Applications for this year's programme are now open.
The closing date for application is Monday 14 July 2025
Apply here.
Black Members' Development Programme
Right across the trade union movement Black workers are underrepresented as union reps, branch officers, activists and more.
In 2023 the Union set up Breaking Down Barriers because, like all Unions, we have a problem with the under-representation of Black members in union roles and at union events.
We want to break down the barriers that stand in the way of Black members getting more involved.
Now in its third year, Breaking Down Barriers is an education and skills programme which gives Black reps the chance to develop their skills and knowledge over the course of ten months. Members are not seconded to the programme but need release to attend classroom and non-classroom sessions during the year.
This year there are 17 reps on the programme and the majority have already become more active in the union and wider labour movement.
Find out all the information for applicants here.
Why do we use the term Black?
We use Black to describe people who have a common experience of racism. It is used to describe people in Britain with a shared history of colonialism and enslavement in the past, and who continue to experience racism and discrimination on the basis of skin colour today. We know the term Black is not perfect and it is not used as a descriptive term (just as white is not). But in order to get a sense of collective solidarity we need to identify things that we share in order to build a movement for change.
Put simply the term Black includes any member who is at risk of racism and of being treated less favourably because of their skin colour. This term therefore includes a wide range of members including Asian members, African and Caribbean members, and Chinese members.
This year the programme is open to reps who have completed their basic Usdaw rep training and have registered for, or completed, their advanced shop steward, H&S rep or ULR rep training.
Watch the video to learn more.
Get involved
Applications for this year's programme are now open.
The closing date for application is Monday 14 July 2025
If you, or someone you know, is interested in getting more involved in Usdaw, developing personal skills and connecting with other Black members we encourage you to put yourself forward.
If you have any questions at all about the programme, feel free to contact the Equalities Section at Usdaw Head Office on 0161 224 2804 or by email.
TUC - Anti-Racism Tracker
The TUC are taking forward the work of their Anti-Racism Taskforce, by launching the Anti-Racism Tracker.
View the video:
