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Thurs 30 June 2005 G8 Saturday - Stay away troublemakers, and respect public service workers, says UNISONLink to UNISON Scotland Make Poverty History pages Edinburgh's public service union has challenged any troublemakers to stay away from the 'people's demonstration' in Edinburgh on Saturday 2 July. And it is also calling on demonstrators to respect the hundreds of council workers who will be working over and above the call of duty to make the day a success. "We will do all in our power to welcome everyone to Edinburgh but to cause any trouble on this historic demonstration would be to betray the 30,000 children who die every day in Africa due to poverty", said John Stevenson, UNISON Edinburgh Branch Secretary. "Hundreds of organisations, including UNISON, have joined together to bring thousands to this Make Poverty History event. And hundreds of our members will be cleaning the streets, erecting safety barriers, staffing relief stations, looking after children and protecting demonstrators. "We are asking demonstrators to respect Edinburgh, respect the public service workers who will be serving you on the day and make this a real family occasion", added Mr Stevenson. "The best way to influence change is to show mass support. Violence and the selfish acts of organised troublemakers only gives an excuse to the politicians and puts our UNISON members at risk. We must Make Poverty History on Saturday and that is the only news that should come out of the event. "If anyone out there is coming to just make a name for themselves by smashing a few windows or attacking a few public service workers, then we will definitely know they care nothing about poverty, they care only for their own narrow aims", he added. ENDS For Further Information Please Contact: John Stevenson 0131 220 5655 or 07876 795018
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