ON 12 September a conference of black workers will be held in Birmingham to discuss the problems and organisation of black people in the unions.
Socialist Challenge spoke to two of the organisers, both TGWU shop stewards about how they see the conference.
Rudi Gayle Experience to date has shown that black workers are less than white workers in the trade union move. ment as a whole. blems of black workers The special are not recognised.
I think there is a certain amount of management and trade union collusion against black workers interviews ana promotion and so on.
difficult to explain how active it is.
Societv and therefore the, products of that society Socialist Challenge"s Sprember 17i I think the collusion takes form. Management and trade ofticials torm the view that certain things should not happen.
of one very clear case There La black worker British Leyland's Castle Bromwich body plant who applied for change to a job in the That was refused although he was well qualified The Commission fot Racial Equality took up ment admitted that he been retused * because shop stewards and members in the tool room did not like blacks to work there.
very difficult expose this kind of thing, it is hard widespread is this kind of practice.
very widespread think that unions should operate meet the problems of black But for this to haporganise themselves to confront racism and acceptance of witnin ine unions We need to join up workers who are opposed to to fight. ir the COSM unions as well as against management. Black workers have led important struggles like Grunwicks SC Batchelor As a black worker and trade unionist | would like to declare that 1 am giving support to the black workers conterence.
I would also call on all black workers trade unionists to rally to the call and support this conference by attending and let discuss together.
of the •estions I would like to see raised with the various unions TUC are as follows: 1) Why is there still so much discrimination within the trade unions?
the trade unions talk so much of opportunity and yet not take any active 1 Hrs steps to put it into prac LIct ever witnin their own ranks? 3) Does the TUC keep a record how many union officials are black Sust over so percent Bearing mind that black workers belong to unions compared per cent of white workers? 4) Have the unions taken a strona stance grievance procedure concerning racial discrimination against black workers employment Place their of 5) Does the union insist that a clause be inciud. ed in our contract: of thạt employer is an equal op. portunity employer, if not why not?
steps are the unions taking that much widespread racial discrimination does not continue in the recruitment Tor among our black youth? 7) What are the unions doing regarding the promotion of black workers? Are they seeking to eradicate the present system where promotion does not go by one's ability but by the colour of one's skin?
Brothers and sisters Saturday 12 September Digbeth Civic Hall Birmingham I shall be attending the Birmingham.
Name...
Address.
Union (if any)..
Occupation (if any).
Send to: Steering Committee Conference, 177, Antrobus Rd, Handsworth, Birmingham 21. I believe that this conference should and will seek to organise Within our own unions into pressure groups in order to promote oppor. tunities which we have been denied for so long In addition we hope to protect the interest of black workers within their working environment.
Brothers and sisters believe that these issues effect our very existence both at home al tne place work. conference of black workers, on September 12th at Digbeth Civic Hall, for Black Workers
let the grand scale'.
Obviously some fool Seveso listeners. However, our tender were saved by big man himself, Trethowan, filled next n thy leading candidate tion is Lord Windlesham you may Minister of State for Northern Sir lan Ireland so the whole spring the for the posi- insist who gramme as Tory right of reply.
thing damned workers actuary migu on stopping the pro. CND had the It would not just stop there either. Black people would start
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sion against black workers'
YOUR SUPPOR l28 for 4
JR LD UN
Black Workers Conference