Racism and inequality have been at the centre of the COVID-19 crisis. BME frontline workers and communities have disproportionately suffered during the pandemic. But despite the crisis, the government have continued with the racist, hostile environment. Refugees, migrants and the Muslim community have been scapegoated throughout the crisis while deportation flights continue despite the Windrush scandal.
It's no wonder that in the wake of George Floyd's death in the US, hundreds of thousands were involved in the Black Lives Matter protests in Britain. Whether it's the disproportionate use of stop and search against black communities or the ongoing disparities in safety, pay, and conditions for BME workers, racism is a trade union issue.
Trump may have lost in the US, but he has inspired the racist and fascist right internationally. They are still organising and trying to grow.
In Britain, trade unionists have been at the forefront of the Far Right's opposing attempts to re-organise and build support. In these challenging times, we need to stand against the growth of racism, Islamophobia and antisemitism and any attempt to divide working people.
Join us at the Stand Up To Racism & TUC Conference (online) From COVID-19 to #BlackLivesMatter... Fighting for anti-racist workplaces, Saturday 27 February, 11 am - 3 pm. This event will look at how we can build the fight against racism and inequality in our workplaces, decolonise our education system and strengthen links between the trade unions and the wider anti-racist movement.
Roger McKenzie, Unison assistant general secretary
Sarah Woolley, BFAWU general secretary
Steve Hedley, RMT assistant general secretary
Gloria Mills, TUC Race Relations Committee chair/ Unison National Secretary & Head of Equality.
Margaret Greer, Unison National Black Members' Officer
Wilf Sullivan TUC Race Equality
Shavanah Taj Wales TUC general secretary
Kebba Manneh Unison National Black Members Committee chair
Glen Hart, RMT National Black & Ethnic Advisory Committee chair
Mohammed Shafiq, PCS National Black Members Committee chair
Amarjite Singh, CWU South East Wales Amal branch secretary
Fayrouz Kraish, Unite Scotland Black & Ethnic Minority committee / biomedical scientist
Des Arthur, CWU South Midlands Postal branch secretary
Victoria Showunmi, UCU NEC & Black Members Committee chair
Amit Malde, FBU Black & Ethnic Minority Members' chair
Taranjit Chana, GMB Race Secretary
Winston Richards, CWU London Region chair
Dr Stiofán Ó Nualláin author of TUC report: The Rise of the Far Right: Building a Trade Union Response
Rosa Crawford TUC Policy Officer in the Rights, International, Social and Economics Department
Shelly Asquith TUC Policy Officer
Clare Moseley Care4Calais
Patrick Vernon social commentator, campaigner & cultural historian
11am to 12.15pm: Opening plenary
From Covid19 to #BlackLivesMatter... Fighting For Anti Racist Workplaces
12.30 to 1.45pm: Workshops
1. After Trump & the Capitol Riot: How Do We Stop the Rise of Racist & Fascist Right
2. Discrimination to disproportionate deaths - Challenging institutional racism
3. Stop the Scapegoating ...Solidarity & Justice for Refugees
4. Challenging the Legacy of Empire & Slavery: Decolonise Education
5. Opposing the Racist Hostile Environment: Migrants Welcome
2pm to 3pm: Closing Plenary
Organising for a World Against Racism & Fascism: Building UN Anti Racism Day of Action 20 March 2021
Book your place now, share and invite via the Eventbrite here
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