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Home , Derek Beackon, National Front (UK), Show Racism the Red Card, Union Movement, Unite Against Fascism, Wales TUC

Trade unions fighting racism and the far-right

Building in workplaces and communities Introduction

2 CO-ORDINATING GROUP he Trade Union Co-ordinating intention is to highlight aspects of this Group (TUCG) brings together work and bring attention to diverse an alliance of UK trade perspectives, personal experiences, unions and co-ordinates inspiring campaigns and initiatives that Tcampaigning activities in parliament have been organised. and beyond. As the UK descends into an economic TUCG unions are motivated by a crisis that threatens the well-being and collective desire to ensure the labour livelihoods of millions of working people, movement represents the our opponents will attempt to use this in all its rich diversity; and fights to moment as an opportunity to exploit defend it. This means we are committed fear, prejudice and division - and we to campaigning against racism and must stop them. challenging the proliferation of far-right Trade unions at their very core have ideas and activists, wherever they occur, a fundamental belief in the benefits including in our own ranks. of collective action to improve the This booklet is just one small part of conditions of working people - so it the ongoing, global struggle to combat is vital that workers are united in a racism and the rise of the far-right. Our common cause against employers who Zac Hancock / Shutterstock.com

Protesters in Manchester, June 2020

FIGHTING RACISM AND – BUILDING SOLIDARITY IN WORKPLACES AND COMMUNIITIES 3 right grows, it impacts on trade union members, especially people of colour and religious groups including Muslims and Jews. As trade unionists we know that racist discrimination and prejudice still influences decisions made about who

Zac Hancock / Shutterstock.com Hancock Zac gets hired, trained, promoted, retained, demoted or dismissed. It also impacts on people’s experiences at work. TUC research has shown the most prevalent form of racial harassment at work is racist remarks, including verbal abuse and racist jokes, and when employees report a racist incident they are often either ignored or identified as a “trouble-maker”. This is despite existing legislation including the 1968 Race Relations Amendment Act which outlaws racial BLM protest in Manchester, discrimination in employment. June 2020 The 1999 Macpherson Report defined institutional racism as: “The collective failure of an organisation to may be cutting jobs, worsening terms provide an appropriate and professional and conditions or squeezing our pay. service to people because of their As a movement we gain our strength colour, culture, or ethnic origin. It through working together and that’s why can be seen or detected in processes, we oppose anything that threatens and attitudes and behaviour that amount undermines our collectivism or tries to to discrimination through prejudice, exploit false divisions. ignorance, thoughtlessness, and racist That is why trade unions are opposed stereotyping which disadvantage to racism, , and minority ethnic people.” other forms of discrimination that People of colour are discriminated targets any group of workers. This against at work and in society. prejudice can be based on a multiplicity Contemporary racism and this unfair of factors including nationality, treatment is deeply rooted in history and colour, religion, class background, linked to notions of . gender, sexuality, disability, or even These same ideas have been used to where you live - and this is not an justify colonialism, and exhaustive list. slavery. When racism and support for the far- There can be no doubt that racism

4 TRADE UNION CO-ORDINATING GROUP heardinlondon / Shutterstock.com and are still a problem today. One of the latest examples includes the sharp rise in attacks directed at south and east Asian communities in the UK. The far- right and racists have targeted this and are blaming innocent people for the coronavirus. Prior to the lockdown, Muslims, migrants and refugees have often been targeted in recent years. Historically when the far-right have taken power they have targeted many different communities. Alongside fascism’s record of anti-semitism and concentration camps, it is also worth remembering that some of the first victims of Nazi were their political opponents including trade unionists, socialists, communists and social democrats. solidarity protest in response to the Far-right racial myths vilify Jewish killing of Mike Brown in Furguson, July 2016 people and other religious groups; they persecute those they consider to be racially inferior, including black look bleak, and we know we have some people and Roma, gypsy and traveller big challenges ahead. communities. The death of George Floyd has The far-right also has a track galvanised people across the world to record of targeting disabled and LGBT fight against racism and injustice. Let us people and they have promoted not forget the older generation of our and enforced women’s confinement trade union colleagues committed to the to the home with complete fight to defeat apartheid in South Africa, subservience to men. and our political ancestors before that As the TUCG we want to be clear fought off the fascists in London’s Cable about where we stand. Since its Street. formation the working class has always European history indicates that the been multi-racial and multi-ethnic and appeasement of racists and the far-right we view racism as an oppressive regime will only help to embolden them, and that seeks to divide us - and it must be our side is most effective when we work challenged. together. With the election of Boris Johnson in The TUCG is committed to this critical Britain to Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil, things work and we hope that you will join us.

FIGHTING RACISM AND FASCISM – BUILDING SOLIDARITY IN WORKPLACES AND COMMUNIITIES 5 Contents

Click on the links to jump to the pages

6 TRADE UNION CO-ORDINATING GROUP TUC 8 Winning workplace unity and standing up against racism PCS 12 The coronavirus, black communities and Black Lives Matter FBU 16 The firefighting family is international, our class is international and our struggle is international POA 20 The march of the far-right in the penal system BFAWU 24 There is no place in our organisations or society for the far-right RMT 28 Unity is strength

NEU 32 The murder of Blair Peach, a teacher who died fighting racism Equity 36 Normalising racism: fighting the culture of racist reviews 40 Racism in sport: why we need to stand together

URTU 44 The refugee crisis of

UCU 46 Fighting the far-right – campaigning and modelling best practice NUJ 50 50 years of NUJ activity against racism

FIGHTING RACISM AND FASCISM – BUILDING SOLIDARITY IN WORKPLACES AND COMMUNIITIES 7 Winning workplace unity and standing up against racism

The is a federation of trade unions in and (TUC)

WILF SULLIVAN is the TUC’s Race Equality Officer

8 TRADE UNION CO-ORDINATING GROUP he defeat of the Labour coming from fascist fringe groups. In Party by in the 1930s until the 1960s this had been a local by-election in Tower personified by the British Union of Hamlets in September 1993 Fascists led by . Its demise Tsent shockwaves through the labour led to a plethora of other groups, such movement. Beackon, an unemployed as the National Front, lorry driver, managed to secure the seat and the (BNP). in by seven votes and his victory Beacon’s 1993 Millwall by-election signalled the first time that the British success heavily associated racism with National Party (BNP) had managed to far-right fascist groups. win a council seat. White supremacy came to be For the first time since the 1930s, identified with fascism by the trade when the National Council of Labour was – so much so that formed in response to the rise in fascism to be anti-racist became synonymous at home and abroad, the trade union with being anti-fascist and, in many movement felt it needed to act. The TUC ways, both became depoliticised. organised a 40,000-strong demonstration The association led to three main against the BNP in Tower Hamlets. This problems. First, anti-fascism became was followed by a march and concert a black people’s problem and fighting attended by 150,000 and organised by the the fascists became reduced to a Anti-Nazi League in May 1994. Beackon battle against racism for many trade subsequently lost his seat to Labour in the unionists. This depoliticised the anti- local council elections, although he still fascist struggle and depicted it as a fight managed to secure 28% of the vote. against the extreme right-wing fringe. Beackon’s victory was, in part, not The growth of authoritarian, populist only due to the BNP’s divide-and-rule and libertarian advanced by tactics but also because of the strategic neo- and the threat it posed to use of racism by the local Liberal the organised working class were largely Democrat candidate, who distributed ignored. This brand of politics, especially pamphlets intimating that the Labour in relation to the issues of asylum council had done favours for the local and migration, was accommodated Asian community. by mainstream politics. It advanced Whilst the TUC’s response played a new kind of , especially an important role in ensuring that in the wake of 9/11, that became the Beackon was voted out, it established a bridgehead for populist far-right politics problematic approach to the way that to gain ground in Europe in the early trade unions came to view anti-fascism. 2000s and subsequently in other parts of the world. Campaigning against racism Second, the fight against racism and fascism was reduced to a fight against far-right The threat of far-right populist politics groups, and racism became reduced had traditionally been perceived as to a battle against white supremacists

FIGHTING RACISM AND FASCISM – BUILDING SOLIDARITY IN WORKPLACES AND COMMUNIITIES 9 rather than a fight against exploitation of its exploitation of workers but because and systemic discrimination. This of its supposed liberal favouritism meant the wider set of reactionary, towards a vaguely defined other, such as authoritarian, economic and nationalist migrants or asylum seekers. ideas being directed at workers by the To counter this the TUC realised it far-right movement was not addressed would have to change its strategy in or it was ignored. It also resulted in combating the far-right. The previous trade unions failing to address the many approach had been built on challenging problems that black workers faced in the the National Front and British National workplace. Party incursions into electoral politics on Third, much of the trade union the basis that they were fascist parties. movement’s anti-fascist activity was The weakness of this was evident with externalised to anti-racism and anti- the Independence Party fascism campaign groups, resulting in the (UKIP). Many trade unions were initially politics of fascism not being discussed in reluctant to campaign against UKIP on the workplace. This lack of discussion has the basis that it was a legitimate party been exacerbated by the fact that a lot and because it did not make race a of trade union activity in workplaces has central part of its campaigning – there become reactive rather than proactive. was a failure to identify the nationalist This has made it harder to engage and libertarian aspects of its politics as a trade union members in anti-fascist threat. It was only when UKIP deployed campaigning, because many believe that anti-migrant rhetoric as a major part it has nothing to do with them. of its propaganda that some unions These problems have resulted in the realised the risks. However, by then it failure of the trade union and anti-fascist was too late. UKIP had managed to insert movements to mobilise workers in the dog-whistle of race in the form of response to the right-wing international anti-migrant sentiment firmly into the networks’ incursions into mainstream heart of the debate about Brexit. politics, typified by the election of The now revised TUC strategy is Donald Trump, Viktor Oban, Recep based firmly on the need for workplace Tayyip Erdogan and Boris Johnson. organising, political education and international solidarity. To achieve this, Winning workplace unity the TUC has identified three important The lack of a political narrative in the objectives. First, to build regional trade union movement has left many networks of workplace activists with the workers susceptible to this modern confidence to challenge far-right politics brand of nationalist and far-right politics. in workplaces and in the community. The ideology of “us and them” claimed Second, to develop and deliver political by the far-right rejects class politics and and organising educational materials replaces it with a horizontal division. for those in the regional networks, but Claiming to be the voice of workers, they which can also be used in workplaces. rail against the ruling class – not because Finally, to develop international links

10 TRADE UNION CO-ORDINATING GROUP John Gomez / Shutterstock.comJohn Gomez

UN anti-racism day protest in London, July 2016 and create a framework in which The objective will be to work with union workplace activists engage with their reps to develop an action plan that can colleagues and employers on this agenda politically educate the workers and across international borders. counter right-wing workplace narratives To date the TUC has developed a at company sites. trade union education course called There are no quick fixes to turn “Winning Workplace Unity” that has back the tide. The far-right has been been delivered in four regions. Plans organising for decades and has built are in place to build regional activist a highly sophisticated international networks that will be brought together in network using online strategies, think a series of online events to discuss ways tanks and into mainstream to successfully organise against right- political parties. They can be wing politics. The TUC is also developing defeated, but only if we are prepared a project with our German colleagues at to engage in the battle of ideas – to the German Trade Union Confederation show that by building solidarity (DGB) to bring union reps together, and fighting exploitation, not just initially from one or two companies nationally but internationally, we that operate in the UK and Germany. can build a better world.

FIGHTING RACISM AND FASCISM – BUILDING SOLIDARITY IN WORKPLACES AND COMMUNIITIES 11 The coronavirus, black communities and Black Lives Matter

The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS)

ZITA HOLBOURNE is the National Vice President of PCS MOHAMMED SHAFIQ is the Chair of the PCS National Black Members Committee

12 TRADE UNION CO-ORDINATING GROUP PCS he Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) is extremely proud of its diverse membership and we have Tbeen at the forefront of campaigns against racism and fascism. The coronavirus health pandemic and the Black Lives Matter (BLM) protests have exposed grotesque levels of racism and inequality. Before all the government reports and statistics were released, those Zita Holbourne of us who are black knew we were PCS disproportionately dying from and contracting coronavirus. All around us members of our community were dying. For some, it was the painful experience of losing someone close, and most of us have experienced someone we know who has died. There have now been reports published by the Office for National Statistics and Public Health England that reveal black people are more than four times more likely than white Mohammed Shafiq people of the same age to die from coronavirus. We are most at risk due to socio-economic issues, including pandemic but their pay and terms and discrimination, injustice and poverty. conditions do not fairly reflect this. We are more likely to be employed in There has been much said about precarious jobs and be on the front black workers dying because of health line as key workers without adequate conditions – this is a negative narrative protection or safety, including which seeks to blame black people personal protective equipment (PPE). for dying and which stereotypes This is a problem that everyone at black people as being the problem. PCS has been acutely aware of when Many of the health conditions black it comes to the impact on cleaners, people may experience are linked to security guards and catering staff, who historical discrimination and injustice are, again, disproportionately black, over decades and can be further women and migrants. Outsourced compounded by barriers to accessing workers have played a pivotal role in health services. keeping the country going during the We have just gone through a decade

FIGHTING RACISM AND FASCISM – BUILDING SOLIDARITY IN WORKPLACES AND COMMUNIITIES 13 Andy Aitchison

PCS members at the People’s Assembly demonstration in London, July 2016

of austerity and cuts that have impacted that the legacies of colonialism and disproportionately on black workers, enslavements are being debated again. service users and communities. In 2010 This includes the symbols of those we founded Black Activists Rising Against legacies in the form of statues, place Cuts (BARAC) UK and never imagined names and more, which glorify the abuse, that, after a decade of fighting relentless torture and murder of our ancestors. cuts, discrimination and injustice, we Here in the UK, we have heard some would be marking its 10th anniversary. ask why people here are demonstrating During the coronavirus pandemic, after the death of George Floyd. Those we saw yet another black man murdered who ask this question fail to recognise by the police in the USA, played out on the many deaths at the hands of the screens around the world. For many state and other racist murders here of our community watching, this was in the UK that have angered the black triggering and not everyone was able community. to watch the hugely traumatising video. PCS has a proud history of supporting The death of George Floyd saw black and family justice campaigns by offering white communities take to the streets to practical and moral support. These express their anger, in the USA initially, include Stephen Lawrence, Jay Abatan, and then globally. Mark Duggan, Sean Rigg and Sarah Reed, The BLM protests have also meant among others.

14 TRADE UNION CO-ORDINATING GROUP The backdrop to all of this is decades Some believe the time we are in of institutional and systemic racism. is a turning point for race relations, Black communities are now living in but it can only be one if we are all an environment that is seeing the rise accountable and we all take action. of the far-right, as well as continued This involves supporting young people everyday racism, micro-aggressions, who are campaigning for change. Trade discrimination in the labour market unions and the labour movement must including recruitment, appraisal, also address barriers, discrimination promotion and progression and also in and under-representation in our own education and public service provision. movement, and ensure that we put We cannot forget the unjust, the pressure needed on employers, inhumane and horrendous treatment institutions and the government. of the Windrush generation and their White people are needed as allies descendants. Disgracefully, that injustice to support and bring solidarity to the continues; the vast majority of those struggle, but they must not control or lead affected have not been compensated for the discourse on what happens and how it having their lives torn apart, with some happens. Our movement must recognise made destitute or homeless and others that black people are going through pain who have died with no compensation and trauma right now and their voices and no justice. must be heard first and foremost. This is why black people, especially While black people must be allowed the young, are angry and have taken to to lead our movements against racism, the streets. The truth is our children’s there is much our white comrades generation should not have to go out can do to support us. When racism and fight racism when we have spent is witnessed it needs to be called a lifetime doing this already – as did out – the person on the receiving end our parents before us, many of whom should not have that battle alone. arrived on British shores from the White comrades can and should speak Caribbean, Asian and African continents out. Silence in the face of racism and and were greeted by disgusting racist fascism empowers and emboldens chants and signs. those with abhorrent views. Institutions and businesses are now Black lives matter not just when declaring in mission statements and one of us dies because of a racist messages to customers that black lives attack – black lives matter every day. matter, but words are empty if they are Declaring that you are anti-racist is not not followed up by actions that eradicate enough; you must support race equality racism. and give practical, not just symbolic, We have called on our employers to solidarity. overhaul discriminatory HR policies and to acknowledge and address the legacies We use the term black in the political sense to of slavery and colonialism that allow encompass those who are from the African and institutional racism to thrive. Asian diasporas.

FIGHTING RACISM AND FASCISM – BUILDING SOLIDARITY IN WORKPLACES AND COMMUNIITIES 15 The firefighting family is international, our class is international and our struggle is international

The (FBU)

RICCARDO LA TORRE is the Eastern Regional Secretary of the FBU

16 TRADE UNION CO-ORDINATING GROUP Jess Hurd t is said by firefighters across the world that the “firefighting family” is international and it Iis this sentiment that we in the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) strive to carry with us in our internationalist work. As workers and as trade unionists we have an understanding that our class, and therefore our struggle, crosses all borders. This is the foundation on which we organise our activity and purpose in opposing the divisive message of the far- right in our workplaces and beyond. The day job of FBU members, firefighters and control staff, is a humanitarian one. When we consider this humanitarian role alongside the internationalist values of the FBU and our role as rescuers, it has naturally put the migrant crisis and the lives being lost in the FBU members solidarity protest outside the Italian Mediterranean Sea into sharp Embassy in London, May 2019 focus – in particular, the need to combat attempts by the far-right to use the crisis to build their We are all too familiar with the true activity and propaganda. causes and culprits in our struggles in The far-right in Italy and across our unions and workplaces – neo-liberal Europe scapegoat the women, men economic policies and the bosses and and children who are dying at sea and politicians who deliver them. try to block their rescue. They use the So who do we have more in common same divisive arguments we have seen with? The bosses and their right-wing throughout history – racist arguments nationalist servants trying to deflect focusing on unemployment, failing from the real cause of our exploitation services and culture; arguments that as workers, or the working people dying trade unionists already know to be false. in the Med and those persecuted for

FIGHTING RACISM AND FASCISM – BUILDING SOLIDARITY IN WORKPLACES AND COMMUNIITIES 17 Jess Hurd

FBU solidarity trip to refugee camps in northern France, December 2019

trying to help them? The answer to this off the coast because they had their question was made much clearer to FBU request to land in an Italian port members by the stories of two fellow denied. The Italian government at firefighters – Brendan Woodhouse and the time indicated it would take legal Miguel Roldan – and it is the experiences action against the charity workers of these two rescuers that have helped for “aiding illegal immigration”. After us to continue our anti-racist, anti-far- 10 days the authorities allowed the right and anti-fascist activity in the FBU. crew to dock following widespread Brendan is a firefighter and FBU condemnation, including an member from Nottinghamshire who intervention from the FBU’s general regularly uses his holiday leave to help secretary, Matt Wrack. with migrant rescue operations in the Miguel, a firefighter from Seville, Mediterranean, in often dangerous wasn’t so lucky. His crew on the rescue conditions, with a group called Sea boat Luventa are still under investigation Watch. On 19 January 2019 the group at the time of this article and face up to rescued 47 people but were held 20 years in prison for the of saving

18 TRADE UNION CO-ORDINATING GROUP lives. FBU members related to these understanding that solidarity, class- situations immediately. A rescue worker, consciousness and education are like them, is being persecuted for saving central to tackling the hatred promoted other working people, like them, and it by the far-right, the FBU launched its was clear throughout with whom the far- first solidarity and education trip to right groups were aligning. refugee camps in Calais and Dunkirk. The union organised several Eleven firefighters from across the UK responses. First, we arranged a protest drove a fire engine full of supplies to in support of Miguel, which saw the Care4Calais warehouse in northern hundreds of firefighters gather outside France. FBU members took the much- the Italian embassy in London. Banners, needed supplies directly to the camps placards and speeches sent a clear and socialised, ate, danced and message to the then Italian minister played sports with the women, men and far-right politician, Matteo Salvini: and children there. Most importantly, “Saving lives isn’t a crime. Saving lives we heard their stories about their has no borders.” The demonstration struggles. succeeded in raising awareness of the Assisted by education sessions and cause, not just for the plight of Miguel briefings before, during and after the trip but also that of the migrants he rescues. focused on the stories of working people FBU members were pleased to see the in these camps, the truth about the protest covered in both local and Italian causes underpinning the migrant crisis press. and who is really responsible for our Building on this, as more members struggle, FBU members will now carry heard Miguel’s story and engaged with this knowledge back to workplaces and the campaign, we invited Miguel to the begin the grass-roots discussions needed FBU national conference in Blackpool, to pull apart the divisive messages of the where he addressed hundreds of far-right that are attempting to distract firefighters and control staff. He used workers from fighting the true causes of the opportunity to focus on the stories low pay, cuts and austerity. of the people he rescued and the cause Our aim is to arm FBU members with of those trying to reach Europe. Miguel the facts, experiences and tools at every received several standing ovations from fire station and control room in the UK. conference and his speech was followed Following the success of that first trip, by a fringe meeting where both Miguel the FBU executive council has agreed and Brendan spoke of their experiences, to continue and expand the project and as did a speaker from Care4Calais, further spread the message throughout a charity working with refugees in our movement – and more widely – that northern France. no human is illegal and solidarity should It was these events that perhaps never have borders. led to the biggest in our anti- The firefighting family is racist and internationalist activities. international. Our class is international. Inspired by all three speakers and Our struggle is international.

FIGHTING RACISM AND FASCISM – BUILDING SOLIDARITY IN WORKPLACES AND COMMUNIITIES 19 The march of the far-right in the penal system

The Professional Trades Union for Prison, Correctional and Secure Psychiatric Workers (POA)

COLIN MOSES is the former National Chair and an Honorary Life Member of the POA

20 TRADE UNION CO-ORDINATING GROUP POA he Professional Trades Union for Prison, Correctional and Secure Psychiatric Workers (POA) is the largest UK union Tin penal establishments, representing uniformed prison staff and those working in secure psychiatric care. However, it has not always been viewed by many in the labour movement as a “proper” trade union, more as a staff association. The POA is a union that has come under attack and been undermined by far-right groups that have infiltrated its membership. I joined the Prison Service in 1986, at a time when the right-wing views Colin Moses of many staff went unchallenged by management. There were those who racist bigotry. In the 1980s there were openly flaunted National Front badges not many BAME staff and in the majority and voiced support for racist views. of prisons there was none. Senior As a man of colour entering this management was a sea of white faces. world, I was welcomed by the majority of At the same time the prison staff but there was a hardcore element population was growing and this was who viewed me with suspicion and highlighted by more and more black and Asian men and women receiving custodial sentences. In the 1980s through to the 1990s the POA had Jess Hurd no BAME members on its national executive. Prisons have always been able to foster extreme views among inmates, whether it be the National Front, British National Party or other neo-nazi groups. These groups can flourish inside prisons if they are not strongly challenged by senior management. Prison officers should be the guardians of both the security and safety of those put in their charge. For them to hold extreme right-wing views is a massive danger to the stability of our Steve Gillan prisons.

FIGHTING RACISM AND FASCISM – BUILDING SOLIDARITY IN WORKPLACES AND COMMUNIITIES 21 Mike Dotta Mike

Prison officers should be the guardians of security and safety

The POA in the early 1990s challenged the publication of the Macpherson racist views and behaviour in the Prison Report, published in 1999 following Service. In 1993 the union expelled from the public inquiry into the racist its membership a leading neo-nazi who murder of Stephen Lawrence. The had been allowed by senior management report found there was institutional to promote his extreme views. In racism in the Metropolitan Police response the POA leadership came Service and this sent shock waves under attack by certain elements of the through the Prison Service’s membership and the union’s executive senior management. Many of the determined it would set up a race professional issues and competencies relations advisory committee consisting in the report on the Met could be of BAME members of staff. mirrored in the Prison Service. In 1996 I was elected to the national In 2006 there was another momentous executive committee of the union – the public inquiry, this time focused on first BAME member to be elected to such prisons. The focus of the inquiry was a post. the racist murder of Zahid Mubarek, an Through the late 1990s we saw a Asian teenage inmate at Feltham Young series of deaths in custody of black Offenders Institution in west London who inmates while they were restrained by was killed by his racist cellmate Robert staff and this led to a total overhaul Stewart. The published report highlighted of restraining hazards. The next the danger posed by far-right extremists ground-breaking moment came with such as Stewart.

22 TRADE UNION CO-ORDINATING GROUP Jess Hurd

POA members protest in London, March 2019

Today our prisons are breeding No one can accurately say how many grounds for extremists, and while prison staff belong to far-right groups. the media will often highlight Muslim What can be identified, with the arrival extremists, the spotlight should also be and growth of social media, is that more turned towards far-right recruitment. and more are expressing hard-right The Lammy Review, chaired by David views on different platforms. Lammy MP, focused on the criminal I was elected as national chair of the justice system and called for a series of POA in August 2002 and served in that reforms after finding overt discrimination position until May 2011. I am to date the and bias against BAME people in the only BAME member ever to be elected to system. The report highlighted the lead the POA. disproportionate numbers by stating: The current POA general secretary, “Despite making up just 14% of the Steve Gillan, and the present national population, BAME men and women make chair, Mark Fairhurst, have given their up 25% of prisoners.” support to Black Lives Matter, but As of January 2020, employment their statements have been greeted statistics for the Prison Service show that by personal attacks on social media 93.1% of prison officers in England and by those who claim to be members or Wales are white, 6.9% are Asian, black former members of the POA. and mixed race, and from 2015 to 2019 The battle against the far-right in BAME staff in the service increased from our penal system goes on and must 2.3% to 3.1%. be won.

FIGHTING RACISM AND FASCISM – BUILDING SOLIDARITY IN WORKPLACES AND COMMUNIITIES 23 There is no place in our organisations or society for the far-rıght

The Bakers and Allied Food Workers Union (BFAWU)

RONNIE DRAPER is the former General Secretary of BFAWU

24 TRADE UNION CO-ORDINATING GROUP Shirley Thomas Shirley he Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union (BFAWU) has a proud tradition of fighting the rise of the far-right; Twhether that’s speaking at public events, mobilising demonstrators or financially supporting campaigns to prevent this dangerous tide from taking hold within society. When the far-right became an internal issue for our union, the problem was magnified. More than a decade ago we were faced with such a problem on the eve of our annual conference in Bridlington. Like many trade unions, the BFAWU use part of the annual conference to present awards to individuals who have achieved over and above what would Ronnie Draper normally be expected of an activist. That particular year was no different – we were to present an organising confiscate her delegate pass to prevent award to a young woman who had her from attending the rest of the done a fantastic job of recruiting many conference. She was told of the decision members in the East Midlands. Our and after a heated tirade of expletives executive and national officers were she left the town, taking another two of going to make a big thing of this brilliant her branch members with her. success – until the bomb dropped. After further consideration, the The then general secretary and executive decided to revoke her myself were approached by two of membership because it was in direct our full-time officials, one Asian and breach of our rules, but before this the other from the West Indies, who action was taken, she told us she was complained that they had been having resigning. Job done, we thought, but a drink with the award recipient when that was just the start of the problem. she had confessed that she was a A few weeks later we were told member of the British National Party she had lodged a complaint at an (BNP). The atmosphere became toxic employment tribunal, citing the union and anger threatened to boil over if we as having unfairly expelled her and that did not act quickly. we were preventing her from supporting Despite the time of night, we called members of the branch. At the time our national executive members together this was standard practice for the BNP, to consider the options. The initial as they would infiltrate a trade union, decision was to withdraw the award and get expelled and then try to win a few

FIGHTING RACISM AND FASCISM – BUILDING SOLIDARITY IN WORKPLACES AND COMMUNIITIES 25 pounds for their fighting fund. defending our union’s policy of fighting The question of whether to defend the far-right was worth the cost. The day the claim was never in doubt and we started off badly when we discovered instructed Thompsons Solicitors to our own branch secretary was to give engage a barrister to take this BNP evidence on behalf of the BNP member, member on to the best of our abilities. despite being a member of the Pakistani Meanwhile, this young woman tried community. As it turned out, he was to lead all the members of the branch the best witness we could have called, out of the BFAWU and into another giving what turned out to be disastrous union and, by doing so, she again answers to the most skilful barrister I breached our rules. However, she totally have ever entered court with. underestimated the strong links between We were daring to dream that we the GMB, and us. Both could, against all the odds, defeat the unions contacted our head office to tell BNP in a courtroom. We wanted to lay us what she was trying to do. down a marker for other trade unions to On the day of the tribunal we use as an example and we also wanted expected it was going to be a difficult to send out a very strong message to our case to win, although the principle of own branches that we would not tolerate istockphoto.com

Justice was delivered in the BFAWU case

26 TRADE UNION CO-ORDINATING GROUP Bogdan Sonjachnyi

The far-right are a problem for all of us any BNP infiltration into our ranks. discredited and racist BNP. The final and mortal wound to I have witnessed many great victories the BNP case was when a colleague, for both my own union and the wider now a very senior officer in the GMB, trade union and labour movement, but gave invaluable evidence that he had this success will always have a special been approached by our ex-member place in my memory. The insults, the attempting to transfer an entire intimidation, the sleepless nights had workforce into the GMB after already all been worth it just to see the look on being refused by Unite. This meant that the faces of the vanquished – and, if I we could demonstrate, irrespective of remember correctly, the beer tasted the reasons for expulsion argued by the better that night. BNP member’s legal representative, that Whatever guise the far-right adopt, this individual had flagrantly breached a whether it be the BNP, National number of BFAWU rules and threatened Front or or the English the very constitution of our union. Defence League or others, the BFAWU After much deliberation and nervous is committed to standing shoulder waiting, the unanimous decision of the to shoulder with our comrades in the tribunal panel was that our union had rest of the trade union movement in acted reasonably, and the tribunal found shouting loud and clear that there is no in our favour – to the utter dismay of our place in our organisations or society for ex-member and those supporting the the far-right.

FIGHTING RACISM AND FASCISM – BUILDING SOLIDARITY IN WORKPLACES AND COMMUNIITIES 27 Unity is strength

The of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT)

28 TRADE UNION CO-ORDINATING GROUP he RMT pamphlet “Unity The committee has led the way in Diversity” highlights the in the struggle against institutional struggles waged by BAME racism, including public campaigns workers, both against the highlighting deaths in police custody Tbosses and in the union and trade (supporting INQUEST and the United union movement. Written by SI Martin, Friends and Family Campaign) and who specialises in black history and the disproportionate conviction rates literature, it observes that: “The earliest of black youths (supporting Joint connections between British organised Enterprise: Not Guilty by Association – labour and workers of colour were JENGbA). More than 700 prisoners have forged during the 18th century during been convicted using the joint enterprise the movement for the abolition of the law that has been determined by the slave trade” and goes on to give an Supreme Court as wrongly interpreted insight into those struggles, including for 30 years. how the working class elements of the Solidarity has also been offered to Chartist movement were maligned by grass-roots groups, including Stop Our government and the press for having Kids Being Killed On Our Streets and black and Irish workers as leaders, and the 4Front Project. Joint meetings with how, as well as fighting side by side representatives from all these groups against injustices, there were instances of and the RMT’s black and ethnic minority trade unions supporting discrimination members’ advisory committee have and even being complicit in injustices. discussed the ways we can work together These experiences were not unique to provide support. The committee has to RMT and led to the establishment led the way in pushing for reparations of BAME structures within unions. for atrocities committed during trans- “Unity in Diversity” was published to Atlantic enslavement, which includes commemorate the establishment of yearly conferences and events at the the RMT’s black and ethnic minority TUC. members’ advisory committee more The Windrush scandal and the than 25 years ago. propelling of the Black Lives Matter There is not enough space to do campaign to a mass global movement justice to the work of that committee, for change in response to the brutal but it has gone from strength to strength murder of George Floyd has resulted in and continues to grow. From the outset, an increased awareness of arguments it campaigned against the progression of for reparations and the need to rectify far-right politics. At the first conference historical injustices. However, the many in 1994, against the backdrop of Tower injustices of today, including continuing Hamlets electing a BNP councillor, police brutality and the failure to take members urged the union to campaign meaningful action to address the against the BNP and to change the rules disproportionate rate of covid-19 deaths of the union to prevent proponents of among BAME frontline workers, including racist views from joining. transport key workers and communities,

FIGHTING RACISM AND FASCISM – BUILDING SOLIDARITY IN WORKPLACES AND COMMUNIITIES 29 must also be addressed. Along with and abroad. The brutal police murder many trade unions, RMT has issued a by asphyxiation of unarmed black man statement in support of the Black Lives George Floyd has rightly sent shock Matter campaign. waves of revulsion around the world – Mick Cash, RMT general secretary, with rallying cries of ‘I Can’t Breathe’ and RMT president, Michelle Rodgers, and ‘Black Lives Matter’ showing there said: “George Floyd’s death is an needs to be a complete overhaul in indictment of entrenched racism within tackling endemic racism and oppression state forces. Racism has always and in society. continues to inflict injustices on the “An injustice here has seen transport black communities, not only in the US worker Belly Mujinga’s family failed when but also globally and in the UK. Now is the police authorities decided to close not the time for silence – we must shout the criminal investigation into her case our anger in the call for justice. The state after a spitting offence may have led to must not be a tool for the expression of her coronavirus-related death. racism and hatred. As trade unionists we “All of us in RMT send our deepest stand united against state racism. No to condolences to both sets of families silence, no to police brutality. Justice for and everyone who has suffered a all. Unity is strength.” consequential loss through either the Glen Hart, chair of the RMT’s black inaction or injustices meted out by police and ethnic minority advisory committee, authorities. said: “RMT union sends solidarity to “The politicians have failed us all. all people fighting for justice at home While we continue to resist a global

30 TRADE UNION CO-ORDINATING GROUP pandemic, right-wing governments and abuse. They wore yellow vests in an their leaders continue their hostilities attempt to hijack the French “gilets towards workers and their families. jaunes” movement and some were “The fight for social justice is central wearing EDL, Tommy Robinson and to our demands. RMT union has a proud Democratic Football Lads merchandise. history of standing up against systemic There was a magnificent response racism and prejudices when protecting from the trade union and anti-fascist all workers. movement, with solidarity protests the “We will not allow racial injustice to following weekends in support of RMT segregate our battle. We say ‘Black Lives members. Matter’ because, while it should be stating RMT has continued to support the obvious, it patently isn’t. Without anti-fascist organisations such as Trade justice, there can be no peace.” Union Friends of Searchlight and Stand up to Racism and we believe there The far-right response needs to be maximum possible unity On the streets of London recently we between all the anti-racist and anti- saw the far-right mobilising, rioting fascist organisations. and seeking to confront the Black Lives RMT has also been seeking to assist Matter movement. This is the same the Trade Union Co-ordinating Group far-right which, under different guises, (TUCG) in developing a trade union has in recent years stepped up its response to the far-right. Key to this is activity, from outright terrorism to street education, and the union has already violence and political activity, including developed anti-fascism training, with the involvement in UKIP and the Tory party. TUC’s Wilf Sullivan and former MP Laura That renewed brutality was all too Pidcock making fantastic contributions. evident in 2018 when RMT activists and As part of developing the trade officials were attacked by fascists after union response, Glen Hart at the 2019 attending a counter-protest against the TUC Congress called for a trade union far-right and the founder of the English conference to help shape our collective Defence League (EDL), Tommy Robinson. strategy, and this pamphlet is an RMT members and supporters were important contribution to current and injured when they were forced to defend future trade union activity. themselves and vulnerable anti-fascist Fascists and racists are the opposite protestors. of everything we stand for. Despite this attack, RMT, as part of As organised labour we have a the wider trade union movement, has responsibility – and are in a unique a renewed determination to support position in our workplaces and anti-fascist mobilisations and defend our communities – to be part of and amplify communities from the fascist threat. the fight for equality and justice for Again, in January 2019, far-right all, regardless of race, gender, faith or protesters abused an RMT picket line sexuality. in Manchester and shouted vile racist Unity is strength.

FIGHTING RACISM AND FASCISM – BUILDING SOLIDARITY IN WORKPLACES AND COMMUNIITIES 31 The murder of Blair Peach, a teacher who died fighting racism

The (NEU)

KIRI TUNKS is a National Officer for the NEU

32 TRADE UNION CO-ORDINATING GROUP n 1979, special needs teacher Blair slogan a few years ago, in the conscious Peach was killed by six members decision of , both as home the Metropolitan Police as he secretary and prime minister, to create attended an anti-racist march a hostile environment for migrants Iagainst the National Front. and refugees and in Boris Johnson’s Blair was a Tower Hamlets National comments about letter boxes and bank Union of Teachers (NUT) officer and an robbers. activist whose commitment to equality Many of our political leaders have and justice had brought him across normalised and legitimised racism, so London to march in solidarity with the it falls to us to put things straight. This community of against the rising is important work that must be done racism and fascism of the times. in a holistic way and it is work the NEU His murder still casts a shadow 40 takes very seriously. years later. His killers have never been We have an annual award in Blair brought to justice. Tragically, almost 14 Peach’s name which recognises work years to the day of Blair Peach’s death, done by our members in promoting Stephen Lawrence was murdered by equalities work in schools and colleges. racist thugs at a bus stop. There has, This award can be won for any equalities eventually, been some justice there. work, recognising that, although Blair Sadly, these killings are just two of many died fighting racism, he was a committed caused by the cancer of racism. equalities campaigner. Blair Peach is a role model and As a union, we believe our members inspiration for members of the National have a vital role to play in developing Education Union (NEU). We take pride a broad, rich, global curriculum. As a in the fact that our union, and our union, we are campaigning for a school predecessor unions the NUT and the ATL, system that centres on the needs have long taken up the cause of anti- of our young people. We know the racism in a proactive and public way. current system is too narrow and too We understand racism is an evil constrained, top-heavy with tests and which must be challenged at every turn; under-resourced in people, funding and we know it blights the lives of many of time. The introduction of zero-tolerance our members and the young people we behaviour systems often fails to take teach. We want to live in a society that into account different cultural practices values and respects all its members. or enforces a set of Eurocentric values Racism is growing, with an increase relating to appearance and language. in anti-migrant, anti-semitic and Despite that, our members are Islamophobic attacks. We have seen the striving to make space for teaching and rise of racism in the politics of the United learning that celebrates the glorious Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) and diversity of our communities and our fringe political movements. We have also collective history. We support the seen it in the mainstream, in Labour’s celebration of black history month, but mugs branded with an anti-immigrant it must be more than a one-off assembly

FIGHTING RACISM AND FASCISM – BUILDING SOLIDARITY IN WORKPLACES AND COMMUNIITIES 33 about Nelson Mandela or Rosa Parks, is working with No More Exclusions, a heroes though they are. Black history is lay-led initiative set up to challenge the everyone’s history and we sell ourselves growing number of children who are and our children short if we don’t make it excluded or “off-rolled” – a recent report part of our core curriculum. puts the figure as high as one in 10 pupils. NEU activists are working on It’s not just students who face initiatives to “decolonise” the curriculum discrimination. Research shows that and workshops on black history and education staff from black and minority culture are a regular feature of union ethnic communities are generally lower conferences around the country. We have paid, less likely to be hired or promoted, guidance and member-created teaching and more likely to be singled out for resources about refugees and migrants capability procedures or redundancy. on the NEU website. On top of that, they report routine But it’s not just the curriculum that micro-aggressions that alienate must be challenged. Like society in and discriminate against them. The general, the school system too often percentage of BME students in the UK discriminates against children from is 28%; the percentage of BME teachers black or minority ethnic communities, is 16%. These are serious questions for who are disproportionately disciplined, any trade union to address and we are marginalised and excluded. The NEU working to identify these trends where NEU

Stand up to racism demonstration in London, March 2019

34 TRADE UNION CO-ORDINATING GROUP Sergey Hramov

Let’s wipe out racism in schools they happen and to tackle them as a is to increase the engagement and collective. involvement of our black members. This is why the NEU is developing Because we understand we are an anti-racist workplace charter which one small pond in a bigger sea, we models good practices and behaviours absolutely prioritise the work of fighting for schools relating to the curriculum, racism in wider society. Our members pastoral systems and employment are actively involved in every region in practices. Schools that are serious about events and initiatives that challenge challenging the rising racism in our bigotry and hate. This may be part of society must be prepared to tackle it in an organised Stand up to Racism event, their own institutions. it may be canvassing against racist A union that is making demands parties in elections, it may be supporting of employers must be prepared to ask campaigns by . We have the same hard questions of its own also taken the decision to establish a organisation. The NEU has taken some political fund which enables us to spend steps but we know that there is further money campaigning against racism and to go. We have a reserved seat on our fascism during elections. executive which represents members Like our brother Blair Peach, we registered as BME. We organise an understand educators have a vital role annual residential black educators in standing up against what is wrong conference, which was started 26 and in putting things right. Racism and years ago by the NUT. We have a black fascism must be fought in society, but it educators organising forum, made must be fought in our workplaces and up of regional reps whose purpose our unions too.

FIGHTING RACISM AND FASCISM – BUILDING SOLIDARITY IN WORKPLACES AND COMMUNIITIES 35 Normalising racism: fighting the culture of racist reviews

Equity is the UK trade union for creative practitioners

IAN MANBORDE is Equity’s Equality and Diversity Organiser

36 TRADE UNION CO-ORDINATING GROUP Equity t the time of writing this article it is with great sadness that Equity has learnt of the passing away of long-standing Amember Earl Cameron. In recognition of his pioneering role as the UK’s first black film star, Earl was awarded life membership of Equity. In an interview with The Guardian in 2017, Earl acknowledged a key struggle in building his career: “Unless it was specified that this was a part for a black actor, they would never consider a black actor for the part. And they would never consider changing a white part to a black part. So that was my problem. Maureen Beattie I got mostly small parts, and that was extremely frustrating – not just for me but for other black actors. We had a very (BME) members having the opportunity hard time getting worthwhile roles.” to build and maintain viable careers. Tragically, this situation remains The prevailing, chronic bias is reflected across the UK entertainment industry as in recent research conducted by Equity a key barrier to black and minority ethnic that showed the shockingly low levels of diverse representation and portrayal across mainstream TV. The UK’s entertainment industry Equity reflects one where historic struggles remain, and this is reflected in the union’s agenda of fighting systemic racism and oppression. The discrimination experienced by the union’s BME membership manifests itself in a myriad of ways. As evidenced by Equity’s own research, and reflected in Earl’s quote, it can be that BME members are only considered for casting in a limited number of stereotypical roles – for example, as criminals, cleaners, bus drivers or dancers. Along this wide, complex spectrum sits another form of racism, and one Emmanuel Kojo which is just as damaging and virulent

FIGHTING RACISM AND FASCISM – BUILDING SOLIDARITY IN WORKPLACES AND COMMUNIITIES 37 Liu Zishan

Equity launches new campaign against racist critics

– the racist review. While the body of pure and simple. Sometimes unconscious, theatre, film and TV critics include many but sometimes not.” who are able to comment constructively In a wide political sense, the and thoughtfully on the cultural and entertainment industry, at its best, can artistic integrity of a production, there challenge the prevailing consensus and at are those who are openly hostile to the the very least establish fairness in the way appearance of BME members in roles that contemporary and historical society they are deemed not to fit. is portrayed across its various mediums. As Equity embarks on a national Equity applauds the bold decisions campaign against racist reviews, it is often made in the industry to push the valuable to quote the union’s president, boundaries of tradition and provide BME Maureen Beattie, to underline how grave actors and performers with access to a matter we face and how seriously non-traditional roles. What the union the union takes this work: “You can cannot and will not accept is the racist, argue all you like about a simple lack of belligerent cohort of critics who seek to imagination. It’s true that watching and fight this incremental transition towards listening to drama in theatre, or on film, fair, creative casting practices. or television or radio, requires a leap of Our campaign will confront those faith: the famous ‘suspension of disbelief’. who, quite literally, seek to push BME But this is much more serious than a lack workers into what they consider their of imagination. In my view this is racism – rightful, stereotypical place on stage and

38 TRADE UNION CO-ORDINATING GROUP Matusciac Alexandru

Putting the spotlight on racism screen. At stake is not just the ability of discussion and most times without Equity members to have equal access to interrogating the racism? successful, sustainable careers but the “If an actor of colour plays a role opportunity also for young BME people that’s traditionally played by a white to see their lives and ambitions reflected actor, the colour of their skin most of the accurately in what they view or listen to. time becomes the centre of the review, Our campaign will seek to establish a rather than their portrayal of a character. set of ethical standards for use by critics That is exhausting. We have to remember and reviewers which will allow for free we create make-believe, we create art reign in commenting on all measures of a and that art should reflect the world production’s artistic merit and establish we’re living in.” clear red lines on what constitutes The momentum of the Black Lives racism and racist commentary. Matter movement coupled with the The Equity campaign is led by challenges facing the entertainment Emmanuel Kojo, an actor who has industry as it moves out of the period experienced racist reviews of his work of lockdown both substantiate the and he has said: “I have yet to come acute need for this campaign and its across a review that mentions the colour role as a means to modernise a part of of a white actor’s skin, so is that to say the UK economy which has a tradition white is the default and everything else of normalising racism, bias and is a cause for constant mention and discrimination.

FIGHTING RACISM AND FASCISM – BUILDING SOLIDARITY IN WORKPLACES AND COMMUNIITIES 39 Racism in sport – why we need to stand together

NAPO is the trade union for probation and family court staff

IAN LAWRENCE is the General Secretary of NAPO

40 TRADE UNION CO-ORDINATING GROUP SRTRC

The goal is to eradicate racism

istory, past and whole playing and management squad contemporary, is littered with forcing the Union of European Football examples of racist comments Associations officials to belatedly enact and actions at sporting the anti-racist protocols. Hevents. In the past few years we have seen On the night, it was great to witness footballers Raheem Sterling and Romelu a mob of fascists being ejected from Lukaku suffer abuse during matches in the stadium and (from my personal England and Italy, and the targeting of perspective) an England victory other sportspeople such as tennis star by a country mile! Yet, despite the Serena Williams, who was subjected to intervention, the problem did not a disgraceful misogynist and racially totally vanish and the impotence of the motivated character slur after a major security and police to root out the other tournament. Some of these incidents are individuals responsible told a sorry story. blatant, some less so – with the latter often being waved away as nothing Racism becomes fashionable more than “humorous” banter following again moments of controversy in which the As a child of the 1960s growing up in victim has been involved. Neither South London, it did not take long for me example is ever acceptable. to recognise that my dual British/Asian In 2019 we saw the appalling and heritage was going to be the first thing highly sinister pro-fascist demonstrations to be thrown against me when it suited at the Bulgaria v England fixture in the my tormentors. Whether that racism European men’s football championship. took place on the impoverished council This, accompanied by a cacophony of estate where I was brought up or the racist chanting and abusive comments supposedly “colour is no object” Catholic towards BAME players, led to England schools I attended, it was a regular and manager and the highly debilitating experience.

FIGHTING RACISM AND FASCISM – BUILDING SOLIDARITY IN WORKPLACES AND COMMUNIITIES 41 We can tackle racism together

It was the same picture on the football conduit through which the forces of evil terraces I frequented during much of the can freely peddle their warped ideology, 1970s and the early 1980s, with whole especially in relation to sport. stadiums regularly showering racist abuse The inertia of social media companies (and fruit) on the relatively few black in tackling this insidious trend beggars footballers who had overcome their own belief and it is small wonder that we massive hurdles to make it to that level. are seeing the return of behaviour that Fast-forward four decades and, while BAME people of my generation thought levels of racism in British football and was consigned to history. One shocking across wider UK society are not of the example at a recent Show Racism the magnitude of yesteryear, the problem is Red Card (SRTRC) fringe meeting at still lurking and is increasingly rearing its Napo’s annual conference was a film of ugly head. pre-school-aged children singing and clapping to a racist chant as if it were The platform of social media some innocent nursery rhyme. The exponential rise in the use of social Of course, our children are not born media has been a powerful force for racist. It is the impressions bestowed on good, often exposing the perpetrators them by their parents, who were often of hate and assisting in bringing themselves raised in such circumstances them to justice. Yet, as we depressingly and who believe the daily diet of

SRTRC see on a daily basis, it has also become a scaremongering and the deeds and

42 TRADE UNION CO-ORDINATING GROUP words of right-wing politicians here and at a SRTRC event at my beloved Millwall across the Atlantic. All of this gives a Football Club. This is an institution which pretty big clue as to why racism and hate is still stigmatised by the undoubtedly crime are burgeoning. racist history that once blighted its past, but which is now an award-winning How trade unionists can do recipient for its ground-breaking work something with, and on behalf of, its community. The questions surrounding how the Here I was able to join in an event governing authorities in football, both that saw nearly 100 young students from here and in the rest of Europe, should local schools take part in workshops and act against the type of racism plaguing tutorial sessions and engage with players that particular sport need meaningful and community activists to examine the answers and actions. The events in root causes and effects of racism and all Bulgaria last October may mark a forms of hate crime. significant turning point, but perhaps It was an inspirational event, showing some nations who cannot comply with how our involvement with initiatives the rules should simply be banned such as these can demonstrate ways outright from competing. for adults to set the right example, and It’s at grass-roots level that trade how we can bring our values and life unionists can help bring about an experiences to future generations in immediate change in attitudes among calling out the disease known as racism, impressionable young people. and the underlying behaviours that Last year I was privileged to speak cause it to thrive. Matimix

Let’s kick racism out of football

FIGHTING RACISM AND FASCISM – BUILDING SOLIDARITY IN WORKPLACES AND COMMUNIITIES 43 The refugee crisis of Europe

The United Road Transport Union (URTU)

JAMES BOWER is the URTU’s Communications Manager

44 TRADE UNION CO-ORDINATING GROUP he refugee crisis of Europe, union movement. All people have the which reached a peak in 2015, right to safety, economic security, is the continent’s greatest religious and political freedom, humanitarian issue of our and access to health and education Tgeneration. More than a million migrants facilities in a society which protects and refugees crossed into Europe in those freedoms. 2015, the largest movement of people It is as important today as ever that Europeans have seen since the end of the we challenge anti-migrant rhetoric. second world war. Most were attempting We have seen far-right and nationalist to flee war, poverty, persecution, movements make electoral gains in violence, drought and destitution in many countries in the EU. They have Africa and the Middle East. done this partly by promising to Our union’s involvement in the crack down on migration – to punish crisis developed from the plight of refugees for daring to ask for shelter refugees trapped in Calais, unable to from disasters that are partly caused by reach the UK through any safe or legal European border policies. route. The French and British policies The refugee crisis hasn’t gone away. of discouraging irregular migrants There are still currently more than from attempting to cross the channel 1,200 refugees and migrants camping in led to a growing spectacle of mass northern France, roughly 700 of whom destitution. are in Calais, and we need to continue Many of our members, as to challenge the way the plight of professional lorry drivers, were these refugees is portrayed. We need to confronted by the desperation of the challenge those who stoke hostility and refugees and economic migrants in misunderstanding. Refugees are not a Calais and there were a number of threat to our way of living. serious incidents. They experienced first- Nobody chooses to become a hand the terrifying tactics of desperate refugee and we should be setting an people seeking to utilise trucks in an example by providing a safe haven for effort to break free from the “Calais people fleeing from war and conflict. Jungle”, a makeshift encampment where We need to show compassion up to an estimated 6,000 migrants were and humanity – we need to give living. vulnerable people a chance to live in As well as supporting our members safety and rebuild their lives. travelling through Calais, we were fully Refugees are an asset to our aware of the importance of challenging society and economy. The trade any anti-migrant rhetoric developing as union movement must continue a result of the refugee crisis in northern to play an instrumental role by France and across the EU. delivering significant assistance and Uniting people and collectively support to refugees, and promoting assisting those in urgent need are part their integration into society and the of the founding principles of the trade labour market.

FIGHTING RACISM AND FASCISM – BUILDING SOLIDARITY IN WORKPLACES AND COMMUNIITIES 45 Fighting the far-right – campaigning and modelling best practice

The University and College Union (UCU)

CHRISTOPHER NICHOLAS is ​an ​Equality Support Official at UCU

46 TRADE UNION CO-ORDINATING GROUP Rhiannon Lockley he University and College Union (UCU) is delighted to contribute to Tthis trade union booklet about fighting the far- right. Here we look at how UCU challenges the far-right in terms of union membership, campaigning initiatives and the work of our black members’ standing committee (BMSC). As a membership organisation, we have a zero-tolerance policy towards racism and views which are antithetical to our core values. UCU rules state that the union “will refuse membership to, or expel from existing membership, any person who is a known member or activist of any extreme Chris​topher Nicholas right-wing political organisation … where the organisation’s aims, objectives and service union, , the then private principles are contrary to those of UCU”. sector union, , the National Also: “An individual may be refused Union of Students, Bath University membership on conduct grounds, Students’ Union and the national anti- including for the avoidance of doubt, any fascist campaign activity within a whose to mount a campaign to prevent Nick objects encourage, or are perceived to Griffin, then leader of the fascist British encourage, discrimination on grounds of National Party, from being allowed to race, ethnic or national origin or colour.” speak at the university on the grounds As a campaigning political force, we that fascist politics pose a danger to the have been, and continue to be, active diversity of students and staff alike. in challenging the far-right wherever Last year we supported protests and whenever it appears. In 2007 UCU at the University of London’s School successfully worked with the public of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS)

FIGHTING RACISM AND FASCISM – BUILDING SOLIDARITY IN WORKPLACES AND COMMUNIITIES 47 UCU Islamophobic, misogynistic and anti-semitic comments. In March 2019, as part of our response to these events, UCU embarked on a speaking tour of campuses organised jointly with Stand Up To Racism with the union being represented by our vice president Nita Sanghera. Nita sadly passed away on 16 January 2020 and is remembered for the energy and commitment she brought to fighting racism and fascism in our colleges and universities and in the wider community. Nita Sanghera was a driving force behind much of the union’s work in this area and she is greatly missed by staff and members and her sisters and Nita Sanghera brothers on UCU’s black members’ standing committee.

regarding an academic with affiliations UCU black members’ standing to the Alternative for Germany (AfD). UCU committee took the view that AfD was an extreme The UCU’s BMSC is engaged in ensuring right-wing, racist, anti-immigration party that the voice of the union’s black that had no place on UK campuses. members is both heard and reflected We have found that it is important in terms of visibility and reach. The when combating far-right activists on committee has developed a week of campus to organise joint staff/students action against workplace racism, which campaigns. Similar and successful is now in its fifth year. In 2015 UCU campaigns have taken place at Exeter, surveyed its black members to chronicle Newcastle, Dundee, Bristol and many their experiences of working in post- others. school education. Respondents were Equally troubling is the growing asked to consider a list of scenarios number of incidents across colleges at work and rate a set of associated and campuses with increasingly bold statements based on their own displays of allegiance to far-right politics, professional experiences, including often under the umbrella of Generation progression and promotion. They were Identity (GI). Abusive “stunts” have taken asked if they had been bullied or felt place at “white T-shirt socials” where they were included or excluded from students write messages containing decision-making processes, and whether

48 TRADE UNION CO-ORDINATING GROUP they had been subject to cultural l Have you experienced racism at insensitivity. Finally, they were asked your workplace? If so, in what form? what they thought would be the most effective measures to combat racism in l What steps have you taken the workplace. to challenge racist behaviours and One of the key resources produced attitudes? for UCU branches to take forward this work is the UCU film, Witness. Branches l Have you raised an issue of racism are encouraged to screen the film to at work? How was it addressed? members and colleagues. The resources accompanying the film l To what extent have you involved include audience questions for branch/ your branch in helping to address racism members, such as: at work?

l Contributors spoke of feeling their How does this work fit into our ethnicity plays a part in how they are fight against the far-right? treated at work. Is this something that UCU is committed to ensuring that it you recognise or understand? is on the front foot when it comes to challenging all manifestations of racism l Some contributors said that and the far-right. The work, driven by our naming racism as an experience often black members, is intended to prompt a ends up with them being described as form of political engagement that helps having a chip on their shoulder. What are branches and members to recognise your feelings on this? unacceptable behaviours. The union’s week of action l Micro-aggressions are described in against workplace racism and its the film as “death by a thousand cuts”. Is accompanying resources form part this an idea with which you are familiar? of UCU’s wider picture when it comes to fighting the far-right and is more l Has the film helped you, your accurately viewed as a start to our branch and colleagues reframe or revisit work, rather than an end. workplace race discrimination?

l What will you and the branch do now? UCU uses the term “black” in a political l What are the experiences of black sense to refer to people who are descended, educators in your workplace? through one or both parents, from Africa, the Caribbean, Asia (the Middle East to China) and l Do you feel able to raise issues Latin America. It refers to those from a visible minority who have a shared experience of of racism at work, be it from students, oppression. The word is used to foster a sense colleagues or management? of solidarity and empowerment.

FIGHTING RACISM AND FASCISM – BUILDING SOLIDARITY IN WORKPLACES AND COMMUNIITIES 49 50 years of NUJ activity against racism

National Union of Journalists (NUJ)

JIM BOUMELHA is a member of the NUJ’s National Executive Council

50 TRADE UNION CO-ORDINATING GROUP early half a century before reporting where members of the union today’s Black Lives Matter showed no regard for the code. movement, the National Much later, work was commissioned Union of Journalists (NUJ) to develop some of the formulations on Nwas the first union to create a race discrimination contained in the code relations working party in 1974 at their of conduct into much more detailed congress in 1974. It was the first time guidelines concerning race reporting, that a British union tipped a toe in the reporting of fascist organisations and politics of race. guidelines on travellers. This allowed The new clause in the union’s rule the union to shift its emphasis from a book defined the new advisory as rigid disciplinary approach to a more tasked with “monitoring the progress educative role. of relevant legislation and campaigning For the next 15 years the working for improvement where necessary; party was instrumental in ensuring that opposing and publicising where possible the union recognised the challenge of cases of racial discrimination within the racism and adopted, at least on paper, a union and promoting equality within the programme dealing with race reporting union; campaigning against racism in the and the grievances of black and ethnic media.” minority journalists. The new body consisted of five In the early nineties, NUJ black members elected by the union’s annual members started questioning the union’s conference and two appointed by its track record and its ability to create a national executive council. space for black journalists despite the One of the first activities of the mountains of policies adopted over working party was to launch an many years. There was a widespread education programme for journalists belief that the race relations working reminding them of the union’s ethical party had outlived its usefulness, and code of conduct, such as clause 10 which that the time was ripe for replacing states: the ad-hoc advisory status of the “A journalist shall only mention working party with a more permanent a person’s age, race, colour, creed, constitutional body. illegitimacy, marital status (or lack These aspirations were further of it), gender or sexual orientation if reinforced by important shifts taking this information is strictly relevant. A place in other trade unions and looked journalist shall neither originate nor upon favourably by the TUC. This quest process material which encourages for change created conditions for the discrimination, ridicule, prejudice or establishment of black workers groups hatred on any of the above-mentioned - caucusing American-style - which grounds.” mushroomed in several trade unions. The working party continued for A similar message, emerging from many years fighting a rearguard action several trade union race surveys, pointed against the most blatant cases of race to the need for trade unions to create

FIGHTING RACISM AND FASCISM – BUILDING SOLIDARITY IN WORKPLACES AND COMMUNIITIES 51 autonomous structures within the including the former Press Complaints overall constitutional arrangements to Commission which very rarely guarantee that issues concerning race adjudicated in favour of the scores of equality were top of the agenda of the complaints of racism in newspapers it decision-making structures of unions. received, and made representations This was a turning point and in many of to editors on issues of portrayal and these debates, ‘black sections’ were the employment. BLM of the day. One of its most crucial functions has This debate lasted for several years been to continuously issue an open call and, as a result, the NUJ changed its to journalists to adopt and follow the rules at its annual conference in 1989 to NUJ’s guidelines on race reporting issued replace the race relations working party by the union which include sections with the current black members council not only on reporting racism but also (BMC). By then the advances made by the on racist and fascist organisations, working party had created an anti-racism reporting on immigration and asylum, constituency which not only devised and travellers. wide-ranging strategies during two Long before many media and race decades to remove obstacles to black relation institutions set up initiatives, journalists having access to jobs in the prizes and awards to boost a black media but also challenged the media’s presence in the media, the NUJ has for reporting of ethnic diversity, racism and the last thirty years funded over 100 xenophobia issues. black students into journalism through The new structure for self- its charity the George Viner Memorial organisation gave the impetus to union Fund, supported by contributions from activities in fighting racism. Since it NUJ members. Many beneficiaries have was launched, the BMC contributed moved on to successful careers. some 200 resolutions to the union’s Another major initiative has been conference which shaped up the NUJ the participation by the union in black policies on a myriad of issues ranging history month through an annual lecture from race legislation, immigration, first launched with the Guardian, nearly refugees, asylum seekers, rise of fascism, 20 years ago. This continues to make a racist murders to equal opportunities national impact by featuring prominent and training, cultural diversity, media speakers on issues of race and media in portrayal, and . particular. It led the monitoring of the By far the most important discrimination that is still rampant in achievement has been winning the the employment practices of many battle at the TUC to set up a black media organisations and scrutinises and workers conference. Not many people comments on the ethnic monitoring of know that it was the small NUJ that NUJ members undertaken by the union. took the founding motion to the TUC On the issue of portrayal, it engaged and was instrumental in achieving media institutions and watchdogs one of the most significant victories of

52 TRADE UNION CO-ORDINATING GROUP racism and xenophobia. More recently, events in the have however created new conditions for sister unions of journalists, in Europe in particular, to start paying attention to and set in motion new dialogues about race, now that good intentions proved not to be enough. Fifty years of anti- racism activities by the NUJ demonstrates that racism will continue to be an issue even when discussions morph into a myriad of other topics such as privilege, identity and social justice. The NUJ’s Guidelines on Reporting Race Over the years the concept of black sections and black workers within the British labour organisation was at the heart our union’s movement. It had to lobby and confront politics on race. This is still valid and the trade union barons of the day, many black union members should continue to of whom would never come to terms lead the fight against racism, but today with their unconscious bias. Black Lives Matter is a new inflection This resistance to give priority to point for us, as we see more of our creating tools and policies to fight racism members talking about race in places was also encountered in international where they never did before. structures such as the International Now that this debate is taking several Federation of Journalists where the forms – whether it is about “trumpism,” NUJ played a central role in the work “,” “right-wing populism,” “alt- of the international media working right,” “” or it is about group against unions in these countries introspection concerning bias, colour to start paying attention and set new blindness, white privilege, diversity, ways to dialogue about race. It did identity, TUCG unions must use their not however accomplish much, even experience of many decades of struggle in countries like Poland, Austria and against racism and join forces to take the Hungary, where fascists are getting much lead and mobilise their members against stronger, beyond activists in a handful of structural and systemic racism on this European countries setting up networks new historical stage. of journalists to campaign against

FIGHTING RACISM AND FASCISM – BUILDING SOLIDARITY IN WORKPLACES AND COMMUNIITIES 53 Afterword

SARAH KAVANAGH, Editor

54 TRADE UNION CO-ORDINATING GROUP didn’t watch the footage of the discovered that Stephen Lawrence was killing of George Floyd because I not the only London boy who had been just couldn’t stomach it. I already murdered in a racist attack. knew about the sorts of things that I watched the proceedings of the Ihappen to black people at the hands of Stephen Lawrence public inquiry from racist police, and I didn’t want to watch the public gallery, looking up at a him die. big screen while sat on the floor in a I bumped into the first George Floyd shopping centre. I was outraged and demonstration in London by accident disgusted by the attitudes and non- while out on my bicycle. I hadn’t seen it answers provided by the cocky white advertised online, and I hadn’t realised young men accused of murder. the US Embassy in London had been More than ten years later, in the first relocated. part of 2010, I spent my evenings and After that first march, I felt like I had weekends delivering leaflets and talking no choice but to go out again. I wanted to people in Barking and Dagenham. I the demonstrations to be massive and was urging people to vote against the I wanted to be in the street with the British National Party (BNP). people who shared my upset and anger There were hundreds maybe about racism. thousands of people involved in this At the first few protests I noticed an campaign; I’d say it was mostly trade absence of older people, and almost union members and left-wing activists. all of the placards were homemade. It We invested time and energy writing seemed like a lot of the slogans written and delivering leaflets, and knocking on on brown cardboard were quotes from doors to talk with local residents. The Audre Lorde and Angela Davis. three lines of argument that seemed to When the government said the resonate at the time were – Black Lives Matter demonstrations were (1) The BNP judge everyone by the illegal and after the police on horseback colour of his or her skin, rather than any charged the crowd next to Downing individual’s actions or behaviour, Street, thousands of protestors were not (2) It is not the poor in our society deterred. (including migrants and asylum seekers) As the protests were merging into a who are responsible for other people’s global movement, in London it seemed misery, there were more and more black parents (3) I am a trade unionist, not a coming out to march with their kids. One politician, I just want you to think about of the dads wore a sign saying: “my skin it and vote. colour is not a crime”. A year earlier the BNP’s I moved to London back in 1997 and and had both been elected at the same time Doreen and Neville to the and as a Lawrence were seeking justice for the follow up, their party had their sights on killing of their son. As I settled into the a London parliamentary constituency. city and started to pay more attention, I The party already had 12 councillors

FIGHTING RACISM AND FASCISM – BUILDING SOLIDARITY IN WORKPLACES AND COMMUNIITIES 55 Angelina Bambina Angelina

Racism shapes everyone’s experiences

elected in the area, and as a and Dagenham was the change parliamentary candidate Nick Griffin we had been able to bring about already represented the North West of during the course of the campaign. England as an elected politician. His first Despite starting out with many in electoral victory had been announced in the community being openly hostile Manchester’s town hall. towards us, we were able to turn things As far as I was concerned, the around using a strategy that sought to Barking and Dagenham campaign was educate, organise and engage. my personal vendetta. I grew up in Fast forward to the coronavirus Manchester and I wanted this racist lockdown and I’ve had some time bastard to get his comeuppance. At to reflect and delve into why I’ve the general election Nick Griffin was participated in these anti-racist and anti- trounced, receiving 6,620 votes. The fascist activities. Here are a few reasons - Labour Party’s Jewish and incumbent The first is Ahmed Iqbal Ullah. I candidate, Margaret Hodge, won the seat did not know Ahmed before he died. by a mile, with 24,628 votes. Job done, I He was stabbed to death in his school thought. playground in Manchester in September The main lesson I took away from 1986. The school he attended was close the defeat of the BNP in Barking to my home.

56 TRADE UNION CO-ORDINATING GROUP Ahmed was trying to help a fellow As I was washing my hands she told me Bangladeshi pupil who was being that her brother had been involved in attacked by a group of white boys. The the killing. police ruled out racism as a motive for After the court hearing, Julia Dada the killing but the killer, a 13-year-old the widow of one of the victims, told called Darren Coulburn, had shouted the Manchester Evening News: “My only racist abuse at Ahmed. In the run up to hope after all this is that the public will Ahmed’s death, his family were alarmed become aware of some of the terrible by the frequent harassment he had racial problems in this country today.” received and they had urged him not to So that’s why I have highlighted go to school on the day he was killed. just a few of the racial problems I have The second reason is my friend’s encountered. Racism matters to me mum Sheila. In January 1993 Sheila took because I know what has been done to my friend and me to Manchester Crown people of colour in my community. Court. Sheila was a white woman who The idea of “race” was a concept had married an Arab man and some of invented by human beings. Our species, her family disowned her as a result. The Homo sapiens, evolved in Africa and three of us went to court to show support all non-Africans today, according to and solidarity to the families of two our genetics, are descended from a few men, Mohammed Sarwar Siddik Dada thousand human beings who left the and Mohammed Sarwar Ansari, who had African continent about 60,000 years ago. been killed in separate racist attacks by The term “race” was first used in the the same young white man called Wayne in the late 16th century. Lambert. In the 19th century, some scientists used Mohammed Dada was attacked in his ideas about “race” to promote notions shop, at the top of Sheila’s road, with a about their own white supremacy. Using piece of scaffolding pipe, he collapsed “race” as a way to categorise people has and died two weeks later. Mohammed provided some groundwork to support Ansari was a taxi driver, he had a unequal and unfair treatment. washing line wrapped around his neck, Racism is a system consisting of pulled tight and was dragged out of his ideas and actions that shape people’s car. A piece of scaffolding pipe was used opportunities and experiences. Racism to shatter his skull. can be overt or covert prejudice and Wayne Lambert was given a life discrimination. It can be a life or death sentence for both murders. The court issue. was told that during one of the killings No one is exempt from racism; he had used a racist term of abuse; it but if we are prepared to name it was the same racist word said by Darren and shame it, if we are prepared to Coulburn. challenge its baseless assumptions and During a break in the court hearing, if we are prepared to tackle its harmful I went to the toilet and bumped into consequences – then we can help another girl from my year at high school. eradicate it.

FIGHTING RACISM AND FASCISM – BUILDING SOLIDARITY IN WORKPLACES AND COMMUNIITIES 57 Resources

58 TRADE UNION CO-ORDINATING GROUP 4Front Project The Lammy review www.4frontproject.org www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ lammy-review

BFAWU www.bfawu.org Napo www.napo.org.uk

Black Activists Rising Against Cuts http://blackactivistsrisingagainstcuts. NEU blogspot.com www.neu.org.uk

Care4Calais No More Exclusions https://care4calais.org https://nomoreexclusions.com

Equity NUJ www.equity.org.uk www.nuj.org.uk

Equity report on diversity in NUJ Race reporting guidelines broadcast television www.nuj.org.uk/documents/nuj-race- www.equity.org.uk/news/2020/april/ reporting-guidelines-may-2014 equity-publishes-study-on-poor- racial-diversity-in-uk-television/ NUJ Code of conduct www.nuj.org.uk/about/nuj-code FBU www.fbu.org.uk PCS www.pcs.org.uk Joint Enterprise: Not Guilty by Association http://jengba.blogspot.com/ POA www.poauk.org.uk

Hope not Hate www.hopenothate.org.uk RMT www.rmt.org.uk

Inquest www.inquest.org.uk RMT Unity in diversity booklet https://e.issuu.com/embed.html? identifier=vmgal43vqwug&embed Type=script#5545475/62872647

FIGHTING RACISM AND FASCISM – BUILDING SOLIDARITY IN WORKPLACES AND COMMUNIITIES 59 Sea Watch TUC Racism ruins lives report https://sea-watch.org/en http://hummedia.manchester.ac.uk/ institutes/code/research/projects/ racism-at-work/tuc-full-report.pdf Show Racism the Red Card www.theredcard.org TUCG www.tucg.org.uk Stand up to Racism www.standuptoracism.org.uk UCU www.ucu.org.uk The Stephen Lawrence inquiry and Macpherson report https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/ UCU Witness film government/uploads/system/uploads/ www.ucu.org.uk/action-against- attachment_data/file/277111/4262.pdf workplace-racism#witness

Stop Our Kids Being Killed On Our United Friends and Family Campaign Streets https://uffcampaign.org https://en-gb.facebook.com/SOKBKOOS

URTU Searchlight magazine www.urtu.com www.searchlightmagazine.com

Report of the Zahid Mubarek inquiry Thompsons Solicitors www.gov.uk/government/publications/ www.thompsonstradeunion.law report-of-the-zahid-mubarek-inquiry

TUC www.tuc.org.uk

TUC Dying on the job report www.tuc.org.uk/research-analysis/ reports/dying-job-racism-and-risk-work

TUC Let’s talk about racism report www.tuc.org.uk/research-analysis/ reports/lets-talk-about-racism-report

60 TRADE UNION CO-ORDINATING GROUP Racism Ruins Lives report either by being a trade union member recommendations and/or part of black and minority ethnic employee networks l Undertake an unflinching inventory of what individual trade unions l Develop a protocol for dealing and trade union branches are, or are not, with instances and cases where both the doing to challenge workplace racism victim and the perpetrator of racism are members of the same union l Ensure that all trade union members are made aware of relevant l Recognise the impact that racism points of contact, including black and and xenophobia outside the workplace minority ethnic and broader equality and can have, especially on people’s ability diversity points of contact above branch to do their job level l Ensure that trade unionists and l Ensure that all complaints of workers more generally either develop or racial discrimination are taken seriously are made aware of the types of support and are acted on and dealt with available to them from trade unions and satisfactorily, including reports against the TUC management and/or union officials

l Ensure that all trade union equality and diversity officers have a satisfactory understanding of racism, as well as being suitably experienced, trained and/or qualified

l Ensure that any help and support extended to a person(s) experiencing workplace racism enables said person(s) to respond in a manner that feels appropriate to them

l Undertake renewed effort to educate trade union members on how to record evidence of workplace racism

l Advise trade union members on the risks associated with trying to report and challenge racism as an individual worker, outlining how trade union members can guard against those risks

FIGHTING RACISM AND FASCISM – BUILDING SOLIDARITY IN WORKPLACES AND COMMUNIITIES 61 Trade unions fighting racism and the far-right

Building solidarity in workplaces and communities

The Trade Union Co-ordinating Group (TUCG) brings together ten national unions to co-ordinate campaigning activities in parliament and beyond. www.tucg.org.uk

Created and edited by Sarah Kavanagh, Charley Allan, Bronwen Holly and Michael Calderbank. Designed by Tom Lynton.