STUC 2017 St Andrew’s Day Anti-Racism March and Rally

November 22nd 2017

STUC 2017 St Andrew’s Day Anti-Racism March and Rally

November 22nd 2017

The Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) Annual St Andrew’s Day March and Rally takes place on Saturday 25th November.

The theme of this year’s event is “No Racism: Educate, Agitate, Organise”. Trade unionists, community groups, religious groups, and campaigners will take to the streets of Glasgow to denounce racism and promote equality, fairness, and justice for all citizens of Scotland.

Suki Sangha, Chair of the STUC Black Workers Committee, said:

“Every year we take to the streets to celebrate the positive contribution that people from across the world make to Scotland. The act of marching in solidarity, on our streets, is symbolic of the confidence that we want to give anyone who is experiencing racism. Our message is simple – you’re not alone. We are continuing to see the growth of the type of politics that seeks to divide us.

“Every-day racism is on the increase in our workplaces and in our communities. The Grenfell fire this year cruelly signifies how racism manifests institutionally in Britain and how it denies opportunity and basic human rights to people of colour.

“We hope that as many people as possible with join us this year to strengthen our voice and our resolve in stamping out racism whenever and wherever it surfaces.”

STUC General Secretary, Grahame Smith said,

“Donald Trump, the Brexit vote and rising inequality have soured the political mood in the last year. Economic hardship continues to be blamed on migration, as those who channel hatred along lines of race and ethnicity continue to target the workers we represent through the STUC Black Workers’ Committee.

“Many migrant workers face appalling conditions of work, often without any oversight or regulation. This is particularly acute for migrant women. Trade unions must develop the structures to support and strengthen people working in exploitative conditions. And much more must be done to make Scotland a home for refugees and migrant workers who are still denied safety and security.

“Stating these demands and highlighting abuses is not enough. It is incumbent on us as trade unionists and anti-racist campaigners to step up our own work to educate our society, agitate in our communities to confront racism wherever it is found, and organise to fight for dignity and respect in our workplaces, the welfare system, and across Scotland.

“It has never been more important for us to defend rights, protect communities and expose racism. We urge you to join us on Saturday to show that racism, discrimination and prejudice has no place in Scotland.”

ENDS

For more information please contact Dave Moxham dmoxham@stuc.org.uk or Sarah Wiktorski swiktorski@stuc.org.uk 0141 337 8100