Category: black members

Cementing the legacy of the Year of Black Workers

Images: Marcus Rose

Debate continued Wednesday morning at national delegate conference with a group of motions concerning Black members.

The motions came on the same morning as the High Court ruling that the government’s decision to scrap key recommendations from the independent review into the Windrush scandal was unlawful.

The first motion, supporting Black members experiencing racism, focused on training and education as an effective way to combat racism.

Moving the motion, Anette Heslop of the national black members’ committee said: “Racism is real, we need to stop it and stamp it out.”

The motion called on the NEC to work with UNISON College and learning and organising services to create specific training resources on the issue and promote them to stewards and branch officers.

Gloria Hansen (pictured above) said: “The Year of Black Workers was an extraordinary campaign celebrating UNISON’s proud history – and we owe it to the efforts of members across unison” to continue the struggle.

Sue Silva spoke about acknowledging “the slow pace of change and the exclusion of Black workers from discussions” on the issue.

Adding: “UNISON has made progress but further development is necessary enhanced training for branch officers will help them support members effectively.”

Chris Akaluka (above) from Newham Healthcare followed saying: “Racism is a disease that thrives on ignorance, the only thing that can cure this disease is knowledge.

“A union like ours, 1.3m strong, if we all pledge to be allies and fight racism in our workplaces our homes and our streets.”

He asked conference to commit, with him, to pointing out racism in all different aspects of their lives. “We shall point it out,” conference repeated.

After the motion exploring the experience of racism, debate turned to the UNION’s work embedding the legacy of the Year of the Black Worker in 2023.

Joseph Ogundemuren of the Black members’ committee (pictured top), speaking for the motion asked conference to “sustain momentum and cement the legacy of the year,” saying, “our activism must resonate beyond our union.”

Manjula Kumari of the NEC said to achieve the aims of the motion the union: “must start where all good unions start – training and development. So, throughout the year we facilitated workshops, development programmes and mentorship training.”

She told delegates: “We still have a long way to go,” and urged delegates to go back to their employers and start the conversation with employer to sign up to UNISON’s anti-racism charter.

She finished: “Conference, remember the 190,00 Black members that UNISON has. Work with us, be our allies and continue to increase our numbers.”

The motion gave a five-point action plan to evaluate the year’s successes, develop an ongoing programme of training and campaigning and report back to NDC in 2025.

The article Cementing the legacy of the Year of Black Workers first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Cementing the legacy of the Year of Black Workers

Images: Marcus Rose

Debate continued Wednesday morning at national delegate conference with a group of motions concerning Black members.

The motions came on the same morning as the High Court ruling that the government’s decision to scrap key recommendations from the independent review into the Windrush scandal was unlawful.

The first motion, supporting Black members experiencing racism, focused on training and education as an effective way to combat racism.

Moving the motion, Annette Heslop of the national Black members’ committee said: “Racism is real, we need to stop it and stamp it out.”

The motion called on the NEC to work with UNISON College and learning and organising services to create specific training resources on the issue and promote them to stewards and branch officers.

Gloria Hansen (pictured above) said: “The Year of Black Workers was an extraordinary campaign celebrating UNISON’s proud history – and we owe it to the efforts of members across unison” to continue the struggle.

Sue Silva spoke about acknowledging “the slow pace of change and the exclusion of Black workers from discussions” on the issue.

Adding: “UNISON has made progress but further development is necessary enhanced training for branch officers will help them support members effectively.”

Chris Akaluka (above) from Newham Healthcare followed saying: “Racism is a disease that thrives on ignorance, the only thing that can cure this disease is knowledge.

“A union like ours, 1.3m strong, if we all pledge to be allies and fight racism in our workplaces our homes and our streets.”

He asked conference to commit, with him, to pointing out racism in all different aspects of their lives. “We shall point it out,” conference repeated.

After the motion exploring the experience of racism, debate turned to the UNION’s work embedding the legacy of the Year of the Black Worker in 2023.

Joseph Ogundemuren of the Black members’ committee (pictured top), speaking for the motion asked conference to “sustain momentum and cement the legacy of the year,” saying, “our activism must resonate beyond our union.”

Manjula Kumari of the NEC said to achieve the aims of the motion the union: “must start where all good unions start – training and development. So, throughout the year we facilitated workshops, development programmes and mentorship training.”

She told delegates: “We still have a long way to go,” and urged delegates to go back to their employers and start the conversation with employer to sign up to UNISON’s anti-racism charter.

She finished: “Conference, remember the 190,00 Black members that UNISON has. Work with us, be our allies and continue to increase our numbers.”

The motion gave a five-point action plan to evaluate the year’s successes, develop an ongoing programme of training and campaigning and report back to NDC in 2025.

The article Cementing the legacy of the Year of Black Workers first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Diane Abbott is an inspiration to many people

Commenting on the speculation surrounding Diane Abbott, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said today (Thursday): “When Diane Abbott was elected in 1987, she blazed a trail for Black women in political and public life.

“As the first Black female MP, she proved barriers could be broken, showed that becoming a politician was for everyone and inspired many people to follow her into the House of Commons.

“That’s why her courage, determination and outstanding public service are much celebrated by UNISON members.”

Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Media contacts:
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk

The article Diane Abbott is an inspiration to many people first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Diane Abbott is an inspiration to many people

Commenting on the speculation surrounding Diane Abbott, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said today (Thursday): “When Diane Abbott was elected in 1987, she blazed a trail for Black women in political and public life.

“As the first Black female MP, she proved barriers could be broken, showed that becoming a politician was for everyone and inspired many people to follow her into the House of Commons.

“That’s why her courage, determination and outstanding public service are much celebrated by UNISON members.”

Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Media contacts:
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk

The article Diane Abbott is an inspiration to many people first appeared on the UNISON National site.

UNISON will continue to strengthen the Race for Equality campaign

In a motion on equipping branches to tackle race discrimination in the NHS, the health service group executive stressed that UNISON is continuing to strengthen its Race for Equality campaign that was a centrepiece to the union’s Year of Black Workers in 2023.

Maria Alberts for the service group executive told delegates: “Racism does exist in the NHS”.

She cited Too Hot to Handle, a report that “shines a light” on the lack of safe and effective means to report and then tackle problems, with, for instance, 63% of Black workers surveyed saying that they were subjected to greater scrutiny than white colleagues.

Delegates called on the executive to carry out a number of actions, including:

  • continuing to resource and run the Race for Equality campaign to challenge racism in the NHS
  • running practical workshops addressing the issues facing Black staff in the health service
  • developing and providing additional training opportunities for branches and regions.

In separate motions, delegates also backed moves to continue to increase the participation of Black members in the sector, and to “tackling racism in the nursing family”.

As one speaker called on delegates: “Be an ally. Call it [racism] out … Be our voices in the rooms we are not in.”

Delegates passed all motions unanimously.

The article UNISON will continue to strengthen the Race for Equality campaign first appeared on the UNISON National site.

UNISON will continue to strengthen the Race for Equality campaign

In a motion on equipping branches to tackle race discrimination in the NHS, the health service group executive stressed that UNISON is continuing to strengthen its Race for Equality campaign that was a centrepiece to the union’s Year of Black Workers in 2023.

Maria Alberts for the service group executive told delegates: “Racism does exist in the NHS”.

She cited Too Hot to Handle, a report that “shines a light” on the lack of safe and effective means to report and then tackle problems, with, for instance, 63% of Black workers surveyed saying that they were subjected to greater scrutiny than white colleagues.

Delegates called on the executive to carry out a number of actions, including:

  • continuing to resource and run the Race for Equality campaign to challenge racism in the NHS
  • running practical workshops addressing the issues facing Black staff in the health service
  • developing and providing additional training opportunities for branches and regions.

In separate motions, delegates also backed moves to continue to increase the participation of Black members in the sector, and to “tackling racism in the nursing family”.

As one speaker called on delegates: “Be an ally. Call it [racism] out … Be our voices in the rooms we are not in.”

Delegates passed all motions unanimously.

The article UNISON will continue to strengthen the Race for Equality campaign first appeared on the UNISON National site.

UNISON ‘unequivocally condemns’ Tory donor’s ‘horrific abuse’

UNISON considers comments made by Frank Hester, the Tory Party’s biggest donor, that looking at Diane Abbott MP makes you “want to hate all black women” and the MP “should be shot”, to be racist and sexist, unacceptable and dangerous.

Diane Abbott MP has been a significant public figure since 1987, the first to open doors into political leadership for Black women. No woman in public life should have to accept this kind of abuse and intimidation. Black women all over the UK feel labelled, hurt, and scared.

UNISON unequivocally condemns Frank Hesters’s racist, violent language. The Prime Minister was also slow to acknowledge the comments as racist and wrong.

UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said: “The personalised, horrific abuse levelled at Diane Abbott is frightening. She has had to endure intolerable abuse and intimidation. Our members expect us to call this out. The government should do the same.”

The article UNISON ‘unequivocally condemns’ Tory donor’s ‘horrific abuse’ first appeared on the UNISON National site.

UNISON ‘unequivocally condemns’ Tory donor’s ‘horrific abuse’

UNISON considers comments made by Frank Hester, the Tory Party’s biggest donor, that looking at Diane Abbott MP makes you “want to hate all black women” and the MP “should be shot”, to be racist and sexist, unacceptable and dangerous.

Diane Abbott MP has been a significant public figure since 1987, the first to open doors into political leadership for Black women. No woman in public life should have to accept this kind of abuse and intimidation. Black women all over the UK feel labelled, hurt, and scared.

UNISON unequivocally condemns Frank Hesters’s racist, violent language. The Prime Minister was also slow to acknowledge the comments as racist and wrong.

UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said: “The personalised, horrific abuse levelled at Diane Abbott is frightening. She has had to endure intolerable abuse and intimidation. Our members expect us to call this out. The government should do the same.”

The article UNISON ‘unequivocally condemns’ Tory donor’s ‘horrific abuse’ first appeared on the UNISON National site.

‘I am a young, Black, thriving woman. And my mental health matters’

                                                                                                             Fummi Ayani. Image: Rod Lyon

Mental health, especially for young people, was one of the major themes of this year’s national Black members’ conference, in Brighton at the weekend.

The motion on young Black members and mental health, proposed by the national committee, noted that, according to the NHS, more than three million people had contact with mental health services during 2021/22, almost 6% of the population.

The Mental Health Foundation says that 50% of mental health problems are established by age 14, 75% by age 24. And yet, many young people do not receive appropriate interventions.

Further, the motion stated, it is commonly known that those in Black communities are more likely to experience mental health difficulties, due to racism and discrimination, social and economic inequalities, and difficulties accessing appropriate support and interventions.

Fummi Ayani, a delegate for the young members’ forum (above), told conference: “We have to be present, and know that it’s OK not to be OK. Being labelled as aggressive is not who I am. I am a young, Black, thriving woman. And my mental health matters, which UNISON have helped me to see.”

The conference agreed to:

  • Signpost young Black workers towards available mental health services and other support
  • Highlight constructive steps employers can take to support staff with mental health problems
  • Campaign against the stigma surrounding mental health
  • Support branches to review how many employers are monitoring the mental health of young Black workers in workplaces.

Ms Ayani’s comments chimed with another motion on the issue. ‘Destigmatising Black workers’ mental health illness’, from UNISON Northern Ireland, noted the barriers faced by Black people when accessing information and treatment for mental health care, and the fact that Black communities are more likely to experience stigma and shame due to negative stereotyping.

Mental health illness is often misunderstood and mislabelled as being aggressive in minorities. And the motion called for the national Black members’ committee to run media and social media campaigns that flag the issues members are facing at work, and campaign for change.

The committee will also develop a toolkit for activists and members to equip them with the understanding of the cultural barriers faced by Black workers, and work with Learning and Organising Services to develop packages to support the mental health and wellbeing of activists.

In 2002, a leaked NHS report noted that Black children and adults were continuing to be failed by mental health services, with higher rates of detention and lower access to support services.

Speaking on the motion, ‘Black children’s mental health’, Faith Jangara of the national Black members’ committee (above) said it was important “to ensure that understanding and appropriate support is offered to our Black children with mental health problems.

“Black children deserve to be seen and have understanding when it comes to their mental well-being.”

Conference called on the committee to:

  • continue to promote awareness of mental health issues of Black communities in the workplace 
  • encourage branches to support services providers to create services for Black members experiencing this issue 
  • promote tolerance of Black mental health issues in the workplace amongst employees and the wider community. 

Reflecting the mood in the hall, first-time delegate Salqa Naz, of Sheffield Community health branch, said: “ I am very passionate about my work, and want to help drive forward this campaign.”

The article ‘I am a young, Black, thriving woman. And my mental health matters’ first appeared on the UNISON National site.

‘I am a young, Black, thriving woman. And my mental health matters’

                                                                                                             Fummi Ayani. Image: Rod Leon

Mental health, especially for young people, was one of the major themes of this year’s national Black members’ conference, in Brighton at the weekend.

The motion on young Black members and mental health, proposed by the national committee, noted that, according to the NHS, more than three million people had contact with mental health services during 2021/22, almost 6% of the population.

The Mental Health Foundation says that 50% of mental health problems are established by age 14, 75% by age 24. And yet, many young people do not receive appropriate interventions.

Further, the motion stated, it is commonly known that those in Black communities are more likely to experience mental health difficulties, due to racism and discrimination, social and economic inequalities, and difficulties accessing appropriate support and interventions.

Fummi Ayani, a delegate for the young members’ forum (above), told conference: “We have to be present, and know that it’s OK not to be OK. Being labelled as aggressive is not who I am. I am a young, Black, thriving woman. And my mental health matters, which UNISON have helped me to see.”

The conference agreed to:

  • Signpost young Black workers towards available mental health services and other support
  • Highlight constructive steps employers can take to support staff with mental health problems
  • Campaign against the stigma surrounding mental health
  • Support branches to review how many employers are monitoring the mental health of young Black workers in workplaces.

Ms Ayani’s comments chimed with another motion on the issue. ‘Destigmatising Black workers’ mental health illness’, from UNISON Northern Ireland, noted the barriers faced by Black people when accessing information and treatment for mental health care, and the fact that Black communities are more likely to experience stigma and shame due to negative stereotyping.

Mental health illness is often misunderstood and mislabelled as being aggressive in minorities. And the motion called for the national Black members’ committee to run media and social media campaigns that flag the issues members are facing at work, and campaign for change.

The committee will also develop a toolkit for activists and members to equip them with the understanding of the cultural barriers faced by Black workers, and work with Learning and Organising Services to develop packages to support the mental health and wellbeing of activists.

                                                                                                          Faith Jangara. Image: Rod Leon

In 2002, a leaked NHS report noted that Black children and adults were continuing to be failed by mental health services, with higher rates of detention and lower access to support services.

Speaking on the motion, ‘Black children’s mental health’, Faith Jangara of the national Black members’ committee (above) said it was important “to ensure that understanding and appropriate support is offered to our Black children with mental health problems.

“Black children deserve to be seen and have understanding when it comes to their mental well-being.”

Conference called on the committee to:

  • continue to promote awareness of mental health issues of Black communities in the workplace 
  • encourage branches to support services providers to create services for Black members experiencing this issue 
  • promote understanding of Black mental health issues in the workplace amongst employees and the wider community. 

Reflecting the mood in the hall, first-time delegate Salqa Naz, of Sheffield Community health branch, said: “ I am very passionate about my work, and want to help drive forward this campaign.”

The article ‘I am a young, Black, thriving woman. And my mental health matters’ first appeared on the UNISON National site.