UNISON Black members stressed the importance of registering to vote at their annual conference in Brighton earlier this month.
Research carried out by Operation Black Vote shows that Black voters could easily decide more than 160 seats in the next election with an organised vote.
The coalition governs with a working majority of just 83 seats – so the Black vote could have a major impact on the results of May’s general election.
A record number of delegates and visitors attended this year’s conference, making it one of the largest gatherings of Black trade unionist in Europe.
In a busy session Dennis Patel of the young members’ forum said: “The general election in May is going to be the most vital election in our lifetimes. It will have a massive impact on the future of the UK.
“And it will have a massive impact on us as Black people, and on our families and our communities.”
Davena Rankin, of the NEC and national Black members’ committee said: “One of our key challenges is to turn out the anti-UKIP majority. UKIP voters are extremely motivated to vote.
“But turning out those who value our modern, diverse, inclusive communities is the key to the future
“The biggest nightmare is to wake up to a Conservative-UKIP coalition,” she added: “One whose primary aim is to destroy the public sector, to destroy our rights and to destroy everything we hold dear.
“It is up to everyone in this room to work to make sure that this nightmare scenario doesn’t become a reality.”
UNISON president Lucia Mckeeva addressed conference and told delegates: ”The union’s agenda is our best resource for collective action and I know Black members have a vital contribution to offer UNISON and a unique role to play in getting organised in our branches, fighting poverty, challenging injustice, eliminating discrimination and building a society that is fair for all.”
Other focuses of the conference included under-representation of Black women activists, dignity at work, UNISON’s Ethical Care Charter campaign and hidden disabilities and Black workers.
Download the conference decisions
