Usdaw is about to pilot a Black Activists Development Programme, as a crucial next step from the Anti-Racism Task Force. There is important and ground-breaking work being done in many other unions as well, but this work cannot take place in isolation.
One of the greatest strengths of the Task Force was that it brought together our movement in the struggle for racial justice. From all sectors, trade union leaders, campaigners and activists; the task force has enabled the sharing of ideas and best practice, committed to concrete actions and outcomes, all of which are essential to create lasting change. Only the TUC can offer this kind of framework and support.
Paddy Lillis – Usdaw General Secretary said: “Today we make a strong statement, not just in recognition of the impressive work of the task force, but also of the need for an ongoing dialogue and engagement within and between unions about how we can truly deliver on the commitments we have set. This must go far beyond the life of the task force and of course the wider political climate is going to be deeply challenging, for our work on racial justice and anti-racism.
“It is a credit to the anti-racist movement that the Government's racist Rwanda deportation scheme has so far been stalled, but the threat remains very real, so we must redouble our efforts. Not only to defend people seeking refuge in the UK who have escaped war, persecution, torture and violence; but also to see off this racist and inhumane policy once and for all.
“We must also ensure that the ongoing Covid public inquiry truly addresses structural inequalities that shape the lives of Black workers and that led to the loss of so many Black lives during the crisis.
“We know from the TUC's landmark research, that
120,000 workers have left their jobs because of racism in the last five years and that many more are experiencing in-work poverty, trapped in low paying work, in situations where they are expected to do the most demanding and dangerous work. So our efforts to deliver equality and dignity for Black workers must continue.
“There is much to be done. Developing Black members' networks, training for reps, surveys of Black workers, joint action plans with employers. All vitally important work, but let us never lose sight of the fact that ultimately, we are about not just changing lives but saving lives. Racism destroys lives.”
Notes for editors:
Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fifth biggest trade union with around 360,000 members. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemical industry and other trades.
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