Overview
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.

Speakers confirmed are:
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