ATUC delegates join thousands marching for better in Edinburgh

Aberdeen Trades Union Council joined thousands of trade unionists and community activists on the Scotland Demands Better march and rally in Edinburgh on Saturday 25 October.

A packed bus took activists from Aberdeen to give a clear message to the Scottish and UK Governments that politicians make the changes we need for a society where every household can thrive and prosper.We demanded better jobs, better benefits and better investment for life's essentials.

The march set off from outside the Scottish Parliament, marched up the Royal Mile and through the centre of Edinburgh. It made a colourful display with banners and flags from many trade unions and trade union councils as well as a wide range of anti-poverty and community groups. Many Palestinian flags were also flown on the march, with calls to end the genocide and the occupation and for a free Palestine.

Protesters demand an end to austerity - enough is enough

Aberdeen Trades Union Council delegates joined trade unionists, community groups and citizens to protest the cost of living crisis and cuts to public services on the back of the Tory government's austerity agenda.

They joined protests all over the country by the People's Assembly to condemn its disproportionate impact on the poorest in our communities, including our children, to protest the growth in poverty, the rise in foodbanks and the erosion of wages and conditions for all workers whilst the wealthiest in society amass more and more wealth.

Organised by Aberdeen is Scunnered and ATUC, and chaired by UNISON's Laura McDonald, speakers came from all parts of our communities in the North East, protesting cuts and injustice. 

Laura welcomed the protesters saying, "We are becoming increasingly concerned about how this cost-of-living crisis is continuing to affect people living in Aberdeen.

"We are proud to be here today along with hundreds of thousands of people right across the UK as part of the People's Assembly National Day of Action.

"We stand together to say loudly that enough is enough."

May day march demands services not cuts for our children's future

Over 100 trade unionists, politicians and community representatives joined the ATUC organised May Day March and Rally on Sat 29 April in Aberdeen.

Community groups out were out in force standing up against closures of libraries and pools in Aberdeen, against the loss of green space and to save Insch community hospital. Marching alongside trade unions on International Workers’ Day.

As always the march along Union St with a pipe band at its head, turned the heads of shoppers and passers-by, who stopped to clap or cheer as the marchers passed by. It was a colourful and lively procession as the marchers called out chants and the uplifting beats of the Guarana Drummers brought up the rear.

Graeme Farquhar

Chairing the rally in the Castlegate, ATUC President, Graeme Farquhar said, "We have see so many disgraceful attacks on the lives and livelihoods of workers, citizens, on the poorest and most vulnerable and on our children. We are here saying, Enough is enough."

He commended that community campaigns and pledged, "We stand with you in solidarity."

There were passionate speeches from all the speakers, pledging to stand together for “services not cuts for our children’s future.”

Speakers from all the groups fighting against closures, for green spaces and for living rents and adequate housing all gave great speeches on their cause, but also the wider aim of protecting our children's future.

STUC demands councils save our libraries

Congress slammed attacks on library provision, recognising the key importance of libraries for our children and our communities.

It recognised the importance of library provision especially for already disadvantaged children and communities, and backed a campaign for investment to ensure that every school in Scotland has access to good quality school library services. The STUC will also support broader campaigns to increase funding for public library services.

Supporting the NASUWT motion on behalf of Aberdeen Trades Union Council, Morag Lawrence highlighted that at this very moment, in Aberdeen campaign groups are fighting to stop and reverse library closures. 

“A total of 6 libraries have been closed in the last month in Aberdeen alone,” she said pointing out that “this situation makes it even more vital that our children have access to a good quality school library service.

 Morag added, “In the case of Woodside Library in Aberdeen. local councillors should learn from John Anderson who wrote to Woodside Library Trust in 1883 on the occasion of his gift of the library.

“He said 'This library needs to be protected from ruthless hands, to upset my good intentions.'  Unfortunately this letter has not stopped them,” warned Morag, urging support, which delegates gave overwhelmingly.

Second Aberdeen protest against crippling cost of living rises at 1pm on Saturday 5 March outside Mariscal College

Aberdeen Trades Union Council is urging its delegates, affiliates and the the citizens of North East Scotland to join their second protest against spiralling cost of living rises.
It will be held this  Saturday 5th March at 1pm outside Marischal College, Aberdeen.

Click here for the Facebook event

This will be one of many protests being held across the country, as rising costs of food, fuel and other necessities already begin to bite, with local food banks experiencing significant increases in demand.

Tommy Campbell, ATUC retired union member delegate and protest organiser said: “ Yet again it is ordinary working people paying the price, whilst the energy companies make massive profits for their rich  shareholders. Once again it is the low paid and the poorest in our communities, older people and those with disabilities, that will be hardest hit" 

Maggie Cooper speaking at the Cost of Living Crisis protest slams child poverty as "unacceptable" and demands oil and gas companies repay "obscene profits"

Maggie Cooper

Maggie Cooper, retired social worker speaking at the Cost of Living Crisis protest about the impact of poverty on people’s lives, and demanding that the oil and gas giants pay for this crisis, not ordinary people. Time to reverse Thatcher’s attacks on working folk.   

We’ve gathered today to express concern about the current economic crisis . Apparently ‘ we’re all in this together’. Aye right!      

While I believe inflation is currently running at an all-time high this is effecting poorer people disproportionately.

Food and fuel account for a greater proportion of poorer people’s income. Most supermarket budget brand staple foods have risen by a higher percentage of original cost. Fuel supplied by card meter costs significantly more.

There has been a dramatic increase in food bank usage , where incidentally not all beneficiaries are unemployed. The so called ‘gig economy’ with zero hours contracts resulting in insecure earnings means workers can’t rely on a fixed income. Debts spiral while awaiting payment of benefit. 

While company bosses and shareholders net huge profits and misuse furlough schemes … many having paid staff off during the pandemic. By the way  if you’re going for a drink after this please give Archie’s a body swerve!

We are swiftly returning to an era when workers were without rights at the mercy of unscrupulous employers. Don’t let this happen to you . Join a union!    

We need an economy that acts for all of us, not a privileged clique, demands ATUC's Doug Haywood

Doug Haywood

Doug Haywood spoke at the Cost of Living Crisis Protest on 12th February on behalf of Aberdeen Trade Union Council. He gave a passionate speech, urging people to "Use your rage. Together we are powerful."

"Hello everybody, thanks for coming on such a cold Saturday afternoon.

We’re here again.

It’s a, grim, grinding pattern. Prices rise, rents rise, bills rise. Wages stay the same, or hours are cut, often to the insidious zero hour’s contract.

People are forced to choose between heating and eating. Between shoes for the bairn or decent food on their plate.  In one of the richest countries in the world.

And let’s not forget those new to Aberdeen, refugees fleeing persecution, terror and war, now housed with a corporate landlord (on Crown Street), patronised with £7 a week pocket money. With no shoes, and barely adequate clothing for an Aberdeen winter.

Meanwhile, the privileged blithely expand their exploitation.

The consequence-free corporate pleasure-cruise carries on. To take just one example, BP recently reported its highest profits since 2013. A $12.8bn windfall annual profit. $12.8bn. That is simply obscene.

"Trickle down capitalism isn't working. It's time for a change" Ross Cassie addresses the protest

Ross Cassie

Here, Ross Cassie, SNP councillor and ATUC Consultative member addresses the Cost Of LIving protest.

"This cost-of-living crisis has been in the making for more than a decade now. This is the year it hits.

We must also not forget that the route to this goes back even further. Scotland has not voted for a Tory Government since 1955. That’s 6 years before I was born. All of us are paying for their repugnant policies now.  Well almost all, more of which later.

2010 brought us the Tory Lib Dem coalition and a decade of austerity. Add to that the effects of a hard Brexit brought about by the far-right ideologists that now run the tory party.

Food prices are increasing, and the boss of Tesco’s says we have not seen the worst of it yet.

Ofgem have just announced the price cap on our household energy will increase by 54%. That’s almost £700 per year. No one can absorb that hike in prices given that inflation is running at over 5% and pay awards are generally below that. In effect pay cuts.

There will be further fuel bill rises announced in October on top of what you are being expected to pay from April.

So what has the UK Government offered to help with these fuel bill rises?They offer us a loan. £200 woopy do the cost went up £700. Next year you start to pay back that loan at £40 per year. 

"Cost of living crisis affects everyone but those who are hard up suffer most." Protest speech by Simon Watson

Simon Watson

Here is Simon Watson's inspiring speech for the Cost of Living Crisis protest on 12 Feb 2022

"Hi, I’m Simon Watson, Regional Organiser for UNISON 

 

It’s great to see you’ve turned out at short notice in the changeable Aberdeen weather to make a statement about this huge issue for union members, and working people generally.  This is the only the start of what needs to be done. 

 

We’ve been through two years of a pandemic which has demonstrated that the real critical workers in our society are the cleaners, the carers, the health, schools, and other public service workers. 

 

They have put themselves, their health and the health of their families on the line to keep us all going.  But now fuel bills are rocketing £700 a year, National Insurance going up by 10%, Inflation hitting 7% - and real inflation for those on lower incomes is much more than that. 

 

Even the punitive social security system benefits are being cut in real terms, and that’s without the £20 being removed from Universal credit.  Let’s not forget that most households claiming benefits have people who are working. 

 

The distant memory of Boris Johnson asking people to clap for our carers now seems like very cold comfort. 

Please join our cost of living protest in Marischal Square, Aberdeen at 12.30pm on Saturday 12 Feb

 Aberdeen Trades Union Council has organised an Aberdeen protest on Saturday 12th Feb at 12.30pm  against the cost of living rises that will cripple already beleaguered working people and our most vulnerable citizens.

This is one of a large number of protests taking place around the UK against soaring hikes in the cost of gas, electricity and food. 

Graeme Farquhar, ATUC President said: "We are urging all ATUC delegates and affiliates and citizens of the North East to come together and give a clear message that these cost of living rises are totally unacceptable.

"Once again these rises will hit the poorest in our society and with below inflation pay increases, working people will find themselves less and less able to cope. Poverty will rise and families will be forced to choose between eating and heating. In the north of Scotland that is a really stark choice," slammed Graeme.

"The measures proposed by the Tory government will do nothing to mitigate the impact of these cost of living rises on ordinary people. Despite massive profits by the energy companies, calls for a windfall tax have fallen on deaf ears."

Energy regulator Ofgem has announced a dramatic rise in the energy price cap by 54% to £1,971 a year from this April in the UK - meaning that energy companies can now charge households across the UK around £2,000 a year for their gas and electricity use.

Other protests in Scotland have been organised by the People's Assembly along with DPAC and Fuel Poverty Action. ATUC is proud to stand alongside them at our Aberdeen protest and shares their condemnation of increased costs at a time when the gap between rich and poor is widening exponentially. 

Share our Facebook Event

ATUC backs "People before profit" movement to demand that workers don't pay for Covid crisis

ATUC has voted overwhelmingly to support the aims and demands of "People before profit", a movement that has grown up in response to the Covid pandemic calling for an emergency programme for jobs, services and safety.

It notes that tens of thousands have unnecessarily died from the Covid pandemic thanks to a government that was ill prepared and put profit ahead of people’s safety. 

Now, alongside a Covid pandemic that is far from over, we face an avalanche of job losses, more austerity and more attacks on pay and conditions. "People before profit" is calling for a fightback across workplaces and communities to demand that ordinary people won’t pay for the crisis. 

"People before profit" has made the following demands of the UK government:

• extend the furlough scheme - defend jobs
  
•  guarantee safe workplaces
• tax the wealthy - don't make the workers pay for the crisis
• public ownership of services and end outsourcing
• an immediate massive programme of green investment
• a welfare system that provides real social security and dignity

The campaign has the support of many unions, activists and politicians including John McDonnell, Neil Findlay and Robin McAlpine.

An ATUC working group, led by ATUC delegate, Gerry McCabe, will look at how best ATUC and it's affiliates and associated organisations can take forward the demands of "People before profit" in the North East of Scotland.

ATUC joins hundreds to raise its voice against poverty in the sixth richest country in the world

#ChallengePoverty Aberdeen Trades Union Council (ATUC) is supporting Challenge Poverty Week, from 5-11 October, which aims to highlight the growing problem of poverty in Scotland and showcase the solutions we can all get behind to solve it.  

Poverty, especially child poverty, has long been a concern to the ATUC and we have raised this issue at the Scottish Trades Union Congress, winning support for strategies to end child poverty. We remain appalled and the growing numbers of food banks in Scotland and across the UK and that food banks so essential to prevent so many of our citizens from facing hunger in the sixth richest country in the world.

Child poverty in Aberdeen sits at 18% and Aberdeenshire sits at 14% - that is almost one in six of our children in the North East of Scotland who live below the poverty line. Across Scotland it is one in four of our children and 65% of these children live in a household where one or both parents are in work.

That is why the ATUC is supporting Challenge Poverty Week; that is why poverty is a trade union issue. We encourage all our affiliated unions, associated organisations and their members to do the same.

During the week we are joining hundreds of organisations from across Scotland in taking part in Challenge Poverty Week, with faith groups, local authorities, businesses, trade unions and charities all raising our collective voice against poverty. We all want to live in a just and compassionate Scotland, but to achieve this action must be taken to loosen the grip of poverty on people’s lives.

ATUC will be writing to our MPs and MSPs calling on them to act to end poverty in the North East, across Scotland and across the UK.

You can go on the Poverty Alliance website and get the letter templates to add your voice to this call.

Aberdeen Trades Union Council statement on cuts to local government

"Aberdeen Trades Union Council is appalled at the news that 5000 local authority jobs have been cut in the north of Scotland in the past decade, with 329 full-time posts cut in Aberdeen City alone between 2017 and 2019.

"Echoing the words of Unite's Tommy Campbell in yesterday's Press and Journal, "Although the workforce has been reduced, the workload has certainly not reduced."

"There is a pressing need to address issues faced by workers regarding pressures and stress and for greater staff support in the face of increased strain on mental health and pressure at work, especially when the need for essential services local authorities provide is only growing.

"Ahead of International Workers' Memorial Day on the 28th April, ATUC reaffirms that we stand with workers and communities in resisting attacks on services being imposed at UK, Scottish and local level."

Click here to read the article

Save our services in Aberdeen - say no to cuts!

Aberdeen Trade Union Council, along with Aberdeen Anarchist Group and Aberdeen Social Centre, has organised a lobby of the Aberdeen City Council budget meeting on Tuesday 5th March from 1-4pm outside Marischall College, Broad Street, Aberdeen to protest planned cuts of £40million.

All delegates are urged to get along and support this lobby.

Co-organiser and ATUC Secretary, Fiona Napier said, "It's time for feet on the streets. We need everyone's voice.

"The council meeting on Tuesday will make the decision on the budget. The P&J is reporting that more than 200 jobs could be lost and many community and sports and leisure facilities closed down."

Fiona warned that these cuts will affect the most vulnerable families in the city. "Our communities, our children, our teenagers and our elderly will be most affected by this.

"People's jobs, people's lives will be torn apart by some of these proposals."

Please get along if you can and make sure our voices heard! Everyone and their banners welcome!

No ifs, no buts, no service cuts!

UNISON calls on the Aberdeenshire council to love their staff and defend services on Valentine’s day

Members of Aberdeenshire UNISON delivered a Valentine Card to councillors arriving for the Budget meeting at Woodhill House on Thursday 14th February.

The verse in the card reads, “Roses are red, Violets are blue, We love our council services, The crucial work we do. So show how much you love us too, Please – no ifs, no buts, Protect your staff and services, And say no more to cuts.”

The branch is warning that proposals which could see up to another 150 post from the council will have a disastrous impact on staff and services.

Kate Ramsden, Branch co-chair said, “This will have far reaching effects on existing staff that are already struggling to carry out their duties in the time that they are paid, because of salami slicing over the past 8 years and will inevitably have a knock on effect on services.”

Protest the Tory Conference in Aberdeen on 3rd March 2018

ATUC delegates are urged to get along to a protest against cuts and austerity at the Conservative Party Conference in the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre. The protest will last from 8am to 5.30pm on Saturday 3rd of March 2018 outside the conference entrance of the AECC.

The protest will highlight the damage of austerity by having a food bank collection outside the conference alongside the picketing. We will display it for them all to see! Please bring along a small contribution for the food bank.

This will show that the people of Aberdeen stand united against the cuts and the fall in living standards that are leaving so many in absolute poverty. 

The organisers said, "Austerity is a cruel and politically motivated agenda that results in us all suffering. We see disabled deaths rise, we see higher levels of child poverty, we see higher levels of working poor all whilst the rich friends of the Tories are getting richer; richer on the back of our suffering.

"This on top of the shameful Rape Clause supported by Ruth Davidson! Let's show them we are a community who have compassion and care. Let's show them we will defend our poorest and most vulnerable!"

Click here for more information on Facebook

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.

Anti austerity and Refugees are Welcome Here Rally in Aberdeen on Sunday 13th September. Please get along and support!

The Radical Independence Campaign in Aberdeen is hosting an Anti-Austerity/Refugees are Welcome Here demonstration on Sunday 13th September at 2pm in the Castlegate, Aberdeen.

The ATUC urges all delegates, associates and affliated union members to get along to this important event.

Doug Haywood of RIC said, "A year after Aberdeen's biggest ever flashmob, let's show Westminster what we think of their austerity agenda.

"With foodbank collection and charities information, speakers and stalls it promises to be a great event. All are welcome and it is completely non party political.

"So far, speakers are confirmed from RIC Aberdeen, Aberdeen CND, Future Choices and Community Food Initiatives North East, plus music from Guarana Drummers."

Click here for more information.

Join the TUC Demo at the Tory Party Conference in Manchester on 4th Oct - book your bus from Dundee now

This is the chance for ATUC delegates, associates, affliated trade union members, community and campaign groups, family and friends, to travel to Manchester to lobby the Tory Party Conference on Sunday 4th October, to call for an end to austerity and to show our opposition to the Trade Union Bill..

Dundee TUC are organising a 49 seater coach to travel from Dundee, possibly picking up at Perth and/or Stirling on the way to and from Manchester. Seats will also be available to Aberdeen, Fife and Angus people on a first come first served basis.

Tickets are likely to be priced at £15 Waged, £5 Unwaged, with the rest of the cost hopefully met through donations from trade unions and Trade Union Councils. However if sufficient donations are not forthcoming or not enough people book seats, then the bus will not run.

Click here for more information.

Aberdeen Trades Union Council delegates join 5000 to protest Tory cuts at Scotland United Against Austerity

#ScotlandAgainstAusterity Around 30 members of the ATUC and affiliate organisations joined over 5000 people at the anti-austerity rally in George Square, Glasgow on Saturday 20th June. Many had boarded the free bus from Aberdeen and our thanks go to the ATUC, Unite, UNISON Aberdeen City and UNISON Aberdeenshire for meeting the cost.

Over 5000 gather to demand an end to austerity

Trade unions, political parties and community groups brought their banners and placards in a colourful display, all with one message. End austerity - it only benefits the rich.

They were part of a day of demonstrations against austerity with almost 250,000 thronging the streets of London to give the same message to this Tory Government. Austerity doesn't work and austerity hits the poorest and most vulnerable hardest. End austerity NOW.

Kate Ramsden, Vice President, who attended the rally said, "With inspiring speeches, great music and even some sunshine, it was a great event.
"However, with the news of huge cuts in many of Scotland's councils, this can only be the beginning of the fightback against the vicious policies of this Tory government, which make no sense for the economy but are based on an ideology that hates public services and is only interested in furthering the interests of the rich at the expense of the rest of us. The hard work starts now.

"It is despicable that they richest 1000 in this country have doubled their wealth while more and more of our children grow up in poverty and families rely on foodbanks to survive.

"We have become the most unequal country in the EU. The money is there - it's just in the wrong hands."