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| Kevin Hutchens, Kathleen Kennedy, Satnam Ner, Barney Crockett, Tyrinne Rutherford and Grahame Smith |
Our thanks go to the STUC and Aberdeen City Council for hosting receptions to mark this important year.
STUC reception and launch of research proposal
The events began with a reception on Wednesday afternoon, 7th March hosted by the STUC in the Town House, Aberdeen to mark our150th anniversary. We were delighted that the General Council held their meeting in Aberdeen before this event.
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| Helen Martin |
At the reception, the STUC launched their proposal for forthcoming research focussing on the North East economy.
This is one of three pieces of research that the STUC will be carrying out as part of their organising agenda, and we are delighted that they have focussed one of these on the North East of Scotland.
Following a presentation by Assistant General secretary, Helen Martin, and a response from ATUC Joint-President, Kevin Hutchens, there was a lively discussion about the areas that could be included in the research, which will be put out to tender soon.
Aberdeen City Council - Civic reception
That evening, Aberdeen City Council hosted a civic reception to mark Aberdeen Trades Union Council's 150th anniversary. The event was compered by Kevin Hutchens, joint President and the speakers were the Lord Provost, Barney Crockett, Kathleen Kennedy, ATUC Vice President, Tyrinne Rutherford, ATUC Joint President, and Satnam Ner, STUC President.
The speakers spoke of Aberdeen's long association with the ATUC and the City Council's support for trade unions across the city as well as its history of supporting social justice and equality across the world.
Congratulations came from trade unions and activists locally and from further afield. Jim Quinn, a former secretary of Fermanagh TUC sent a wee message in gaelic.... "Ní neart go cuir le cheile ... literally ...no strength without unity!"
International Women's Day
Finally, on Thursday 8th March, men and women braved the chill to stand together at the Castlegate in Aberdeen and celebrate International Women’s Day at an ATUC organised rally.
Compered by Vice President Kathleen Kennedy, a range of speakers spoke about the women who inspired them, the progress made and the many battles still to be fought to achieve gender equality and an end to the discrimination, harassment and abuse of women.
Young trade unionist, Gemma Clark spoke on behalf of the ATUC, telling her own story and reflecting on the women who were inspirational in her life, including her Mum, Donna, a Unite member and also active in the ATUC.
Another excellent event organised by the ATUC in our 150th year.
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