Dundee’s first festival of trade unionism has been heralded as a great success by all involved. Organisers were pleased with the attendance: over 400 people came along across the range of events.
Speak Oot! opened on April 13th with an evening sharing the Shrewsbury 24’s decades long campaign for justice. Researcher Eileen Turnbull's role in attaining victory for the building workers was celebrated by the multi-generational audience.
Days later Eileen and picket Terry Renshaw visited the Scottish Trade Union Congress in the Caird Hall.
Speak Oot! Included walks, talks, film showings, comedy, opportunities for learning, poetry and music.
Emotions were evident at the film showings relating to Palestine held by the Nablus Twinning association and the Fire Brigades Union (FBU). Pride was the overriding emotion at one of the events when a fire engine heading for Palestine was unveiled. (This is not the first fire engine that has been sent from Dundee to Nablus).
Pride the movie was shown at Dundee Contemporary Arts. Alys Einion added a Welsh LGBT+ perspectives to the panel whilst Professor Jim Phillips reflected on the 40th anniversary of the miners’ strike. Alongside this, there was an online contribution from Mike Jackson of Lesbians and Gay Men Support the Miners (LGSM), the group on whose actions the film is based.
Local contemporary strikes were reflected on at an event involving members of the Communication Worker’s Union (CWU) and Unite. Action taken in different continents was the theme of the considerations of the many young people who attended an international educational event. Added to this was the Pensioners Forum, who hosted reflections on the role of work in shaping political and social activism.
Speak Oot's programme was long but people kept turning up for events. Banners were made, plans were developed amongst women trade unionists and connections have been made across the city.
One highlight was the event held in the McManus where atypical footballer Pat Nevin discussed politics and music with Denise Christie of the STUC and Paul Simpson of the Wild Swans.
Another memorable moment was Rosie Kane's visit to Arthurstone Community Library, where Speak Oot worked with Stobswell Forum to create an evening of humour and thought. The after-show visit to a local pub is still being talked about.
In short, things went well and Dundee’s festival of trade unionism ended on April 28th with the commemoration of International Workers Memorial Day. The values of trade unionism would appear to be at their best when they are connected with communities.