‘ We are public service defenders, not immigration border guards ’

Today saw the second day of UNISON’s virtual Black members’ conference, hosted by the national Black members’ committee. The morning session was chaired by committee deputy chair Rakiya Suleiman, and the afternoon by chair Kebba Manneh. The day began with a guest speech from UNISON lay activist and one of the four Black members on the NEC, Elizabeth Cameron. “As Black members, we need to celebrate ourselves,” she said. Representation of Black members at NEC level was a key concern of the morning, with the conference stating that UNISON currently has the most unrepresentative structure of senior lay leaders since the union was founded 28 years ago. At present, the union has an all-white presidential team, an all-white delegation to the TUC general council and no Black members selected as chair or vice chair of any of the seven NEC sub-committees. A motion was also unanimously passed to improve access to more comprehensive immigration advice and representation, including to UNISON members in Northern Ireland. UNISON affirmed its commitment to lead on campaigns against the hostile immigration environment, and to give reps and members the tools to recruit and organise Black and migrant workers.  In a similar vein, a motion was passed in solidarity with Afghan LGBT+ people who are seeking asylum and refuge in the UK, calling on the government to make explicit provision for these refugees in resettlement schemes. The committee also agreed to work with Rainbow Migration a...
Source: UNISON Health care news - Category: UK Health Authors: Tags: Article News 2022 Black Members Conference Source Type: news