TRADE unions have come together in support of an upcoming anti-racism demonstration in Glasgow. 

So far, seven trade unions have publicly supported the Stand Up to Racism rally, set to take place in the city’s George Square next month in response to a planned “pro-UK” demonstration. 

It comes after a series of far-right riots across England and Northern Ireland – which were sparked by misinformation spread on social media about the Southport stabbings – saw more than 900 people arrested, although the disorder has so far not spread to Scotland. 

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Now the CWU, FBU, Nasuwt, PCS, RMT, UCU and Unite unions have announced their support for the demonstration on September 7, challenging the narrative that the working class is supportive of the riots.

We spoke to several unions backing the demonstration to find out more about the importance of workers showing solidarity with anti-racist and anti-fascist movements. 

‘Not on our watch’ 

Colin Brown, an executive council member of FBU Scotland, the firefighters’ union, said: “Firefighters do not consider race, religion, culture, identity or any other factor that some use in an attempt to divide us. 

“This horrific tragedy has been weaponised by the far-right to sow division with a deliberate campaign of racist violence and intimidation based on disinformation and scapegoating. 

“The FBU stands in solidarity with those facing racism, violence and intimidation, we stand for the unity of all workers against a cynical divide and rule agenda. 

“On September 7 the FBU will march under our banner with our message of Firefighters Against Racism. Not in our fire service. Not in our society. Not on our watch.” 

‘Racism has no place in a civilised society’ 

Meanwhile, Mike Corbett, Scotland national official at education union Nasuwt, said: “As far-right elements continue to incite prejudice and violence across the UK, it is more important than ever that we come together to unite against hate.

“Nasuwt has a proud history of protecting and promoting equal rights. We must never forget that trade unions are an essential building block of democracy, and honouring that means showing up and fighting against discrimination in all its forms. 

“When we rally with Stand Up to Racism in Glasgow, we’ll be amplifying the voices of our members and speaking for those who cannot. 

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“We will be reclaiming the streets and sending a strong message that racism has no place in a civilised society.” 

‘We should be wary of falling into the mindset of Scottish exceptionalism’ 

PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote told The National: “Over the last few weeks, we have witnessed horrifying scenes of racist violence and hatred against Black and minority ethnic communities in England and Northern Ireland.

“Whilst Scotland has not experienced similar acts of far-right rioting and thuggery, we would be naïve to think that as a nation we are immune to racism. We should be wary of falling into the mindset of Scottish exceptionalism and thinking that this is not an issue.  

“As trade unionists and anti-fascists, it is our duty to stand against this. We actively fight and campaign against all forms of racism and fascism. 

“We condemn the racist hatred and violence, and we stand in solidarity with all communities experiencing this. 

“On September 7, PCS Scotland welcomes all members, friends and allies to join us in Glasgow to stand against this.” 

‘Trade unions have a responsibility’ 

Further and higher education union UCU has encouraged its members to take part in next month’s rally to show the “racists and fascists” that “they won’t win”. 

UCU Scotland official Mary Senior said: “Since the terrible events in Southport, we’ve seen fascist thugs spread disinformation and attempt to take advantage of an awful tragedy.

“Trade unions, including UCU, have a responsibility to take the fight against racism and fascism to every workplace and community. 

“Not everyone will feel safe attending solidarity events, but, if you do, then we encourage people to take part in the Stand Up to Racism rally to show a united front to the racists and fascists that their message of hate and division is anathema to the vast majority people and that they won’t win.” 

‘We need unity, not division’ 

Derek Thomson, Unite Scottish secretary, told The National that the trade union movement across Scotland “must now step up to the plate”.

He said: “We need unity and not division. The enemy of working people is poverty, unemployment, hunger, the lack of affordable housing and exploitation.

“The trade union movement across Scotland must now step up to the plate. Not just through demonstrations but by building long term organisation across our workplaces and communities. 

“It is only by reaching out and opening our hearts that we can create a shared understanding of what truly matters to working people, and how we can together change lives and communities for the better.” 

Héctor Sierra, a spokesperson for Stand Up to Racism Scotland, emphasised the importance of trade unionists showing support on September 7. 

Sierra said: “The far-right claim they represent the working class. This is a lie. 

“They try to divide ordinary people with their racist and Islamophobic rhetoric, and deflect the blame from the rich and powerful who are to blame for the problems in society. 

“You will never see a trade union banner on the far-right protests but you will see many on the Stand Up to Racism events and we hope to see many in George Square on September 7. 

“This is a tradition anti-racists have fought for over many decades and that we must maintain to ensure anti-racist arguments and unity is driven into every workplace and part of society.”