Building on the New Deal for Workers - ATUC at STUC Congress

 #STUC25 Congress, held in Dundee from 28-30 April and chaired by UNISON's Lilian Macer fairly bowled along as speaking times were cut from the outset to 4 minutes for movers and 2 minutes for everyone else. The theme was Building on the New Deal for Workers with a focus on workers' rights and workers in struggle. 

In her President's speech, Lilian condemned the UK Labour Government for their cuts to public services and their lurch to the right and demanded proper funding for public services in Scotland. “They are essential to the very fabric of our society and we to see significant investment to support our most vulnerable”.

On Gaza she said, “We must demand an end to the killings in Gaza and the horrific scenes we have seen, pointing out that 70% of those murdered are women and children.”

The Monday of Congress was International Workers Memorial Day and she slammed the murders of the health workers by Israeli forces and pledged to continue to fight for the living.

At lunchtime a moving service was held outside the Caird Hall with speeches from a number of union representatives, who also laid wreaths.

Congress heard from both First Minister, John Swinney and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar. They highlighted all the concerns including a loss of industrial base in Scotland, the politics of division and rise of Reform and the far right, and the failure of our current political system to engage workers but themselves failed to offer any compelling answers and just trotted out more of the same - each condemning the failings in the other's parties.

A highlight of Congress was an excellent panel session on the crisis in social care with three young trade union activists working in the sector, from UNISON, Unite and GMB.

Their clear message - Scottish government should put its money where its mouth is, recognise social care is on its knees and properly fund the sector for the benefit of the workers and those who need care services.

Standing on the side of humanity - supporting Palestine

#STUC25 Congress backed a total of seven motions which together set out a wide ranging strategy to support Palestine through Boycott Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) and other actions and to end the genocide in Gaza.

Congress passionately condemned Israel’s oppression of the Palestinians and the slaughter of so many in Gaza, especially the children. They heard that the number one cause of child deaths across the world is Israel.

Kate Ramsden moved ATUC’s motion which called for the STUC to lobby the Scottish government to end funding to any company and/or organisation involved directly or indirectly connected to supplying any weapons or weapons parts to Israel, as part of a strategy of BDS.

Moving the motion, Kate Ramsden told delegates that we are proud to stand in solidarity with Palestine as we move into 20 months of genocide and see Israeli violence on the West Bank continue to grow.

“Like everyone here we stand in the side of humanity and utterly condemn Israel’s massacres of children, women and men in Gaza, the targeting of health workers, aid workers and journalists, and now the withholding of essential aid, condemning Gazans to death by starvation and from sickness and injury,” said Kate.

She slammed the UK government’s complicity in the genocide, calling on them to end all arms licenses to Israel. And she demanded that the Scottish Government puts its money where its mouth is and does not provide any government funding to businesses involved in supplying arms or military hardware to Israel.

She called on trade unions to do more to promote BDS amongst their members and to campaign for pension fund divestment from companies complicit in Israeli oppression.

“We know from our solidarity with South Africa all those years ago how powerful BDS can be as a peaceful weapon for freedom and justice.

“Let’s all stand on the right side of history,” urged Kate.

Congress backs St Fittick's Park campaign

 #STUC25 Congress backed the St Fittick’s Park campaign and will actively support communities led just transition processes. It recognised the crucial role of trades union councils and encouraged all unions to affiliate.

Moving a composite from ATUC and Moray TUC, Steve Gray said the "Save St Fitticks Park campaign was “a story of greed power and corruption set against community solidarity, love and hope.

“Torry, home of the Torry cough, a life expectancy of 55, and Torry’s green lung St Fitticks Park, under threat from speculative development.”

He told delegates the bigger picture is who decides the future of the workers and their communities when their industrial base is at risk.

“The problems the people of Torry, Aberdeen and Moray face are replicated right across Scotland as big business tries to divide and rule our communities and asset strip our green spaces.”

He called for communities “to be able to make informed choices about their own future, resisting the divide and rule tactics of big businesses and their lackeys in local government.

Ann Joss

“Regional just transition plans backed by 20 years funding and growing Scottish manufacturing supply chains are a vital tool.”

The motion was supported by RMT’s Ann Joss who roundly condemned the attacks on Torry’s Green spaces.

Defending the right to protest

 #STUC25 Congress condemned attacks on the right to protest, especially in relation to Palestine and slammed police repression and escalating attacks on our right to protest.

The General Council will now submit a Freedom of Information request to establish the strategy for policing pro-Palestine demos in

Supporting the amended motion from the STUC Youth Conference, on behalf of ATUC, Jonathan Christie told delegates that there has been increased overpolicing and police repression of the SPSC demos in Aberdeen.

He added, “There were further arrests just over a week ago at a demo against an Israeli representative competing at the World Bowls championship in Aberdeen.

“This peaceful BDS protest was met with 32 police officers turning up and arresting 3 protestors. With 2 out of the 3 protesters being held in the police van for over 1.30 hours.

“We have seen increasing police heavy handedness against protesters and intimidation tactics against protestors.

“This is at a time when a genocide is being committed by Isreal on the Palestinians in Gaza over the last 18 months, which has seen 60,000 Palestinians-of which mostly woman and children - being killed.”

He reminded that the ICJ has ruled it as a plausible genocide.

“The police should be arresting war criminals not protesters,” slammed Jonathan.

“As trade unionists and activists, we have a duty to stand up to this injustice and police repression. Protesting is our human right and this is a threat to all activists right to protest.

“BDS worked against Apartheid in South Africa and is making an impact again today,” said Jonathan, calling on all trade unionists to defend the right to protest, use our voice to call out the Gaza genocide, take BDS action and show solidarity with the people of Palestine.

Bring back the Winter fuel payment for ALL pensioners

 

#STUC25 On the first day of Congress, delegates overwhelmingly supported a call from ATUC and West Lothian Trades Union Council to lobby the Scottish Government to restore the Winter Fuel Allowance for Scottish pensioners from this coming Winter.

Steve Gray, on behalf of ATUC told Congress that although Aberdeen is ostensibly a wealthy area, there is also a lot of poverty.

“It may have the second highest number of millionaires after London, however it also has a much higher number of poorer people.

“The removal of the Winter fuel allowance highlights the fact that Aberdeen is a city of ultra poor and ultra rich and the pensioners are noticeably one of the biggest groups amongst the poorest.

“The removal of the Winter fuel allowance is another demonstration that the poorest people in society are having funds removed that could help them, whist funds to the super rich are increased.”

On day 2 Steve seconded a motion from UCU that included our amendment calling on overseas students, especially those from China and the global south, to be treated with respect, especially in our current 'hostile environment' on China.

Moving IWMD service mourns those who have died at work and pledges to fight for living

A moving International Workers' Memorial Day service at the Workers’ Memorial in Persley Walled Garden brought together trade unionists, councillors and citizens to lay wreaths in memory of those who had died as a result of an accident at work or an industrial disease and to pledge to fight for the living.

The late Graeme Farquhar, former President of ATUC, widow Hazel laid the ATUC wreath. 

Wreaths were also laid by Trade Union Representatives from Unite, Unison and CWU. 

A wreath was laid by the Lord Provost of Aberdeen, David Cameron who also delivered a message of support and solidarity from Aberdeen City Council. Cllr Alison Evison from Aberdeenshire Council also laid a wreath on behalf of the NHS.

Linda Carmichael of the WASPI pension equality campaign group laid a wreath and delivered a message of sympathy and support for the families who have lost loved ones in workplace accidents or through industrial disease. 

There was a minute's silence held in memory of all who have died.

Join us at our May Day March and Rally for Workers Rights and Human Rights

All are welcome to attend the ATUC’s  annual May Day March and Rally on Saturday 3^rd May 2025. Bring your flags, banners and placards.

Gather from 11.00am on Rubislaw Terrace. The march will set off at 11.30am onto Union Street via Union Terrace and Schoolhill to Broad Street .

The Rally will be held outside Marischal College from 12 noon, with music, poetry and speakers from Trade Unions and progressive organisations. This is a family friendly event with food available and activities for children.

Tommy Campbell, ATUC President said, "At a time when we see attacks on workers' rights and human rights here and across the world, we will be coming together as trade unionists and campaigners, to show solidarity with workers and citizens in struggle here and across the world. 

"We are united in our fight for dignity and respect for all workers and the rights of citizens ere and internationally. Our speakers will focus on all these struggles, including no fire and rehire, no social care cuts, a proper just transition, get me home safely campaign, international workers’ rights and peace including Palestinian rights, an end to poverty and pensioner poverty and no to public service cuts, including the crisis in health, and universities.

"Please join us in our fight for social justice and make this a march to remember."

International Workers' Memorial Day Service 26 April Remember the dead, fight for the living

All trade unionists, community activists, families and friends, especially those who have lost loved ones to an industrial accident or industrial disease are invited to attend the International Workers Memorial Day 2025 events below.                                         The Aberdeen Trades Union Council International Workers Memorial Day wreath laying service will be held on Saturday 26th April at 12.30pm in the Persley Walled Garden, Mugiemoss Road, Aberdeen AB21 9WH.  

The International Workers’ Memorial Day theme is to " remember the dead, fight for the living."

Tommy Campbell, Aberdeen TUC President said, "On International Workers Memorial Day we pay our respects and remember all those who have lost their lives through a workplace accident or an industrial related disease.“

"Whilst we will always remember the dead, we reiterate our fundamental right to fight for the living by ensuring that all workplaces are safe and healthier to work in."

 

Other events:

ATUC honours the memory of former President, Graeme Farquhar

Friends, colleagues and family of the late Graeme Farquhar gathered in the ATUC office and online on Friday 11 April to honour Graeme's memory and his legacy. 

Others unable to attend sent in heartfelt tributes to Graeme, a Unite activist and former President of the Aberdeen TUC. He died on 23rd October 2024 at the young age of 64.

Graeme's widow, Hazel was presented with an award in recognition of Graeme's work in the field of health and safety.

There was a comprehensive talk by Steve Dillon, Unite Lead Officer for the Scottish Construction Industry and good friend of Graeme's. He spoke on the scourge of blacklisting and about the main Health and Safety issues affecting the lives of construction workers today.

Aberdeen Trade Union Council remembers victims of Bond helicopter tragedy

Aberdeen TUC laid a wreath at the Bond helicopter accident memorial in Johnston Gardens, Aberdeen on Tuesday 1st April 2025 at a moving service of remembrance for the 16 people who died that day in 2009.

Tommy Campbell President joined colleagues from Unite and offshore branches to lay the wreath on behalf of Aberdeen TUC.

Tommy said, “On the sixteenth anniversary of the Bond offshore helicopter fatal accident off the coast of Peterhead our thoughts are still with the families, work colleagues and friends who are still affected by this horrific fatal accident. 

Left to right: Tommy Campbell,
Issy Sutherland, Paula Buchan, Phil Munro
and Graeme McNeish, Unite

"It should never be forgotten that the helicopter operator was supposed to replace part of the gearbox just a week before this fatal accident. They failed to do so due to a lack of communication with the aircraft manufacturer Eurocopter. 

"Had the helicopter operator taken precautions including following agreed procedures and communications these deaths could have been avoided." 

Aberdeen TUC continues to support all the offshore based Trade Unions who are still demanding a full public inquiry into helicopter safety in the UK offshore oil and gas industry.

Solidarity with Aberdeen SPSC activists – support for the peaceful boycott , divestment and sanctions campaign (BDS)

Aberdeen Trades Union Council (ATUC) stands in solidarity with the six activists from Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Aberdeen who were arrested and detained following a peaceful protest in Home Bargains on Saturday 15 February.

Following 16 months of genocide in Gaza, which has left more than 62,000 dead including almost 18,000 children, and further Israeli violence in the West Bank, which has killed over 900 Palestinians, protesters took their Boycott Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign into Home Bargains in Aberdeen and called on shoppers to boycott Israeli goods, and for Home Bargains to stop stocking them.

ATUC is very concerned about the response by Police Scotland to a peaceful solidarity protest that involved 16 police officers which we understand included at least one armed police officer. We are deeply concerned that this response by Police Scotland caused serious alarm to the public shopping in the area and to the members of the Scottish Palestine solidarity committee exercising their lawful right to peacefully protest in support of the Palestinian people. 

ATUC believes that the right to protest is a fundamental democratic right, enshrined in law, and protected under human rights conventions. Under international law, advocating for and participating in boycott actions against companies complicit in human rights violations is not a crime. 

ATUC Media statement - No More Council Cuts

At Aberdeen TUC’s first meeting this year we received reports of significant concerns from UNISON, UNITE and GMB Trade Union Workplace Representatives about the potential impact of forthcoming Council cuts on our local public services.

Although the Scottish Government’s budget has not yet been agreed, Aberdeen Trades Union Council is alarmed to hear that local Councils have been warned to expect more cuts in this year’s financial settlement from the Scottish Government.

Already Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Councils are on their knees, unable to provide many services critical to our local communities. No one can have failed to notice the perilous state of roads and pavements during the recent cold snap. Both the Councils' and the voluntary not for profit sector Social Care services are under enormous pressure with an inability to attract professional care staff leading to some care homes closing their doors altogether.

Tommy Campbell, ATUC President said today, “After many years of continuous cuts, there is no fat left on Council services. We are down to the muscle, if not the bone. Staff morale is at rock bottom and although they are all working over the odds to keep our public services running, they feel undervalued and disrespected. 

The ATUC has to strongly point out that there is a huge disconnect between Scottish Government policies on delivering public services and our local Councils’ abilities to implement them as a result of year on year cuts to funding."

Kate Ramsden ATUC Executive Committee member added “The Scottish Government in their commendable commitment to reduce child poverty has ignored the fact that cuts to our Councils’ funding impacts dramatically on their ability to address child poverty at local level. If our Councils receive increased funding instead of cuts, they can provide the high quality public services they are set up for and this will improve the quality of life in our local communities.”

Doug Haywood President of the Aberdeen City Local Association of the EIS said, "Further cuts will have a direct impact on families who are already struggling. We are already seeing a rise in the impacts of poverty on our pupils, I fear what these cuts will mean for young people and education across the North East."

Tommy Campbell concluded “The Aberdeen TUC are calling for the Scottish Government to rethink any plans for further cuts to local Councils and instead to increase their core funding as a spend to save approach. If our Councils can provide the high quality public services they are set up for, this will be better for our local communities. It will mitigate child poverty, will ensure that vulnerable people can live in their own homes instead of blocking hospital beds and will save money in the long run.

The STUC commissioned report (link below) on taxation has shown how, with progressive political will, this can be achieved. We are calling on the Scottish Government to take brave political decisions and to invest more in our public services and by doing that we can properly support much needed services in our local communities.“

ENDS

STUC Options for increasing taxes in Scotland to fund investment in public services A report by Howard Reed, Landman Economics, commissioned by the STUC December 2022
https://www.stuc.org.uk/resources/scotland-demands-better-fairer-taxes-for-a-fairer-future.pdf