November 2024 Newsletter for SAU Members

Our next C & S Sub group will be held on 20th November, on Zoom at 5-6pm, with a short presentation by socio-ecological artist, Kerry Morrison.

Through performances, installations, conversation piece, creative producing, and writing, Kerry’s work explores human and more-than-human connections with the environment: how we move through it, manage it, take from it, and add to it. Her approach is durational and transitory whereby art is a verb: a process of action, dialogue, and performative patterns resulting in new, shared experiences, unfolding narratives and environmental actions. Collaboration, co-creation and interdisciplinarity play a fundamental role when examining social and environmental challenges within a given locale. Through embedded and responsive processes that build relationships, partnerships, and collaborative working, she aims to nurture into existence art and co-creations that address environmental issues and promote pro-environment behaviour.

If you would like to attend the meeting please email [email protected] for a Zoom link.

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Every year on St Andrew’s Day, the STUC organises an Anti-Racism and Anti-Fascism march in Glasgow, highlighting Scotland’s long-standing commitment to inclusivity, solidarity with refugees, and the rejection of far-right ideologies. The march brings together trade unions, community groups, activists, and individuals from across the country to stand united against racism, discrimination, and xenophobia.

The theme for this year’s march, Resilient and Rising: Marching for 40 Years,reflects both the enduring strength and ongoing struggles of anti-racist movements in Scotland. It is a recognition of the work that has been done over the past four decades and a call to continue pushing back against racism, especially in a time when global migration crises and the rise of far-right extremism make such efforts as crucial as ever. The event will honour the history of these marches, while inspiring new generations to remain vigilant and proactive in creating a more just and equitable society for all.

Everyone is welcome to attend, please spread the word!

More Information Here 

Join the STUC LGBT+ Committee for an online vigil in recognition of Transgender Day of Remembrance, a day dedicated to honouring the transgender individuals who have lost their lives due to anti-transgender violence. This event offers a space to remember those lost, raise awareness about the ongoing discrimination faced by transgender people, and renew our commitment to building a world that is safe and just for all.

The vigil will include reflections from speakers, including Jen Bell, Scottish Greens representative and Co-convenor of Rainbow Greens.

This event is open to all trade unionists and allies. We invite you to light a candle from home during the vigil as a symbol of remembrance and solidarity. Join us as we come together to honour these lives and affirm our collective dedication to justice and equality.

*Please note that this event is only open to attendees in the United Kingdom*

Reserve your place on the link here 

"The Scottish Trades Union Congress, affiliated unions and environmental organisations are calling on the Scottish Government to permanently scrap peak fare pricing across all ScotRail services. This change would make train travel more affordable and accessible to everyone, regardless of when they need to travel.

While the recent trial period of peak fare removal was a positive step toward improving access to public transport, its short-term nature was insufficient to create lasting behavioural shifts or fully capture the potential benefits of long-term fare reform.

Permanently scrapping peak fares would reduce financial pressure on commuters, particularly those who rely on trains during peak hours, and encourage a broader cultural shift toward public transport use. This change would support Scotland’s goals for greener, more sustainable travel while promoting social equity."  SIGN HERE