Red Clydeside commemorated in George Square rally on May Day

Trade unionists and campaigners have marched through Glasgow in celebration of International Workers’ Day.

Organised by Glasgow Trades Union Council, marchers took off from George Square and walked through the city centre, before returning to the square for a rally.

This year’s march commemorated the anniversary of the historic 1919 strike, where the red flag was raised in George Square and Red Clydeside was born.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn tweeted his support to those in attendance at the rally.

He wrote: “Solidarity to all at Glasgow May Day on the centenary of action by your forbearers who demanded a shorter working week and secure jobs with decent wages.

“A reminder that real politics happens from the ground up. Today let’s resolve to end austerity and instead invest in people.”

Glasgow Greens councillor Martha Wardrop said: “It is fitting that we come together to march on the centenary of general strike and remember those who fought for a shorter working week, decent wages and secure jobs.

“Still, today many workers find themselves undervalued, forced to work at the whim of a boss, on zero hours contracts for poverty wages.

“Greens stand in solidarity with workers and their trade unions in the fight to improve pay and conditions across the country.

“Unfortunately employment powers are still reserved to Westminster. Greens sought to have these powers devolved during the Smith Commission process, but Scottish Labour objected vociferously, preferring the Tory UK Government to keep control.

“Everyone deserves a decent wage and we will continue to make the case for implementing the real living wage in Scotland.”

Jennifer McCarey of Glasgow Trades Council said: “Hosting Glasgow May Day this year we are remembering the contribution of Red Clydeside, which plays a role in the collective imagination of our city.

“The legacy of Red Clyde is that the fight for better conditions for working people is as relevant today as it was 100 years ago.

“To fight for better pay and for an end to precarious work in our city is as relevant now as it was then, because a life in work should never lead you to a life in poverty. Trade unions represent a way out of that.”

The march was led by workers from the Caley Engineering Works in Springburn, the historic train depot facing closure.

Pat Rafferty, Unite’s Scottish secretary, praised the campaigning efforts of those hoping to save the depot from closure.

He said: “The Rally Roon the Caley campaign that was launched by the workforce to save the depot has been inspiring as has the response been from the local community.

“Unite continues to campaign on a number of viable options for the depot including for it to be brought into public ownership by the Scottish Government.

“This would ensure a nationally important piece of our transport infrastructure is maintained alongside highly skilled jobs.

“On May Day, we remember the proud history of the depot which stretches back to 1856 but we continue to fight for its survival and the jobs of the future which can be created in Springburn.”

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