City of Stoke On Trent Branch  - Black Members Officer 

 

This post is currently vacant. If you are interested, please contact the Branch Secretary on 01782 232263  

Civic Centre, Glebe St, Stoke, Stoke On Trent.
Tel: 01782 232372

[Unison Reaffirms Anti-Racism Commitment]

Did you know your Black Members Officer is there if you are experiencing any racial problems, issues relating to yourself which could also affect other black members.

Why Do We Need a Black Members Officer?

Because they are able to relate and empathize to the issues and problems that black members face.

How can the Black Members Officer deal with discrimination problems?

When a black person feels that he or she has been discriminated against, a Black Members Officer can relate to how the person in question might feel and also help to advise what route to follow.

Why is there not enough ethnic minorities working in Local Authorities?

I understand there is a need for more ethnic minorities working in Local Authorities but the real reason why there is not enough representation is unknown. More feedback is needed from general people who feel that have been let down by the council.

If anyone wishes to share their views please contact me on 01782 232372 or if you wish to write to me, please address is in an envelope marked "Private" to me at the address above.

My role is to:

  1. Advise the branch and branch committee in respect of matters relating to black members issues.
  2. Advise the branch officers and committee on the development and monitoring of any action plan to achieve fair representation in conjunction with the equality officer.
  3. Advise and support the development of a self-organised black members group on behalf of the branch committee.
  4. Develop and promote training opportunities for black members within the branch.
  5. Advise and where appropriate represent individual black members in liaison with the appropriate Convenor. 

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Unison Reaffirms Anti-Racism Commitment

UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis has reaffirmed the union’s commitment to stamping out racism, in his opening speech to the national black members’ conference held in February 2004.

He warned of the government’s "knee-jerk reaction" to European Union enlargement and reiterated the essential role of black workers in the UK’s public services.

Mr Prentis said the union should be proud of its involvement in the opposition to the privatisation of public services, of its solidarity with trade unionists in Colombia and its call for peace in the Middle East.

"We’re a campaigning union and that’s what marks us out from the rest," he said. "During last year — our 10th anniversary year — our slogan was ‘No racism: no them an us’. No other union does what we do to help shape society."

He added there was still much to do to "wipe out the scourge of racism from our society" .

"We want a manifesto akin to the needs of our society, not big business. We must fight the growing racism and intolerance in our society, a battle which isn’t helped by the inflammatory language of politicians who should know better."

Mr Prentis was followed by guest speaker Rhodri Morgan, the first minister in the Welsh Assembly. Pointing out Cardiff’s long history of black and ethnic minority communities, he said it was important that devolution "leaves no one behind".

"During 2004 Unison will be focusing especially on the working conditions of overseas workers — especially within the health service. It is important the union’s black members are fully involved."