- Conference
- 2019 National Black Members' Conference
- Date
- 11 September 2018
- Decision
- Carried
UNISON has always been at the forefront of this work in the trade union movement and much good work continues to take place. However, more Black activists need to take part and more needs to be done.
The continued rise in the levels of racism and the growth of fascist organisation across the UK demands a refreshed approach by anti racist and anti fascist organisers.
Conference, UNISON continues to raise awareness of the damaging effect on our public services of targeting migrant workers. The intolerant attitudes that scapegoat the most vulnerable members of society should be challenged all year round, not just at election time.
Racist myths and lies divide our communities and our workplaces and prevent us from organising together. Racist lies can provide the fertile ground and encouragement as we have seen in the media for violent right wing extremism.
The approach outlined here does not cut across the policy work carried out elsewhere in the union but is collaboration between the Strategic Organising Unit, Learning and Organising Services and the National Black Members Committee. This is essentially blending learning and organising approaches with the leadership of Black members in the fight against racism and fascism by the whole union will be essential as we enter Brexit.
Conference, it is the responsibility of the National Black Members Committee to drive the agenda on behalf of Black members to guide and support the objectives of the NEC in the future planning of Black self-organisation in UNISON.
We therefore seek that the National Black Members Committee:
1)Indicate the level of participation in the Challenging Racism in the Workplace training that is whether the training was aimed at Lay members, Representatives, or Branch Officers or all of the above to look at creating a hub of mentors for Black members to access support, advice and guidance;
2)Look at appropriate resources to challenge far-right groups and highlight UNISON effective work in this area;
3)Addressing the issues of the lack of opportunity and promotion in the workplace, mapping and recruiting Black members and setting up Black members Self-Organised groups as one of a number of crucial development strategy and implementation for the future survival of Black members in UNISON.