Join us at the St Andrew's Day march to stand against fascism and in solidarity with Palestine

Please join us at our Aberdeen St Andrew's Day march and rally against racism and fascism on Saturday 30 November. Organised by Aberdeen Trades Union Council, we will gather in Rubislaw Terrace at 11am to march up Union Street and Union Terrace Gardens, and rally in the Castlegate at 12 noon. 

This year's march and rally will stand in solidarity against racism and fascism wherever it raises its ugly head. However it will have a focus on Gaza, wider Palestine and Lebanon, where the racist and apartheid Israeli government continues its brutal assaults, breaching international law and committing war crimes.

Laura McDonald, ATUC Exec member, who will be chairing the rally said: "The St Andrew's Day march and rally highlights Aberdeen and the North East’s long-standing commitment to inclusivity, solidarity with refugees, and the rejection of far-right ideologies. It brings together trade unions, community groups, activists, and individuals to stand united against racism, discrimination, and xenophobia. 

Please attend SPSC event on 4 June and hear about life in Palestine and why we must support BDS

 

Aberdeen Trades Union Council is delighted to sponsor Scottish Palestine Solidarity Aberdeen's event on Saturday 4th June from 11-1pm in our ATUC premises in Adelphi.

We are urging all delegates, family and friends to go along.

The event will consider life in Palestine today, under oppression and occupation, especially in light of Amnesty International's report declaring Israel to be an apartheid state, and the call from civil society and trade unions in Palestine for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) in support of Palestinian freedom and justice.

Tommy Campbell, ATUC delegate and SPSC member said: "We're excited for our first in person event for over two years. We'll have three speakers, discussion and authentic Palestinian food to finish. 

It promises to be a great event. Please come along."

Online and in-person tickets are available. You can register on Eventbrite. Click HERE to book your place.

The event is free to attend, but donations towards the campaign and event running costs are welcome.

ATUC Statement in solidarity with Palestinian comrades

Aberdeen Trades Union Council (ATUC) strongly condemns illegal state-sanctioned attempts to forcibly expel Palestinian families from their homes in Sheik Jarrah, to allow them to be occupied by Israeli illegal settlers. 

The actions of the Israeli state demonstrate that the ‘Nakba’ (Catastrophe) of 1948, when 700 000 Palestinians were driven from their homes and became refugees, is still happening today.

The military provocations and violence taking place in Al Aqsa and now Gaza are not isolated events, but are instead just the latest examples of the oppression and aggression faced daily by the Palestinian population living either under a brutal military occupation in Gaza and West
Bank, or as second-class citizens within Israel.

The First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon MSP, the Leader of the Scottish Labour Party
Anas Sarwar MSP, and the Scottish Green Party have all strongly condemned Israel’s violence
and aggression and gross breaches of international law, and ATUC calls on elected officials
across Scotland to do the same.

The lack of action by the UK government in holding Israel to account in any meaningful way is
unacceptable and we call for an immediate halt to UK arms sales to Israel as a first step.

ATUC stands in solidarity with our Palestinian comrades, and we recognise and fully support the
role of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions campaign in compelling Israel to adhere to
international law.

ATUC supports Plant a Tree for Palestine initiative

 At its December delegates meeting, ATUC gave its overwhelming support to the Plant a Tree for Palestine initiative, launched by the Aberdeen branch of Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign (SPSC).

This new campaign which aims to build local solidarity with and support communities in South West Bethlehem targeted by illegal settlement expansion.SPSC member and ATUC delegate, Fiona Napier presented the campaign and ATUC agreed to donate £500 towards tree planting in Palestine.

More information can be found at the Plant a Tree page of the SPSC Aberdeen website, where you can also donate.

ATUC has a proud tradition of supporting the Palestinian cause and calling for an end to the oppression of the people of Palestine and occupation of their lands.

Fiona told the committee, “Initially this project will focus on tree planting as political resistance via the ‘Plant-a-Tree in Palestine’ initiative, raising money for trees that can then be planted by farmers and communities, contributing to sustainable economic development as well as symbolic resistance against Israeli occupation.”

If enough money can be raised by February 2021, it’s hoped the first planting can take place by March (before the planting season ends). £8 will allow one olive tree or grape vine plant to be purchased and the ground properly prepared.  You can donate here.

ATUC commends Aberdeen City for flying the Palestinian flag on the UN international day of solidarity with the people of Palestine.

Today is UN international day of solidarity with the people of Palestine. 

Aberdeen Trades Union Council sends greetings to the people of Palestine and pledges our continued support for an end to the oppression and occupation of the people of Palestine by the Israeli government.

We commend Aberdeen City Council and the Lord Provost for flying the Palestinian flag today to commemorate the international day of solidarity with the people of Palestine.

This continues Aberdeen City's excellent record of international solidarity, including awarding the freedom of the city to Nelson Mandela when he was still a prisoner on Robben Island. 

As Mandela said, “We know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians.”

ATUC Acting President, Graeme Farquhar said "We fully support the decision of Aberdeen City Council's Lord Provost  to yet again fly the Palestinian flag as part of the United Nations International Day of Solidarity with the people of Palestine.

 

"The Aberdeen TUC in line with STUC policy continues in its efforts to secure peace and justice for Palestine in line with United Nations Resolutions aimed at bringing an end to Israel's illegal occupied territories of Palestine."

The struggle continues.

Aberdeen TUC supports the flying of the Palestinian flag by Aberdeen City Council in solidarity with the people of Palestine

Graeme Farquhar

Aberdeen TUC has issued a media release supporting the flying of the Palestinian flag by Aberdeen City Council as part of the United Nations International Day of Solidarity with the people of Palestine.

Acting President, Graeme Farquhar today said, "We fully support the decision of Aberdeen City Council's Lord Provost  to yet again fly the Palestinian flag.
 
"The Aberdeen TUC in line with STUC policy continues in its efforts to secure peace and justice for Palestine in line with United Nations Resolutions aimed at bringing an end to Israel's illegal occupied territories of Palestine."
 
As in previous years Aberdeen City Council's Lord Provost will fly the Palestinian flag this Sunday 29th November to mark the United Nations International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.

This initiative is in support of the 2005 UN resolution 60/37 which encourages Member States to continue to give the widest support and publicity to the observance of this Day of Solidarity.
 

ATUC joins with Scottish civil society to call for sanctions against Israel

Aberdeen Trade Union Council has joined with trade unions, community groups and individuals to sign an open letter calling for sanctions against Israel for their continued oppression of the Palestinian people, compounded by their threats of further annexation of Pelstinian land.

The letter reads:

"As representatives of Scottish civil society, we are extremely concerned for the fate of the Palestinian people who have suffered under Israeli occupation, settler colonialism and apartheid for decades. Despite the numerous declarations and resolutions of international bodies such as the United Nations which uphold Palestinian rights including the right of return to their homes and properties from which they have been displaced, no concrete actions have been taken to ensure the state of Israel ends its violations of Palestinian rights.

Instead we witness silence and ever-increasing complicity from our governments, institutions and corporations. In Scotland, our local authority pension funds continue to invest in some companies that arm Israel and in others those that directly sustain Israel’s illegal occupation, such as Bank Hapoalim. Meanwhile, our governments and senior politicians join with coordinated attempts to silence campaigners who are responding to the call from Palestinian workers and organisations from across civil society to boycott, divest from and sanction (BDS) the State of Israel and companies that are profiting from its breaches in international law.

Please come along to a public talk this Thursday 22nd March on child prisoners as part of our 150th Anniversary events

Please join us for a public talk on Thursday 22nd March at 7pm on Palestinian child prisoners to be held in the Unite the Union office, 42-44 King Street, Aberdeen AB24 5TJ.

This event is co-hosted by Aberdeen Trades Union Council and Scottish Palestine Solidarity Aberdeen and is part of a year of activities to mark the 150^th anniversary of ATUC in 2018.

Kate Ramsden, UNISON NEC member and a member of the ATUC Executive has dedicated her career to defending children’s rights, and will be introducing a discussion on what we can do from Scotland to stand up for the rights of Palestinian children.  

Aberdeen Trades Union Council (ATUC) has submitted a motion to this year's STUC Congress condemning the treatment of Palestinian children in Israeli courts and prisons and calling for action to end the detention and mis-treatment of Palestinian minors by Israel.

The text includes the phrase below.

‘The arrest of 16 year old Ahed Tamimi has shone a spotlight on Israel’s systematic abuse of minors through the process of military detention. The treatment of Ahed rightly generated a global response, but her situation is far from unique. Each year, the Israeli military arrests and prosecutes around 700 Palestinian children. Palestinian children encounter ill-treatment and a denial of their basic rights. This is in clear breach of their rights under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which Israel is a signatory.’

Please join us for this important event.

Balfour's Shadow - come along in 16th August and hear David Cronin talk about his book

Please get along to this important event to mark the centenary of Balfour, on Wednesday 16th August at 7-9pm in the Unite Offices,  42-44 King Street, Aberdeen. The event is co-hosted by Scottish PSC, CND Aberdeen, Aberdeen Trades Union Council, and Aberdeen Student Palestine Society. 

This is a great opportunity to hear Journalist David Cronin speaking about his book, ‘Balfour's Shadow A Century of British Support for Zionism and Israel’, the history of the British government’s involvement in the Zionist project, from the Balfour Declaration in 1917 to the present day. 

It promises to be an interesting and thought-provoking event. 






Click here for more information

ATUC marches against racism

Aberdeen Trades Union Council joined more than 3000 activists and trade unionists on the March Against Racism in Glasgow today (Sat 18 March).

Led by co-president Tyrinne Rutherford and joint secretaries, John Connon and Gerry McCabe, the ATUC banner and delegation took their place towards the front of the March as it snaked its way through Glasgow streets.

The marchers were noisy and good natured as they called for an end to racism and xenophobia, no deportations and no walls, and made it clear that refugees are welcome here. Shoppers stopped to watch the lively procession and even a few drops of rain couldn't dampen the marchers spirits and determination to fight racism and xenophobia in Scotland, the UK and across the world.

Steve Gray and Kate Ramsden were also amongst the marchers, adding their voices to the struggle for equality and social justice for all.

ATUC joins other Trades Union Councils

There were inspiring speeches including from Helen Connor, STUC President, from UNISON's Davena Rankin, from Richard Falk ex-UN Rapporteur on Palestine, and from Glasgow girls Emma and Amal amongst others.

They all had the same messages.

"We will not tolerate racism and fascism."

"We will welcome refugees and asylum seekers."

"Love has no borders."

Statement from Aberdeen Trades Union Council regarding the Motion debated by Aberdeen City Council on 14th December 2016

Aberdeen Trades Union Council has written to all Aberdeen City Councillors regarding a motion that was debated on 14th December at the council meeting. See text of the motion below.

We are delighted to report that an amendment was tabled and approved, removing points 3 and 4 of the motion following this statement from the ATUC and representations by other interested parties. ATUC of course fully supports the remainder of the motion and is proud to condemn and work to oppose racism, xenophobia and hate crimes.

However we defend the rights of individuals and organisations like our own to take part in legitimate, lawful protest - including the support of boycotts, disinvestment and sanctions campaigns against states that breach human rights. We are proud that Aberdeen City Council has supported this right.

St Andrew's Day March and Rally - celebrating the multicultural voices of the North East - Report of Rally

Hundreds of people from many different ethnic backgrounds - trade unionists, activists, politicians and citizens - came together at this year’s St Andrews Day March and Rally in Aberdeen in a celebration of diversity in the North East of Scotland and to give a clear message that racism and intolerance is not welcome here.

The event was organised once again by Aberdeen Trades Union Council, this year in partnership with #WeAreAberdeen, a group which has been set up to combat growing racism and intolerance in the wake of the Brexit campaign.

Carrying colourful banners and placards, the marchers were upbeat and joyful as they strode along the aptly named Union Street behind the stirring music of the Granite City Pipes and Drums Youth Band.

The rally at the Castlgate heard uplifting stories from a number of speakers, many of whom had come from different countries to make their homes in the North East of Scotland. All paid tribute to the warmth of the welcome they had received from the people in Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire.

 However some had also experienced intolerance and racism reminding us that we must always be vigilant and challenge such behaviour wherever we see it.

  To see more photos from the event go to our Facebook Album.

St Andrew's Day March and Rally - celebrating the multicultural voices of the North East

Hundreds of people from many different ethnic backgrounds - trade unionists, activists, politicians and citizens - came together at this year’s St Andrews Day March and Rally in Aberdeen in a celebration of diversity in the North East of Scotland and to give a clear message that racism and intolerance is not welcome here.

The event was organised once again by Aberdeen Trades Union Council, this year in partnership with #WeAreAberdeen, a group which has been set up to combat growing racism and intolerance in the wake of the Brexit campaign.

Carrying colourful banners and placards, the marchers were upbeat and joyful as they strode along the aptly named Union Street behind the stirring music of the Granite City Pipes and Drums Youth Band.

The rally at the Gallowgate heard uplifting stories from a number of speakers, many of whom had come from different countries to make their homes in the North East of Scotland. All paid tribute to the warmth of the welcome they had received from the people in Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire.  However some had also experienced intolerance and racism reminding us that we must always be vigilant and challenge such behaviour wherever we see it.

ATUC issues statement about the Brand Israel Shalom event

Aberdeen Trades Union Council has issued the following statement about the Shalom - A taste of Israel event organised by the Confederation of Friends of Israel Scotland and StandWithUs UK at the Aberdeen Hilton Treetops Hotel on Wed 2nd November.

"Aberdeen Trades Union Council condemns the decision by the Aberdeen Hilton Treetops Hotel to host a "Shalom - A Taste of Israel" event, on 2nd November 2016 organised by the Confederation of Friends of Israel Scotland and StandWithUs UK.

Although it is dressed up as a cultural event, we believe the "Taste of Israel" event is nothing more than an explicit attempt to whitewash the crimes of the Israeli state. The organisers of the event have strong links with the state of Israel.  For example, StandWithUs UK work in close partnership with the Israeli embassy to counter pro-Palestinian advocacy and campaigning work.

Aberdeen Trades Union Council has a strong legacy of fighting for the rights of the Palestinian people and opposing their oppression and occupation by the State of Israel.

We support the Scottish Palestinian Solidarity Campaign's call on politicians of all parties to boycott this event and have urged our members to join the protest."

Aberdeen Trades Union Council

Kate Ramsden, ATUC President said, "ATUC has a proud history of standing up for human rights and against oppression and occupation. We are fully behind the Palestinian call for Boycott Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) and we call on Aberdeen Hilton Treetops Hotel to cancel this Brand Israel event."

Sign the petiton against the "Brand Israel" Shalom event in Aberdeen and write to your MPs and MSPs

Following on from our previous post (see below), SPSC Aberdeen has started a petition to urge the Hilton Treetops Hotel to cancel the  “Shalom – A Taste of Israel” event, organised by the Confederation of Friends of Israel Scotland and StandWithUs UK, on Wednesday November 2^nd.

Please sign the Coordin8 letter here: http://bit.ly/2eOWiFW

Please also send a letter to Aberdeenshire MPs and MSPs, asking them to support Palestinian rights and oppose the 'Brand Israel' event: http://bit.ly/2dQJrGD

If the event is not cancelled the demo will go ahead on Wednesday 2nd November at 6pm, Hilton Treetops Hotel, Aberdeen (161 Springfield Road) Please get along if you can.

Please also sign both letters and share as widely as possible!!

Protest Brand Israel Shalom Festival

Scottish Palestinian Solidarity Aberdeen is calling for a protest against the International Shalom Festival on 2nd November from 6-8pm at the Hilton Aberdeen Treetops Hotel.

The event is partly organised/funded by the Israeli Embassy to counter advocacy and campaigning work in support of Palestinian rights and has been described by SPSC as "no more than an explicit attempt to whitewash the crimes of the Israeli state," and "another PR stunt for apartheid Israel."

If any delegates or associates can get along to join the protest before the ATUC Meeting at 7.30pm that same night, please get along and oppose the whitewash of human rights abuses in Aberdeen.

Click here for more information

We need your support: Stand up for the right to free speech, September 9th, 10am outside Aberdeen Sheriff Court.

Aberdeen Scottish Palestinian Solidarity Campaign is calling on trade unionists and concerned citizens to stand up for the right to free speech, and come along and support activist Ally Coutts on Friday September 9th, at 10am outside Aberdeen Sheriff Court.

 Aberdeen resident and human rights campaigner, Ally was arrested, detained for 7 hours and charged with “Acting in a racially aggravated manner with intent to cause distress and alarm" for simply saying “Viva Palestina” next to the Jericho Cosmetics stall in Union Square, Aberdeen.

Jericho Cosmetics sell products derived from minerals illegally extracted from occupied Palestinian territories surrounding the Dead Sea. The extraction and commercialisation of resources from an occupied territory by the occupant is prohibited by UN resolutions and the Fourth Geneva Convention (http://www.cjpme.org/fs_146). Notably, Palestinians have no access to such resources - the exclusive access of resources to a section of the population based on ethnicity amounts to apartheid as defined by the UN.

Aberdeen May Day - Collective action in the struggle against inequality and injustice around the world

Hundreds of trade unionists, community activists and politicians, four beds and three dogs joined the Aberdeen May Day March on Saturday 30^th April, calling for workers' rights around the world.

It also called for the ARI Trauma Centre to stay open for the people of the North East of Scotland.

The march was led off once again by the uplifting beats of the Guarana Drummers, stopping at regular intervals to lead the marchers in a chant of “Save our NHS” – a reference to the campaign to save the trauma centre in the North East of Scotland.

Four UNISON members and activists representing  the Grampian Health branch had dressed up as beds to highlight the campaign to ensure that Aberdeen Royal Infirmary can keep its trauma centre for the people of the North East of Scotland.

Humphrey the basset hound brought health activist Sandra-Dee Masson on the march with him, where he was joined by two other politically active dogs!

Passersby once again stopped to watch and wave as the colourful procession of banners, placards and flags marched by on its exuberant way down the whole of Union Street to the rally in the Castlegate.

Invitation to the AGM of Aberdeen Trades Union Council on 2nd March 2016 - All welcome

Delegates are warmly invited to come along to the Aberdeen Trades Union Council AGM on Wednesday 2nd March at 7.30pm in John Londragan House, 2a Adelphi, Aberdeen.

With its usual packed Agenda the AGM will approve ATUC office bearers for the coming year. There is also a proposal to amend the constitution to include the action to be taken should the ATUC need to be dissolved, which will need to be debated and a decision taken by a two thirds majority.

We are delighted that our speaker for the evening will be Fiona Napier, ATUC delegate and member of the SPSC, who will talk about her recent visit to Gaza, sponsored in part by the ATUC.

We will also begin discussions about how best to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the ATUC which will take place in 2018.

Come to the St Andrew's Day March and Rally on 28th November and give a clear message - Refugees are welcome here

This year's St Andrew's Day March and Rally will be held in Aberdeen on Saturday 28th November - gather at 11am in the St Nicholas Churchyard, Union Street and march off at 11.30am to a rally in the Castlegate.

The annual event has been organised by Aberdeen Trade Union Council with a theme of "Refugees Welcome Here". This important message reflects the theme of the STUC March and Rally which will take place in Glasgow at the same time.

All affiliated unions, community and faith groups and politicians are urged to attend to give out a clear message that Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire welcome refugees, value what they bring to our communities and feel enriched by their presence.

There will be speakers from a range of community and faith groups as well from trade unionists and politicians.

ATUC President Kate Ramsden said, "Aberdeen has a very proud history of fighting fascism here and across the world and of welcoming people from other nations into our communities in the city and beyond.

"When local people saw the terrible plight of the refugees in Calais and across Europe they rallied to provide support. Both Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire councils have called on the UK Government to extend offers of asylum to many more refugees fleeing war and oppression in Syria and have pledged to take refugees into our communities.

"Yet still thousands of desperate people are fleeing war, oppression, and hunger, risking their lives on a hazardous journey. Many, including children, have lost their lives en route. But for accident of birth they could be our children. They deserve our compassion, but more importantly our support.

"When we see that there are more citizens stranded in Sharm el Sheikh than the number of refugees  the government is promising to take in between now and 2020 we see how paltry their offer of support is - how devoid of compassion.

"We must make it clear that this Tory government does not speak for us. There was never a more important time to stand up and be counted. Please come along and support this important march and rally and give a clear message that racism and fascism have no home in the North East of Scotland!"