ACTIVISTS and trade unionists will rally in Glasgow this weekend to protest the cost-of-living crisis, arguing that “those who can’t pay won’t pay”.
With energy prices expected to rise by over 54% this week, the Scottish Trade Union Congress (STUC) and the People’s Assembly have announced a demonstration will be held in Glasgow’s George Square on April 2.
The protest follows mounting controversy over the raising of the energy cap, which may raise energy costs by almost £700 a year, potentially putting an estimated 211,000 homes across Scotland into fuel poverty.
READ MORE: Cost of living crisis: These are the UK prices going up from April
Commenting ahead of the rally, STUC general secretary Roz Foyer said: “Workers across Scotland are at the cutting edge of the most sustained threat to their incomes not seen for generations.
“In a cost-of-living crisis – which targets our most deprived and our most in need – we must respond with action. This crisis wasn’t made by those at the bottom. They shouldn’t be paying for the inactions of those at the top.
“Alongside the People’s Assembly, and other civic organisations throughout Scotland, we’ll be in George Square on Saturday leading the charge against this blatant attack on working people.
READ MORE: Energy crisis: Tories are aware of rising poverty but don’t care
People’s Assembly Scotland chair Phil McGarry also commented: “The current crisis finds its roots in the UK Government’s abject failure to control inflation, cap energy market, tackle fuel poverty and increase wages.
“This was a political choice, one that punishes the poorest and most in need. We’re demonstrating in Glasgow – and across the UK – to send a clear message that those who can’t pay won’t pay for a crisis not of their making"
Scottish Pensioners Forum chairperson Rose Jackson added: “Pensioner poverty is real and this cost-of-living crisis means its only set to get worse. The workers of today are the pensioners of tomorrow and we must work together to fight against this continued attack on our class.”
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