Aberdeen Trades Union Council (ATUC) is continuing our solidarity with striking workers in all unions taking action for decent pay and safe working conditions for staff and the public.
Tommy Campbell, Unite, on behalf of ATUC, and ATUC delegate and Labour councillor, Simon Watson, joined the RMT picket line today at Aberdeen Rail station, to show our support for RMT strikers across the UK.
Wishing everyone a happy new year on behalf of ATUC, President, Graeme Farquhar pledged, "We will continue to join picket lines of striking workers as long as it takes to make sure that working people are paid decent wages for the work they do.
"That is not only morally right, but it also makes economic sense. We are still the sixth richest country in the world. We can afford decent wages if we end extortionate profits to the wealthiest and make sure everyone pays their fair share.
"Giving decent, inflation busting pay rises to workers is good for them as it means they are not dependent on foodbanks or excessive debt, but is also good for the economy, as we are the people who spend in our local shops and businesses, keeping them afloat. The richest don't even spend in this country, never mind our local communities."
He slammed the Tory government's attacks on workers' rights to strike and called on all our delegates, affiliates, friends, families and the public to sign
this petition to protect the right to strike.
Graeme urged, "As the cost-of-living crisis continues to hurt workers everywhere, we need to be able to stand together and choose to strike when we must. These laws will do nothing to fix this crisis - they will make it even harder for working people to get pay rises.
"Every working person is under attack from these new laws. Add your name and join the campaign.
"We must defend the right to strike."
