March
Turnout this year was very positive, with around 800 people marching. Two bands accompanied marchers: She-Boom, and the GMB’s Pipe Band, and particular thanks are due to GMB Scotland for sponsoring their band at the event. A large number of trade union banners participated in the march, including UNISON, EIS, PCS, UCU, NAS/UWT and Edinburgh Trades Union Council. Members of the Black Workers’ Committee, along with the rally speakers, marched at the front with the “Injury to One is an Injury to All” banner. The STUC banner, along with the Youth Committee and Women’s Committee banners were carried on the demonstration. A significant number of political parties, student, and community groups were in the procession, including the Labour Students, the SNP, Glasgow Anti Racist Alliance, the Afro-Caribbean Network, the National Union of Students, and the Friends of Ireland.
Stewards
Thanks are due to the volunteer stewards for helping to steward the event, ensuring the march went ahead safely, and carrying out a range of other essential tasks, including putting together the STUC banners, and assisting in carrying equipment, etc. Around 30 stewards came mainly from STUC staff (and their partners), UNISON, NAS/UWT, GMB, Unite (T&G), the Scottish Women’s Convention, and two Labour Councillors from Renfrewshire and West Dunbartonshire.
Rally
The Anti Racism Rally was held in the Glasgow Film Theatre in Rose Street. The prologue and first scenario “Omar’s Story” of the One Workplace Equal Rights DVD “One For All?” was shown as marchers arrived and took their seats in the theatre. Black Workers’ Committee member, Georgia Cruickshank, chaired the rally, welcoming speakers and thanking marchers.
Humza Yousaf spoke of the need to tackle racism from the grass roots and from the top down. STUC President, Phil McGarry, underlined the trade union movement’s commitment to combating racism, and the exploitation of people. GARA Youth Participation Officer, Kainde Manji, spoke of the brutality of slavery, and Glasgow’s links with the slave trade. Human Rights Lawyer, Aamer Anwar, addressed the need to tackle institutional racism, and Anas Sarwar noted the contribution that Black and minority ethnic people make to Scotland’s economy and society.