Black and ethnic minority trade unionists will this weekend (Saturday 9th to Sunday 10th September) be promoting positive images of Black people as they celebrate ten years of campaigning and organising in Scotland, at the 10th Annual Black Workers’ Conference in the Salutation Hotel, Perth.
Speaking before the event, the Chairperson of Conference, Nazerin Wardop said:
“Whilst we celebrate the 10th STUC Black Workers’ Conference and the achievements of Black trade unionists over the past ten years, we must remember there is still so much to do.
“Black and minority ethnic people still face discrimination in the workplace, there are no BME people in the Scottish Parliament, and the recent terror threats should not be an excuse for stigmatising and discriminating against BME people”.
Mrs Wardop continued:
“The STUC Black Workers’ Committee and Conference has made some significant achievements over the past ten years, organising and promoting the Annual St Andrew’s Day Anti Racism march in Glasgow, supporting the Chhokar Family Justice Campaign, scrutinising government and Scottish Executive policies, and providing practical solidarity and assistance to BME workers across Scotland”.
“We hope that our Conference this weekend will promote positive images of Black people in Scotland, and at the same time provide support and solidarity to Black workers in Scotland, who may be the only BME person in their workplace or community”.
The Conference will debate a range of issues of importance to BME people in Scotland, including ensuring the BNP do not get a foothold in the 2007 elections, the rights of migrant workers, asylum policy, and the use of Scottish airports for rendition flights and military flights to Israel.
Conference will also hear from a range of speakers including:
Malcolm Chisholm MSP, Minister for Communities Anas Sarwar, Prospective Parliamentary Candidate (Glasgow List) Sonia Leal, Campaigning against the deportation of non UK nationals with spent convictions. Helen Miller, Equal Opportunities Commission, talking about pay and progression for BME women workers.
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For further information contact Mary Senior 0141 337 8100