Campaigners march for workers’ rights

Councillors join union figures and members of the public in display of solidarity

Campaigners for workers’ rights marched through Kirkcaldy to celebrate May Day.

Organised by Fife Trades Union Council, the event was supported by Unite and GMB, as well as Fife People’s Assembly and trade union members from Dundee.

It was only Fife’s second May Day march after the event was relaunched last year.

Invited speakers at the rally included Scottish Trade Union Congress and Refuge Fife.

Tom Kirby from Fife People’s Assembly said the day was not about politics.

However, with sweeping gains made by the Conservatives in the local elections and the general election just weeks away, some marchers said it was also about taking a stand against Tory policies.

“We’re starting a tradition in Fife where the working class can come together,” said Mr Kirby.

“This is about celebrating what unites us and not what divides us.

“That’s why we don’t have any political speakers. We have community speakers.”

But John Gillespie, who chairs Unite’s Fife area activist committee, said: “We can’t have the right taking over the country.

“It’s important, with the general election coming up, that workers have a voice.

“It’s important that we have people in government at Westminster who will put a stop to austerity.

“We can’t have people going to foodbanks and suffering from benefits sanctions in this day and age.”

Fife Labour leader David Ross was joined by re-elected councillors including Altany Craik and Judy Hamilton.

Mr Craik said: “This is about solidarity among everybody in the working community.”

Mr Ross said: “There is significant opposition to Tory austerity, and so-called welfare reform is having a direct effect on people in Fife.

“We need to demonstrate our opposition to that.”

Also at the event was Roger Mullin MP and David Torrance MSP of the SNP.

Mr Torrance said: “This is about workers’ rights and equality, and ensuring that working conditions are kept and improved.

“Trade unions have played an important part in improving these conditions over the years.”

We’re starting a tradition in Fife where the working class can come together. TOM KIRBY

Pictures: Steven Brown. Marchers on Kirkcaldy High Street.