Use learning to fight racism in the workplace, says TUC

Today, unionlearn with the Southern and Eastern Region TUC is launching an anti-racism booklet, aimed at trade union reps and activists throughout the region. Launched by Brendan Barber, TUC General Secretary and Billy Hayes, CWU General Secretary and Chair of the unionlearn Board, this informative booklet will be a valuable resource in the workplace.

The booklet includes information on the business case for equality and diversity, a checklist for reps fighting racism in the workplace and shatters the myths peddled by the press about migrant workers. The booklet contains contributions from Lord Herman Ouseley, Jarvis Tyner, and Wilf Sullivan, TUC Race Equality Officer. Case studies illustrating successes in the workplace have come from Ford, Nationwide Building Society and the Nationwide Group Staff Union, and Epping Forest Council.

Brendan Barber, TUC General Secretary said: ìRacism in the labour market takes many forms, whether outright racist behaviour or the fact that unemployment is running twice as high for black and Asian workers as it is for their white counterparts. Unionlearn and the TUC are working with unions to defeat racism in London, the South East and the East of England, to ensure dignity and respect for all in the workplace. Through spreading a learning culture we are helping to undermine bigotry. Learning in the workplace will also help Black and Asian workers to increase their skills and improve their life chances.î

SERTUC unionlearn Regional Manager Barry Francis said: ìUnionlearn, together with unions all over the region, is supporting migrant workers and those from settle communities so that they can improve their English, which is essential for working safely. Union reps are important for helping people to access courses, as well as knowing their rights to ensure they are not exploited.î

Megan Dobney, SERTUC Regional Secretary said: ìRacism is a weapon of mass destruction and defeating it is central to improving the working and family lives of SERTUC's 2 million members. London, the South East and East of England are the most diverse and creative regions in the UK - but also contain the greatest extremes of poverty and wealth.

ìThis book draws on the experiences of workers, the knowledge of our trade union educators, and gains inspiration from leaders who have fought and won. It will help our reps and activists build strong and united workplaces and create a more equal and just society.î