COVID-19 has had a disproportionate impact on Black workers and communities and it is vital to focus on challenging racism in the workplace
COVID-19 has had a disproportionate impact on Black workers and communities and it is vital to focus on challenging racism in the workplace
The phrase ‘Black Lives Matter’ was seen across our screens and streets following the murder of George Floyd in Minnesota. Black communities asked society and organisations like UNISON, what they would do to tackle racism and discrimination head on. There is a need to demonstrate with actions how we are committed to being an anti-racist […]
24 year-old Chris Kaba was killed following a police car pursuit on 5 September which ended in South London. An inquest into Mr Kaba’s death will be opened on 4 October. In a statement the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said it would “explore all of the circumstances surrounding the unarmed father-to-be, including whether […]
We were delighted to be back sponsoring Sunshine International Art at this year’s Notting Hill Carnival. Our presence has been a proud tradition of community engagement over several years. The Notting Hill Carnival is Europe’s largest street festival which takes place annually in London the last weekend in August. The Carnival celebrates London’s multicultural past […]
All Black workers face racial oppression. Whilst each Black worker may experience racism, discrimination, and oppression differently, unity within and between Black workers creates greater power to confront the ills of racism. To achieve this, we must reconceptualise power and unity and broaden our reach in the context of our search for fair and equal […]
The 2022 Virtual Black Members’ Conference took place on 27 – 28 May, rescheduled from a physical conference in January due to the pandemic. This year’s theme was Black Members United and Empowered. As the conference was inquorate, delegates voted to suspend Standing Orders. This meant that the debates to follow would not form a […]
UNISON’s National Black Members’ Committee (NBMC) and Schools Committee have issued a joint statement on the treatment of Child Q and the actions of those involved in the case. “UNISON are horrified to learn of the strip search of a young Black female (Child Q) of secondary school age, at the hands of the police […]
About the Ethnicity Pay Gap Campaign The Ethnicity Pay Gap (EPG) cost Black workers over £3.2 billion in lost wages in 2018 (Resolution Foundation). This gap is getting wider. The Ethnicity Pay varies across regions and sectors. In London the gap is over 23.8 per cent. The impact of this loss of pay pushes Black […]
Do you know a Black member, under 27 who should be nominated for the Young Black Member Award? We are looking for branches and regions to nominate young Black members who are active in the union, dedicated to race equality and passionate about improving workplaces. Download the Young Black Member Award nomination form This award […]
Download the Mandela award covering letter and nominee submission form 2023 The deadline for submission is 5pm, Thursday 1 September. The award will presented at the […]
Read our new bargaining leaflet on Challenging Racism in the […]
Our Motions to National Delegate Conference (NDC) The National Black Members’ Committee submitted two motions to NDC: Motion 9 – National Executive Council & Rule Book Commitment to Fair Representation Motion 118 – Immigration Advice and Black Members If you are attending conference, please think about speaking on these important motions. The full text of […]
On 12 February 2022, Rosita Ellis became the first Black woman to be elected to the most senior elected position in UNISON South East.
Guest blog from University of Brighton’s Bill Acharjee
Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) has pledged support to tackle all forms of racism after signing UNISON’s anti-racism charter today. As part of UN Anti-Racism Day, which took place last week, EPUT today signed the trade union’s charter which commits the organisation and its leaders to a range of pledges designed to prevent […]