First Scottish trade union delegation to Ukraine to report back

Heckle was delighted to make a very small contribution to the fundraising efforts of the first Scottish trade union delegation to Ukraine, whose participants will report back at a free online meeting on Monday 3rd November at 7pm.

Building upon UNISON’s 2024 Conference decision to support Ukraine and its trade unions in their struggles resulting from the 2022 Russian invasion and ongoing war, four delegates travelled to Kharkiv near the border with Russia in the north-east of the country. Stephen Smellie (South Lanarkshire Branch), Tracyanne Miller and Carolyn Casey (Lothian Health Branch) and Willie Shearer (North Lanarkshire Branch), spent five days in the city between 28th September and 2nd October, and a day in Kyiv where they attended a public sector union conference. The meeting was organised in conjunction with Ukraine Solidarity Campaign Scotland, and supported by their employers, MPs, MSPs and the Ukrainian Consul in Scotland.

They met with trade unionists, city officials and community activists, getting a flavour of life in the city and the issues facing its inhabitants who endure daily Russian missile and drone attack. This involved several nights spent in air raid shelters.

As well as delivering moral support and international solidarity, the delegates raised funds prior to their visit, and whilst there identified where this might be usefully spent in supporting trade union and humanitarian activity in the city (their own fares and expenses were met through their branches). Over 160 individuals gave generously through a Crowdfunder appeal, and UNISON International Committee and branches, and other trade unions (NUJ, ASLEF, UCU and GMB) directly, with a final total of almost £19,000.

Our meeting will report back on the visit and share information about where the appeal money will go.

The meeting is free and open to all, but a particular welcome will be given to all who donated to the appeal.

Speakers:

• Stephen Smellie delegation leader (with input from the other delegates)
• Ivanna Khrapko, Kyiv Ukraine – FPU trade union federation international officer
• Vasyl Malikov, Kharkiv Ukraine, Spectrum Kharkiv LGBTQ support organisation

There will be opportunity for questions and answers.

For more information and to register, visit Eventbrite.