2023 is UNISON’s Year of Black Workers. Throughout this year UNISON will prioritise the important issues that affect Black members at work and in their everyday lives. The aim is to involve the whole union in challenging racism in the workplace and in society, with the leadership and support of our Scottish Black Members Committee (SBMC).
Click on the graphic to see the SBMC newsletter in full
Action branches can take:
Workplace racism is experienced every day by Black workers in Scotland. This is borne out by UNISON surveys. During the pandemic our Black members were more likely to experience discrimination linked to COVID safety, but less likely to seek union assistance. When they seek help Black members often encounter reps who fail to identify or understand workplace racism.
UNISON is determined to change this. All of us must be actively anti-racist and embed an anti-racism approach within our branch and the employers we engage with.
Scottish Black members are there to support our branch to tackle racism in the workplace. Here is what they can support us to do.
- Provide support, training, and opportunities for Black members to get involved in the Year of Black Workers
- Encourage ‘buy in’ from employers, particularly across the health and local government sectors.
- Raise awareness of Year of Black Workers campaigns with your Black members and within your branches
- Seek support from the SBWC to develop a branch Black Self-Organised group.
- Engage with the Scottish Black Members Committee to help link the SBM Committee to Black members in your branch
- Include a Black Member Officer position in your AGM nominations
- Hold branch events and also support Scottish activities during 2023 to mark the Year of Black Workers
- Develop recruitment drives aimed at recruiting Black workers to join the union and become active
For more information click here for the UNISON Scotland YBW page.