‘ This is our time ’ , Prentis tells Black members

“We live in difficult times. We all know it. But let us say loud and clear, as we leave the European Union at 11pm tonight, all of us send out a message to commit our union to fight the rise in nationalism and hatred facing so many of our communities.” That was at the heart of a rousing speech, as general secretary Dave Prentis addressed UNISON’s Black members’ conference in Bournemouth this afternoon. “We won’t stand by as the government makes immigrants into second-class citizens. Migrant workers are part of the UNISON family. Their story is the story of UNISON too. We will lead by example.” Speaking to a packed crowd, Mr Prentis vowed to defend immigrants’ rights to health care and to living and studying without fear. “You are not alone. You are not friendless – not while UNISON is here. We will be their friends and protectors.” The general secretary also spoke of UNISON’s on-going fight in seeking justice for the Windrush generation. “Windrush migrants and their families have received shabby and shameful treatment – with letters from the Home Office telling people who’ve lived in the UK all their adult lives to leave because they have no right to live here. Instead of gratitude, the Windrush generation has been met with destitution. “And this is from a country that has taken the best years of their lives,” he continued. “Their blood, sweat and toil. A country that relies on the public services they helped build.” Many migrants and the...
Source: UNISON meat hygiene - Category: Food Science Authors: Tags: Article 2020 Black Members Conference BREXIT immigration racism Windrush Source Type: news