The STUC

Workers from throughout Scotland are today (Friday 15 May) mobilising against the BNP and encouraging people to use their vote in next month’s Euro Elections. The anti-racist organisation Searchlight, has designated Friday 15 May as “Union Friday” in its Hope not Hate campaign, and is working with trade unions across the UK.

The Scottish Trades Union Congress is co-ordinating activity across Scotland, and is delighted with the numbers of people turning out to campaign against the BNP.    From Inverness to Dumfries, trade unions are warning of the racist policies of the BNP which play on people’s fears, and urging voters to turn out on Thursday 4 June.

Speaking on “Union Friday”, STUC General Secretary Grahame Smith said:

“We appreciate that some people are disillusioned by politicians, however, we cannot allow apathy with the system, or anger about MPs’ expenses  to let the BNP in on 4 June.    The BNP has racist policies which play on peoples’ fears.  It is absolutely vital that people turn out to vote against the BNP and their lies and misinformation in the Euro Elections”.

Trade unionists are holding street stalls, raising awareness in their workplaces and branches, and leafleting train stations on Friday 15 May.  Trade unions participating in the STUC action include, UNISON, the Public and Commercial Services Union, Unite the Union, the National Union of Journalists, the University and College Union, and more.

The following activity is taking place:

 

Glasgow Street Stall:

Buchanan Street (outside Border Book Shop)

12.00pm – 2.00pm.

 

Glasgow Queen Street Station:

Leafleting outside 4pm – 5pm.

 

Edinburgh Street Stall:

Princes Street (east end, beside Wellington Statue)

11.00am – 3.00pm.

 

Dundee Street Stall:

Dundee City Square

 

Aberdeen Street Stall :

Union Street (outside Marks & Spencer)

 

Inverness Street Stall

High Street, 12noon – 2pm

 

Kilmarnock Street Stall

The Cross, 12.30pm – 1.30pm

 

On Saturday Dumfries Trades Union Council will be in Dumfries town centre.

 

Trade unions will be:

·          Encouraging people to ensure they are registered to vote in the Euro Elections, the deadline for registering is Tuesday 19 May.

·       Urging people to turn out to vote against the BNP on 4 June.

 Ends

 

For further information:

Mary Senior,   STUC    0141 337 8100 or  07976 515 039.

or go to

http://www.stuc.siteiscentral.com/union-friday-15-may-2009