Scotland Demands Better - and so does Aberdeen

Scotland Demands Better, supported by the STUC, believes that change for the better happens when people stand together and demand it. They have called a march in Edinburgh on Saturday 25 October. 

To build for this big national event, a series of public meetings have been arranged.

The "Scotland Demands Better" Aberdeen public meeting is on 23^rd of September from 7-8.30pm at Devana Parish Church on Fonthill Road. It's a fully accessible venue and is pretty central.  As well as ATUC, on the panel will also be representation from Cfine (Fiona Rae), Shmu (speaker TBC), and the Church of Scotland (Rev. Peter Johnson).  Graphics are attached.

Please note we are planning to arrange coaches to take people from Aberdeen to that march. We would ask all delegates to pass on this information to branch activists and members and to encourage support for this national event.  Please also ask your branches to consider a donation to the cost of the bus and let ATUC know how many seats are needed on the bus. Aberdeenshire UNISON has already pledged to donate. We call on other branches to do the same.

Next ATUC Meeting will be held on Wed 9th Jan at 7.30pm. Please get along

The first ATUC delegates' meeting of the new year will take place on Wed 9th January at 22a Adelphi, Aberdeen from 7.30pm.

There is a busy agenda as we look at motions and the delegation to the STUC Congress coming up in April this year. We will also be planning our Annual Report which will look back at a very successful 150th anniversary year in 2018.

All delegates are urged to come along and associates are welcome to attend. Hope to see you there.

Alison Evison, CoSLA President addresses STUC Highland and Island's Conference

Alison Evison

ATUC delegates, Fiona Napier and Steve Gray attended the STUC Highlands and Islands conference, held in the beautiful historic Inverness Town Hall. A packed day of interactive sessions, culminating in a panel of local councillors and MSP's taking questions from delegates - Conservatives, Lib Dems, Greens and Labour were all represented (no SNP as all at SNP conference in Aberdeen)

Good morning everyone

I’m delighted to be here with you, and I want to start by firstly thanking you for inviting me today.

I’m really pleased to be able to join you because it is a chance to build the kind of approach that I want COSLA to be all about- working together to understand the issues, learn from one another, and focus on solutions. 

That’s vitally important, because every day millions of people rely on the essential services that councils provide.  And that simply wouldn’t be possible without the huge dedication and hard work of the 240,000 staff that deliver them in communities across the country. 

Local Government is one of Scotland's largest employers, and roughly 1 in 10 working people are employed by a council.  As a lifelong trade union member and teacher for over 20 years, I absolutely believe in the vital importance of a properly skilled and valued workforce in getting the best possible outcomes for our communities.

Please come along to the next ATUC Delegates meeting on Wednesday 2 May 2018 at 7.30pm

The next ATUC Delegates meeting will be held on Wednesday 1st May 2018 at 7.30pm within the ATUC premises at 22A Adelphi, Aberdeen.

Other agenda items will be arrangements for May Day on 5th May. There are also a number of new events as part of our 150th anniversary celebrations. The new Exec will bring you up to date on plans for these events.

The Annual Report has been published and copies were circulated at the STUC Congress to great acclaim. The meeting will hear about the Congress and the high profile of the ATUC delegates again this year.

We hope as many delegates as possible can attend this important meeting.

Please come along to the next ATUC Delegates meeting on Wednesday 04 April 2018 at 7.30pm

The first ATUC Delegates meeting after our AGM in March will be held on Wednesday 04 April 2018 at 7.30pm within the ATUC premises at 22A Adelphi Aberdeen.

The 150th year events will once again be agenda items along with the Annual Report 2017 for which adverts and articles have all been received.

Other agenda items will be discussing arrangements for IWMD and May Day, both important events for this anniversary year, and the new Exec will bring you up to date on plans for these and other events.

We hope as many Delegates as possible can attend this important meeting.

Next ATUC Delegates meeting on Wednesday 07 February 2018

The second ATUC Delegates meeting of the year will be held on Wednesday 07 February 2018 at 7.30pm within the ATUC premises at 22A Adelphi Aberdeen.

The 150th year events will once again be key agenda item, including the Civic Reception event happening on Wednesday 7 March 2018 to launch our 150th birthday celebrations.

Other agenda items include the Annual Report 2017 for which adverts and articles have been steadily received. We will also be discussing arrangements for International Women's Day, International Workers' Memorial Day and May Day as well as the AGM in March.

Please remember that this meeting is the nominations meeting for office bearers and post holders for the year ahead, in preparation for the AGM being held on 14 March 2018.

We hope as many Delegates as possible can attend this important meeting.

FIRST ATUC MEETING OF 2018

The next meeting of Aberdeen Trades Union Council will be on Wednesday 10 January 2018 at 1900 hours (which is 2nd Wednesday due to the holidays!) at ATUC premises at 22A Adelphi Aberdeen




Where we continue to look forward and plan the coming year which our 150 anniversary year - which we are delighted to be celebrating


We hope as many Delegates as possible make it along

Next ATUC Delegates meeting on Wednesday 1st November 2017 at 7.30pm

The next ATUC Delegates meeting will be held on Wednesday 1 November 2017 at 7.30pm within the ATUC premises at 22A Adelphi Aberdeen. 

As the 150th Anniversary of the ATUC in 2018 comes ever closer, this will be a key agenda item. This years St Andrews Day march and rally will also be on the Agenda.. 

We hope as many Delegates as possible can make it along.

Next ATUC Delegates meeting on Wednesday 6 September 2017 at 7.30pm

The next ATUC Delegates meeting will be held on Wednesday 6 September 2017 at 7.30pm within the ATUC premises at 22A Adelphi Aberdeen. 

This is the first meeting after the summer recess with the 150th Anniversary events, Annual Report 2017, STUC 2018 and this years St Andrews Day march and rally to discuss. 

We hope as many Delegates as possible can make it along. 

There is also an Executive Committee meeting at the same venue at 6.45pm.

ATUC Special Meeting - Learning the lessons of the Grenfell Tower Tragedy

Aberdeen TUC  has called a special meeting with a speaker from the Fire Brigades Union (FBU)  to help us start to learn some of the lessons from the Grenfell Tower disaster.

This will take place at the UNITE office 44 King Street, Aberdeen AB24 5TJ at 6.45pm on Tuesday 27th June.

All delegates are invited.

In view of the importance of the issue some key residents organisations are also to be invited.

Kevin Hutchens, Joint President, who has organised the meeting had previously sent a message of condolence, support and solidarity to all those affected by the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

Kevin had said, "Aberdeen TUC sends its sympathy and support to all affected by the Grenfell Tower fire.For those killed in the tragedy we grieve, to the relatives and friends we send our condolences, to those injured we send our best wishes for recovery, to the rescue workers we send our admiration and gratitude for their bravery and to the community we send our solidarity.

"While recognising investigations have to be completed we call for justice to be done and for every effort to be made to ensure this never happens again."

Kevin added, "The meeting will start with a minutes silence as a mark of respect for all those who lost their lives in this appalling tragedy.

"I look forward to seeing you there."

Next ATUC delegates meeting on 7th June at 22a Adelphi. All welcome

The next meeting of Aberdeen Trades Union Council will be held on Wednesday 7th June at 7.30pm in ATUC premises, 22a Adelphi, Aberdeen. 

There is the usual packed agenda including our planning for the 150th Anniversary celebrations in 2018. The STUC have indicated their support for our plans and will bring a General Council meeting to Aberdeen in the course of the year. We will also review a very successful May Day march and rally.

All delegates and associates are welcome to attend and we hope to see you there.

Next ATUC delegates meeting Wed 3rd May at 7.30pm. Exec Meeting at 6.45pm

The next ATUC delegates' meeting will be held tomorrow evening, Wed 3rd May at 7.30pm at 22a Adelphi, Aberdeen. Please get along if you can.

There is a lot to discuss including the final arrangements for the May Day March and Rally on Saturday 6th May.

There will also be a report back from STUC Congress from delegates as well as the usual trade reports and the activity reports which will include a report of the International Workers' Memorial Day service.

Please note, there will also be a meeting of the ATUC Exec just before it at 6.45pm

Hope to see you all there.

Next ATUC Delegates' Meeting on Wed 5th April at 7.30pm - Pre-meeting at 6.30pm. All welcome!

The next Aberdeen Trades Union Council Delegates' meeting is due to take place on Wednesday 5 April 2017 at 7.30pm in John Londragan House, 22A Adelphi, Aberdeen. This is the first Delegates' meeting after the AGM with the newly elected officers in place.

The agenda has within it items to be discussed such as International Workers' Memorial Day on 28th April, Dundee TUC May Day March and Rally on 29th April and our own ATUC May Day March and Rally on 6th May.

We will also be discussing the ATUC 150th Anniversary proposed events and activities at a pre-meeting in the same venue at 6.30pm.

All Delegates welcome to both meetings and we hope as many delegates as possible are able to attend both meetings on the night.

Invitation to the AGM of Aberdeen Trades Union Council on Wed 1st March 2017 - All welcome

Delegates and associates are warmly invited to come along to the Aberdeen Trades Union Council AGM on Wednesday 1st 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.

Plans for the 150th Anniversary of the ATUC in 2018 are also well underway and will be an item for discussion at the AGM.

Please get along if you possibly can.

Next ATUC Delegates Meeting will be held on Wed 1st Feb at 7.30pm - please get along if you can.

The next ATUC Delegates Meeting will be held on Wed 1st February at 7.30pm in John Londragan House, 22A Adelphi, Aberdeen.

This is the last meeting before the AGM on 1st March 2017 and is a very important meeting where we look at nominations for officers posts for election at the AGM.

Can we also remind delegates that affiliations are now due? You can affiliate on this website - details on the right hand side.

Colin Jones, ATUC Treasurer said, "This year promises to be a busy year for the ATUC, as along with our usual support of branches and organisations we will be working on a number of different projects to get ready for our 150th anniversary next year.

"We have some really exciting ideas for planned for that and as such we very much hope your trade union will support us by affiliating for 2017."


Please note that affiliations and renewals should be made by the end of February if you want to participate in the ATUC’s Annual General Meeting. 

Colin added, "We can only exist because trade unions like yours support us, and whether your branch has been a long time affiliate, or you wish to join us for the first time this year, we’d be very happy for your support.

 "If your branch already affiliates, but you know of other branches in your union who don’t then please spread the word"

Next ATUC delegates' meeting will be held on Wed 11th January 2017 at 6.45pm. All welcome!

The first ATUC Delegates' Meeting of the new year is on Wed 11th January 2017 at 6.45pm. Please note the earlier time for the meeting commencing, due to pressure of business.

The meeting will be held in ATUC premises, John Londragan House, 22A Adelphi, Aberdeen. All delegates and associates are warmly invited to attend.

At this month's meeting we will have our usual packed agenda, which this month includes consideration of motions to the STUC Congress in April. Delegates interested in attending this year's STUC Congress, on behalf of ATUC, should nominate themselves at this meeting. There will also be an update on the plans for the 150th Anniversary celebrations for the ATUC in 2018 and we will be looking for affiliates and associates to take on responsibility for relevant arrangements. The ATUC Annual Report 2016 will also be on the Agenda with a view to compiling articles and seeking adverts. 

There will be no speaker given the business to get through. We hope as many Affiliates and associates are able to attend as possible.

Next ATUC Delegates' Meeting on Wed 7th December at 7.30pm. Please come along.

The next ATUC Delegates' meeting will be held on Wednesday 7th December 2016 at 7.30pm in ATUC premises, John Londragan House, 22A Adelphi, Aberdeen. All delegates and associates are warmly invited to attend.

Our speaker at this month's meeting will be from Grampian Credit Union.We then have our usual packed agenda, which this month includes a preliminary consideration of motions and delegates for next year's STUC Congress. We also have an updated report on the plans for the 150th Anniversary celebrations for the ATUC in 2018.

ATUC President, Kate Ramsden said, "We are hoping for our usual good turn-out at the meeting as we come to the end of 2016 and look towards the New Year.

 "I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our delegates, affiliates, associates and all those who read this blog, "Greetings of the Season" and all our best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year. This goes out especially to our union members delivering essential services over the holiday period."

Next ATUC Delegates' Meeting on Wed 2nd November at 7.30pm. Please get along.

The next ATUC Delegates' meeting will be held on Wednesday 2 November 2016 at 7.30pm in ATUC premises, John Londragan House, 22A Adelphi, Aberdeen.

In addition to the usual packed Agenda, the short film "Nae Pasaran" will be shown. This tells the story of group of former factory workers in a small town in Scotland. They are reunited to tell the story of how they played their part in standing up to the military coup in Chile in 1974 while carrying out their job. The ATUC played a small part in backing the film through a donation to the funding of it.

Kate Ramsden, ATUC President said, "It was an amazing act of solidarity by Scottish workers to oppose the coup in Chile. The film is well worth a watch."

There will also be discussed the arrangements for St Andrew day parade and rally including the 80th Anniversary commemoration events for the Spanish Civil war. We hope as many Delegates as possible can attend.

Fight against zero hours, zero rights, zero respect workplaces.

Young Unite activist, Chris Trestrail has organised Aberdeen's first Better Than Zero meeting on 30th September in the Belmont Cinema at 6.30pm.

Chris said, "This is a real chance for us to grow a solid and active socialist youth movement in the city. Please come along and join us to plan local events."  

Chris added, "The Better than Zero campaign is a group of young trade unionists, precarious workers and creative campaigners who are fed up of bad bosses who think they’re beyond reproach. We want to fight back against the bullies, and use the skills in a collective project against zero hours, zero rights and zero respect workplaces."

Click here for Facebook page

Next ATUC delegates meeting will be held on Wed 7th September. All delegates and associates are welcome

The next ATUC Delegates meeting will take place on Wed 7th September 2016 at 7.30pm, in ATUC premises, John Londragan House, 22A Adelphi, Aberdeen.

Kate Ramsden, ATUC President said, "We have the usual packed agenda, with two speakers. Renee Slater will be addressing delegates on the harbour development at Nigg Bay. Fiona Napier, of SPSC will seek support for the SPSC Aberdeen member and friend of the ATUC, Ally Coutts, who is due to appear in court on 9th Sept in connection with alleged offences whilst protesting against the Jericho staff in Union Square. See post below for further information.

"Other agenda items include the 150th Anniversary of ATUC events in 2018, the 80th Anniversary of Spanish Civil War events/commemoration as well as the St Andrews Day March and Rally 2016 and the ATUC Annual Report 2016."

"We hope to see as many delegates there as possible and visitors are also welcome," added Kate