Usdaw seeks to build an anti-racist movement and access workplaces to organise Black workers

Joanne Thomas Usdaw general secretary says: “At a time of unprecedented challenge for the anti-racism movement in Scotland, we welcome the role the STUC plays in bringing unions together to shape a co-ordinated and strategic response. Over a third of people in Scotland’s Black communities have experienced discrimination within the past two years, with discrimination in employment and the workplace emerging as the most common concern. Despite Scotland’s Black communities strongly identifying as Scottish, their experiences of racial discrimination have not decreased over the last decade. This has resulted in a loss of trust and confidence amongst Scotland’s Black communities in the institutions and systems able to address it. This, together with the rise of the far right, an increase in racist abuse, attacks and intimidation and the continued criminalisation of refugees and migrant workers means we must redouble our efforts to promote racial justice at work and in our unions. Almost six years ago the TUC established the Anti-Racist Taskforce (ARF) that kickstarted a period of renewed activity amongst affiliates across England, Wales and Scotland. The ARF has led to meaningful change including strengthening existing networks of Black activists and the development of new initiatives to address racism and promote racial justice.”

Joanne Thomas continues: “We welcome the UK Labour Government’s introduction in the Employment Rights Act of a new right of access, enabling unions to request access to workplaces to meet, represent and organise workers. The right gives our unions the potential to enter and organise in workplaces where we have previously been shut out. This gives us access to employers suspicious of or actively hostile towards unions who employ large numbers of Black and migrant workers in less safe, low paid, insecure and exploitative work. Black workers stand to gain disproportionately from the new right. Black workers continue to encounter hostile workplace cultures, structural barriers to progression, unsafe working conditions, racism, insecurity and unequal treatment at work across Scotland and the UK. Trade unions play a critical role in challenging workplace inequality and supporting workers facing discrimination. Once the new right is implemented, as advice about rights at work is one of the most valued forms of union support for Black workers, union reps will be vital in bringing it to life. We are calling on the STUC to support workplace reps in helping to achieve this.”