Tag: solidarity

TODAY: Solidarity Against Poverty

COST OF LIVING CRISIS – PUBLIC MEETING

SUNDAY 5 JULY at 4pm – ST AUGUSTINE UNITED CHURCH

Indian Community stands with the Jewish Community

The Indian Council of Scotland/United Kingdom stands in full support with the Jewish community especially with the recent terrorist attack on 2 Jewish men at Golders green in London. 

Neil Lal, Chairman and President of The Indian Council of Scotland and United Kingdom, which is the leading organisation representing the 2 million Indian origin people living in the UK, said: “No matter what one’s faith is there must be mutual respect for everyone’s religious beliefs. 

“We are against any form of Anti Semitism, Anti Christianity, Anti Hindu, Sikh, Buddhism or Islamophobia. 

We must all unite as one to stamp out this hatred against the Jewish community and we must support each other”

Neil Lal, Chairman and President of The Indian Council of Scotland and United Kingdom, has also announced a special interfaith prayer vigil in honour of the victims/peace and in solidarity with the Jewish community.

Condemning the attack in the strongest possible terms, Mr. Lal said: “We are deeply saddened and shocked by the horrific attack in Golders Green. Our thoughts and prayers are for a speedy recovery for the victims and are with the entire Jewish community.

“We stand with you, united against hatred and violence. No one should live in fear. Everyone must follow and respect the rule of Law.” 

The upcoming vigil, which will bring together members of Hindu, Sikh, Jewish, Christian, Buddhist, Muslim and wider interfaith communities, aims to send a clear message of unity and resilience in the face of division and hate.

“This is not just an attack on a single community — it is an attack on all of us who believe in tolerance, peace, and religious freedom,” Mr. Lal added.

“Our vigil/prayers will honour the victims, and reaffirm our shared commitment to harmony, respect, and solidarity across faiths and to stamp out antisemitism.”

Mr. Lal, a prominent leader of the Indian diaspora in the United Kingdom and a long-standing advocate for interfaith unity, has called on community members and leaders across the UK to stand together in condemning acts of hate and reaffirming the nation’s core values of inclusion and mutual respect.

He is also calling for a continued robust action from the authorities/communities to protect all places of worship and especially Synagogues. 

STUC: St Andrew’s Day Anti-Racism and Anti-Fascism March & Rally

Scotland’s largest anti-racist demonstration takes place this weekend.

If you want to oppose the poison of the far-right; if you want to stand up for those in need and value unity over division, then join us:

SATURDAY 29/11 at 10.30am – Barrowlands Park

Standing Up For Our Community

BYSTANDER INTERVENTION WORKSHOP IN LEITH

The increase in racial/hate motivated harassment and aggression in the last few years has made it clear that we need to get better at standing up for each other.

Join us Tuesday, July 8, at St James Church (11A John’s Pl, EH6 7EL) for a co-led workshop where we will share our experiences and knowledge to build and practice the skills needed to counter racist, sexist, transphobic and ableist harassment and violence in public spaces.

Hosted by Zionism Free Leith

https://www.instagram.com/zfleith/?hl=en

Ukraine: Prime Minister statement

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has made a statement to mark the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine:

When Putin launched his illegal invasion two years ago, the free world was united in its response. We stood together behind Ukraine. And on this grim anniversary, we must renew our determination.

I was in Kyiv just a few weeks ago and I met wounded Ukrainian soldiers. Each harrowing story was a reminder of Ukraine’s courage in the face of terrible suffering.

It was a reminder of the price they are paying not only to defend their country against a completely unjustified invasion, but also to defend the very principles of freedom, sovereignty and the rule of law, on which we all depend. 

The UK is going further in our support. I announced last month the biggest single package of defence aid to Ukraine, taking our total support to £12 billion and signed a ten-year agreement on security cooperation – the first of its kind. 

This is the moment to show that tyranny will never triumph and to say once again that we will stand with Ukraine today and tomorrow. 

We are prepared to do whatever it takes, for as long as it takes, until they prevail.

First Minister Humza Yousaf to attend Ukrainian memorial service

Solidarity with Ukraine

On the second anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the First Minister will attend a service held at Edinburgh Castle in memory of those who have died during the conflict.

The event is a collaboration between the Consulate of Ukraine in Edinburgh, the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) Edinburgh Branch and the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Great Britain.

During the service, the First Minister will deliver a reading as well as lay a wreath alongside Mr Andrii Kuslii, Consulate of Ukraine in Edinburgh and members of the Ukrainian communities living in Scotland.

First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “On the second anniversary of Vladimir Putin’s war of aggression against Ukraine, I want to make it clear that the people of Scotland remain steadfast in support of the country and its brave citizens.

“Ukrainians are fighting for freedom, the rule of law, and the right of countries across Europe to coexist in peace and security.

“As we mourn the sacrifices of the Ukrainian people, we also look ahead positively, hoping for a day soon when Ukraine can live in peace as a free, sovereign, European nation.”

Scotland: Solidarity with Ukraine

Minister with special responsibility for Refugees from Ukraine marks a year of the war against Ukraine

As the first anniversary of Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine approaches, Minister with special responsibility for Refugees from Ukraine Neil Gray has offered his condolences to those who have lost loved ones and has signalled continued support for Ukraine.

He has also taken a look back at the past year and the role that Scotland has played to support displaced people from Ukraine.

Speaking ahead of the anniversary, Mr Gray said: “The Scottish Government has repeatedly condemned Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine. We are shocked and appalled at the violence and humanitarian crisis it has caused.

“Our heartfelt condolences go to all Ukrainians who have lost their loved ones. We hope for a Ukrainian victory, which is the best outcome for Ukraine as well as for longer-term peace and stability in Europe. 

“The people of Ukraine have shown incredible strength over this past year. The support of the international community has been incredibly heartening to see, especially as we have witnessed the largest refugee crisis and forced movement of people across Europe since the Second World War.

“Since the invasion began in February last year, more than 23,000 Ukrainians with a Scottish sponsor have arrived in the UK, representing more than 20% of all UK arrivals.

“More than three-quarters of these arrivals have come through the Super Sponsor Scheme, which has provided a fast and secure route to sanctuary, without which many people would otherwise have been unable to travel.

“I’m proud that Scotland has been able to play its part in supporting Ukraine, from people sending donations for humanitarian aid, to families opening their homes to displaced people from Ukraine who have arrived in the country. I’m also grateful for the swift and sustained response from partners in local authorities and in third sector groups who have played a significant role in ensuring that a warm welcome has been provided to displaced people in their time of need.

“To the people from Ukraine who are living here, the Scottish Government wants you to know that Scotland is your home for as long as you are here and we will continue to stand with you.”

TUC: Solidarity with Turkey

APPEAL FOR DONATIONS

The recent earthquakes are strongest to hit Turkey since 1939 and big cities such as Adana, Gaziantep, Kahramanmaraş, Kilis, Diyarbakır, Osmaniye, Şanlıurfa, Adıyaman, Malatya, or Hatay are critically affected. At the time of writing the death toll stands at over 17,500, with  many more missing and thousands displaced.

The TUC works closely with the trade union federations in Turkey DISK and KESK. DISK and ​KESK ​​​​​have many members in the concerned areas and are gathering all possible efforts to provide humanitarian aid to the trade-unionists and their families during this tragic period.

The TUC is calling for contributions from trade union branches to go to the ITUC-Asia Pacific Natural Disaster Fund to help support the relief efforts. To help ensure that donations from UK unions are earmarked for our sister unions in Turkey, please include a payment reference “DISK & KESK” with your donation.

The ITUC-AP Bank Account is as follows:

ITUC – Asia Pacific DBS Bank Limited 12 Marina Boulevard Marina Bay Financial Centre, Tower 3 Singapore 018982
Account No: 003-945670-0
Swift Code: DBSSSGSG

Payment reference: DISK & KESK

Building solidarity with Turkey is a priority for the TUC’s international work. The TUC has a history of supporting trade unions in Turkey and it is increasingly a priority for our affiliates, as recent motions to TUC Congress 2016 and 2018 demonstrate.

The TUC maintains close fraternal relations with KESK and DİSK, our sister trade union centres.

Turkey has been identified as one of the 10 worst countries for workers by the International Trade Union Confederation’s annual survey of worker’s rights, the Global Rights Index. The TUC and affiliates want to see an immediate end to abuses against workers, infringements on democratic norms and human rights, an end to the mistreatment of the Kurdish community, the release of all political prisoners, and the release of Abdullah Öcalan as a step towards peace talks, and engagement in a peace process 

Strike action begins in Edinburgh

Unite members in Waste and Cleansing in Edinburgh will begin industrial action today over the ‘insulting’ pay offer for local government workers.

Last Friday, COSLA increased the offer from 2% to 3.5%. All three unions of the Scottish Joint Council -Unite, Unison and GMB – immediately rejected the offer.

The NHS have been offered—and look set to reject—5%, so once again local government is treated as the poor relation of the public sector. Local government workers in England have been offered a rise of £1,925.

Edinburgh is the first council to take action, with others following on the 24th.

Pickets and support

The strike takes place from 5am today to 5am on Tuesday 30 August with daily pickets at seven waste depots across the city.

See picket locations below:

Waste and Cleansing workers will strike from 5am on 18 August to 4:59am on 30 August in Edinburgh Council.

DAILY PICKETS at:

  • Seafield Depot on Fillyside Road from 5:30 to 8:30am and 7pm to 8pm.
  • Bankhead Depot on Bankhead Avenue from 5:30 to 8:30am
  • Cowan’s Close Depot at 7 Cowan’s Close from 5:30 to 8:30am
  • Craigmillar Depot on Old Dalkeith Road from 5:30 to 8:30am
  • Russell Road Depot at 38 Russell Road from 5:30 to 8:30am
  • Burgess Road Depot at 30 Burgess Road in South Queensferry from 5:30 to 8:30am
  • Murrayburn Depot at 33 Murrayburn Road from 6:30 to 8:30am.

You can support the strike by donating to the strike fund.

TODAY: Demo at the City Chambers and RMT rally

UNITE will be demonstrating at the City Chambers on Thursday 18 August at 9am as part of the industrial action.

Following this, the trade union will join the RMT rally on Waverley Bridge at 10am to foster solidarity among workers and hear from Mick Lynch and Mark Thomas.

THE CITY COUNCIL HAS ISSUED THE FOLLOWING ADVICE:

What to do with your waste and recycling

Communal services

Collections are suspended for all communal waste and recycling bins. Please do not add to full bins. Check nearby bins instead, and when these are all full, store your waste at home, or in your back green or garden if possible. Do not leave bags next to bins unless this is unavoidable, as it can become a hazard.

Keep separating your waste and rinse pots, tubs and trays, and rinse and squash your plastic bottles and aluminium cans, so that these don’t smell while you store them. Flatten cardboard too.

Keep food waste in a sealed container, as cool as possible.

Glass bank services will continue as these are managed by an external contactor.

Kerbside services

Non recyclable waste collections (grey bins)

Suspended. Please do not put your grey bin out. Please keep your waste safe, secure and away from pavements and roads. Consider using a garage, garden or driveway and ensure strong bin bags are properly secured.

Mixed recycling collections (green bins)

Suspended. Please do not put your green bin out. Please keep your recycling clean and flattened, and stored safely. 

Food waste collections

Suspended. Please do not put your food bin out. Please ensure your kerbside food waste bin is closed and secured to prevent animal access.

Glass collections (blue box)

Suspended. Please do not put your blue box out. Please rinse bottles and jars and store these at home. Please do not use on street or local bring site recycling points to dispose of your glass. We do not have the staff resources to empty these or clean up fly-tipped material.

Garden waste collections (brown bins)

Suspended. Please do not put your brown bin out.  We understand the disappointment this will cause and at the moment, we cannot advise when the service will be running normally again.

We are working on how best to replace the collections affected, and will provide further information on this later.

Report a missed bin

Since normal scheduled collections are suspended, we cannot take reports of missed bins. Please do not present your bin for collection until advised to do so.

Collections of bulky waste items

Suspended. Existing bookings will be honoured where staffing allows. If you have booked a special uplift and we can’t collect it, we will let you know.

Household waste recycling centres

Closed. It will not be possible to book an appointment, and all existing bookings will be contacted by email to cancel.

Request and replacing bins and boxes

Repair and replacement of bins and boxes are suspended. Uplifts of any unwanted waste containers is also suspended.

Litter/ dogs bins and street cleansing

Please also note there will be no street cleansing activities including street sweeping and litter bin emptying. Please either use a bin that’s not full or take it home and double bag it to reduce smells.

Waste reporting and enquires

We have removed all online reporting for waste and cleansing as we are unable to carry out these services during the industrial action. 

If you need to report an emergency issue where waste is causing injury or hazard, please phone and listen to the new options carefully. Phone 0131 608 1100, from Monday -Thursday 1000-1600 and Friday 1000-1500.  After these hours, phone 0131 200 2000.

You can also email waste@edinburgh.gov.uk with the specific location and details of the issue.

Please be mindful that staff working will be very busy and are all doing their best to deal with a lot of issues at this time.

Peter Vardy Group “stands in solidarity” with the people of Ukraine

Peter Vardy Group, the Scotland-wide automotive businesses, has raised more than £200,000 for the people of Ukraine. The family-run company, which is headquartered in Motherwell, is donating 10 per cent of its profits in March 2022 to Ukraine.

So far this has seen Peter Vardy Group give £200,000 to The Big Give, a matched donations platform where funds are raised for the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), an umbrella group of 15 UK aid charities which coordinates and launches emergency fundraising appeals.

Peter Vardy, chief executive of Peter Vardy Group, said the business “stands in solidarity” with the people of Ukraine. “We believe every life is worthy and we are shocked and saddened by the recent events in Ukraine.

“As a Group, we are committed to help support the people affected by the invasion of Ukraine and have redirected our current Giving Back programme to support humanitarian projects there.”

Peter Vardy Group donates 10 per cent of its annual profits to good causes across the UK and internationally, with funds being distributed through the Group’s charity foundation, The Peter Vardy Foundation.

Giving Back is the Group’s community giving programme, with employees from across its 15 dealerships and two offices taking part in regular fund raising and volunteering activities to support the communities within which each operates.

To further support the people of Ukraine, Peter Vardy Group is dedicating its ‘One Child’ programme to the Ukraine appeal for the month of March 2022. For every car sold, Peter Vardy Group donates £15 to One Child and asks customers to match their donation. On average, 7 out of 10 customers match the Peter Vardy donation.

Peter Vardy Group operates across Scotland, with locations in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Kirkcaldy, Motherwell, and Perth all of which are hosting drop-off points for physical donations which will then be transported to the logistics network taking goods to Ukraine. The dealerships also ran onsite fundraising activities throughout the month of March.

Mr Vardy said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Ukraine.”