Trade unions are strong supporters of Stand Up To Racism. Unity is the watchword of all unions. As such, the labour movement continues to be a stalwart component of the anti-racist and anti-fascist struggle in the UK and internationally.
Most unions are affiliated to SUTR as part of their work to combat hatred and division. Below are some statements from unions concerning the racist riots and pogroms instigated by the far right.
Trade Unions are giving to the Emergency Unity Fund Appeal – you should too
Stand Up to Racism has organised protests to oppose and push back the far right across the country this weekend. But with the fascists on the streets and racist attacks on the rise, there is more work to be done.
Please donate to our fund today to help us step up our action to oppose racism and division, and promote unity
Please make sure your union branch and region has given to the Emergency Unity Fund.
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Public & Commercial Services Union
PCS supporting Stand up to Racism mobilisation
Calls to support demonstrations on Wednesday (7) to defend asylum support centres and show solidarity with refugees and communities who have been targeted by the far right in recent days.
PCS is supporting Stand Up to Racism demonstrations across regions tomorrow which have been called in response to the worrying escalation in far right violence in recent days. Following the tragic events in Southport last week in which three innocent children lost their lives, the far right have stoked misinformation and racial hatred in working class communities, resulting in shameful scenes and unimaginable violence towards members of our communities.
Stand Up to Racism demonstrations will be taking place at numerous locations and details can be found on the SU2R website.
We are urging branches to liaise with regional colleagues to support communities, mosques and businesses which have been directly affected by recent events. Trade unions are coming together to show their love, support and solidarity and we are proud to be part of a movement which has unity at its heart. more
http://pcs.org.uk/news-events/news/pcs-supporting-stand-racism-mobilisation
National Education Union
Daniel Kebede, General Secretary of the National Education Union, said:
“NEU expresses its sincerest condolences to the families and school communities of Southport who, at this time, are grieving the devastating loss of three young girls: Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice Dasilva Aguiar.
“The exploitation by far-right groups of the violent, heartbreaking attack on children is truly shameful.
“Our communities have come under attack through deplorable acts of racist and Islamophobic violence, in which we have seen attacks on homes, mosques, Muslim-owned businesses, and arson attacks on hotels housing asylum seekers. more
https://neu.org.uk/latest/press-releases/violent-racist-and-islamophobic-disorder
Communication Workers Union
National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT)
University and College Union
Jo Grady, UCU general secretary:
“UCU sends its heartfelt condolences to the victims and loved ones of the atrocious attack in Southport last week. The local community needs the support and space to heal and come together after those tragic events.
“Fascist thugs have instead exploited this tragedy to launch racist and Islamophobic violence across England. We send our solidarity to all those under attack, including the many Black and Asian men, women and children who were assaulted, as well as international students and staff who will rightly be worried for their safety.
“We applaud all those who joined the many protests against the far-right. We encourage UCU members and all trade unionists to continue to stand against them and to offer support to local mosques and community groups. When doing so, please remain vigilant, look after each other and travel in groups. more
https://www.ucu.org.uk/article/13697/UCU-statement-on-fascist-violence
Fire Brigades Union
Fire Brigades Union condemns far right campaign of racist violence and intimidation
Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union general secretary, said:
Firefighters were among the first to respond to the appalling stabbings in Southport last week. The FBU sends its thoughts and condolences to all those affected, especially the loved ones of the three young children who tragically lost their lives, and we applaud the bravery and professionalism of the firefighters who attended.
It is clear that the organised far right has used these tragic events to mount a deliberate campaign of racist violence and intimidation. The attacks on mosques, hotels housing migrants and other targets in recent days have been shocking.
This situation has been decades in the making. Mainstream politicians and media outlets have stoked anti-migrant hate and Islamophobia while driving down the living standards of most people.
Austerity, cutting pay and trashing public services were choices made by right wing politicians in the interests of big business – not by migrants. The new Labour government has a duty to offer an alternative, rather than pandering to anti-migrant rhetoric. more