ATUC pays tribute to the life and activism of Gerry McCabe

The Aberdeen TUC is very saddened at the death of Gerry McCabe on 3^rd November 2023.

Gerry was a long serving UNISON delegate to the ATUC and all delegates who knew him have very fond memories of campaigning alongside Gerry over many years and especially when he was a UNISON representative at Aberdeen City Council fighting back against Council cuts.

Gerry was an excellent Trade Union representative who spoke his mind and clearly expressed his point of view on matters affecting the lives of UNISON members working for Aberdeen City Council.

He would regularly challenge Council Officers and local Councillors, especially when opposing job losses and cuts in Council services.

Gerry’s involvement with Aberdeen TUC meant he could be found standing on picket lines and marching down Union Street on the ATUC May Day and St. Andrew’s Day marches. He could also be very regularly seen in St Nicholas Square at the  Socialist Workers Party stall with his Socialist  Worker paper on sale.

Given Gerry’s support for the Palestinian people there was a warm salute of gratitude and respect recorded in his honour by all those in attendance at the Palestine Solidarity rally at Union Terrace Gardens on Saturday 18^th November.

Gerry is a good example of a principled socialist and a true working-class hero who supported the working-class in their struggle for a better life in a world of peace, free from hatred and war.

In his honour and memory the Aberdeen TUC will continue to organise to improve the lives of working-class people and their families whether at the workplace or within the wider community here in Aberdeen and elsewhere around our world.

When we are on picket lines or demonstrating on our streets we will always remember Gerry, as we follow in his footsteps, honouring his memory and lifetime commitment to Trade Unionism, International Solidarity and Socialism.

Our deepest condolences go to Gerry's wife and family and his many, many friends.

 

Tribute to Ron Webster's 80 years of trade union activism as he is laid to rest

Tommy Campbell, Chair of Aberdeen and District Unite Retired Members' Branch and a delegate to the ATUC, made the following moving tribute to ATUC member and stalwart trade unionist, Ron Webster at his funeral today.

"At the young age of 14 Ron joined the Amalgamated Society of Woodworkers in 1941 when he started his joinery apprenticeship. He was an integral part of the Second World War effort during his apprenticeship working on parts for the RAF’s Wellington bombers.

His apprenticeship was stalled when he enlisted with the Gordon Highlanders in 1945. After Ron completed his National Service, he returned to his apprenticeship working on the Trams in Aberdeen.

He continued working on the Trams until they were decommissioned in 1958 by the Aberdeen bus corporation. 

His membership of the Amalgamated Society of Woodworkers then transferred to the National Union of Vehicle Builders and Ron continued in his role as   an elected shop steward and a Union branch official of the National Union of Vehicle Builders.

He continued in these roles following the merger of the National Union of Vehicle Builders with the Transport and General Workers Union in 1972. 

Ron also served as the local NUVB delegate on the TGWU Grampian and Northern Isles District Committee, the TGWU Scottish Regional Automotive Trade Group. The District Committee also elected him to the Scottish Regional Committee representing Union members interests from all over Scotland.

In addition to his T&G positions Ron was elected as the Secretary of Aberdeen Trades Council and in turn elected as the representative of all Scottish Trades Councils onto the Executive Council of the STUC. 

ATUC pays tribute to trade union stalwart Ron Webster

Ron receives his award from STUC
General Secretary Roz Foyer
Photos by Ryan Tobias

Aberdeen Trades Union Council was deeply saddened by the death of one of its longest serving members and activists, Ron Webster, who died on 13 July at the age of 96.

Our deepest condolences go to Ron’s family and friends. Ron was a truly remarkable individual who made significant contributions as a trade unionist and as a Labour city councillor.

He is survived by his children, Rona, Andrew and Heather and by his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Ron's funeral service will be held at Aberdeen Crematorium, Hazlehead, (West chapel) on Monday July 31 at 1.15PM. All friends respectfully invited, family flowers only please. 

Ron leaves a lasting legacy in the trade union and Labour movement. He will be remembered fondly by all his friends and comrades on Aberdeen Trades Union Council.