Our branch stands in full solidarity with UCU Scotland President Jeanette Findlay who has suffered a public campaign of harassment and intimidation after addressing a Stand Up to Racism rally on George Square on 7th September 2024.

Jeanette used her speech to bring solidarity to those suffering from recent far-right attacks on Muslims, asylum seekers and immigrants in Britain and to emphasise how much our sector relies on the enrichment which immigration brings.  She also pointed out that, in Scotland , the attacks are coming from the same groups who have targeted the Irish community for generations and who march our streets on a weekly basis.

The ensuing attack on Jeanette has included calls to report her to the police, the university and the union. We wish to make clear that we see this assault on Jeanette as an attack on the freedom of speech, on the Irish community in Scotland, and the wider trade union movement.

The trade union movement stands for the unity of working people of all colours, of all creeds and none, and in all its diversity. We will not allow ourselves to be divided. Instead, we will continue to defend the right of our members and officials to speak out against injustice.