- Conference
- 2024 National Black Members' Conference
- Date
- 15 September 2023
- Decision
- Carried
Despite our continued efforts as union to tackle racism in public service workplaces, continued reports from the Police, Probation, NHS and others demonstrate that significant changes before equality will ever materialise.
Conference condemns the slow pace of change and the exclusion of Black workers from discussions about what reforms are necessary.
Although an immediate change to reflect what is required to deal with institutional racism will not happen overnight, a concerted effort can be made to not only consult us on their proposals but also to involve us in the decision-making process. This means being an effective part of the process to stimulate the environment for the required change that continues to inhibit the progress of Black people.
Conference applauds initiatives UNISON Eastern’s Anti Racist Charter which requires employers to commit to ensuring Black workers are central to all negotiations on how to deliver anti-racist workplaces and monitor and evaluate progress.
UNISON has made tremendous achievements of holding employers to account for racism in the workplace and their responsibility to make efforts to have an anti-racism working environment. Much effort has been made to bring an awareness to our reps to best support our members in identifying racism, prejudices, micro aggression, unconscious bias and other areas where this knowledge is required.
It demonstrates that further development is needed to establish best practice in this area.
Conference believes training should be provided for branch officers and stewards to access what they need to better equip them to be part of the solution offered to employers. This will enable branch officers and stewards with an opportunity to access qualified and experienced trainers which will help our members fight and win fairer workplaces.
We feel it is time for Unison to progress in developing methods to better protect Black members in our working environment – instead of mainly focusing on supporting Black members after the painful experience of racism. This a great opportunity to accelerate change and deliver an inclusive working environment.
Conference resolves that the National Black Members Committee should work with UNISON’s Learning & Organising Services to:
1) Identify experienced trainers at a regional and national level who can deliver this training to members.
2) Create specific training resources which will educate and promote branch officers and stewards to access this training in their branches