking. I felt it was very important that we encourage and enable more people with communication disabilities to feel able to take part.”

The motion was approved and was put to the STUC Disabled Workers Committee to implement.

Join us for the St Andrew's Day Rally on 25th November at 12 noon in the Castlegate, Aberdeen

Please come along to the Aberdeen's St Andrew's Day Rally on Saturday 25th November 2017 at 12 noon in the Castlegate.

Please note that there will be no march this year due to prohibitive cost.

Organised by Aberdeen Trades Union Council, this year's St Andrew's Day event will once again celebrate the diversity of the North East of Scotland. It will call on us all to "Educate, Agitate and Organise" to bring an end to racism and fascism and to fight for equality and social justice for all.

ATUC joint president, Kevin Hutchens said, "We would like as many people as possible to join us for this rally to give a clear message that we still keep alive the proud history of the North East of Scotland of fighting fascism and racism wherever it rears its ugly head.

"We will hear from a range of speakers from community groups and local politicians, all giving this same message. Please come along."

ATUC members congratulate Kathleen on her election to the STUC Disabled Workers' Committee and Congress

Aberdeen Trade Union Council vice-president, Kathleen Kennedy has been elected unopposed onto the STUC Disabled Workers' Committee and to represent them at the STUC Annual Congress.


Kevin Hutchens, joint president said, "Kathleen was nominated by the ATUC to these roles and we are delighted with her success.


"Congratulations have flooded in from ATUC members and we know that Kathleen will do a great job representing the ATUC and disabled members in Scotland.


"We send Kathleen our very best wishes in these roles."