DREW HENDRY: Chance for people in Inverness to stand up for those whose rights are under threat

Every year, a small but powerful ceremony takes place along the banks of the River Ness, organised by the Inverness and District Trades Union Council to mark Workers’ Memorial Day.

Next week, I’ll be there, standing side-by-side with others to remember those who’ve gone before us and to fight for the living.

In our community, when we see the rights of others being attacked, we have to stand up and be counted. We might not be personally affected today, but we should ask ourselves, “What comes next?”

If we seek a fair and just society, we cannot simply be witnesses to layers of reasonable but hard-won terms and conditions being systematically eroded. A poorer society is bad for our wider economy, increases costs to the public sector and weakens our communities.

Inflation, triggered by UK government action, is reducing monthly take-home pay, and making life harder for families, so, why must it always be those with the least who lose their rights and who pay the highest price?

History shows time and time again that the power of community and trade unionism has been instrumental in securing workers’ rights. Still, we’re now facing new but well-rehearsed challenges with the current UK government. Brexit opened the door to them having the freedom to attack workers’ rights, and, make no mistake, they are just getting started.

That’s why events like the Workers’ Memorial Day ceremony and the Inverness and Districts Trades Council rally at Falcon Square on Saturday, April 29 are crucial. They not only remind us of the battles fought, and the progress made but also highlight the work that still lies ahead.

As I mentioned, the Inverness and District Trades Council Workers’ Rights rally will bo on April 29. It will start at 12.30pm at Falcon Square. I hope to see you there to come together with a focus on defending our right to strike, opposing the Tories’ Bill, and demanding fair pay rises for workers affected by inflation and evermore right-wing policies at Westminster.

We must unite as a community, standing up for those whose rights are under threat.

Workers’ Memorial Day and rally events serve as a reminder of the people who fought for these rights and those who have fallen ill or lost their lives on the job. Let’s honour their memory by continuing to fight for a fair and just society.

Together, we can make our voices count and work towards a brighter, more equitable future for all.

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