Report of the 12th Annual STUC Black Workers’ Conference
The 12th Annual STUC Black Workers’ Conference was held in the Salutation Hotel, Perth, on Saturday/Sunday, 4/5 October 2008, and was chaired by Nazerin Wardrop, Unite:T&G Section. 52 delegates, representing 14 trade unions, and five visitors attended the Conference. The theme of this year’s Conference was “Diverse and United”. A copy of the Decisions of the Conference is attached in pdf format
A special Faith/Belief Panel session was held on the Saturday afternoon of Conference, with representatives of different faith groups, including:
Rev Dr Graham Blount Action Together for Churches in Scotland (ACTS)
Sohaib Saeed Scottish Islamic Foundation
Hari Docherty Baha’i Council
Ron McLaren Humanist Society of Scotland
Shantiketu Glasgow Buddhist Centre
Sikhs in Scotland and Hindus in Scotland were also invited, and the Scottish Council of Jewish Communities was invited to address conference on the Sunday, but these groups did not take up the invitation.
The session, chaired by Satnam Ner, was lively and informative, with positive and productive discussion on a wide range of issues. Discussions helped delegates have a greater understanding of different faith and belief group perspectives, and gave the visiting representatives an opportunity to hear the concerns and issues facing Black trade unionists.
On the Sunday, Zaffir Hakim, Co-ordinator of the One Workplace Project gave an update to delegates on the Project as it enters its next phase. He then spoke on the STUC Union Rep Awards and showed the film of the One Workplace Equality Rep Award.
Key speakers who addressed the Conference were:
Depute Provost, Willie Wilson, Perth & Kinross Council
Grahame Smith, STUC General Secretary
Fiona Farmer, Unite: Amicus, President, STUC
Marlyn Glen MSP
Stewart Maxwell MSP, Minister for Communities
Professor Kay Hampton
Graham Campbell, Glasgow Anti Racist Alliance
Cheryl Gedling, Chair, STUC Women’s Committee
Georgina Wardrop, STUC Youth Committee
Robert Mooney, Disabled Workers’ Committee
Motions were debated and agreed on both the Saturday and Sunday, and topics included: Support for Black Workers, Media Representation of Black Workers, Supporting Show Racism the Red Card, Asylum Seekers’ Right to work, and Gun and Knife Crime. There were also two Emergency Motions carried on the Crisis of Confidence in the Banking Sector and End Child Poverty.
The new Black Workers’ Committee, Delegation to the 2009 STUC Congress and Nominations for the Black Workers’ Representatives on the STUC General Council for 2009/10 are a under:
Black Workers’ Committee
i) Trade Union Section
Caroline Campbell, GMB Scotland
Davidson Chademana, UCU Scotland
Messan Foley, Community
Muzaffar Hussain, NASUWT
Tamara Mhura, UNISON:Scotland
Satnam Ner, Prospect
Paul Patmore, ASLEF
Hilda Smith, EIS
Sofi Taylor, UNISON:Scotland
Nazerin Wardrop, Unite: T&G Section
ii) Trades Council Section
No nominees
Nominations for Black Workers’ Seats on the STUC General Council 2009/10
Satnam Ner, Prospect
Nazerin Wardrop, Unite: T&G Section
Delegation to 2009 STUC Annual Congress
Caroline Campbell, GMB:Scotland
Liz Mehmood, Unite: T&G Section
Satnam Ner, Prospect
Nazerin Wardrop, Unite: T&G Section
The Committee would like to thank the staff at the Salutation Hotel for their assistance over the period of the Conference.
A Conference dinner and social took place on the Saturday, followed by entertainment by Peter Akyeampong of the EIS, and his band “Makossa”.
Eight children were registered for the crèche, which was staffed by UNISON members from the Auchnacraig Family Centre in Faifley, Clydebank.
Annual STUC Black Workers’ Conference 2007
The 11th Annual STUC Black Workers’ Conference was held in the Salutation Hotel, Perth, on Saturday/Sunday, 20/21 October 2007, and was chaired by Habib Hashmi, Educational Institute of Scotland. 45 delegates, representing 13 trade unions and 3 visitors attended the Conference. The theme of Conference was a commemoration of the 200th Anniversary of the Abolition of the Trans Atlantic Slave Trade, and a number of guest speakers and Conference debates made reference to Scotland’s links to the Slave Trade, along with the legacy of racism and discrimination which remains with us today.
Provost John Hulbert of Perth & Kinross Council delivered the Civic Welcome to open Conference, and Professor Geoff Palmer, Honorary President, Edinburgh & Lothians Race Equality Council, gave a lively contribution on Scotland and the Trans Atlantic Slave Trade. Delegates were pleased to welcome Morag Alexander, Scotland Commissioner, Equality and Human Rights Commission, and Bashir Ahmad MSP, the first Asian member of the Scottish Parliament. A number of trade union speakers also addressed Conference, including the then STUC President, Phil McGarry, and General Secretary, Grahame Smith.
A Special Session was held on the Saturday afternoon of Conference, with the showing of the arts dissemination DVD production “One For All?” of the One Workplace Equal Rights Project.
Discussion groups, held after the screening of the film, gauged delegates reactions to the scenarios shown, and a discussion on how trade unions can respond and organise on the issues raised. Debates at Conference were wide-ranging on issues, including Modern Day Slavery, the BNP and the Media, Civil and Public Services, Black Pride, and Migrant Workers.
The Committee would like to record its thanks to the staff at the Salutation Hotel, and to the staff of the Auchnacraig Family Centre, Faifley, Clydebank, who provided a crèche during Conference.
Decisions of Conference 2007
Full details of all decisions and reports adopted at Conference are available from Congress Office, and resolutions carried are noted at the end of this report.
Conference elected the following to serve on the Black Workers’ Committee 2007/08:
Caroline Campbell, GMB:Scotland
Georgia Cruickshank, GMB:Scotland
Tamara Mhura, UNISON:Scotland
Satnam Ner, Prospect
David Olwa, UNISON:Scotland*
Paul Patmore, Associated Society of Locomotive Engineersand Firemen
Nazerin Wardrop, Unite: T&G Section
After discussions within the Committee, and liaison with affiliates, the following individuals were co-opted to serve on the Black Workers’ Committee 2007/08:
Davidson Chademana, UCU Scotland
Muzaffar Hussain, NASUWT
Salma Siddique, UCU Scotland.
The Black Workers’ Committee elected Nazerin Wardrop as its Chairperson for the year 2007/08, with Caroline Campbell as Vice Chairperson.
- David Olwa resigned from the Committee in May 2008. Sofi Taylor, UNISON Scotland was co-opted to the Committee in his place.
Conference elected the following to go forward as nominations for the Black Workers’ Seats on the STUC General Council 2008/09:
Open Seat
Satnam Ner, Prospect
Woman’s Seat
Georgia Cruickshank, GMB:Scotland
Conference elected the following to the Black Workers’ Conference Delegation to 2008 STUC Annual Congress:
Georgia Cruickshank, GMB:Scotland
Ismail Donmez, Unison:Scotland
Satnam Ner, Prospect
Black Workers’ Committee Priorities 2007/08
The priorities of the Committee for its work plan were agreed following discussions on the Conference resolutions, consideration of ongoing work, and taking into account General Council priorities, particularly the Unions Work Campaign. The priorities continue with those set out previously.
The key priorities for 2007/08 for the Committee were:
• Tackling racism in the workplace and supporting Black workers;
• Increasing the active and meaningful participation of Black people; and
• Tackling racism in society and promoting inter-community engagement.
Tackling Racism in the Workplace and Supporting Black Workers
The Committee continues to have a crucial role in supporting Black workers across Scotland and in promoting trade unionism to Black workers, and in ensuring trade unions are accessible to Black people. The Committee continues to take forward substantial work in tackling racism in the workplace and in promoting equality.
The Committee initiated a debate within the STUC General Council in July 2008, on the importance of supporting Black workers within the trade union movement. The General Council agreed to write to all affiliates raising these issues with them, and encouraging them to engage with Black members and union reps within their own unions. As in previous years, the Committee hosted a Visitors’ Day for Black Workers at Annual Congress 2008, enabling Black trade unionists to attend the day’s proceedings, and participate in the Committee’s fringe meeting.
The Committee provided input into the STUC’s response to the consultation on the proposals for an Apprenticeship (Scotland) Bill. Comments from the Committee highlighted the need to ensure that Black people are supported to undertake Modern Apprenticeships, and called for establishing appropriate targets to increase the participation of men and women in non-traditional modern apprenticeships, and to ensure participation from Black and minority ethnic groups, as well as disabled people.
One Workplace Equal Rights
Over the past year, the Committee has continued to input into the development and activity of the One Workplace Equal Rights Project, ensuring there is a strong race perspective. Members of the Committee have participated in the Project Advisory Group, inputted into Project activities, such as the DVD, supported the 30 October 2007 Dissemination Conference, and have been involved in the development of the One Workplace Equality Rep Award. Black Workers’ Conference 2007 viewed and discussed the One Workplace DVD during its special session.
As a result of this activity, Committee members and unions have used the educational tool within their own workplaces and unions. The 2006-07 Chair of the Committee, Habib Hashmi, provided commentary for the project’s “One for All?” DVD, and all members of the Committee have been actively promoting and disseminating this work. Committee member, Satnam Ner, participated in this year’s Advisory Group for the Equality Rep Award. Project Manager, Zaffir Hakim, provides regular updates and contributions to Black Workers’ Committee meetings, giving the Committee an additional opportunity to input into the Project activity. The Committee argued strongly for continued funding for One Workplace, raising this with the Communities Minister at a meeting in June.
Together with the One Workplace Equal Rights Project, the Committee hosted a Fringe Meeting entitled “Rural Equality and Trade Unions”. Chaired by Satnam Ner, the meeting heard contributions from Philomena de Lima from the University of the Highlands and Islands, UNISON’s Liz MacKay, and Zaffir Hakim.
Engagement with Scottish Government
The Committee has made a number of representations to Scottish Government over the past year. On 21 May, the Secretariat participated in a Race Equality Roundtable, chaired by the Scottish Government’s Equality Unit. The STUC concerns at the delays in publishing the conclusions of the short life strategic group on ethnic minorities and the labour market and the absence of the Race Equality Strategy were articulated.
A formal meeting was held between a delegation from the Committee and the Minister for Communities, Stewart Maxwell MSP, on 3 June 2008. The delegation, including Nazerin Wardrop, Paul Patmore, Davidson Chademana and the Secretariat, raised a number of issues with the Minister, including the Scottish Government’s Race Equality Strategy, compliance with the Race Relations Amendment Act, and the budget constraints and the impact upon Black people.
The Minister reported that the Scottish Government was taking forward an important recommendation from the Ethnic Minorities and the Labour Market Working Group, on funding a boost to the Labour Force Survey to get meaningful data on BME people in the labour market. The Committee raised issues of poverty and in work poverty in particular, which impacts upon low paid Black workers. The need to ensure race equality issues are considered in the development of all government policies, such as its Skills Strategy, was impressed upon the Minister. The Minister indicated that the Government was trying to accelerate the pace of Equality Impact Assessments within Government. A full report of the meeting is available from Congress Office.
Following dialogue with a freelance journalist, a detailed article on the Black Workers’ Committee’s engagement with the Communities Minister, and in particular issues for Black workers in an economic downturn, featured in the Sunday Herald’s business pages in July 2008. The article, which included quotes from Davidson Chademana, effectively articulated the concerns of the Committee.
Black Workers’ Network
The development of the Black Workers’ Network remains an important part of the Committee’s work. The Network is open to all Black workers, whether union members or not, and is key to ensuring those from Black and minority ethnic groups are not isolated and can gain solidarity, advice and support from other Black workers. A very well attended Network meeting took place at the STUC Centre on Saturday 1 March 2008, chaired by Satnam Ner. The meeting saw lively discussion and a presentation from Osama Saeed of the Scottish Islamic Foundation. The Autumn meeting was held on Saturday 6 September 2008, chaired by Nazerin Wardrop. The agenda included arrangements for Black Workers’ Conference, mobilising for St Andrew’s Day Anti Racism March and Rally, and with guest speakers from the Glasgow Anti Racism Alliance to speak on engaging with grass roots communities.
Black Workers’ Newsletter
The Committee has compiled and distributed two newsletters for Black workers issued in February 2008 and in August 2008. The newsletters are a means of communicating with Black workers between Conference and Network meetings, and to inform people of the activity of the Committee. The February newsletter included a report of St Andrew’s Day, promoted the One Workplace STUC Equality Rep award, and encouraged participation in forthcoming events, including the Black Workers’ Visitors’ Day at Congress, and the March Network meeting. The August Newsletter provided a report of the Committee’s meeting with the Communities Minister, an update from TUC Black Workers’ Conference, and again highlighted forthcoming events.
Supporting Migrant Workers
The Committee was involved in a “Listening to Migrant Workers” event at the Scottish Parliament in June 2008, held in conjunction with UNISON Scotland, the Migrant Rights’ Network and the STUC, hosted by Marlyn Glen MSP. The event was attended by over 40 migrant workers based in Scotland, and enabled them to share their experiences, concerns and problems with MSPs in Holyrood. Committee member, Sofi Taylor, played a key role in setting up the event, and ensuring attendance from members of the UNISON Overseas Nurses’ Network.
Increasing the Active and Meaningful Participation of Black People
Increasing the active and meaningful participation of Black people and Black workers in political, economic and social life remains an important part of the work of the Committee.
The Committee has ensured the voice of Black workers has been articulated effectively at a number of STUC events and political meetings. The Committee was represented at the STUC’s Trade Union Week within the Scottish Parliament 14 - 18 January 2008, participating in a number of the meetings and the STUC reception. Satnam Ner continues his active involvement in the STUC’s Schools Visits’ Pilot, helping to promote positive images of Black people, along with race equality issues in education. Nazerin Wardrop participated in the General Council’s meeting with the Europe Minister, Jim Murphy MP, on 26 June 2008, impressing upon him the need for the UK Government to do more to promote good race relations. Satnam Ner attended an STUC meeting with Tony Benn in September 2008, where he raised issues around racism and the economy with the former Labour MP.
The Committee has continued its liaison with the Scottish Government’s Equality Unit on the development of the One Scotland initiative. Committee members participated in an evaluation survey of One Scotland in March 2008, where it called for the continuation of a strong public anti racism campaign. The Secretariat was interviewed for the Rock Against Racism events by Radio Clyde as part of the One Scotland Campaign, where she underlined the importance of challenging racism at every level.
To take forward the Conference resolution on Black Pride, the Committee has engaged with the Equality Network and BEMIS, who recently initiated a Minority Ethnic LGBT Project. The STUC has invited representatives from the initiative to address the Annual St Andrew’s Day Anti Racism March and Rally 2008 on Black Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) issues.
Black People in Public and Political Life
Increasing Black representation in public and political life remains a key priority for the Committee. The STUC was pleased to welcome the only Black person elected to the Scottish Parliament, Bashir Ahmad MSP, to address Black Workers’ Conference 2007. Davidson Chademana and Nazerin Wardop attended the first meeting of the Scottish Parliament’s Cross Party Group on Racial Equality which was held on 4 June 2008. The Cross Party Group aims to provide a forum for issues relating to race and anti racism and to seek solutions to the discrimination faced by Scotland's Black/Minority Ethnic communities.
The Committee had considerable input into the STUC’s response to the Office for the Commissioner for Public Appointments in Scotland consultation on its Equal Opportunities Strategy in March 2008. The STUC response called for diversity targets to be set, to increase the representation of under-represented groups. The STUC was represented at the launch of the Strategy on 1 September 2008.
Challenging Racism in Society and Promoting Inter-Community Engagement
The Black Workers’ Committee continues to inform the STUC’s strategy in tackling racism in society. The STUC takes a leading role in challenging racism and fascism wherever and whenever it occurs. The 200th anniversary of the Act that eventually abolished the transatlantic slave trade, proved a focal point for much activity in 2007. The Committee agreed that the theme of its Conference in October 2007, as well as that of the St Andrew’s Day March, should be anti slavery and challenging slavery’s legacy of racism.
No Slavery! No Racism!
St Andrew’s Day Anti Racism March and Rally 2007#
The St Andrew’s Day Anti Racism event is an important activity for the Committee and it carried out considerable work and mobilisation in planning and taking forward arrangements for 2007.
The 2007 event took the format of an anti-racist march through the streets of Glasgow, culminating with a rally with speakers in the Glasgow Film Theatre, Rose Street. The STUC would like to record its thanks to the Glasgow Anti Racist Alliance for once again sponsoring and supporting this important event, and to affiliates for their ongoing support.
The 2007 anti racism march commemorated the 200th Anniversary of the passing of the Act to abolish the transatlantic slave trade, and the legacy of racism and discrimination of this brutal trade in humans, with the march slogan: “No Slavery! No Racism!”
Posters and leaflets for the march and rally were produced in early October and widely distributed to all affiliates, the Black Workers’ and Women’s Conference delegates, equality groups, solidarity/ community/faith groups, political parties, local authorities, MSPs/ Scottish MPs. The event was advertised on Positive Action in Housing’s Quickmail ebulletin, the GCVS Equality Update, through the STUC’s own electronic mailings, and at STUC events.
As in previous years, a solidarity programme was produced to mark the event, and was circulated to key stakeholders in advance of the march and rally. An additional flyer, explaining the purpose of the march and including brief supportive comments from all of those contributing to the programme was produced to hand out during the march.
The Black Workers’ Committee provided a contribution to the printed programme as did all the mainstream political party leaders, the Equality and Human Rights Commission, the Scottish Refugee Council’s Policy Forum, the Scottish Council of Jewish Communities, the NUS (Scotland), Muslim Council of Scotland, Scottish Jews for a Just Peace, and the Glasgow Anti Racist Alliance. Thanks are due to the affiliates, the Scottish Women’s Convention, Thompsons Solicitors, the Scottish Co-op, and the Workers’ Beer Company, who provided advertisements for the programme.
The Secretariat was involved in a number of meetings with Strathclyde Police and Glasgow City Council to agree the route of the anti racist march. The march assembled at Blythswood Square, marching off at 11am, on a visible route which included George Square, St Vincent Place and Sauchiehall Street. Over 800 people marched through Glasgow’s streets, including a large number of trade unions, political parties, student and community groups. The march was accompanied by She-Boom and the GMB’s Pipe Band. The General Council would wish to record its thanks to the volunteer stewards, and to Strathclyde Police, who assisted the march to proceed safely. The march and rally was widely covered by BBC Scotland radio and TV, STV, Real Radio, Kingdom FM, local radio stations, Scotland on Sunday, the Sunday Herald, and the Sunday Mail, amongst others.
As marchers arrived at the Glasgow Film Theatre, the prologue and first scenario “Omar’s Story” of the One Workplace Equal Rights DVD “One For All?” was shown. Black Workers’ Committee member, Georgia Cruickshank, chaired the anti racist rally, which involved speeches from campaigner, Humza Yousaf; STUC President, Phil McGarry; GARA Youth Participation Officer, Kainde Manji; Human Rights Lawyer, Aamer Anwar; and Anas Sarwar.
A bucket collection for the Disasters’ Emergency Committee Bangladesh Cyclone Appeal collected £97.03.
Working with the Secretariat and General Council, the Committee evaluated the outcomes of 2007 and is in the process of organising for St Andrew’s Day 2008, Saturday 29 November 2008, the theme of which is “Scotland Against Racism”.
Working with Anti Racist Organisations
The Committee continues to engage with the Glasgow Anti Racist Alliance, and welcomes GARA’s support for St Andrew’s Day. Satnam Ner and Davidson Chademana attended a GARA seminar in Spring, which focussed on race and the media; and Nazerin Wardrop represents the Committee on the GARA Board. The STUC continues to provide support to Show Racism the Red Card (SRTRC) in Scotland, distributing campaigning materials and encouraging affiliates in their affiliations to SRTRC. The STUC’s General Secretary attended a 10 Downing Street Reception, which celebrated SRTRC achievements in May 2008.
Supporting Engagement between Faith Groups
The Committee has supported trade union engagement with and between faith groups over the past year. On 29 January 2008, the Chair, Nazerin Wardrop, and Secretary participated in the STUC meeting with the Scottish Council of Jewish Communities. The Committee was pleased to welcome Osama Saeed of the Scottish Islamic Foundation to the Black Workers’ Network in March 2008, and the Secretary participated in the Scottish Muslim Association “Nakbah at 60” event in May 2008.
The Committee has decided to host a faith / belief group panel discussion at its Conference in October, to enable broader discussion between Black trade unionists and different faith and belief groups.
Other Activities
The Committee has participated in a number of events and is represented on a wide range of outside bodies, as listed below:
• 2008 TUC Black Workers’ Conference
• 2008 STUC Annual Congress
• 2008 STUC Youth Conference
• 2007 STUC Women’s Conference
• STUC General Council, and the Economy and Employment Committee
• Glasgow Anti Racist Alliance
• One Workplace Project Advisory Group / Equality Rep Award Advisory Group.
The Committee would wish to record its thanks to outgoing Committee member, Georgia Cruickshank. Georgia has been involved with the Committee since its establishment, and has made a significant contribution to it and the work of the STUC over a number of years.
