"As long as the struggle of the workers against the bourgeoisie and the ruling class continues, as long as all demands are not met, May Day will be the yearly expression of these demands. And, when better days dawn, when the working class of the world has won its deliverance then too humanity will probably celebrate May Day in honor of the bitter struggles and the many sufferings of the past." Rosa Luxembourg 1894.
Solidarity, Scotland's Socialist Movement will join socialists and trades unionists across Scotland in rallies and events to celebrate International Workers Day. On this day we send our comradely greetings and solidarity to all workers across the world who continue the struggle.
MAY DAY RALLIES
Saturday May 3rd, 2008
IRVINE - Woodlands Centre, Kilwinning Road, Irvine March Starts at 11.00am and Rally at 12 Noon
(Both March & Rally at Woodlands Centre)
EDINBURGH - Market Street 11.30 March off 12 Noon Rally Princes Street Gardens 1.00pm
Aamer Anwar - Not Guilty
Aamer Anwar was cleared of charges of contempt of court today as three judges found him 'not guilty' of the charges. Supporters cheered as the socialist lawyer emerged from the court. In a statement he said:
"As our government criminalises communities and creates 'thought crime', lawyers still have a responsibility to be the guardians of our liberties and to campaign against injustice.
"Everyone likes to talk of the independence of the judiciary and prosecution but an independent defence able to speak without fear of recrimination by the state is an essential for freedom and justice."
Co-Comvenor of Solidarity, Tommy Sheridan said:
"This was an over-reaction by the trial judge and a waste of public money and time. Aamer Anwar was charged for doing his job - defending his clients fearlessly. Justice has been done today."
At 6am on the 27th April the night shift at the Grangemouth oil refinery walked out of the plant signaling the beginning of a 48 hour stoppage by 1200 workers that ceases the flow of oil from the North Sea and the distribution of fuel from Grangemouth to petrol stations around Scotland and the North of England. The end of the shift also gave a crushing answer to the media inspired propaganda war against the workers that has been conducted in the national media (predictably managements case gained the lions share of the coverage).
More than 100 workers and supporters including members of Solidarity who also distributed material welcoming the action and outlining the importance of a victory as a beacon to others fighting against attacks on pension schemes, took part in the 11am rally at Grangemouth on Sunday.
The mood was angry and determined. The appearance of the owner of the plant, the venture capitalist Jim Ratcliffe, at number 25 in the Sunday Times Rich List (a personal fortune of £2.3 billion) on the day the strike began, was not lost on the workforce.
A public meeting is to be held in Edinburgh on Saturday to discuss issues raised by the contempt of court charges against human rights lawyer Aamer Anwar.
The meeting takes place at the Friends Meeting House, 7 Victoria Terrace, from 2pm. Paddy Hill - one of the "Birmingham Six" wrongly convicted of IRA terrorism in 1974 - will be speaking at the meeting. Other speakers include terrorism and media expert Professor David Miller of Strathclyde University, and Professor Philip Taylor, who campaigned with Aamer Anwar to get justice for the Chhokar family after Surjit Chhokar was murdered by racists in Lanarkshire in 1998.
Aamer Anwar is facing trial over comments he made last year about the conviction of his client Mohammed Atif Siddique on "terrorism" charges. Human rights campaigners say that the case threatens freedom of speech. This is expected to be a key issue when the case is heard at the High Court in Edinburgh next Tuesday.
A public meeting is to be held in Edinburgh on Saturday to discuss issues raised by the contempt of court charges against human rights lawyer Aamer Anwar.
Events Calendar
