Write a comment
This is a stirring example of international solidarity from Scotland to the victims of the fascist regime in Chile at that time. The Palestinians suffer under an equally bestial regime - worse, if anything - and the UK Government similarly is in solidarity with the killers.
Glasgow is officially twinned with the Palestinian city of Bethlehem - how can we develop the spirit of the Rolls-Royce boycott to stop the trade in murderous arms from the city to the Israeli killers? What can be done about the Israeli military-grade surveillance system deployed in Glasgow City centre for almost a decade?
Aye Venceremos celebrates the story of Scottish solidarity with the people of Chile following the fascist coup in September 1973 - exactly fifty years ago. This is a story of action - no better demonstrated than by the workers of Rolls Royce East Kilbride, whose boycott of engine work effectively grounded the Chilean Air Force. It is also a story of refugees, political exiles many of whom had suffered torture and imprisonment, who found themselves in Scotland where they were welcomed by the labour and trade union movement and helped to settle.
The event - organised by the publisher Calton Books and the author Colin Turbett - will feature short contributions from Chilean representatives and trade unionists: Ruben Romero, a Glasgow based Chilean political exile; Adela Quinn from a Chilean exile family and Stephen Smellie, Depute Convenor UNISON Scotland.
Chilean music will be provided by Cecilia Prieto and Jorge Sandoval who are members of the band "Patagonia Latin Sound" from Edinburgh.
This is a FREE event limited to 50 tickets. Donations will be welcomed at the event to cover costs.
THANKS TO GLASGOW CITY UNISON BRANCH FOR THEIR SUPPORT FOR THIS EVENT
Aye Venceremos - Scotland and Solidarity with Chile in the 1970s - and why it still matters today is published by Calton Books, Glasgow at £10. It can be purchased here:
https://www.calton-books.co.uk/books/aye-venceremos-scotland-and-solidarity-with-chile-in-the-1970s-and-why-it-still-matters-today/
