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. 

"Stand up, Speak out, Unite against Racism" at the St Andrew's Day March and Rally 29 Nov

Please join us at our Aberdeen St Andrew's Day march and rally against racism and fascism on Saturday 29 November. 

The family friendly event, organised by Aberdeen Trades Union Council, will gather in Rubislaw Terrace at 11am to march off at 11.30, down Union Street to a rally at Union Terrace Gardens, opposite HMT. 

Tommy Campbell, ATUC President, who will chair the rally urged affiliates to come along with their families, friends and neighbours. 

He said, "This year's march and rally comes at a time where the far right are targeting asylum seekers and refugees in our communities, spouting their messages of hate. 

"Week on week ATUC joins with community and political activists to stand against far right protests and say, "Not in our name!"

Please get along to this march and rally. Bring your banners and placards and and stand in solidarity against racism and fascism wherever it raises its ugly head. 

Let's give a clear message from our trade union movement that we will "Stand up, Speak out and Unite against Racism"

The rally will hear from speakers from political parties and community groups all united in our opposition to racism and attacks on asylum seekers, migrants and other vulnerable groups. 

Counter-protest takes message of solidarity and hope to Peterhead to challenge far right

Aberdeen trades union council activists were joined by Disabled People Against the Cuts (DPAC) and other union and community activists to stand against the far right rally in Peterhead on Saturday 9 August.

In a symbolic protest that demonstrated clear opposition to the far right's racism and messages of hate against vulnerable groups, counter protesters gathered to give out leaflets highlighting that migrants are not to blame for austerity and the cost of living crisis. 

Passers-by were mostly welcoming and willing to hear our own message that it is the richest and government policy to blame for cuts to public services, the problems in the NHS and growing poverty in communities. There are now 150 billionaires in the UK who have amassed more and more wealth as the rest of us have got poorer. They are the ones to be targeted - not vulnerable people fleeing war and oppression in the hopes of safety. 

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. 

Uplifting show of unity and solidarity at the Rally Against Hate

Aberdeen Trades Union Council was proud to be one of the organisers, along with an anti-fascist alliance of local left groups, of the Rally against Hate in Aberdeen's Castlegate on Saturday 7 September. 

The expected presence of the far right, with their messages of division and hate didn't materialise and those far right protesters that turned up in Glasgow's George Square were completely outnumbered by thousands of anti-racism, anti-fascism protesters.

Our Aberdeen event was an uplifting show of unity against the far right. With a mix of music, speeches, poetry and chanting, the event celebrated solidarity and inclusivity. All were welcome, all came along from all faiths and none and from across different communities. 

Children made posters with messages of hope and love. Food not bombs gave out free vegan food to anyone who wanted it. The Melting Pot - a band that is a living example of inclusivity - kicked us off with their set of songs promoting messages of collective action and hope for the future, including a rendition of "We shall overcome," for the people of Palestine and Gaza. We also heard great sets from musicians, Fred and JC Bigfoot. And of course the wonderful Guarana Drummers had us tapping our feet and clapping along - and ended the rally on an upbeat note with a conga.

Join us to rally against hate and division and for unity across our communities

Aberdeen Trades Union Council has joined with other local anti-fascist and community organisations to organise a Rally against Hate on Saturday 7 Sept at 12 noon in the Castlegate, Aberdeen. 

The rally is being held to promote inclusion and solidarity within Aberdeen and the North East and to combat the rising threat of the far right, who we have heard may be in Aberdeen that day.

Vice president, Kathleen Kennedy who has been chairing the organising meetings said, “It has never been more important to stand up against those who would divide us as we continue our struggle for equality and justice for all.

"We would ask all our delegates to attend this important event if you can. We would also encourage all trade union branches to write out to each of their members urging them to come along and join us.

“The event will be a celebration of unity across our community and will have music and poetry as well as speeches, and food and children's craft activities.

“Please join us and show racists and fascists that Aberdeen and the North East is a welcoming and inclusive community and we will not be divided by hate.”

Come along to the St Andrew's Day rally on 25 November and join the fight against racism and fascism

Please join us at our St Andrew's Day rally against racism and fascism on Saturday 25 November from 12 noon.

Organised by Aberdeen Trades Union Council, it will begin in the Castlegate before moving into the Anatomy Rooms, depending on the weather. The rally will hear from a packed line up of speakers, along with music and poetry.

This is another crucial year in the fight against racism and fascism. The racist UK Government immigration policy and rhetoric is going from bad to worse. On top of that we face a cost of living crisis and attacks on pay that disproportionately affect equalities groups including Black workers and disabled people. 

We also stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine, as Israel continues its bombardment of Gaza, with the massacre of over 11,000 civilians, including almost 5,000 children. Alongside Israel's denial of food, water, fuel and medicines, this collective punishment constitutes a war crime and Israel must be held to account.

Please join us and be part of the fight against racism and fascism and for a more just, more equal world.

Mass protest in Elgin sends fascists packing

 ATUC members joined a mass protest in Elgin on Saturday 17 June to send packing Hitler wannabe Alek Yerbury and the fascist Highland division.

Organised by Moray Trade Union Council and Stand up to Racism, the fascists were well outnumbered by anti-racist activists and members of the public, including ATUC members. All had a clear message - "Refugees are welcome here - fascists are not!"

ATUC's Tommy Campbell spoke powerfully at the rally and you can hear his words on the video below.

This blog from one of those who attended, describes the uplifting event.

Cos-play and Contempt

Hard to believe that these people are serious. That bloke over there is openly spouting hate and appears to have come dressed as an off-brand Hitler.

Saturday 17^th of June saw hundreds of anti-fascists, trade unionists and concerned citizens counter protest a “rally” called by the local far right group. The “rally” peaked at 9 people and was hopelessly outnumbered by the counter protest. As one chant went, “There are many, many more of us than you.”

We must stand together against racism, fascism and attempts to divide us

In her speech to the St Andrew's Day Rally, Kate Ramsden, UNISON highlights the importance of fighting racism and inequality and calls for support for UNISON's Year of Black Workers in 2023.

Greetings from UNISON Scotland and thanks so much for inviting me to speak here today.

I’m pleased to bring solidarity from my union to this St Andrew’s day rally.

Because it is so important to be constantly vigilant in the fight against racism and fascism.

And especially now, coming out of COVID and with a cost of living crisis – which is really a cost of greed crisis - when it is all too easy to demonise and blame certain groups – like migrant workers, benefits claimants, disabled people, older people and single parents.

The last couple of years have presented significant challenges for all workers.

COVID impacted on both our personal and professional lives, with many of us losing colleagues and loved ones whilst struggling to deliver services.

 All workers have experienced below inflation pay rises while prices soared. Public services continue to be underfunded and understaffed.

 Our Black colleagues have faced all of these challenges but also have to fight racism on a daily basis.

 Scotland is not immune to that sadly. But it is not just the overt racism that blights lives.

President slams inequality and calls for fightback as he opens St Andrew's Day rally

GOOD AFTERNOON MY NAME IS GRAEME FARQUHAR AND I AM THE PRESIDENT OF ABERDEEN TRADES UNION COUNCIL AND ON BEHALF OF THE ATUC A WARM  WELCOME TO OUR ST. ANDREWS DAY RALLY.

NORMALLY WE WOULD HAVE A MARCH DOWN UNION STREET BUT DUE TO  UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES WE WERE UNABLE TO DO THIS  TODAY. AND WITHOUT POINTING THE BLAME AT ANYONE I WOULD LIKE TO EXPRESS MY DISAPPOINTMENT IN POLICE SCOTLAND AND ABERDEEN CITY COUNCIL FOR NOT FUNDING THE STREET CLOSURE AND DENIYING US

OUR DEMOCRATIC RIGHT TO MARCH LIKE THEY ARE ALLOWED TO DO IN OTHER CITIES ACROSS  SCOTLAND  FREE OF CHARGE.

ST ANDREWS DAY IS A DAY WHEN WE SPEAK OUT AGAINST  FASCISM AND RACSIM  AND ON RACISM I HAVE NEVER COME ACROSS A MORE RACISTGROUP THAN THIS EVIL CORRUPT INEPT USELESS AND CRIMINAL CONSERVATIVE GOVERNMENT WHO ARE RACIST AGAINST MIGRANTS, REFUGEES

St Andrews Day Rally - the fight against racism, fascism and discrimination and for a fairer world goes on

 

Trade unionists, politicians and citizens came together at this year's St Andrew's Day Rally organised by Aberdeen Trades Union Council.

Held indoors in deference to the weather, those attending made the short march up the Castlegate to the Citadel to the upbeat rhythms of the Guaran Drummers, who didn't let a little North East wind and rain dampen their spirits.

ATUC President Graeme Farquhar chaired the proceedings and introduced a wide range of speakers, all highlighting the challenges ahead and recommitting to the fight against racism, fascism and discrimination in Scotland, the UK and world-wide.

Solidarity was sent to our comrades in struggle, striking for a living wage in the face of a cost-of-living crisis and climate activists recognised that the battle for just transition is part and parcel of the battle for fairness, equality and justice for all.

Click here to read Graeme's speech in full

Come along to the St Andrew's Day Rally against racism and fascism on Sat 26 November

 

Aberdeen Trades Union Council will hold our annual St Andrew's Day Rally against racism and fascism on Saturday 26 November.

The rally will be held from 12 noon to 1pm. It will begin in the Castlegate before moving into the Salvation Army building to hear from a packed line up of speakers, along with music and poetry.

This is a crucial year in the fight against racism and fascism. The racist UK Government immigration policy and rhetoric is only getting worse; and we face a cost of living crisis and attacks on pay that disproportionately affect Black workers. 

The continuing fight for justice for Sheku Bayoh shows us that Scotland is not immune to racism and needs our ongoing support.

Then there are the international issues. Throughout the world people are oppressed because of their race and ethnicity. We continue our fight for justice for the people of Palestine, for the Kurdish people and for the children and families in Yemen, to name but a few.

And we demand reparation for the many indigenous peoples of the Global south as part of a just transition to deal with the climate crisis.

Please join us and be part of the fight against racism and fascism and for a more just, more equal world.

St Andrew's Day Online Rally - Join us on 27th November at 12 noon

Please join us on Saturday 27th November 2021 for our annual St Andrew's Day rally against racism and fascism, being held online once again this year.

The event will take place from 12 noon until 1.15pm. You can join us from our Facebook event by clicking HERE

It will be chaired by ATUC Executive member, Fiona Napier and will hear from trade unionists from local branches as well as speakers from further afield, representing Aberdeen Trades Union Council's commitment to international solidarity in the fight against racism and fascism. We will also have some music and poetry in the mix so it promises to be a lively and interesting event.

ATUC president, Graeme Farquhar, who will be opening the event said: "Aberdeen and the North East of Scotland has a proud history of opposing racism and fascism and of international solidarity.

"We are proud to see this tradition  continue as we welcome refugees and asylum seekers from Syria and Afghanistan as well as migrants from many other countries and other parts of Scotland and the UK.

"But we must be constantly vigilant as we see attempts including by this UK Tory government, to demonise migrants and asylum seekers and to sow division. 

"Like the STUC event, our rally today will underline our commitment to root out racism and fascism in all its forms and to send the message loud and clear. Refugees are welcome here."

ATUC statement on Victory in Europe Day 8th May 2021

 Aberdeen Trades Union Council (ATUC) sends friendly greetings to all workers on Victory in
Europe Day.

ATUC remembers the heroism of all peoples across the world who helped defeat fascism in the
Second World War.

Women, men, children of all ages and races stood together united against the evil fascist
ideology.

ATUC wishes to pay particular attention to the contribution of the resistance movements in the
occupied countries, the military and civil contribution of the Soviet Union, and the labour
movement at home, in particular women workers who played their part in destroying fascism
and bringing peace to Europe.

We honour and remember them forever by campaigning in favour of peace, and against racism
and fascism in all of its forms.

Hope not hate.

St Andrew's Day Live Online Event 2020

Although this year, we weren't able to organise our usual St Andrews Day march and rally along Union Street in Aberdeen, we were able to have a fantastic online live event, instead!

With a theme of standing against racism and fascism, a superb line-up of speakers, and some fantastic music and poetry by some very talented artists, the event was a great success.  Don't worry if you missed out though - you can watch it again online here:

Please join the ATUC St Andrew's Day anti-racism and anti-fascism rally on 28th Nov and stand up for equality and fairness

 Aberdeen Trade Union Council will be hosting our St Andrew's Day anti-racism and anti-fascism rally online on Saturday 28th November at 12.15pm and we encourage all our delegates, associates, friends and family to join us.

 We have an excellent line-up of local speakers as well as some poetry and music, and it promises to be an entertaining and also inspiring event.

To see more details and to join the event go to the ATUC Facebook event.

The event takes place right after the STUC's online event so why not join both?

Acting President, Graeme Farquhar said, "It has never been more important to stand up against all forms of discrimination. We have seen during the pandemic the disproportionate impact on our Black and ethnic minority workers as well as on other equality groups.

Join the St Andrew's Day Rally on Sat 30th Nov in Aberdeen Please note the march has been cancelled

Please come along and join Aberdeen Trades Union Council, trade unionists and community groups on Saturday 30th November for our annual St Andrew's Day  rally to show your opposition to racism and fascism and to call for a society that values equality and celebrates diversity.

Please note - the march has been cancelled so please assemble at the Castlegate at 12 noon, weather permitting, for a rally with a range of speakers from the trade union movement and civic society.

Refreshments will be provided the ATUC premises at 22a Adelphi after the event. In the event of poor weather the rally will be held in the ATUC premises.

All are welcome. This will be a family friendly event.

Vigil remembers the lives lost in Christchurch and pledges to fight hatred with hope and love

Over 100 people came together at a vigil in Aberdeen's St Nicholas Square on 18th March, to remember all those killed in the terror atrocity in two mosques in Christchurch and to stand in solidarity with our Muslim brothers and sisters in the North East of Scotland.

The vigil was compered by ATUC President, Sasha Brydon. He told those gathered that the vigil was to give people an opportunity to come together to express our deepest condolences to all those who lost loved ones in the terrible shootings in two mosques in Christchurch last week and to express our outrage that once again, the politics of hate have resulted in the deaths of 50 innocent people who were doing no more than peacefully practicing their religion.

Sasha said, "We wanted to stand in solidarity with our Muslim communities in the North East of Scotland as we have stood with other communities before now who have been the victims of senseless violence for no more reason than they have a different religion or race or gender.

"But most of all we want to pledge to continue our fight against all forms of extremism, to oppose the politics of hate wherever they raise their head. The rise of the far right is a stain on us all and we will stand against it with hope and with love," pledged Sasha.

Speaker after speaker condemned the killings and urged us all to stand together against hatred and to fight it with hope and love.

Vigil to remember all those killed in the Christchurch shootings and for solidarity with our Muslim communities.

Aberdeen Trade Union Council will hold a vigil on Monday 18th March at 6pm in St Nicholas Square, Aberdeen, to remember all those who lost their lives in the terrible killings in the two Mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Please join us to show solidarity with the Muslim communities in the North East of Scotland and beyond and to stand against the hate that motivated this terrible act.

ATUC President, Sasha Brydon said, "We send our deepest condolences to all those who have lost loved ones in this murderous act. It is an affront to humanity.

"We stand with our Muslim brothers and sisters in solidarity against the politics of hate and we renew our pledge to fight all extremism with love and hope."

We hope to see as many as possible at the vigil.

ATUC message of condolence and solidarity to the Muslim community - hope and love not hate

Aberdeen Trades Union Council sends our deepest condolences to all those who have lost their loved ones in the horrific murderous attacks on an innocent Muslim community, praying in their Mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand.

We stand in solidarity with our Muslim community here in the North East of Scotland and across the UK.

There is no place for such hatred in the world and we will continue to work with people of all nationalities and religions to oppose hate crime in all its forms and for a society built on hope and love, which values all people equally.