No one can fail to be moved by the scenes of terrified civilians taking shelter underground or of the hundreds of thousands of women and children desperately trying to cross the border to safety, to an uncertain future as a refugee.
Like many of you, I have been deeply shocked to see the events that have unfolded over the past week. The mass invasion of Ukraine and the threat of larger war are all things many of us did not think possible in the modern world. My heart goes out to those suffering and impacted by the war.
To our Ukrainian colleagues in UNISON, to those with family and friends currently in Ukraine or seeking refugee outside, to those whose proximity has them afraid for the future, UNISON South East is here for you. We will do everything we can to support you.
I am personally ashamed at the Tory government response to date over the plight of Ukrainian refugees seeking asylum; we must do better. I have already contacted many of our region’s Labour MPs to ask for their assistance to pressure the government to move to help those unfortunate souls fleeing a war-ravaged country.
I know many UNISON members will want to do something to help those who are suffering. There is practical advice below and we will be updating members with more as events unfold.
We’re living through difficult times. And we must support each other through them. To everyone in the UNISON South East family, my ask to you is this – reach out to each other. Let your friends and colleagues know that they’re not alone. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and support when you need it. We continue to be reminded that UNISON plays a vital role at work and in wider society.
What UNISON has done already
UNISON immediately condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and called for Russian troops to withdraw to allow meaningful peace talks to go ahead.
The union has reached out in solidarity to public service unions in Ukraine whose members are on the frontline trying to save lives as civilian casualties rise. Workers and ordinary people in both Ukraine and Russia are the victims of this war, not the perpetrators.
UNISON has agreed to donate an initial £10,000 to an appeal by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC).
We are also talking to our European and international union federations, EPSU and PSI, about how we can practically support those unions and Ukrainian public service workers.
Europe is facing a major refugee crisis. As most European countries have opened their borders to refugees from Ukraine, the UK’s own government is shamefully still putting up significant administrative barriers to prevent refugees arriving in the UK. UNISON is lobbying our government to rectify this urgently.
UNISON members have shown their support by threatening to turn away Russian cargo ships due to arrive in Kent.
How you or your branch can help
UNISON is encouraging members to donate to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) appeal on Ukraine.
The ITUC has launched an appeal to support the Ukrainian trade union movement and ordinary workers in Ukraine.
Donations should be sent to ITUC-CSI account number 068-9007804-23 with Belfius Banque SA, Boulevard Pachéco 44, B – 1000 Brussels, (BIC/Swift code: GKCCBEBB – IBAN Code: BE92 0689 0078 0423).
Any amount of contribution will be appreciated. Please mark the contribution for ‘Ukraine’ and if not possible please alert finance@ituc-csi.org to what has been sent and say it is for Ukraine.
UNISON is encouraging branches to reach out to any Ukrainian members they may have to see how they can be supported at this incredibly difficult time.
The British Red Cross has launched an appeal to support refugees, people or have been made homeless or who have been injured by the fighting. You can donate here.
Write to your local MP and help lobby the British government to welcome refugees from Ukraine or to send over more medical support.