Public Works Update May 2013

Biggest May Day march yet as hundreds march down Union Street
Saturday 4th May 2013

Humphrey leads the way as UNISON members march down Union Street

UNISON joined hundreds of marchers from across trade unions and community groups as they marched down Union Street to celebrate International Workers Day and to protest against austerity.

Organised by Aberdeen Trades Union Council, this was the first time for many years that Aberdeen City Council had allowed the march to go along the length of Union Street and people turned out in large numbers to do just that.

More pics of the day

Click here to see even more pics on picasa

Marchers gather at the castlegate to hear speakers

At the Castlegate the Rally heard from a number of speakers calling for an end to measures which target the poor and the vulnerable whilst the richest in our society increase their share of the country's wealth.

Ian Tasker of the STUC

Ann Begg MP condemned this government's treatment of disabled people, through cuts to benefits which hit those least able to cope. Ian Tasker of the STUC slammed the attacks on Health and Safety law which see safeguards for workers removed and enforcement undermined at a time when deaths and injuries at work are increasing in Scotland.

After the rally, many marchers went on to the Family Fun Day, organised by Aberdeen City UNISON with support from Aberdeenshire UNISON and the EIS. There was food and entertainment for both adults and children and many families came off the streets to join in the fun.

top

Invite to celebrate at the May Day March and Rally

Celebrate International Workers Day. Join with us in a family friendly march down Union Street to demonstrate your opposition to the bedroom tax, austerity and workfare. The 2013 May Day March and Rally will gather at Rubislaw Terrace Gardens, Aberdeen at 11am.

Organised by Aberdeen Trades Union Council (ATUC), it will march off at 11.30am down the full length of Union Street, to a Rally in the Castlegate at 12noon where there will be speeches from local representatives.

All are welcome to participate in what will be a fun and memorable day.

Brian Carroll, President of the ATUC urged union members, their families and friends, and community activists to attend the march and rally in numbers.

He said, "This is the first time in many years that the marchers will be able to march the whole length of Union Street so it is really important that as many trades union and community activists as possible turn out.

"Please bring your banners, flags, pendants and signs to make the march and rally as colourful as possible."

May Day Fun Day

Stay on for the May Day Family Fun Day, from 12.30 till 4 pm in Union Terrace Gardens, organised by Aberdeen City UNISON and Aberdeenshire UNISON in collaboration with EIS.

There will be fun for all the family, including a bouncy castle, face painting, bands, food from Café 52, magician, tai chi and stalls.   

Click here for a poster

Click here for flyers

Both events will provide an opportunity for trade union and community activists to meet and show their solidarity to work together to overcome the U.K. Coalition Governments Austerity/Welfare Cuts Programme.

top