Arena Magazine 2005 Issue 4

Black members weekend provides perfect forum

One of the friendliest events in the union’s calendar is the black members weekend which meets annually at the union’s national training centre in Warrington.

Spread over three days, it brings together members, reps and officials from across the UK for a series of discussions, workshops and guest speakers.

This year's theme was 'organising black workers' and new and experienced reps rubbed shoulders to share ideas and experiences about the ways Usdaw can reach out to involve more black members.

"The equalities agenda will play a significant part in the union's work," said general secretary John Hannett. "I'm proud of the work we've done over the years for women and black and Asian members, but our new equalities committees will hopefully encourage other under-represented groups like disabled, lesbian and gay members to get more involved."

Mansong Dambell, who works at Boots in Brixton, London, was at the weekend for the first time. "It was brilliant," he said. "Very informative. We shared ideas, and experiences in the workshops which is a great way to learn. Everybody contributed and I'm a better rep for going to the weekend. It really energised me. I'll be spreading the word among my colleagues and looking to build recruitment which has gone up from almost nil to around 75 per cent of the workforce."

Home shopping clerk Shaf Shaikh was also at the weekend for the first time. "I thought I'd be left on my own, but everyone was really friendly," he said. "I had a very enjoyable time. I didn't realise there was so much going on in the union.

"We discussed the problems facing black and Asian members, how we could help, and get our colleagues more involved. It was a great learning experience for me. I'm looking to get more involved and make the most of all the opportunities the union provides. This was a very good get-together but it could be even bigger and better."

Donna McCollin found time in her busy schedule to be at the weekend. The part-time Tesco assistant and shop steward is also a part-time law student and counsellor at the citizens advice bureau in the Birmingham area." I really enjoyed the weekend," she said. "Everyone was very welcoming and approachable. I appreciated that.

"The workshops were very open with everyone willing to give advice. It was a support circle. I was pleased and a little surprised to see so many young people at the event." Donna will take her final exams next year and also hopes to add a few more union courses to the three she has already completed. "I have to work to pay the bills so I'll be keeping my union work going and looking to get more involved. Working, studying and being involved in the union is a good mix. I enjoy it and it keeps me busy."

Conference heard from two guest speakers during the weekend. Michael Nicholas, a black firefighter for over 12 years, and now an official of the Fire Brigades Union, spoke about the isolation black and ethnic minority firefighters experienced in the fire service and what they had done to overcome it.

"In the 1990s the fire service was branded institutionally racist. If unions are to continue to grow they need to make sure that black workers continue to join and become active."

Will Sullivan, the TUC's race equality officer talked about the regional round-table initiative. "We are inviting black trade unionists and activists from local communities to regional seminars to discuss how we strengthen our links. We can help each other - we are better able to fight racism and discrimination both at work and in the community when we work closely together."

From activist to academy

Usdaw's Academy offers an exciting and rewarding opportunity for black and Asian members to get more involved, widen their knowledge and receive expert training in recruitment and organising - that was the verdict of three former Academy trainees Sean Beharie, Colin Marriott and Su Patel.

The trio were part of the 2004 intake who recruited more than 5,000 new members and signed up hundreds of new reps. "We had a great time on the Academy," said Su, now back at work at Sainsbury's. "It's important the Academy reflects the range of workers in all Usdaw sectors who can relate to members and potential members whatever their background.

"I'd recommend the Academy to all reps."

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