St Andrews Day March and Rally 2016 - Celebrating the multicultural voices of the North East of Scotland

Inez Teece marches with the branch banner

The branch joined hundreds of people from many different ethnic backgrounds - trade unionists, activists, politicians and citizens - as they came together at this year’s St Andrews Day March and Rally in Aberdeen.

This was a celebration of diversity in the North East of Scotland and the marchers gave a clear message that racism and intolerance is not welcome here.

The branch was proud to donate to the cost of a bus to bring the new Syrian Scots from Inverurie to the march.

The event was organised once again by Aberdeen Trades Union Council, this year in partnership with #WeAreAberdeen, a group which has been set up to combat growing racism and intolerance in the wake of the Brexit campaign.

Carrying colourful banners and placards, the marchers were upbeat and joyful as they strode along the aptly named Union Street behind the stirring music of the Granite City Pipes and Drums Youth Band.

Stars in our Schools - Celebrating the role of school support staff

On Friday 25 November 2016, across the country schools will be celebrating the people behind the scenes who help children learn, keep them safe and healthy and make sure schools run smoothly.
Susan Kennedy, Assistant Secretary is encouraging schools across Aberdeenshire to take part.

"This allows those schools to thank all the support staff who are very often forgotten, for all their hard work supporting our children through their educational years,” she said.

Click here for the Stars in Our Schools website

Susan added, "A whole team of people – from IT technicians, caretakers, lunchtime supervisors, receptionists, administrators, teaching assistants and many more – work together to make a great school.

"These people have a huge impact on children’s education, but they’re often forgotten. Which is why UNISON organises Stars in Our Schools day, a day to celebrate them. And the day is almost here!"

Click on the link for more ideas of what you can do

Come along to the St Andrews Day March and Rally and celebrate diversity in the North East of Scotland

Members are urged to attend this year's St Andrew's Day March and Rally in Aberdeen which will be held on Saturday 26th November and will celebrate diversity in the North East of Scotland.

Click here for a poster

Organiser, Aberdeen Trades Union Council has joined forces with #We are Aberdeen, a new campaign in the North East of Scotland to bring people and communities together to respond to the recent rise of intolerance across the UK.

Marchers will gather at 11am in the St Nicholas Churchyard, Union Street, Aberdeen to march off at 11.30am for a rally in the Castlegate at 12 noon.

Kate Ramsden, President of the ATUC said, "We are delighted to be working with #We are Aberdeen to celebrate the diversity of our communities in the North East of Scotland.

"Everyone is welcome on the march, to give the message that racism will not be tolerated in the North East of Scotland. We see this as a family event and I would love to see people bringing their own stories and positive messages, such as colourful banners, placards and posters."

The march will be led off by the Granite City Pipes and Drums Youth Band so will be a rousing affair. The rally will hear from speakers from community groups, trade unions and politicians representing the multi-cultural voices of the North East.

Following the rally, there will be songs and poetry from Ray Moore, Davy Kettyles and others in La Lombarda in the Castlegate. Please come and join us there too.