The waves of strikes across the UK continue and over winter we are set to see more and more workers walk out over poor pay and attacks on their conditions.
As a branch, we must show solidarity with fellow workers in their fight for fair wages and fair treatment in the face of a cost of living crisis caused by profiteering companies and the reckless economic strategies of the Tories.
Workers continue to unite, fight and win. Initiatives such as Trade Unions in Community—detailed below—provide opportunities to foster solidarity, make connections and let people know that when they join together they can improve their workplaces and communities.
We must also stand up against injustice and racism, which is why we would encourage all members to attend the demo for Sheku Bayou detailed below.
Here are details of how you can show solidarity with our comrades in other sectors and unions:
NHS
Print and display a poster for show support for the NHS strikes (PDF), from Enough is Enough.
Sheku Bayou demo on Tuesday 22 November
Please support the protest on Tuesday 22 November from 9am at Festival Square EH3 9SU for part 2 of the legal hearing into the death of Sheku Bayoh while in Kirkcaldy police custody. The event is hosted by Stand Up to Racism.
Sheku Bayoh died following contact with police in 2015. Learn about Sheku and get campaign resources at www.linktr.ee/justiceforsheku
Please share the Sheku Bayou demo Facebook page.
Sheku’s family would appreciate people attending the Sheku Bayoh inquiry hearings as a visitor. Book a place at a hearing.
Teachers strike on 24 November
The EIS (Education Institute of Scotland), the union for teachers, is striking across the UK on Thursday 24 November.
There will be a rally outside the Scottish Parliament, arrive from 12.30pm, speakers from 1pm.
We will share advice for our members impacted by this strike on this website soon.
UCU strikes on 24, 25 and 30 November
Seventy-thousand members of the University and College Union are taking industrial action in two disputes on 24, 25 and 30 November.
Read about the UCU industrial action and check to find where the picket lines are—there will be pickets
Join a rally at 2pm on 30 November at Augustine United Church on George IV Bridge in support of the UCU strikes, hosted by the University of Edinburgh Communist Society and the Young Communist League Edinburgh.
Open University picket lines are at 10 Drumsheugh Gardens from 7:30 to 9:15am on 24, 25 and 30 November.
There will be pickets at University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt campuses across the city.
CWU Royal Mail strike on 24, 25 and 30 November
Royal Mail workers in the CWU are striking over pay after the company imposed a 2% rise. Read details of the CWU dispute and visit pickets from early morning on 24, 25 and 30 November at the Royal Mail offices at
- East Telferton
- Gorgie Park
- Strathearn Road.
Trade Unions in Communities public opening on 3 December
Trade Unions in Communities (TUIC) is a coaltion of trade unions across Edinburgh that promotes trade unionism, links workplace and community activism and embeds trade unionism in our communities, so everyone knows their rights and how to fight for them.
There will be a rally from 11am to 1pm on Saturday 3 December to celebrate the opening of TUIC’s premise on Walk-up Avenue in Craigmillar.
The rally will feature
- Roz Foyer, STUC General Secretary
- striking trade unionists
- music and more.
We encourage all reps and members to attend.
Email tradeunionsincommunities@gmail.com.
Social Care Crisis in Edinburgh public meeting on 6 December at 6pm
Edinburgh Trade Unions Council is hosting a meeting with speakers including Unite’s Depute Scottish Secretary Mary Alexander and the chair of the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board Councillor Tim Pogson.
Full details of the social care crisis meeting.
Scottish Government budget—rally on Parliament on 8 December at 11am
The Scottish Government will announce its budget on 15 December. Join us in lobbying the Scottish Parliament the week before to make sure they know their budget must account for fair pay rises for public sector workers!