 |
Arena Magazine Issue 04 |
 |
Black and asian members making a difference at work
Usdaw wants to encourage as many black and Asian workers as possible to join the union. Every year a special weekend is held for black and Asian members bringing together reps and activists from across the UK. This forum gives everyone the chance to participate, meet new contacts, and discuss the whole range of issues important to them.
Sainsbury store trainer Sujata Patel was shocked to hear about the racial abuse in towns and cities outside of London from her Northern based colleagues. "Reports about the BNP from councillor Aziz," she said, "and other stories from union reps really did bring it home that there is a lot of racial abuse out there."
This was Sujata's first weekend and she thoroughly enjoyed it. "It was clear that people are having problems inside and outside work. But the weekend helped us to understand how we can use the law, and other rules and regulations, to deal with racism. Being at the weekend makes you realise there are many other people who share your problems. It was great to share our experiences. I would have liked the get-together to have been longer, but it was great fun."
The black and Asian members weekend is a key event in the union's calendar providing the ideal forum for members to voice their opinions and share experiences.
This year's weekend focused on two areas; the Freedom From Fear campaign and the extent of racial abuse in retail, and the threat posed by the extreme right British National Party (BNP).
Oldham councillor Mohammed Azam, General Secretary Sir Bill Connor and his deputy John Hannett were all special guest speakers at the event. "This was our biggest turnout," said Women and Equalities officer Ruth Cross.
"We used a new format as well, and this went down very well. Workshop sessions allowed members to look in-depth at the issues, and everyone could see how Usdaw is trying to make things happen at local, regional and national level.
"If there are any black and Asian members who want to get more involved they can contact their local Usdaw office or the Women and Equalities department at Central Office."
 Printer Friendly Page  Email to a Friend
|
