The Tree That Never Grew

As regular readers know, Glasgow City Council has been less than helpful over the idea of planting a tree, or trees, to remember the many Claimants who have passed away during the long fight for equal pay.

Now some folks have suggested that one way round the problem is for the Claimants to get together and organise a 'planting party' themselves.

Which has some obvious attraction, but would also let senior officials and the city politicians off the hook - because why should the Council not provide practical help and assistance to such a project?

Especially when the Claimants have raised the necessary funds all by themselves.

The big question is what are people prepared to do if the Council continues to give the Claimants the 'rubber ear' which is what has been happening over the summer, sadly.

Are people prepared to get behind a campaign to persuade the Council to think again - are you prepared to raise the issue and turn the heat up on local Councillors, MSPs and MPs?

So let's hear what the Claimants have to say - if you ask me it's not a big 'ask' of the Council which is always banging on about the 'Council Family' when it suits their purpose.

Glasgow - Plant More Trees! (28/08/19)

Here's a topical article from the Evening Times in which the City Council is accused of 'hypocrisy' over its plans to cut down 15 plane trees on Glasgow's south side.

Now a spokesperson says that the City Council planted an impressive 7,000 trees last year and that the ones that are to be felled in Niddire Square can be replaced can be replaced, if the local community supports such a move.

Which begs the question - "Why is it proving so difficult to get the City Council to support the proposal to plant a tree (or trees) to remember all the Claimants who passed away during Glasgow's long fight for equal pay?"

https://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/17864497.glasgow-39-s-council-accused-hypocrisy-threat-south-side-trees/

Glasgow's council accused of hypocrisy over threat to South Side trees

By Catriona Stewart - Evening Times

COUNCIL chiefs have been accused of hypocrisy over threats to 15 trees in a South Side community.

Glasgow City Council plans to fell London plane trees in Niddrie Square, saying the trees are unsafe and must be removed.

But the local authority has no plans to replace the trees - a decision Green MSP Patrick Harvie says "beggars belief".

Mr Harvie said: "It beggars belief that just a few months after Glasgow City Council declared a climate and ecological emergency, Southsiders face seeing much-loved trees on their doorsteps ripped out.

"The reality is the SNP slashed the Council’s trees budget this year and now residents are being told there’s no cash to plant replacement trees in their precious greenspace.

"Greens had secured extra funds last year, so it’s now clear the SNP’s decision to reverse that was massively misguided."

Residents in the Strathbungo community have commissioned their own tree survey, which they say shows five of the under-threat trees can be saved.

But despite this additional expert advice, the council claims the trees must come down.

And there is no money to plant replacement trees.

Locals are up in arms at the decision and are organising to try to save the greenspace outside their homes.

Trees have been decorated with posters calling for the council to keep the trees and last night there was a public meeting to discuss the issue.

Mr Harvie is calling on the council to look at whether it can spare the trees from the axe as well as committing to replacement planting for any which cannot be saved.

He claimed the lack of cash for new trees was a result of the SNP administration’s cuts and exposed their rhetoric on the climate emergency as just empty words.

It follows a recent £45,000 cut in the city’s budget for replacing lost trees, after SNP councillors reversed their previous year’s budget deal with the Greens.

Mr Harvie added: "It’s not enough just to say there’s a climate emergency, the SNP must also start to act like they know what that means.

"Committing to save these trees and replace any which can’t be saved, would be a good place to start."

READ MORE:

Scots couple lose their 10-year fight over neighbours' trees

A Glasgow City Council spokesman said: “The poor condition of these trees means they are a risk to safety, particularly when branches regularly break off during high winds.

“We are aware of the independent report that recommends the retention of five trees but which also advises that those trees should be the subject of an aggressive management technique called crown reduction.

“In our view crown reduction will likely compromise the long term health of the older trees found in Niddrie Square in any case.

“By removing these trees there is an opportunity to reflect on a range of potential future uses of this space, which can include planting new trees if that’s the consensus of the community.

“Overall the council last year planted 7000 new trees.”

Glasgow Councillors - How Can I Help? (26/0/8/19)

Here's an email I sent to all (85) Glasgow councillors last week regarding the proposal to plant a Memorial Tree to remember the Equal Pay Claimants who passed away during the long-running dispute.

Dear Councillor

Plant More Trees

FYI - a few recent posts to my blog, the contents of which are self-explanatory

So what's wrong, you might ask, with the proposal to have a commemorative tree (or 2 or 3 even) to remember all the Claimants who passed away during the long fight for equal pay with Glasgow City Council?

Kind regards

Mark Irvine

I have to say I really don't understand why this should be such a struggle - you would think that Council officials and the city's politicians would be only too pleased to help.

Plant More Trees (22/08/19)

"Every tree is a soldier", so they say, although this message seems not to have found favour with Glasgow City Council, as yet.

Apparently Scotland has planted 22 million trees since 2018 with the aim of combating climate change while also making Scots happier - laudable on both counts, if you ask me.

So what's wrong, you might ask, with the proposal to have a commemorative tree (or 2 or 3 even) to remember all the Claimants who passed away during the long fight for equal pay with Glasgow City Council?

Mairi Gourgeon who appears in the video is a SNP minister, by the way, so maybe we can enlist Mairi's help to persuade Glasgow City Council to see sense.

The Tree That Never Grew - Or Did It? (19/08/19)

As regular readers, know Glasgow City Council has been less than helpful, so far at least, over a proposal to plant a tree in Glasgow Green to remember all the Claimants who passed away during the long-running equal pay dispute.

Now I have my own ideas about how best to respond, but if you have any suggestions please drop me a note (in confidence, of course) to: markirvine@compuserve.com

Quite why it should be so difficult to get the Council to co-operate on such a straightforward issue is anyone's guess - because you'd think the officials and politicians would be only too glad to help.

The Tree That Never Grew - Or Did It? (16/08/19)

As regular readers know, money was raised earlier this year to fund a Memorial Bench to remember all the Claimants who have passed away during the long-running equal pay dispute with Glasgow City Council.

The monies came from the Glasgow Claimants and their supporters and a bench was duly installed in George Square near the City Chambers (see posts below).

Frances Stojilkovic led this appeal through her Facebook page and around £3,000 was left over after paying for the Memorial Bench, and an idea was put forward to plant a tree in Glasgow Green (or other suitable location) as a way of making a good use of these funds at no cost to the Council, of course.

Frances wrote (by email) to the relevant GGC department but the answer that came back was: "there is no availability for a commemorative tree in Glasgow Green".

No sorry, no explanation such as 'this is not the tree planting season' - just 'go away'.

So the ever resourceful Frances decided to email the Council leader, Cllr Susan Aitken, but answer back there came none - not a word, not a cheep, nada.

Now this surprises me, I have to say.

Because the Council exists to serve the people of Glasgow - to hear their concerns and listen to their suggestions - and this one happens to come from a important part of what GCC likes to refer to as the 'Council Family'.

Yet on this issue the Council Family (or a significant part of it at least) appears to be on the receiving end of what is known as the 'rubber ear' which is very disappointing.

If you ask me, local people are entitled to expect the Council and its elected Councillors to respond with words like: 'How can I help you?' or 'What can I do for you?' - instead of a rude nil response, or a reply which amounts to 'Get lost!'.

As lots of readers will know already, Glasgow's famous motto is 'Let Glasgow Flourish' which is based on the story of St Mungo and the tale of:

The tree that never grew,
The bird that never flew,
The fish that never swam,
The bell that never rang.

So let's hope that this commemorative tree request starts to treated more seriously and with much greater respect than has been the case up till now.

If not, I imagine there are lots of people out there who are willing to make this a big issue with Glasgow's politicians since this is one tree that really deserves to grow and flourish - once the Council gets its finger out to find it a suitable home.

Well Done, Glasgow 3 ((07/05/19)

The Memorial Bench in George Square still has its flowers and since the unveiling on Friday other local people have added their own personal tributes.

Every time I pass the spot I meet someone reading the cards, or the inscription, who is interested in knowing more about the background to the bench and the long fight for equal pay with Glasgow City Council.

At some point, of course, the flowers will have to be removed and when that happens those sitting on the bench will be looking straight at Glasgow City Chambers.

So the good news is that the Memorial Bench has achieved its intended purpose already.

Well Done, Glasgow 2 (04/0519)

I walked through George Square again yesterday afternoon by which time the equal pay Memorial Bench was in splendid sunshine.

So I thought I would share another photo of the bench along with some of the many messages of heartfelt support posted on Facebook.

R.I.P 💔💔💔

Beautiful ❤❤xx

Beautiful x

What a very emotional day xx

Just beautiful ❤❤

It was so nice to finally meet you 😘

Big thanks to Joseph Duffy for getting our lovely bench made for us & also to Sean and his colleagues from the Council's Parks Department who ensured that everything went so smoothly on the day 👌❤️

thanx guys ❤

A lovely tribute to those that died. God bless them all xx 💔💔💔

Beautiful tribute

Well done. Lovely tribute ❤️❤️

S

The memory bench for all the workers that have passed while fighting for there Equal Pay they will never ever be forgotten rest in peace each and everyone of them 😢❤️ xxx

D

It was a lovely tribute and for Elaine’s family to turn up made it even more special 😘

Looked so touching but beautiful they have not been forgotten may they all RIP well done Frances 💕💕💕xxx

Just beautiful. Maybe when this is all settled you can have a long holiday and think of yourself Frances. You’re one of the most selfless people I have the pleasure to call my friend.xxx

Bench is beautiful as are the flowers. I love that it's positioned facing the Chambers and should serve as a poignant reminder to GCC to never again forget or undermine the value of their workers nor the ones who breathed their last while serving Glasgow. Those gone are in all our thoughts today. 🙏

And the sun was shining for us xx

Beautiful tribute👏👏👏

Well done Frances.x

Beautiful tribute. Well done ❤️❤️❤️

Beautiful tribute god bless well done ❤️❤️

The bench is for everyone, it gives us all comfort. It will give me comfort, I am only in town twice a week and I plan to come and sit here and think of my family friend and close pal that I lost.

R

Very emotional unveiling of the bench dedicated to equal claimants who have passed away. Congratulations to all those that made this happen. It will be a very special memorial that families and colleagues can enjoy and remember. Solidarity everyone xx

GMB

Well Done, Glasgow! (03/05/19)

Here is a photo of the Memorial Bench to Glasgow's 'fallen' equal pay Claimants which is sits proudly in George Square facing the City Chambers.

Some lovely flowers were placed on the bench by Action 4 Equality Scotland, Unison and the GMB.

Thanks to every who came long - Claimants, family members, GMB and Unison.

Thanks also to Sean (in the background) and his colleagues from the Council's Parks Department who ensured that everything went so smoothly on the day.

A special mention as well to Jennifer McCarey from Unison who spoke warmly of the 'fallen' Claimants and people's sadness at their untimely passing during the 12 year long Glasgow campaign.

Last but not least a big thanks to Frances Stojilkovic and all the other Claimants who raised the funds and worked so hard behind the scenes to make today happen.

Please visit the Memorial Bench next time you are passing George Square and spare a thought for the fallen Claimants and their families.

In Loving Memory - Glasgow's Fight for Equal Pay

I'm off to George Square this morning for the unveiling of the Memorial Bench to all of the 163 Claimants who have passed away during the long fight for equal pay with Glasgow City Council.

Here's a photo of the flowers that Frances S has ordered for the occasion - other photos will follow later later and hopefully the rain will stay away!

163 Equal Pay Claimants passed away during the long fight for equal pay with Glasgow City Council, many of them at a young age.

As a mark of respect, their council colleagues decided to raise money for a Memorial Bench which will be permanently located in George Square facing Glasgow City Chambers.

A brass plaque has been fitted to the bench along with the following message:

In Loving Memory

of the 163 Claimants who passed away

during the long fight for equal pay with

Glasgow City Council

January 2007 - May 2019

The Memorial Bench will be unveiled at 10am on Friday 3 May 2019.

The event is being organised by the council colleagues of those who have passed away while waiting for their equal pay claims to be settled - the families of these individuals have been invited to attend as well.

A photo-call has been arranged for 10am this morning (Friday 3 May) outside the City Chambers - all welcome.

In Loving Memory (24/10/18)

One of the most powerful moments during yesterday's extraordinary March and Rally in support of equal pay was the minute's silence in Glasgow's George Square for all the claimants who have passed away since this dispute began back in 2006/07.

It is, quite simply, a scandal.

In Loving Memory (23/10/18)

Before Glasgow's March and Rally for Equal Pay gets underway later today (Tuesday) there will be a minute's silence for all of the claimants who have passed away since this long-running dispute began back in 2006/07.

Here are Facebook posts from Stefan Cross 'Remembering' Glasgow claimants.

In Loving Memory - Mary Isbister

Before Glasgow's March and Rally for Equal Pay gets underway tomorrow (Tuesday 23rd) there will be a minute's silence for all of the claimants who have passed away since this long-running dispute began back in 2006/07.

Here's a Facebook post from Stefan Cross which Remembers another Glasgow claimant - Mary Isbister

MORE MEMORIES

The shocking thing about reminding ourselves about those that have passed still waiting, is how young so many of them.

TODAY RIP MARY ISBISTER

Her daughter Michelle says

My lovely wee mum Mary Isbister
DOB: 25/11/1954
Passed away on: 27 May 2016

If my mum was still alive today she
two would have be out supporting the strike just like I will be. 💪

Shame on you Glasgow City Council you have dragged your feet on this pay claim for far too long that people have passed away waiting on your finger out. Pay everyone what they are due and settle this issue once and for all Glasgow.

#equal pay
#justice
# fight all the way lady’s 💪💪

”In memory of my lovely mum Mary Isbister ❤️

Thank you Michelle.

Stefan Cross

In Loving Memory - Elaine Russell

Here's a Facebook post from Stefan Cross which Remembers another Glasgow claimant - Elaine Russell.

ANOTHER TO REMEMBER - ELAINE RUSSELL

I got this message from another bereaved relative - DONNA BURNS

I’m so grateful to the relatives for allowing me to do this.

So RIP ELAINE. not forgotten.

Hi Stefan

I think it is great that you are including the women that have passed away in this fight for quality. I would like it if you can include my late mother. Elaine Russell ,home care co ordinator.

Born 25/5/1959 passed away 20/12/2014

My mother was a hard working woman who did all the hours to care for her family and to know that she was robbed of money that she was rightly owed is disgusting behaviour from GCC.

I hope that all my mum's colleagues and the rest of the woman out there get what is rightly theirs.

Stefan Cross

In Loving Memory - Margaret Gorman

Here's a Facebook post from Stefan Cross which Remembers another Glasgow claimant - Margaret Gorman

MARGARET GORMAN - RIP

Shout to GORDON and his beloved wife Margaret.

16 years as a home carer.

She sadly passed away 5 YEARS AGO. This show the obscene delay in these cases.

Home Carer - 01/07/1994 to 20/11/2010

DOB: 08/04/1952

Passed away on the 12/02/2013

Here is a message from her husband :

My name is Gordon Gorman , I have been representing my late wife through Stefan since my wife passed away while waiting for her claim for equal pay settlement along with her working colleagues. I'm more than happy for a photo of my late wife to be shown in respect to this matter and also in support of her colleagues who are still fighting for this while the council are stalling in settlement in my wife's case and others who have now passed away while waiting for a settlement. I know Margaret would be happy to support her working colleagues in any way that she could. As Margaret's husband and Executor I give you the authority to show her photo in support off her claim that is still waiting to be settled .

Gordon Gorman

Thanks Gordon.

Stefan Cross

In Loving Memory - Ann McCartney

Here's a Facebook post from Stefan Cross which Remembers another Glasgow claimant - Ann (Agnes) McCartney

ANN MCCARTNEY RIP

Another incredibly young loss. Thanks to husband HUGH for sharing.

Agnes (Known as Ann) McCartney

Support for Learning worker – 19/12/2002 - 01/08/2014

DOB: 09/02/1957

Passed away in 2014

Comment from Husband Hugh McCartney
I find it astonishing that 12 years on from when the dispute began that Glasgow District Council have still to come to an agreement when other Councils have already settled their claims.

Agnes or Ann as she was called by everyone was one of the first to back the equal pay claim and also encouraged others to do the same.

She would be turning in her grave now to find that 4 years after her death, this claim has not been settled and that the council are still dragging negotiations out.

This is a scandal and Glasgow District Council should be ashamed of themselves.

Stefan Cross

In Loving Memory - Maureen McDonald

Here's a Facebook post from Stefan Cross which Remembers Maureen McDonald.

Whilst the council scaremongers about the risk to clients

Let’s remember those claimants who have actually passed and whose families still wait for justice.

Let’s remember:

The late Maureen McDonald

DOB: 24/04/1958

Passed away on: 15 March 2015

Catering Manager 01/04/1998 to 25/06/2011

Comments from Husband Charles McDonald

”In memory of my late wife Maureen McDonald I would like to add my support to the cause for equal pay. The City Council have dragged their feet on this pay claim for far too long. Pay the lassies what they are due and settle this issue once and for all Glasgow.”

Thank you Mr. McDonald. We will keep on fighting for you.

And thank you for the great photo.

RIP Maureen.

We will keep up her memory and many others like her.

Stefan Cross

In Loving Memory (24/10/18)

Glasgow's March and Rally for Equal Pay held a minute's silence for all the claimants who have passed away since this long-running dispute began back in 2006/07.

Here's a Facebook post from Stefan Cross which Remembers another Glasgow claimant - Elaine McNeil - who sadly never made it home after battling with the awful weather conditions of the 'Beast from the East' to look after her clients.

Respect.

RIP ELAINE MCNEIL

This was the lass who died in the snow. I’m sure all of us shed a tear at this awful tragedy. Her family have said :

Can you put my sister Elaine Gunn McNeil on who passed away going to work on February this year 42 she was going to care for her clients at Parkhouse in Milton walked through the snow to care for her clients. Never made it home. Family left devastated

Thanks Maryellen

Her Sister

Privileged to do that Maryellen

Stefan Cross

Search This Blog

Mark Irvine - Blogger, Campaigner, Organiser

The Tree That Never Grew - Update!

The Tree That Never Grew - Update! (13/09/19)

Glasgow - Plant More Trees! (28/08/19)

Glasgow Councillors - How Can I Help? (26/0/8/19)

Plant More Trees (22/08/19)

The Tree That Never Grew - Or Did It? (19/08/19)

The Tree That Never Grew - Or Did It? (16/08/19)

Well Done, Glasgow 3 ((07/05/19)

Well Done, Glasgow 2 (04/0519)

Well Done, Glasgow! (03/05/19)

In Loving Memory - Glasgow's Fight for Equal Pay

In Loving Memory (24/10/18)

In Loving Memory (23/10/18)

In Loving Memory - Mary Isbister

In Loving Memory - Elaine Russell

In Loving Memory - Margaret Gorman

In Loving Memory - Ann McCartney

In Loving Memory - Maureen McDonald

In Loving Memory (24/10/18)

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