Statement from Aberdeen Trades Union Council (ATUC) in the aftermath of the EU Referendum result

With thanks to Renee Slater for the image

ATUC has been deeply concerned at much of the tone of the EU Referendum debate, which, at its worst has been typified by hatred, vitriol and misinformation which has done a huge disservice to our democracy and values. We deplore the demonisation of migrants and the attempts to undermine the value of immigration to our society which has dominated much of the debate.

Since the vote to leave, we have seen a rise in racist violence, threats and intimidation across the country but also in Scotland and in the North East. We condemn this entirely. We wish to make it clear that the ATUC rejects racism in all its ugly forms and will oppose all those who fuel it.

In the North East of Scotland we have a proud history of welcoming those fleeing oppression, violence and poverty and the ATUC will continue to support immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers.

Invite to an evening of music, poetry and good craic on Sat 28th May

ATUC sends solidarity to UCU Scotland members on their action on pay

The ATUC sends our solidarity and best wishes to UCU members in higher education institutions in Scotland who will be taking part in industrial action in the form of two strike days on Wednesday and Thursday 25-26 May 2016.     

The strike relates to the current dispute on the national pay claim and the UCU would wish to advise of the following background to the dispute.

Since 2009, staff in higher education institutions in the UK have suffered a 14.5% real terms pay cut set against the cost of living.  Over the same period we have seen year on year above inflation pay increases for many university principals, with increases this year of up to 15%.  The employers’ initial offer of 1% for staff was rejected by UCU and their improved offer, adding a miserly 0.1%, is, in our view, derisory.    Our pay claim also asks employers to work with campus unions to tackle the gender pay gap in higher education and to reduce the proportion of staff on casual and zero-hour contracts. The employers are refusing to engage with campus unions collectively on these matters.

Unite Night Aberdeen Sat 14th May 2016 7pm at O'Neill's - music, entertainment and political awareness

Get along if you can or encourage the young people in your family to get along to Unite Night Aberdeen on Saturday 14th May 7-11pm at O'Neill's, 9-10 Back Wynd, Aberdeen AB10 1JN.

A night of music and entertainment to raise awareness about the trade union movement and why it's beneficial to young people.


Click here for more information on the Facebook Page


£3.00 (Free to Unite members)

Line-up:

• Elijah Fynmore
  Folk and rock tunes with an occasional political turn.
  

• Rico Strokes
  One man and his guitar.
  

• Steady eyes
  Indy folk duo who sing about feelings and stuff.
  

• Green beers
  Aberdeen folk punk duo who have stepped in last minute to rescue us as unfortunately The Mamertines have had to pull out of this gig due to unforeseen issues.

Please come along to the next meeting of the ATUC on Wed 4th May

The next meeting of Aberdeen Trades Union Council will be held on Wednesday 4th May at 7.30pm at John Londragan House, 22a Adelphi, Aberdeen.

There is the usual packed agenda and the meeting will begin with a presentation from Renee Slater on the Aberdeen Festival of Politics.

All affiliates and associates are welcome to attend. The agenda and minutes of the last meeting will be circulated soon.

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.

Aberdeen remembers - Workers' Memorial day 2016

Aberdeen remembered all those who have lost their lives, been injured or made ill at their work at a moving and well attended Workers’ Memorial Day service on 28th April.

Opening the ceremony at the Persley Walled Garden in Aberdeen, Kate Ramsden, President of Aberdeen Trades Union Council, extended a particular welcome and deepest condolences to the family and work colleagues of Ian Walker, the worker who lost his life in the construction of the third Don Crossing.

Kate said, “This will be a very poignant service as we mourn the deaths of three workers, including Ian, killed at their work in a three week period in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire earlier this year.

“In coming together today we mourn all those, like Ian, who have lost their lives doing their job.

 “But we also make a pledge to continue our fight for robust health and safety procedures, inspection and legislation to make sure no more workers are killed at their work and no other families have to grieve the loss of their loved ones.”

Following a minutes silence, Ian’s daughter Kirsty and his two sons, Andrew and David laid the wreath on behalf of the ATUC. Councillor Angela Taylor laid the wreath for Aberdeen City Council on behalf of the Lord Provost of the City.