- Conference
- 2008 National Black Members' Conference
- Date
- 15 September 2007
- Decision
- Carried
Conference notes that in 2007 the National Black Members’ Committee (NBMC)have supported the UNISON Health Service Group to develop a toolkit for Black workers to become activists. This resource highlights a series of steps to address Black under-representation, including guidance on how to become a steward, how to set up a Black members’ group, how to challenge racism, and gives examples of good practise. This toolkit is a welcome step forward.
The NBMC has also worked with UNISON’s Employment Rights Unit to support members to take legal action after their employers treated them unfairly. This has led to some employers being prosecuted and provided a welcome clarification for Black members about the process to access legal support.
Conference believes that Black members represent around 10% of all workers but are massively under-represented in trade union branches and in UNISON’s own structures.
At local and national level, Black workers feel that they have to struggle for basic representation such as committees, officers and resources to carry out important campaigns. Active engagement with the union’s structures helps members access the full range of benefits that union membership entitles Black workers to.
Black workers do face additional barriers when trying to get involved, with this having a disproportionate effect on Black women members.
Conference instructs the NBMC to work with the National Executive Council (NEC) to:
1.Continue providing support to Black members in branches through briefings, posters and information to establish local Black members groups;
2.Develop strategies and campaigning resources to encourage Black members to stand for election in their branches; as reps on Regional Black Members’ Committees, and on the Regional Secretariat to ensure Black members are represented on Regional Council standing committees;
3.Organise a campaign to increase the number of Black members attending Annual Delegate Conference to ensure fair representation in all branch delegation;
4.Work with Regional Black Members’ Committees to ensure they include views of Black members when the regions respond to the NEC consultation on the scheme for fair representation in delegations to National Delegates Conference.