Workers take to streets for ‘better pay’

Dozens of workers took their plea for “better pay and a decent pension” to the streets of Aberdeen as the cost of living crisis continues to soar “by the minute”.

People of all ages marched to the sounds of drums on Saturday to fight any form of injustice in the workplace and push for a transition that puts workers at its heart.

Organised by the Aberdeen Trades Union Council (ATUC), the event was a return to in-person marches following two years of online rallies due to the pandemic.

It was held to mark International Workers Day and highlight the main issues faced by today’s society.

ATUC chairman Graeme Farquhar accused the Westminster government of leaving workers out to dry in a difficult year, where many are struggling.

He said: “May Day is usually a day of celebration for all workers, but this year, with the cost of living crisis, we don’t know how much to celebrate.

“This is a party (the Conservatives) which has normalised poverty while enriching themselves at the expense of the working man, woman and their families.

“They’ve awarded themselves a £2,000 pay rise and if it’s good enough for them, it’s good enough for every worker in the UK.

“Their achievements have so far resulted in the need for foodbanks, hot

water bottles, blankets, and low wages way below inflation, with people being forced to choose between heating or eating.

“Enough is enough – it’s time to fight back.”

Everybody taking part in the rally later gathered at the Castlegate to “sing through the hard times” in unity and solidarity with local and international

workers. Mr Farquhar added this is even more crucial given the “brutal” wars in Yemen and Ukraine, as well as the oppression of the Palestinians and Kurds.

This year, the ATUC has been organising protests against the “intensifying” rising cost of living – with energy bills rising 14 times faster than wages.

PROTEST: Aberdeen Trades Union Council’s May Day March and Rally.