Heroines & Heroes of the Labour Movement

2016 REVISED EDITION \]

It’s therefore right for us to celebrate the achievements of people from BAME groups from our own union and the wider labour movement.

As a trade union equality is a value that is central to what we do, in fighting for fairness in both the workplace and wider society, and to what we are as a democratic organisation – one member, one vote.

This is one reason why the equality and proportionality agendas within the CWU itself are so important – and of course, to be effective and survive as a union, we need to be open to and reflect people from all backgrounds irrespective of age, gender, ethnicity, sexuality or disabilities.

But it remains harder for people from minority groups to get by in this country and we all recognise that there is more to be done to bring equality into the mainstream of the CWU. It’s therefore right for us to celebrate the achievements of people from BAME groups from our own union and the wider labour movement as we do here – and of course this document is just a snapshot.

In reading through the biographies in the booklet, the striking thing is just how much some of the people featured here have achieved. Bill Morris said that when he stood to become General Secretary of the T&G (as it then was) he made clear that he was not the ‘black candidate’, but the candidate who was black. Similarly we should see the stories here not just as something for our BAME members to celebrate, but for our union as a whole.

Dave Ward General Secretary

2 2 \]

It is important that we celebrate our own people’s achievements and this booklet goes some way to helping us to achieve this.

Dear Colleagues, Welcome to the Revised – 2016 Edition of the BAME Booklet.

In 2015 our Union had dedicated a day at Annual Conference to encourage and prioritise BAME issues, in the hope that we could reach out to more BAME members, inspiring them to become more active in our Union.

2015 BAME Day was exciting. We had a number of initiatives planned to engage members.

It was important that we celebrated our own people’s achievements and this booklet went some way to helping us to achieve this.

This BAME Booklet dovetails really well with the work that the CWU are doing on Proportionality and Representation, and which I am involved in, along with our General Secretary and Trish Lavelle. We are committed to the long haul and already we have seen a really positive change in the landscape as the branches grow more supportive of the need to ensure our structures are reflective of the members we seek to serve.

I would like to extend my personal thanks to those Branches for all their assistance and hard work.

Linda Roy Assistant Secretary / Equal Opportunities

3 3 AMARJITE SINGH Former Wales TUC President, Chair of the Race Advisory Committee & Branch Secretary of South East Wales Amal

Amarjite’s grandfather was from in his own union and the trade Lahore, India (now Pakistan) he union movement. These positions travelled from Bombay to Liverpool included CWU National Race in 1948. AJ’s father followed in 1951 Advisory Committee (Chair), TUC/ and then his mother in 1959. His Race Relations Committee, TUC/ grandfather and father worked as Joint Consultative Committee, pedlars in the Carmarthenshire Wales TUC Executive & General area – at the time Carmarthen Council member of the Wales TUC, homed one of the largest Sikh Treasurer of Cardiff Trades Council, communities in Wales Treasurer of Wales Unite Against Fascism and BAME Labour (Black AJ was born in Swansea in 1962 and Minority Ethnic) and was also but spent most of his childhood elected on behalf of the union to AMARJITE BECAME ONLY living in Llanelli; the family attend National and International THE 2ND BAME TUC WALES relocated to Cardiff during the early Conferences. PRESIDENT WHEN ELECTED 70s. His father passed away during IN 2012. this time, which left his mother with AJ was elected as President of the 5 children to raise. AJ studied in Wales TUC in 2012 and served Cardiff and left higher education until 2013. He is the first ever CWU with 5 GCSEs at the age of 15. activist to be elected to the position He was successful in qualifying and the second ever BAME. to study an apprenticeship in the construction industry as a The Trade Union movement roofer & tiler. After completing provided him with skills and his apprenticeship, he worked education, from Basic Reps training for Cardiff Bus as a Mechanic’s to an Employment Law Diploma. Labourer. He also served three This helped him fulfil the positions years in the Royal Artillery Reserves that he held. During his own time in the British Army; at the time he he has been active in the Sikh was the first Sikh to serve in Wales. community and held a number of positions in the Sikh Temple Amarjite joined Royal Mail in (Gurdwara). 1987 and became active in the CWU in 1999. He was elected as Amarjite is deeply proud of the Branch Secretary in 2007 and fact that he is a grandson and son held a number of positions before of migrants that have contributed becoming Branch Secretary Although he always voted Labour, he did not become active in the Labour Party until 2002. He held a number of positions

4 4 MICHÈLE EMERSON former CWU Equal Opportunities Officer

Michèle was elected to the CWU’s delivery of the Union’s education NEC back in 1993 and her rise in programme for a number of years. the Union structures was made all Her passion for equality was clear the more remaxrkable given that to see and this included support she was one of the very first female for all the strands. She was also engineer apprentices to be taken keen to play her role in external on by BT. Her entry into a hostile causes and was pivotal in male dominated environment was coordinating the support that the a true baptism of fire, and no Abortion Rights Campaign enjoys doubt helped to mould her views to this day. over the years to come. There was more than a visionary Michèle was the first woman to aspect to her work, as she FIRST BAME NATIONAL be elected Officer of the Overseas organised Race Advisory OFFICER IN THE CWU & Telegraph Branch and prior to Committee teams to travel up MEMBER OF THE TELECOMS being elected on to the NEC she to see BAME members in areas & FINANCIAL SERVICES sat on the Women’s Advisory where there were low levels of INDUSTRIAL EXECUTIVE. Committee for a number of union engagement with these years (1986-1993) and the then underrepresented groups. EMAC (Ethnic Minority Advisory Committee) from 1991 to 1993. Michèle was a keen supporter and member of the Labour Party. She She became Assistant Secretary, was also a member of Searchlight responsible for Equal and was an avid anti-racism Opportunities in 2002 and one campaigner, joining anti-BNP of her many virtues was that demos around the country to she was a ‘no nonsense’ person, support the then anti-nazi league her understanding in equality and more recently UAF. Human grounded through her own tough Rights issues were also close to experiences in the workplace. her heart and this was evidenced by the fact she was a member of Michèle’s expertise in equality saw Amnesty International for many her negotiate policies around years. issues linked to attendance patterns, maternity and paternity pay and bullying and harassment but to name a few. She was very well informed around equality legislation and she was an accredited tutor for the CWU involved in the design and

5 5 LORD BILL MORRIS

In 1958 Bill joined the T&G and He was a non-Executive Director five years later he was elected as of the Bank of England between a shop steward.Throughout his 1998 and 2006 and immediately time with the T&G he worked his after retirement chaired the Morris way up from being a shop steward Enquiry into the professional to becoming General Secretary of standards and workplace practices the Transport and General Workers of the Metropolitan Police. Union (now Unite) in 1991. In that election he made it clear that he Since 2005 he has been a member was not the black candidate but of the Cricket Board for England the candidate who was black. and Wales and of the Mergers and Take Over Panel and he is In 1964, as Shop steward at Hardy Chair of Midland Heart housing LORD BILL MORRIS, THE Spicers, he was involved in his first association, as well as a member FIRST BLACK TRADE UNION major industrial dispute, of the Board of Trustees for GENERAL SECRETARY IN challenging management over Performance Birmingham which BRITAIN, WAS BORN ON 19TH the need to provide workers with runs Birmingham’s Symphony and OCTOBER 1938 IN BOMBAY, protective gloves.The successful Town Halls. JAMAICA. outcome of that dispute set him on the path to taking on other fights, In October 2002 he was awarded He came to the UK aged 16 to many of which he won. In his 30 the Order of Jamaica by the join his recently widowed mother. years in the trade union movement Jamaican Government for services In Birmingham he worked with an he is well known for speaking out to international trade unionism engineering company where he for the rights of minorities and for and a year later a Knighthood by attended a day release course in civil liberties in general. He retired Her Majesty the Queen.He took engineering. In 1957 he married from trade union life in 2003. his seat in the House of Lords in a young Jamaican woman, 2006, taking the title: Lord Morris Minetta. They had two sons - Lord Bill has served in a number of of Handsworth. Clyde and Garry, and he has two positions including membership of grandchildren - Una and Rohan. the Employment Appeals Tribunal, Lord Bill plays an active role in the Minetta died in 1990 of breast TUC General Council and ACAS. House, taking the Labour whip cancer. He has served as a member of the and speaking on a variety of social, Commission for Racial Equality and industrial and political issues. on both the BBC and IBA General Advisory Councils.

6 6 GLORIA MILLS CBE UNISON National Equalities Secretary

million EU citizens protection from ensure direct representation for discrimination on grounds of race, under-represented groups in the ethnic, national origin etc. decision-making and democracy of trade unions. She has promoted Gloria has clocked up many firsts the principles of proportionality, in breaking barriers in her trade fair representation and self- union career when she was elected organisation that have shifted Mother of the Chapel in the print the balance of power in unions unions NATSOPA and SOGAT; with underrepresented groups Regional and Senior National participating in the mainstream Officer of public service union of union decisionmaking and NUPE and Director of Equalities democracy. at UNISON in 1993. She created GLORIA IS A MEMBER history in 1994 as the first Black In recognition of her significant OF UNISON’S SENIOR woman to be elected to the TUC achievements, in 1999 she was MANAGEMENT GROUP General Council and Executive; awarded the MBE for services AND IS RESPONSIBLE FOR in 2005 became the first Black to trade unions and in 2005 MANAGING STRATEGIC WORK woman to be elected as the 138th the CBE for services to equal AROUND EQUALITY AND President of the Trades Union opportunities and in 2006 received MEMBERSHIP. Congress and the European TUC an Honorary Doctorate in Law from Executive Committee and Chair of Staffordshire University. She is a Gloria is a formidable and European Public Services Gender member of the Employment tireless campaigner and has and Equality Committee. Appeal Tribunal; Editorial Board successfully secured a raft of of Equal Opportunities Review equality and employment rights for In 2010, Gloria won the Hansib and a Former CRE Commissioner. working people in Europe. Gloria Community Awards with this She has a Master in Business campaigned for equality and ethics tribute for her distinguished career Administration and is a Fellow to be at the heart of an EC based as a champion of equality. The of the RSA. Who is Who lists her on economics. In December 1995 Voice Newspaper described her on interests as Arsenal, football, she led trade union delegation of its front page as ‘One in a Mill’ on cricket, reading and politics. Black workers which resulted in becoming TUC President. the first European Commission communique on race; the 1997 Gloria’s pioneering work has European Year Against Racism; the transformed the agenda, structure EU Article 13 Treaty of Amsterdam and culture of the trade union which gave the EU competence movement. She has promoted to deal with all areas of equality; the concept of a ‘built-in’ model securing the EU Race Directive of equality rather than a ‘boltedon’ (2000/43/EC) and the Employment approach to equality. She has Framework Directive (2000/78/EC) been instrumental in ensuring which has guaranteed over 500 mechanisms in union rules that

7 7 TACKLING PROPORTIONALITY AND REPRESENTATION Our Future In Safe Hands

IN THIS ERA OF AUSTERITY, factors are not mutually exclusive UNDER-EMPLOYMENT, ZERO but the concept of members voting HOURS CONTRACTS AND for the person that they wish to POVERTY WAGES THERE IS represent them is a fundamental EXTREME PRESSURE PUT ON value of the CWU that should be WORKING PEOPLE TO DO upheld. MORE FOR LESS AND WITH LESS PROTECTIONS AT WORK. Our work has seen the CWU make IT IS ARGUABLE THAT THESE clear its stated aims and objectives. TOUGH CONDITIONS SHOULD These include removing or limiting PROVIDE FERTILE GROUND structural or cultural barriers to FOR TRADE UNIONS TO involvement in Union activity by ORGANISE AND RECRUIT our under-represented groups, NEW WORKERS. introducing improved systematic data capture and monitoring of With young workers, women participation and progress at all workers and BAME workers in at all levels of union activity. Some levels in the Union, providing particular bearing the brunt of areas are better than others, but we active support, encouragement the cuts it has never been more still have a long way to go. and development for new important for trade unions to make activists particularly from those sure that we are connecting with What is certain is that proportionality underrepresented groups. The role this part of the workforce, and delivers a fairer union for all of our Advisory Committees will that crucially we are recruiting and members. Proportionality is both be better understood and clearer organising these workers. a guarantee of equality, and our as will the roles for Branch and future, in a changing workplace. Regional Equality positions. Over the last 3 years we have Data on representation suggest that embarked on a very ambitious there are obstacles to women and These are just some of our priorities project to ensure that our structures black members. Whether these are to both make the Union structures and rules are inclusive and consciously placed or otherwise is reflect its membership and to proportional and that any barrier to not crucial, what is crucial for us is ensure our under-represented us being inclusive and proportionate to address the problems. groups feel a positive connection is removed. In other words, we with the CWU. have decided to test whether our The CWU is a very democratic paper policies and rules are actually organisation and when we consider This booklet shows some of the vital working for us and making proportionality we must also contributions made to the trade a difference on the ground. consider how we can achieve union and wider labour movement an acceptable balance between by BAME people and we hope it However you look at it we have to remaining a strongly membership will be a source of inspiration to first accept that right now in 2016 led union and becoming more empower a future generation of we are simply not proportionate inclusive and accessible.These two BAME activists.

8 8 Ian Taylor

Divisional Rep

Ian studied at Stretford Grammar Ian has performed most Industrial school for boys having passed roles in the union, from local the 11+ entrance exam. After rep, Area Rep and is the first and getting his O levels Ian went to as things stand, the only Black study 2 A levels. Immediately after Divisional Officer since their completing his two A levels Ian’s introduction in 1992. A position he childhood sweetheart and now wife has held for over 10 years. became pregnant with their first child. As an Employment tribunal panellist Ian has won hundreds As a result Ian joined Royal Mail of thousands in compensation as a Xmas casual at Manchester for members, not to mention APC in 1986 and within 3 months a number of reinstatements IAN’S PARENTS WERE BORN accepted a part time job to help following members being unfairly IN JAMAICA IN THE 1920s raise his new family. The rest is dismissed. AND WERE PART OF THE history as they say. Ian has been an WINDRUSH GENERATION activist for the then UCW and now However Ian’s key vision is to MIGRATION TO ENGLAND CWU for over 20 years. see more people from diverse AFTER WW2. backgrounds getting involved Ian has been a member of the in the mainstream of the union, Ian’s family originally settled in CWUs Race Advisory Committee strengthening the union and taking London until moving to Manchester since its inception and played an on key Industrial roles. in the late 50s. Ian is the youngest integral part in the setting up of . of 9 siblings comprising of 7 sisters the very first CWU Black Workers The current mentoring initiative and 1 brother with the eldest 4 conference almost 20 years ago. for underrepresented groups is also born in Jamaica. He also spent a number of years a part of Ian’s vision to improve as a member of the TUC Race involvement from a wider audience The family home was originally Advisory Committee and along and is as a result of a motion in Moss Side in shared with a number of colleagues derived from Ian and his Branch. accommodation, a predominately is currently working with Royal Black and Irish neighbourhood Mail at a national level looking at back then until they moved to Old how we promote opportunities Trafford in the early 70s where Ian and recognition of our minority grew up. members.

9 9 ROGER MCKENZIE

UNISON National Equalities Secretary

The fight for black self-organisation Strike of 1968. Lucy was one of within the UK trade union the main organisers of that dispute movement was never about which Dr Martin Luther King Jnr creating separate structures. It was supporting when he was has always been about building assassinated. the collective strength of unions to tackle institutional racism and The fight for black self organisation, thereby enhancing our movements and for race equality more collective ability to stand up for the generally, is integral to creating working class against those who a strong and vibrant trade union seek to exploit our labour. movement. Without removing the barriers that are used to divide us I was at the heart of establishing as workers by empowering those AT THE HEART OF MY WORK and supporting black members who are currently marginalized TO CAMPAIGN FOR RACIAL structures in more than a dozen the strength of workers will remain JUSTICE AND EQUALITY IS trade unions over the years as the weaker than it should be and MY WORK TO BUILD BLACK trade union officer for the Labour the rich will get richer and the SELFORGANISATION Party Black Sections (a body which poor poorer. WITHIN THE UK TRADE UNION I later had the honour to Chair), MOVEMENT. the Anti Racist Alliance, as a tutor in trade union education, a race This work, which goes back more equality officer for PCS and then than 30 years is, itself, built on a the TUC. black radical tradition that flows from Africa through the Caribbean At the TUC I was the secretary of islands to the United States of the Stephen Lawrence Task Force America and back to the UK. which, amongst other things, It draws on the work of great changed its rules so that a regular activists such as web DuBois, audit of union work on progress Franz Fanon, CLR James, Malcolm towards equality had some teeth. X, Sojourner Truth, Angela Davis, A. Philip Randolph and many I am currently the national chair of unheralded activists in workplaces the UK Coalition of Black Trade and communities through slavery, Unionists, a sister organisation of colonialism and the colour bar. the longest standing black trade union body in the USA. The US Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, formed in 1972, and led until recently by my mentor William Lucy, drew major inspiration from the Memphis Sanitation Workers

10 10 SABBY DHALU

Founder & Joint UAF Secretary

In 2002 she spent a lot time mobilisation of thousands of campaigning against the BNP. By people in Tower Hamlets in 2003 the BNP gained 18 council September 2011. This marked the seats and their national spread beginning of the end of the EDL. By of the vote had increased to the October 2013 EDL leader Tommy point where it was clear they could Robinson resigned and the EDL gain seats in the 2004 European declined. elections unless a colossal campaign was mounted to At this point she announced with defeat it. UAF the Stand up to Racism and Fascism: no to scapegoating In response to this threat, Sabby immigrants, no to Islamophobia, became Joint Secretary of UAF. no to Anti-Semitism, yes to diversity SABBY’S PARENTS WERE NAAR joined forces with the Anti- demonstration marking UN BORN IN INDIA BUT Nazi League (ANL) to create Unite Anti-Racism Day in March 2014. EMIGRATED TO Against Fascism (UAF). The TUC The event was a tremendous BRITAIN WHEN THEY WERE and affiliated unions threw their success with over 10,000 people YOUNG CHILDREN IN THE weight behind the campaign, and attending the events. This year’s EARLY 1960S. her work contributed significantly event was even bigger with over to preventing the BNP from gaining 15,000 attending the events. She She first became an anti-racist seats in the European Parliament hope to build this success in years political activist as a student in and London Assembly in 2004. to come by developing a mass 1999. She got involved with the anti-racist movement. Student Assembly Against Racism Sabby’s proudest moments and and became Anti-Racism Officer significant achievements have been for the University of London defeating the BNP and EDL. By the Union (ULU). 2010 general and local election a major defeat was inflicted on the After graduating Sabby began BNP. Each successive election saw working at the National Assembly the BNP’s vote shrink to the point Against Racism (NAAR) at the where Griffin lost his seat in beginning of 2001. The trade union Europe in the 2014 elections. movement was at the centre of the struggle against racism. Despite some opposition to our campaigns initially Sabby’s creative and engaging communications helped to win the argument about the need to mobilise on the streets against the highly provocative and racist EDL demonstrations.She was instrumental in coordinating the

11 11 WINSTON RICHARDS

Chair of Greater London Combined Branch & Vice Chair of the Race Advisory Committee

Branch Representative from As a member of the Race Advisory 1996-1999, Branch officer 1999- committee (currently vice-chair) 2008, Branch Chair 2008- to date, I have been fortunate enough to member of the Race Advisory work with a talented group.We Committee 1999- to date, (RAC Vice have been actively engaged in Chair from 2012- to date). CWU & high profile campaigns, Attended TUC Black Workers Delegate. marches opposing fascist and racist organisations, demonstrated My initial involvement with against far right groups such as the union came as a result of the BNP and EDL. Whilst seeking to workplace bullying, the advice given address the issue ofproportionality to me by a union representative within the union, supporting gave me the opportunity to the role ofBAME Officers and “IN LIFE WHEN YOU successfully deal with it which encouraging the NEC to work on ARE SUBJECTED TO then set me on a path which has a mentoring programme. It has INEQUALITY AND seen me go from part-time rep also been useful to broaden our DISCRIMINATORY to assistant Secretary and now remit outside the industrial arena PRACTICES IT CAN BE Chair of one of the largest Telecom into supporting social projects HARMFUL TO YOUR Branches in the CWU. However such as the African Caribbean WELL-BEING; THE EFFECTS Enthusiasm alone was not enough,I Leukaemia Trust (ACLT),Just a Drop ARE VARIED AND attended the CWU education and water provision in Africa, and CWU COMPLEX IN NATURE.” training centres to learn more then Humanitarian Aid convoys. gradually increased my activities within the branch representing We should continue to build on membersat disciplinary and the foundations created by those grievance hearings as well as before us and have the confidence at employment tribunals.I have to speak our minds. recently completed a BA (Hons) degree in trade union and labour studies, an achievement gained through a determination to do something positive for the members.

12 12 ZITA HOLBOURNE

Trade Union & Community Activist, Artist, Poet & Writer

National Executive Council and the for national and specialist journals Movement Against Xenophobia and blogs about the issues she is National Steering Group. passionate about campaigning on.

Zita is a qualified graphic designer Awards include: and has worked as a freelance graphic designer and make-up • Finalist & one of 5 people’s choice artist. Her art is inspired by her poets in the Manorlogz Xtreme quest for equality, freedom, justice Spoken Word contest 2011. and human rights and traditional African and Caribbean art styles. • Positive Role Model for Race She exhibits at a broad range of award at the National Diversity political, cultural and community Awards 2012 ZITA HOLBOURNE IS AN events and curates art exhibitions AWARD WINNING TRADE to challenge discrimination and • Afro News top 12 African and UNION AND COMMUNITY injustice and showcase young Caribbean women of the year, ACTIVIST AND HUMAN black artists. In 2012 she was 2013 RIGHTS CAMPAIGNER, commissioned by the TUC to design A VISUAL ARTIST, POET / a poster for the TUC • Nominated in the Eight Women SPOKEN WORD ARTIST, Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust Awards 2014. WRITER AND CURATOR. Fundraising Appeal. Her art has been used in a broad range Zita is featured as one of nineteen Zita has been a trade union activist of leaflets, journals, posters women in a new book, Here We for over 20 years and is elected to and publications as well as for Stand, Women Changing the the PCS Union National Executive illustrations. World, published by Honno Press, Committee and the TUC Race shortlisted in 2015 for the Bread Relations Committee. In 2010 Zita Zita is an award winning poet/ and Roses Award. co-founded Black Activists Rising spoken word artist, described Against Cuts (BARAC) UK, a national as a ‘political poet’ and ‘a griot campaign responding to of the struggle’ her poetry has the disproportionate impact of been featured on TV & radio. She cuts on black and minority ethnic has directed poetry performance workers, service users and for theatre and facilitated poetry communities and deprived workshops for children & adults. communities, campaigning against She is a former member of the racism and injustice which she is Brothaman Poetry Collective and the National Co-Chair of. She is former resident poet / co-host of a founding member of several Nu Whirled Voyces. Her poetry is antiausterity, justice, human rights & published in various anthologies, equality campaigns. She is elected journals and websites. to the Action for Southern Africa Zita is a freelance writer, writing

13 13 MANNY BLAKE

former CWU NEC Member, former Chair of the Race Advisory Committee & Labour Party Councillor (Bexley)

Manny held many positions within • Manny was honoured with a the former NCU and CWU, a union gold badge in 2006 and selection of which are below: also a honorary membership of the CWU. • TUC Race Relations Committee 1992-2006 Manny continues to support the Labour Party locally and in 2008 & • Industrial Tribunal panel sex/race 2012, while he was on holiday in member 1992-2009 Las Vegas with his wife, they helped the local democratic party in their • Labour Party member 1970 to campaign to get President Obama date elected. He now, happily, spends most of his time looking after his 3 MANNY JOINED THE • Delegate to Labour Party Black grandchildrenz GPO (BT) IN 1963 AS A Socialist Society from its inception TTA-3 APPRENTICE AND JOINED THE UNION AT HIS • Delegate to United National INDUCTION. Association 1994-1996

He became a Committee member • Delegate to Amnesty International in 1976 and held various branch 1995 positions, including that of Treasurer and Editor. Manny • Delegate to TUC Black Worker’s became Branch Secretary of the Conference 1992-2006 London City Branch in 1986 until • Chair to TUC Black Worker’s 1992. In 1986 Manny took his Conference 1997 Branch out on strike and worked with our sister Branch LNCI and • Delegate to various TUC and John Moynihan during this period. Labour Party Conferences He held the NEC position until he retired in 2006. • Delegate to STUC Black Worker’s Conference 1997-1998 Manny became Chair of the Ethnic Minorities Advisory Committee • Delegate to the Black Workers (EMAC) - the forerunner to the for Justice Conference, Atlanta, Race Advisory Committee (RAC) – Georgia – October 1998 on inception and held the position until 1992 when he became a • Bexley Councillor and cabinet member of the NEC. member for Housing & Social Inclusion 2002-2006

14 14 SAM WINES

UNISON South East Regional Education Officer

In addition she became a union In 2006 she started working for lay tutor and employment tribunal UNISON as an Education Officer panel member sitting in West in the South East, writing and Croydon. She was first elected to delivering courses for UNISON the national Ethnic Minority members, of which there are over Advisory Committee in the early 90’s 100,00 in the region. In addition fighting and campaigning against she is the officer that works with racism in the workplace and society, the RBMG (Regional Black Member culminating in a European project Group) a self-organised group on behalf of the CWU working with where members are welcomed UNI (Union Networks International) and encouraged to participate in a looking at rise of racism and supportive environment, working xenophobia throughout Europe with campaigns for race equality SAM WORKED FOR BT IN and involved extensive European in the workplace and society THE 80’S BECOMING ACTIVE travel culminating inpresenting the and giving black members the IN THE NCU (NATIONAL findings to the General Council at a confidence and tools to challenge COMMUNICATIONS conference in Stockholm. racism in the workplace and wider UNION) FIRSTLY AS A REP, society. BRANCH TREASURER, In 2003 she left BT and worked BRANCH CHAIR AND THEN as a TUC tutor for a year before BRANCH SECRETARY IN A becoming a ULF (Union Learning RELATIVELY SHORT PERIOD Fund) Project Manager for the TSSA/ OF TIME. RMT/ASLEF looking in particular at improving adult literacy and numeracy amongst members in Network Rail and South West Trains which ultimately led to the implementation of Learning Agreements and a Learning Centre at Basingstoke station, which allowed members paid time off to learn and improve their IT and basic skills and provided ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) to members who in particular had jobs that were safety specific.

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