ATUC stands in solidarity with Unite Pilgrim workers in Enniskillen

Aberdeen Trades Union Council delivered  a message of solidarity and support when our President, Tommy Campbell joined the picket line on Thursday 17 Sept in his home town of Enniskillen in County Fermanagh.

Workers are striking for a decent pay increase and an end to the current regime where morning shift workers are the only shift workers not getting fully paid breaks. The lowest paid workers receive an hourly rate of £12.82 - only eleven pence above the minimum wage. Pilgrims Europe's latest reported after-tax profit was £128 million.

The site produces a range of leading UK and Irish food brands including including Fridge Raiders, Richmond Sausages, Mr Brains Pork Faggots, Denny sausages (Republic of Ireland), Rollover sausages (sold at football grounds) and vegan sausages. Fridge raiders are one of the most successful Pilgrims products and are targeted at lunchboxes and for younger consumers. 

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said, "Pilgrims is a hugely profitable company making massive profits while its workers earn just pennies above the bare legal minimum. It can easily make its workers a fair offer but is choosing not to.

“Our members are determined to win an improved deal - they have the total support of Unite for as long as it takes to achieve that."

Fermanagh TUC and Aberdeen TUC have developed formal links over the past few years.

Tommy urged, "It would be appreciated if your Trade Union branch sent a message of solidarity and support to the Pilgrim’s workers now on an all out strike."

World suicide prevention day ceremony urges, "Start the conversation"

Photo by Norman Adams, ACC photographer

A moving ceremony on World Suicide Prevention Day on 10th September, at the Choose Life memorial tree in Hazelhead Park, Aberdeen, remembered all those who have lost their lives to suicide. 

Organised by Aberdeen Trades Union Council, and chaired by President, Tommy Campbell, representatives of ATUC and unions were joined by Aberdeen's Lord Provost, David Cameron, to lay wreaths in memory of those lost to suicide and to demand action to address the causes and symptoms of poor mental health.

Tommy said: "It's very important that we all work together to prevent suicide. As part of World Suicide Prevention Day we wish to create awareness that suicide is preventable and by bringing people together we can show our support for all those affected by suicide. 

"Each  of us has a positive and helpful role to play in creating a society where everyone can be  supported and able to talk about their mental health."

There were  kind words of compassion from the Lord Provost, Jonathan Christie, Aberdeen City Council GMB shop steward, Kyle Griffiths Bilfinger Offshore Workers Unite shop steward, Kate Ramsden UNISON Rep and ATUC Joint Secretary and Gordon Walters, Aberdeen City Council  Unite Branch Chair, in memory of friends and work colleagues who were lost to suicide.

ATUC to welcome visitors on Doors Open Day

Aberdeen Trades Union Council (ATUC) will open its doors to visitors as part of Doors Open Day in Aberdeen on Saturday 5 September. 

We would urge anyone interested in knowing more about ATUC, our history and our role, to get along to 22A Adelphi on Saturday between 10-4pm.

We have a long history having been formed in 1868 and still going strong, playing an important role as we continue to support workers in these challenging times.  

Aberdeen Social Centre, an activist support and networking hub, also use our space. The aim of the Social Centre is to build the capacity of and the connections between grassroots community activism. 
A range of historical artefacts will be on display, providing a fascinating insight into the history of trade unionism in Aberdeen. 

Find out more on the Doors Open Day pages

As part of our Doors Open Day at ATUC, Aberdeen Artists Against Fascism will be co-hosting a display by local artists at the ATUC premises.

Aberdeen Artists Against Fascism was formed to mobilise artists to take collective action using art as a tool of social and political change.

The display will feature several pieces on loan from Peacock & The Worm, including ‘Cutie Jones’ a screen-printed reproduction of British artist and anarchist Jamie Reid’s first image for the Sex Pistols made here in Aberdeen in the 1970s.

A collection of zines from around the world will also be on display, curated by Aberdeen Zine Library.

With many thanks to ATUC Exec member Andrew Macgregor who has curated this event one again.