MODEL MOTION: Back Stand Up To Racism 8 February Trade Union conference & 21 March UN Anti-Racism Day demonstrations 2020
This union branch/executive notes:
1. Racism, Islamophobia and antisemitism on are on the rise and we are seeing the scapegoating of migrant, refugees and Roma people.
2. Such racism is encouraged by mainstream politicians and media and in turn helps boost and legitimise the far right
3. Trade unions have a long record of challenging racism and fighting for unity.
This union branch/executive further notes:
1. Stand Up To Racism is organising a Trade Union Conference on Saturday 8 February in central London.
2. Stand Up To Racism is organising a demonstrations in London and Glasgow on 21 March on UN Anti-Racism Day.
This union branch/executive resolves:
1. To back the Stand Up To Racism Trade Union Conference, to circulate information to all members encouraging them to attend and to buy _ tickets and pay for transport costs to the event.
2. To support and mobilise for the demonstration being organised in London/Glasgow on 21 March by Stand Up To Racism and the TUC on UN Anti-Racism Day and to pay £___ towards transport costs and/or to make a donation of £___ to Stand Up To Racism.
3. To affiliate/re-affiliate to Stand Up To Racism at a cost of £50 per year for union branches.
Speakers include:
Margaret Greer Unison national race equality officer
Wilf Sullivan TUC race equality officer
Daniel Kebede NEU NEC
Riccardo La Torre FBU Eastern regional secretary
Registration 11.45am
Opening plenary 12.30pm: CHALLENGING RACISM IN THE WORKPLACE
Workshops 2pm – 3.15pm
1. BUILDING ANTI RACIST EDUCATION
2. FIGHTING THE ‘HOSTILE ENVIRONMENT’ IN THE NHS
3. SOLIDARITY WITH REFUGEES
4. ROOTING ALL FORMS OF RACISM OUT OF THE WORKPLACE
5. LOVE MUSIC HATE RACISM: CULTURE AND THE ANTI RACIST MOVEMENT
Closing plenary 3.30 – 4.30pm: MOBILISING FOR MASS DEMOS ON 21 MARCH (UN ANTI RACISM DAY) #WorldAgainstRacism #M21
Building on the success of the last couple of years’ trade union conferences, the event will bring together trade unionists from across different industries and sectors to discuss and organise how we can raise anti racism in our unions and workplaces.
From the threat of a far right street movement breaking through, to the anti racist movement’s defeat of fascist ‘Tommy Robinson’ in Britain, to the rise in racist populism and intensification of a ‘hostile environment’ we are seeing in the form of Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage – there are both victories for the anti racist movement to discuss, as well as major challenges now facing the anti racist movement.
The result of the general election and the reality of a Johnson led Tory government has made clear that anti racism is going to continue to be an important issue that should be at the heart of our unions.
Full timetable and speakers will follow shortly.