Stand up and speak out against poverty

In 2005 the Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP) movement was formed, committed to forcing governments to act on their millennium promises and 30 million people around the world, including thousands of UNISON members gathered in Edinburgh, responding to the call to MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY.

In October 2006, 23.5 million people in over 100 countries stood united against poverty, creating the largest single coordinated movement of people in history. Yet in 2007, the rich countries in the world have not delivered on their promises.

There are still more than a billion people trapped in a cycle of extreme poverty and gross inequality across a globe facing climate catastrophe.

On Wednesday 17 October 2007, trade unions and others will be calling on politicians in Britain and across Europe to 'listen to the south' and respond to the demands for: decent work including fundamental rights at work; better public services; action to prevent and mitigate climate change; as well as more and better aid, trade justice and an end to debt.

This is the time to renew our call to action - time to Stand Up and Speak Out Against Poverty. In Scotland a number of actions are planned including a range of themed e-action cards in which members will be asked to call on the Prime Minister to deliver on specific millennium promises.

There will be public meetings in key constituencies, an event in the Scottish Parliament and a poverty requiem in St Mary's Cathedral.

Branches will be advised of the detailed arrangements.

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