MORAY TRADE UNIONISTS will mark their annual commemoration of International Workers’ Memorial Day with a Hustings ahead of the Scottish Parliamentary Election next week.
Each year on April 28 Trade Unionists throughout the world commemorate those who have lost their lives at their places of work to “remember the dead and fight for the living”.
The date is to be used this year by the Moray Trades Union Council to mark the day in the company of candidates for Moray and the Highlands and Islands List places at the Scottish Parliament.
Three of the four main candidates for the Moray seat – Douglas Ross (Conservative), Richard Lochhead (SNP) and Sean Morton (Labour) – will attend alongside list candidate Isla O’Reilly (Greens).
All parties who will be fielding candidates who could represent Moray have been contacted and will also have the opportunity to be represented.
MTUC chair Eileen Morrison said: “This year’s Scottish Elections are set to be the most important since devolution, with more powers coming to the parliament and it is hugely important that we hear the views of all parties prior to casting out votes.
“Previous hustings events have been well attended and provoked lively debate among candidates and this event I am sure will be no different.”
The hustings are being held tomorrow (Thursday) at the Seaforth Club in Elgin from 7.30pm and is open to all trade union members, family and supporters. In addition to the hustings the group has managed to reach agreement with the Moray Council to fly their flags at half-mast for the duration of the day to commemorate the occasion.
Vice Chair and Unite member Barry Jarvis commented: “As one of the largest employers in the Moray area it is great that Moray Council are willing to recognise those workers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
“Our thanks go out once again to the Chief Executive and elected members for allowing this to take place. Thanks should also go to the EIS union who have supported the advertising of the event financially “