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2013 NATIONAL BLACK MEMBERS’ CONFERENCE

RECORD OF DECISIONS

2013 National Black Members' ConferenceDecisions

M1 Black Self Organisation - Organising for the FutureM3 Raising the profile of Black activistsM4 Black Members Representation at UNISON ConferencesM5 Black Members Representation at National Black Members

ConferenceM6 Young Black Members at ConferenceM7 Promoting ‘There4You’ to Black MembersM8 Effect of Government's Austerity Measures on Black PeopleM9 Housing Benefit, Welfare Reform and BME CommunitiesM10 Stop cuts to the Equality and Human Rights CommissionM11 Support for the Justice for Christopher Alder CampaignM12 Justice for Jay AbatanM13 Kick It Out - Racism has no place in FootballM15 Fighting the Far RightM16 Changes in Employment LawM17 Black Voter RegistrationM18 Black Men and Prostrate CancerM19 Defining "Black"M20 Stop the Deportation of Overseas Students from the London

Metropolitan UniversityM21 Discrimination in the WorkplaceM22 Regional Race Action PlansM23 United Nations 2011 Inspection of Race Relations in the UKM24 Racism Isn't Being TackledM25 What next for Equality and Human Rights?M26 The Black Experience - UNISON's Freedom of InformationM28 Out Of Many We Are One - Hope for Real Independance and

LGBT Equality in JamaicaM29 The Day of the Africa ChildM30 Support Democracy Movement - To End Human Rights

Abuse in BurmaM31 Libya

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Motions

1. Black Self Organisation - Organising for the FutureCarried as Amended: 1.1

In a time of significant change and massive upheaval in the public sector never has it been more important for Black members and workers to be organising for the future.

With the continued review of self-organisation and the interim report attached to the National Delegates report submitted in 2012, it was agreed that the work plan would concentrate on a number of work strands.

Conference also recognises that with trade union facility time being attacked; not all branches are moving forward with the equality agenda. What should we do to help branches to fulfil the above objective? As the tools we need are clearly laid out in various UNISON materials like the ‘Code of Good Branch Practice’ and ‘Equality in UNISON’; however we need a consistent approach to engaging with this initiative across regions and in branches. Such as encouraging regions to consider the provision of adequate resources and ring-fenced budgets (as in the North West Region) which have been effective in empowering members and allowing them the dignity and respect to campaign and fight in support of their issues in the ways they know best, whilst at all times continuing to meet UNISON’s four objectives.

It is the responsibility of the National Black Members Committee to drive the agenda on behalf of Black members to guide and support the objectives of the NEC in the future planning of Black self-organisation in UNISON.

Addressing the issues of the lack of opportunity and promotion in the workplace, mapping and recruiting Black members and setting up Black members Self-Organised groups as a crucial development strategy and implementation for the future survival of Black members in UNISON.

Conference calls on the NBMC to work with the NEC to:

1. Promote and encourage regions to set up a training programme on Black Self-Organisation, similar to the Black members going to conference initiative rolled out to regions several years ago

2. Ensure regions and branches are circulating information in articles like Black Action across branches to Black members and highlighting the Code of Good Branch Practice and the importance of resourcing Black members Self-Organised groups.

3. Ensure regions and branches are adhering to UNISON’s proportionality and fair representation in all conference delegations as part of the equality agenda across all structure of UNISON.

4. Monitor the impact any cuts in facility time are having on Branch Black Member Self-Organisation

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5. Engage in the review and production of the final report for the NDC in 2013 following the consultation with branches and regions by the Self-Organised Project Group.

6. Report back on the initiative in point 1of the training programme through articles in Black Action, Regional Education and Training Programmes and the 2014 National Black Members Conference.

3. Raising the profile of Black activistsCarriedConference notes the motions carried at 2009 Black Members’ Conference regarding raising the profile of Black activists and increasing the number of Black members involved at branch, regional and national levels within the union.

Conference also notes the Leadership School where activists can take steps to develop their leadership skills and take up positions of increased responsibility. Members who have attended this school have gone on to become branch secretaries and employed staff.

Conference calls on the National Black Members’ Committee to:

1. Remind branches and members of the support and guidance available to Black members to become activists

2. Work with the NEC to identify funding for joint initiatives, including advertising and young Black students' training days, with the NUS Black Students' Campaign to ensure that UNISON works with young Black students to encourage them to join UNISON and become active within its structures.

3. Take other initiatives to reflect and encourage the diversity of UNISON Black members, including Black LGBT people, Black women and Black Disabled people.

4. Black Members Representation at UNISON ConferencesCarried as Amended: 4.1

Conference is concerned about the lack of visibility and representation of Black members at the National Delegate Conference and Service Group Conferences.

Each year delegates and visitors are required to complete the proportionality and fair representation forms at conference. However, the information does not appear to filter down to regions and branches with regards to the importance of Black representation at National and Service Group Conferences.

Various researches including UNISON’s research on the effects of the austerity measures on Black workers in 2012 have found that the budget cutbacks are having a disproportionate impact on Black members. Never has it been more important to ensure Black members are at the heart of helping to steer our union in a direction to ensure protection and representation for all.

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Patterns of behaviour by branches are a real concern to Black members as we are clear that UNISON priority is to ensure that all of our work and resources are aimed at meeting the challenge of the governments pledge to massive cuts to public spending and an ideological commitment to cutting back the state.

Black members have a vital role to play and can only achieve this if they are organising along side colleagues and comrades in all structures of UNISON.

Conference calls on the National Black Members’ Committee to work with the NEC:

1. To seek to ensure that branches and regions include Black representation in their delegations to UNISON national conferences specifically National Delegate Conference, Service Group and SOG Conferences by:

2. Reviewing the system of registration using the Online Conference System (OCS) and seek to ensure that it is equipped with the mechanism to make sure branches include Black member(s) in their delegation in the same way as proportionality is a requirement and in compliance with the union rule provision in 2.12.3 on Fair Representation.

3. Including a re-commitment of best practice in the review of self-organisation and to adhere to the Code of Good Branch Practice in supporting regions and branches in this process by giving guidance and clarity on this requirement.

4. To seek to ensure by a system of monitoring and evaluation of OCS across the branches, that OCS is not used as a tool to inhibit democracy by altering the choice of status of attendance at conference, as has been brought to our attention.

Additionally, in the respect of disability that OCS when managed by branches does not discourage members from applying to attend, by the use of intrusive and personal questions about the “extra’s required” which in accordance with NEC guidance, UNISON willingly provides to assist participation of a maximum number of members to conference.

5. Black Members Representation at National Black Members ConferenceCarried

Conference is concerned with the current Online Conference System (OCS) and the representation at the National Black Members Conference.

Black members are a disadvantage group and self-organised groups should be able to self-organise as currently stated in UNISON rules to meet and share their concerns and aspirations.

To work within a flexible structure to build confidence and encourage participation and provide opportunities for the fuller involvement of disadvantaged members.

Conference calls on the NBMC to:

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1) Ensure that Black Members Representation at their National Black Members Conference for each Branch is a maximum of 6 members per branch.

2) Ensure proportionality and fair representation is adhered to by each branch.

3) Encourage branches to include a Low Paid Woman and Young member as part of their delegation.

4) Be implemented at the end of the 2013 conference.

6. Young Black Members at ConferenceCarried

Conference believes that national Black members conference provides an excellent opportunity for young Black members to find out more about key issues for Black members; to acquire skills in public speaking and organising around debates; to see Black trade union role models in action; and to be inspired to grow as activists and leaders.

Conference notes the decision to extend the scheme of branch representation to require branches wishing to send 4 delegates, to include a young member in their delegation.

Conference recognises this may present some challenges initially, but is concerned that branches wishing to send 4 members should actively seek to find a young member to fill the 4th delegate position.

Conference also notes that this requirement has been in force for some years now for National Delegate Conference, which saw a significant increase in young member delegates from branches when it was introduced, and that number has been sustained.

Conference believes that while this measure should be helpful in increasing the number of young Black delegates to Black Members Conference, it is not only the responsibility of those branches sending 4 delegates to seek out and encourage young members to attend as delegates, but of all branches sending delegates.

Conference calls on the National Black Members Committee to:

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1) Ask all branch Black Members Groups to identify young Black members in their branch and actively encourage representation on their delegation to Black members conference;

2) Seek to liaise with the National Young Members Forum about publicising the opportunities to attend the next Black Members Conference, and request the National Young Members Forum to use their communications networks to do the same;

3) Consider developing a mentoring programme for young Black members.

7. Promoting ‘There4You’ to Black MembersCarried

Conference notes that black unemployment is at unacceptable levels and particularly with 44% of the UK’s young black males unemployed (the Guardian, 5 March 2012). According to government statistics (Office for National Statistics), figures show almost 22% youth unemployment for the UK as a whole in March 2012.

‘What is clear is that this recession is hitting ethnic minorities disproportionately hard. And the figures can only get worse. Black people, particularly women, are more likely to work in the public sector. This is partly because in diverse inner-city areas the public sector is the biggest employer. But it is also because large public-sector organisations tend to have better, more transparent policies around equal opportunity. Yet the public sector is bearing the brunt of George Osborne's cuts.’ (Diane Abbott, MP)

‘Jobs have been cut and benefits have been reduced putting a strain on household budgets and finances. Members are feeling the impact on their household income.’ (UNISON website)

UNISON members can take advantage of confidential advice and support from its charity, ‘there4you’.

Members can make use of the following services:

• Financial assistance

• Debt advice

• Wellbeing breaks

• Support and information

This is a vital service available for members in these difficult times. With high loss of jobs and many black members affected by austerity measures from this coalition government, it is important to support members affected.

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Two key facts to note about ‘there4you’ (from UNISON website):

a. Our members have been helped to deal with over £200million of unmanageable debt

b. In the last 10 years we have seen a 64% increase in our case-load and all the signs show that there is more to come

This motion calls on NMBC to:

1) Promote this key support service to black members

2) Monitor numbers of black members using the service and report findings in annual report to conference

3) Produce and provide black stewards and activists information to promote this service to black members.

8. Effect of Government's Austerity Measures on Black PeopleCarried

Conference deplores the devastating impact the Government’s austerity measures are having on Black communities and the most vulnerable groups in the society. Conference notes with concern the severity of this impact on people from the Black community. Research from the Institute for Public Policy and Research shows that unemployment levels for young Black people (age 16-24) is almost 48 per cent – among the highest rate of unemployment in living memory in the Britain. Cuts to education might be of long-term damage to a generation of young Black and gifted people. With the Education and Maintenance Allowance abolished, a huge increase in tuition fees, many of our Young Black people face a future that is harder than ever.

Black communities and young Black people are being pushed deeper into poverty, with fewer employment opportunities – with access to higher education and universities out of the reach for many.

Conference welcomes the UNISON research in 2011 to find out the actual impact of cuts on Black workers in local authorities in London and the West Midlands. Those Freedom of Information (FOI) requests monitors the number of Black staff that have been made redundant in the financial 2010/2011. This research conducted in London revealed that Black workers are being disproportionately selected for redundancy, confirming what we already know – that the Government’s austerity measures are not working.

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Research from the Equality and Human Rights Commission in 2010 revealed that the proportion of Black people living in poverty is significantly higher than the national average. These are deeply worrying patterns and trends which need to be challenged.

Conference is deeply concerned that Black workers are likely to be worst affected as cuts to public pay, services and benefits take hold. Proportionately more Black people are employed in public services - approximately 40% are employed in the public sector compared to 25% of their white counterparts. Large numbers of Black workers are concentrated in lower paid jobs - characterised by temporary, agency, casual and part-time forms of employment.

Conference notes that racism is still in existence in our society and workplaces. The pervasive nature of racism continues to blight the employment and promotion prospects of Black people. This exacerbates the cycle of discrimination, disadvantage and deprivation which is compounded by the impact of Government cuts and austerity measures.

Conference also notes that during their 2011 inspection of the UK government the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (UN CERD) recommended that “notwithstanding the economic downturn, the State party should ensure that any austerity measures do not exacerbate the problem of racial discrimination and inequality. Impact assessments are necessary before adopting such measures to ensure that they are not differentially targeted or discriminatory to those vulnerable to racial discrimination”.

Conference calls on the National Black Members’ Committee to work with the NEC to:

1) Seek to ensure that branches use and promote the UNISON Guidance on Challenging Racism in the Workplace.

2) Seek that branches utilise the new resources produced on fighting cuts for example the UNISON Guidance for branches on Public Sector Equality Duties to negotiate improvements in equality at work.

3) Highlight the findings of the FOI research conducted in London and the West Midlands regions and seek to ensure that this research is done in other regions.

4) Consider how UN processes such as the CERD inspections can be used to fight proposed cuts.

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5) Continue to raise the awareness of the effects of cuts in the Black community and specifically on young Black people.

9. Housing Benefit, Welfare Reform and BME CommunitiesCarried

Conference notes that the Tory Led Coalition is seeking to make major changes to the Welfare Benefit system and that these will have a direct and devastating impact on Black communities.

The key changes are:-

a. There will be a reduction in the amount of housing benefit awarded to social housing tenants of working age who are assessed to be living in a property that has too many bedrooms for the families housing needs

b. There will be a cap on the amount of benefit anyone of working age can receive.

c. From October 2013 to 2017 Universal Credit will be introduced on a phased basis. It will replace means tested benefits such as Income Support, Income Based Jobseekers Allowance, Income Related Employment; & Support Allowance, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Housing Benefit.

d. Direct payment of rent to landlords will stop with the introduction of Universal Credit. The element within Universal Credit for housing costs will be paid directly to claimants of working age.

A survey conducted by the DWP estimates that:

• The reduction and capping of benefits will impact disproportionately on black and minority ethnic communities as many live in areas targeted by the cuts and will often need larger accommodation due to family size

• Child poverty rates for black and minority ethnic families in the UK are higher than the national average and Housing Benefit cuts are likely to increase this disparity.

• Increased conditions for working age claimants is more likely to impact on black and minority ethnic claimants as they are disproportionately represented among workless households.

• Some of the reductions in Housing Benefit do not apply to claimants with disabilities, however, black and minority ethnic claimants are less likely to claim the benefits that provide this protection.

• Black 24-35 year olds who live alone and are in receipt of housing benefit could lose up to £40 per week.

UNISON’s campaigning should include building a data base on how welfare reform will impact on black members:

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Therefore Conference calls upon the National Black Members Committee to work with the National Executive Council and Labour Link to lobby Government to ensure that the changes being proposed highlight the affects that they are having on black members in particular and:

1) Include updates and information on the Welfare Reform Act in Black Action and the National Black Members Webpage;

2) Identify clear examples of how the changes to Housing Benefit and Welfare Reform will affect Black Members and their communities;

3) Highlight campaigns that are looking to protect Welfare and Housing Rights as they affect black members.

10. Stop cuts to the Equality and Human Rights CommissionCarried

Conference is deeply concerned about the Coalition Government’s plan to drastically cut the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) budget and staffing by 2015.

Conference believes that these cuts represent an attack on equalities and amount to bringing an end to the EHRC as we know it and stripping it of most of its powers.

During their 2011 inspection of the UK government the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (UN CERD) expressed “particular concern at the proposed budget cuts to the EHRC, which may have negative effects on the execution of the Commission’s mandate.” They recommended “that any spending cuts and proposed legislative amendments to the mandate of EHRC should ensure EHRC operates independently and effectively in line with the Paris Principles (annexed to General Assembly resolution 48/134)”.

The Equality Act 2006 gave the Commission key powers to enforce equality legislation on age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation or transgender status and encouraging compliance with the Human Rights Act.

Parliament also bestowed functions on the EHRC which include promoting understanding and encouraging good practice in relation to human rights; monitoring the law and providing legal assistance; providing information and advice; conducting inquiries and judicial reviews; providing conciliation and grant making powers.

However, these powers and functions are now under threat as the government is planning to slash the work of the Commission by cutting its budget by 62%. If this happens, the Commission will lose half of its workforce.

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The Government are also planning to reduce the EHRC’s legal enforcement capabilities; close its direct expert helpline and replace it with a private sector referral only service; shutdown most of their regional offices, thereby causing it to lose its regional presence; and end its provision of grants to charities or project groups that are often the first port of call for victims of harassment and discrimination.

Conference notes that the Commission provides an important approach of preventative and enforcement capabilities at a time when Britain faces many challenges.

Conference believes that this period of austerity is a crucial time for the EHRC to be able to fulfil its statutory duties as directed by parliament and the EU directives. This should be a vital time for the EHRC to maintain its legal enforcement powers, its advisory role and its connection with the grassroots. However, the cuts will make this impossible as it will strip the EHRC of its powers and will eventually close it down.

Conference therefore calls on the National Black Members’ Committee to work with the NEC to:

1) Request that UNISON writes to the Minister for Women and Equality, urging them to maintain the remit and funding of the EHRC.

2) Request that UNISON writes to the chairs of the Parliamentary Select Committees that scrutinise equality and human rights issues, asking them to review the Government reforms plans.

3) Consider how UN processes such as the CERD inspections can be used to challenge cuts to the EHRC.

4) Raise awareness of these drastic measures and seek to ensure that Black members highlight the proposed cuts in restricting their access to free advice and help.

5) Encourage Black members to sign the ‘Save the EHRC’ e-petition.

11. Support for the Justice for Christopher Alder CampaignCarried

Christopher Alder, a former paratrooper, died in police custody in 1998. Christopher had gone to a nightclub in Hull with friends but had been assaulted there so badly that he needed to be taken to hospital. Staff at Hull Royal Infirmary decided that his

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behaviour was "extremely troublesome" even though this might have been a result of his head injury. Two police officers escorted him from the premises and then arrested him, supposedly to prevent a breach of the peace.

At the police station he was "partially dragged and partially carried," handcuffed and unconscious, from the police van and then placed on the floor of the custody suite. CCTV recorded officers chatting and saying that Christopher was faking illness. They also appear to be making monkey noises at him and laughing. Christopher choked to death on that police station floor.

An inquest in 2001 recorded his death as unlawful killing. A year later, a court cleared the five police officers of manslaughter and misconduct. The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) in 2006 found the officers guilty of a “most serious neglect of duty” and “unwitting racism”.

This Conference notes that in 2011, 13 years after his death, it came to light that it was not Christopher Alder who was buried in the family grave but the body of an elderly woman named Grace Kamara who died of natural causes in 1999. She was some 50 years older than Christopher and much taller. The ‘mix up’ was only discovered when members of Grace’s family asked to see her body before it was buried.

Janet Alder, Christopher’s sister, explained “I was in shock. They have treated us like dirt. The Council didn’t have to be rocket scientists to find out if they had the right body. Don’t they have a process for embalming the body? How did they get it into the coffin?”

The Justice for Christopher Alder Campaign have secured copies of CCTV evidence from the West Yorkshire and Humberside Police forces of the night that Christopher died in 1998. It is believed that this CCTV evidence may potentially contain new information that could re-open the Christopher Alder case.

The Justice for Christopher Alder Campaign is seeking solidarity and financial support to secure the professional and Independent transcription of those CCTV tapes. This financial appeal aims to secure £5,000 to cover the costs for the transcription.

This Conference calls on the NBMC to work with the NEC:

1) To support and affiliate to the Justice for Christopher Alder Campaign and

2) To donate £1,000 towards the campaign.

12. Justice for Jay AbatanCarried

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Brothers Michael and Jay Abatan went to a Brighton nightclub with a friend to celebrate Jay’s job promotion in January 1999. They were the victims of a violent assault as they waited for a taxi at the end of the night. After five days in intensive care, Jay died as a result of his injuries.

Jay’s family have tirelessly campaigned for justice, in a case which echoes the failings of the investigation of the murder of Stephen Lawrence. The investigation, which has been heavily criticised by the Police’s own reports, took place as the Stephen Lawrence report was published, finding institutional racism in the Met police.

Although suspects were caught only 2 were prosecuted for affray and for actual bodily harm on Michael. During the trial, the judge said that the jury shouldn't be told that Jay had died as a result of the attack as it might influence the verdict. Michael was crying in the witness box and the jury sent a note to the judge asking where Jay was. The judge said they shouldn't concern themselves with Jay's medical report. The 2 suspects were acquitted.

After pressure from the family Sussex police eventually called in Essex police to review their investigation. Only the summary of their report was released, but it was damning. It catalogued 57 failings and inconsistencies in the investigation - including failing even to record witnesses' details. After the Essex report, Sussex police finally said they were treating the case as a racist attack - at first they said it wasn't - and replaced the entire investigation team. They also put in a complaint against themselves with the Police Complaints Authority.

In 2004 Michael said “I don't think the authorities have learnt from the Stephen Lawrence inquiry. Rather than just paying lip service, things should be happening on the ground. After losing his first-born, my father just gave up. Eleven months after Jay's death, he died. We're proud people and we're going to make sure that Jay is not left outside the Ocean Rooms, lying on the floor, without justice. When Jay's attackers see me in the street they wave and laugh. They haven't shown any remorse. In Nigeria the bond between brothers is particularly strong and I promised him that I would try to get justice.”


1) To support and affiliate to the campaign to achieve justice for Jay Abatan and his family and

2) To donate £1,000 towards the campaign.

13. Kick It Out - Racism has no place in FootballCarried

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With the events of racism being highlighted amongst several high profile football players, it is clear that the game has some way to go to shed itself of this vile and evil mindset.

It is disappointing to hear the FIFA president Sebb Blatter under play the significance of racism in the game which raises concerns about his ability to deal with equality issues in football and by not doing so appropriately, overlooking racism in football. This makes it even harder to educate and eradicate, if he sees this as an insignificant problem.

When the European Championships took place in Poland and Ukraine in June 2012 there was real concern that far right groups would use this opportunity to pedal there hatred and racism during the games.

UEFA and FIFA will have to stop paying lip service to racism in the game and put in clear and transparent zero tolerant deterrents to those football federations who choose not to take the issue of racism seriously and tackle the issues within their domestic and national game.

During Euro 2012, UEFA fined one Danish player £80,000 for inadvertently advertising a betting shop during a goal; celebration, against sponsorship rules; yet only fined the Croatian FA £65,000 for racist chanting by 300 of their fans against an Italian player. Another example of them downplaying racism within the game

In addition we are disappointed with the delay by the Football Association (FA) not investigating the issue of alleged racial abuse by John Terry towards a fellow Black professional and question the timing of the delay in the criminal proceedings which ensured he was able to play in the European Championships in 2012.

We in UNISON are encouraged by our affiliation and donations made to organisations like Show Racism the Red Card as we are in no doubt that this work is of vital importance to the education and awareness of racism amongst young people.

We are also mindful of the work Kick It Out are doing across the football federation and believe their work fits into UNISONS work programme on challenging racism.

Conference calls on the NBMC to work with the NEC to

1) Affiliate and donate to ‘Kick It Out’ and support programmes and initiative that fall in line with UNISON’s aims and objectives on challenging racism in the workplace.

2) Write to the FA, UEFA and FIFA outlining UNISON’s concerns on the issue of racism in the workplace and the lack of action taken by the federations on this issue.

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3) Support and link into other partners groups that ‘Kick It Out’ work with like The Black and Asian Coaches Association and Stephen Lawrence Trust.

4) Organise a meeting with these organisations to develop stronger links within the community and highlight the importance of the trade union movement in tackling these issues.

5) Report back on this important work at the National Black Members Conference in 2014

15. Fighting the Far RightCarried as Amended: 15.1

Conference recognises that times of austerity prove a fertile breeding ground for far right rhetoric and feelings. High unemployment and rising costs creates opportunities for the far right to scapegoat minority groups.

The rise of the English Defence League and her sister organisations, the Scottish and Welsh Defence Leagues (SDL and WDL) is disheartening and their regular attempts to march in our cities and towns attempt to stoke up anti Muslim feeling. The EDL along with the BNP are exploiting the prejudices being whipped up by the media as well as some politicians.

As trade unionists, we are no strangers to this divide and rule tactic by the EDL and other far right groups and we must be in the front line to defending our rights as Black people and the rights of other community groups.

UNISON has a proven track record in mobilising against far right parties in local and national elections as well as when they seek to claim our streets with their hate.

Conference instructs the National Black Members Committee to:

1) Highlight and publicise the real nature of the EDL, SDL and WDL and continue to challenge the false claims made by the EDL that they are fighting to protect the rights of British workers.

2) Continue to challenge Islamophobia, racism and fascism in all of its guises;

3) Continue to work with the Trades Union Congress Race Relations Committee, Searchlight, Hope not Hate and Unite Against Fascism to fight the far right.

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16. Changes in Employment LawCarried

In the light of George Osborne’s speech at the Tory Party Conference 2011 and subsequent proposals made by the Tory led Government regarding fees for Tribunals, Conference notes the particular damage any rise in fees will have for Race Discrimination cases.

Conference condemns the Tories claim that these cases are ‘vexatious’ and their attempts to make the hiring and firing of employees by employers less regulated and less subject to a legal framework.

Conference recognizes that the period for consultation on EAT’s was neither extensive nor accepting of the concerns voiced by UNISON or other unions and we encourage and stress the necessity of branches and regions to make good and varied responses to the consultation, encouraging individual black and white members to make a response.

We know that the proposals will have a direct impact upon the preparedness of black workers to register a case at Tribunal level.

The implication being Employment Tribunals are weighted in favour of the complainant, that the cost is too high and yet Government statistics show almost 40% of applicants withdraw their cases, more than 40% of applicants settle out of court with no record of the agreed settlement amount.

Even if low paid members have fees waived or reduced they may still be liable to pay other costs if their case is successful.

Conference deplores all attempts by the Tory Led Government to make victims of discrimination, in particular, race discrimination, to be disincentivised to bring forward a dispute.

We ask the National Black Members Committee to work with relevant National officers to:

1) Collate and monitor information on the number of race discrimination cases being lodged at informal and formal stages at a branch and regional level in the next year and subsequent years.

2) Collate and monitor the number of race discrimination cases being lodged at Tribunal level in the next year and subsequent years.

3) Collate, assess and review the progress of Race Discrimination cases brought by UNISON before a Tribunal.

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4) Issue guidance to branches and regions on how best to support Race Discrimination cases in respect of changes brought about regarding Employment Tribunals.

5) Ensure that quarterly reports are produced using the case management system in UNISON to inform and assist Regional Black members self organized groups in monitoring and reviewing discrimination cases.

17. Black Voter RegistrationCarried

Conference is concerned that Electoral Registration Commission research shows up to 56% of young people (aged 17 – 24 years), and almost a third of Black people entitled to a vote, are not on the electoral register.

Conference believes that political representation is vital if Black people are to be heard in local and national government. It is just as important that young Black people are also heard.

Conference welcomes the work of Operation Black Vote to encourage Black voter registration, and participation in elections as voters and as candidates.

Conference notes UNISON’s support for the campaign Votes at 16, and notes the important evidence that encouraging young people to register and vote at the earliest stage possible increases the likelihood they will participate in voting throughout their lives.

Conference calls on the National Black Members Committee to:

1) Encourage Black members to ensure they are registered to vote, to use their vote, and to spread the word to their friends, families, workmates and communities about the importance of doing so;

2) Seek to continue to work with Operation Black Vote and consider how UNISON could support a voter registration drive;

3) Seek to work with the National Young Members Forum to ensure that the Votes at 16 campaign is informed by young Black UNISON members’ contributions.

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18. Black Men and Prostrate CancerCarried

Conference is alarmed that figures show that Black men living in England have a three times higher risk of prostate cancer than white men. A study of all cases in London and Bristol has also found that Black men also tend to be diagnosed five years younger.

Research has found that there are very few known risk factors for prostate cancer, but being of Black race is likely to be a risk factor.

Research has also shown that there is a true biological difference between ethnic groups. This knowledge could lead to improved care for men at higher risk of developing prostate cancer.

Conference notes that the statistics around prostate cancer are sobering and indicate that we need to educate all men in terms of the symptoms and specifically Black men as a higher risk group. The 100 Black Men of London launched Prostate Cancer Month in March last year due to their concerns in relation to prostate cancer and Black men.

Prostate Cancer has overtaken lung cancer as the single most common cancer in all men in the UK and accounts for 24% of all new cancer diagnosis.

Conference notes with concern that research has shown that 1 in every 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lives. Though only 1 in 26 men (less than 4%) will in fact die. This means men are more likely to die with prostate cancer than because of it.

100 cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed every day. That's one every 15 minutes.

All men need to educated on the symptoms and Black men need to be targeted to increase earlier diagnosis as this is a factor that can lead to better outcomes for Black men.

Conference therefore calls on the National Black Members’ Committee to work with the NEC to:

1) Campaign for greater awareness of prostate cancer and the benefits of earlier screening especially for Black men.

2) Work with Cancer Research and other relevant groups to raise awareness of this issue.

19. Defining "Black"

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CarriedConference understands that UNISON has always used the term “Black” as an inclusive and political term. However, it is also clear that many members do not understand why it is used – particularly when their employer and public bodies may use the term BME.

Conference calls on the NBMC to agree a concise definition and explanation of the term “Black” and suggests that this is used consistently throughout our Self Organised Group.

20. Stop the Deportation of Overseas Students from the London Metropolitan University

CarriedConference is appalled at the Coalition Government’s attack on international students with a move to deport more than 2,600 students currently studying at London Metropolitan University. The University’s licence to teach and recruit students from outside of the European Union was revoked on 29th August 2012, which means that these students most of which are of Black origin will soon have only 60 days to find a place at another university or be forced to leave the country without completing their studies.

It is reported that the UK Border Agency’s decision to revoke its Highly Trusted Status for sponsoring of international students is based on their view that one in four of the overseas students at the university did not have valid visas. It is clear that immigration policy has influenced this decision as the Coalition Government seeks to reduce immigration figures.

Nicola Dandridge University UK chief Executive said the UK Border Agency had made “an extraordinary decision and that penalising legitimate students is disproportionate and it is damaging to our international reputation”.

Liam Burns, NUS President, said “Politicians need to realise that a continued attitude of suspicion towards international students could endanger the continuation of higher education as a successful export industry. The heavy-handed decision makes no sense for students, no sense for institutions and no sense for the country”.

The decision to include international students in the statistics of permanent migrants is unclear and needs to be reviewed. UNISON London Metropolitan branch in conjunction with UCU have requested that governors go back to the UK Border Agency and the Home Office to demand an amnesty for all of their international students affected by the revocation, to allow them to continue to study at the university and complete their degrees and that international students are taken out of the immigration statistics.

Conference calls on the NBMC to work with the NEC:

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1) Encourage branches to sign the petition for amnesty for international students at London Metropolitan University

2) Encourage members to write to their MP to sign the Early Day motion 437 to reverse the decision of the UK Border Agency to suspend London Metropolitan University’s right to recruit overseas students

3) Call on Labour Link to write to the Home Office and the university to seek that they work together to resolve any administrative issues as the consequences of this decision are very damaging and will have serious consequences for all concerned.

4) Continue to support the campaign for amnesty and any other support as set out by UNISON in conjunction with UCU.

21. Discrimination in the WorkplaceCarried

Conference notes the benefits that Learning and Development in UNISON provides to our members. It is also noted that the assistance, advice and guidance provided by Regions and Branches is counter to and in some cases in the absence of any learning and development opportunities provided by employers.

Conference recognizes that the experience of many black workers is that they are insufficiently supported in their workplaces, and that there is clear differences regarding the support afforded to white counterparts and colleagues.

Access to Learning and Development can be the ultimate means to career progression and a higher standard of living. We know that the European Union Equal Treatment Directive enshrines equal access to Learning and Development for all workers in the workplace.

Conference asks the National Black Members Committee to:

1) Liaise with UNISON Learning and Development section to establish a means to identify barriers that exist for black members in terms of Learning and Development in the workplace;

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2) Explore a strategy with recommendations to ensure support can be given to black workers in the workplace by employers.

22. Regional Race Action PlansCarried as Amended: 22.1

Conference notes that each UNISON Region has its own Regional Race Action Plan. The purpose of this is to keep aspects of each region’s race issues, at the forefront of UNISON’s structures, to affect change, increase participation from members and be a beacon to attract other people to join and remain with UNISON.

After making enquiries, the West Midlands Region was surprised to learn a copy of each region’s Race Action Plan is not held nationally therefore progress is not monitored at a national level. As a consequence this means that there is no national oversight, monitoring or assessment of the effectiveness of the Regional Race Action Plans. This in turn creates a missed opportunity for the sharing of good practice between regional offices. Currently this just, does not happen.

This can mean that best practice models such as the Equality Project outline Document and process of Project management for Self organisation within the North West region, where the aims of the black members committee will now be fully incorporated into the regional objectives, are not being shared in a manner that can benefit other regions.

UNISON has a Race Discrimination Protocol and we are all keen to ensure its effectiveness. We should be just as concerned with the effectiveness of the Regional Race Action Plans. Both are important in assisting regions to deal with race issues and an excellent tool for collating data, for a progressive and uniformed approach across UNISON. A national focus on Regional Race Action Plans will help to sharpen the focus and the effectiveness of these plans and help to set quantifiable regional targets.

Conference calls on the National Black Members Committee to work with the National Executive Committee to:

1) Compile a national record of the Regional Race Action Plans on an annual basis.

2) To nationally, assess whether there are key criteria targets that should be consistent across all regional Race action plans.

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3) To annually, monitor the effectiveness of each regional race action plan and their incorporation into regional objectives.

4) To annually, monitor action targets set and the progress of each regional race action plan.

5) To report their findings on the above at Conference 2014.

23. United Nations 2011 Inspection of Race Relations in the UKCarried

The United Nations (UN) has a number of mechanisms to help member states like Britain to improve how they tackle racism. As part of these processes member states report on their progress in adopting the mechanisms.

In 2001 the UK government signed up to the UN World Conference Against Racism (WCAR) Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. In 2009 they signed up to the UN WCAR Durban Review Conference Outcome Document. Our government made a commitment to improve race equality in areas such as education, community engagement, employment, health care, cultural awareness, housing, service delivery, media representation, political participation and access to justice.

The Coalition Government promised to:

"continue to push for universal ratification and implementation of the UN conventions on racial discrimination and discrimination against women, and those promoting the rights of children and disabled people – and set a good example through our domestic implementation of these conventions and through the periodic reporting system" in it's Equality Strategy 2010. The reality, however, has been somewhat different. The recent government Integration Policy made no mention of racism, for instance.

In 2011 the UK government was inspected for the first time in 8 years as part of the UN International Convention for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (ICERD). The Runnymede Trust submitted a report after consultation with UK NGOs (Non Governmental Organisations) as part of the process highlighting omissions in the government report and explaining issues from an anti-racist perspective. Around 24 NGOs went to Geneva to give evidence alongside the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), including some who made their own written submissions or gave only verbal evidence. These included Global Afrikan Congress, Equanomics UK, Afiya Trust, Discrimination Law Association, Cambridge Racial Incident Support Project, Northern Ireland Council for Ethnic Minorities and Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights (CRER Scotland).

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The final observations of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) included recommendations that the UK government should:

a. Take care that responses to the August 2011 disturbances do not disproportionately affect Black* communities;

b. Fully implement the Equality Act 2010 and recognise "caste" as a race issue;

c. Conduct Equality Impact Assessments before implementing cuts;

d. Withdraw all discriminatory restrictions stopping Diego Garcians from going within 100 miles of their island;

e. Adopt a national Race Equality Strategy with Black communities involved in development, implementation and monitoring;

f. Review the impact of "Stop and Search" on Black communities and ensure anti-terrorism measures do not deliberately target certain ethnic or religious groups;

g. Take all necessary steps to eliminate racist bullying and name calling in schools as well as tackle Black school exclusions and improve achievement for African Caribbean, Gypsy and Traveller children;

h. Ensure that moves to more local decision making in the Localism Bill address race equality and

i. Incorporate the Convention into domestic law and allow those who feel they have been discriminated against to access the CERD.

The UK government was expected to respond to these recommendations within 6 to 12 months and explain how they have acted upon them. At the time of writing this motion they have published no information although ensuring the public have information on their work is a requirement of the Convention.

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1) To publicise the CERD recommendations within UNISON and the wider trade union movement;

2) Consider how the recommendations can be used to promote our aims as a trade union;

3) To raise issues coming out of the CERD process so they are not overlooked in the creation of government policy and

4) Work with organisations such as those working at the UN level and especially Global Afrikan Congress, Equanomics UK, Afiya Trust, Runnymede Trust and Discrimination Law Association to help implement UN processes and recommendations in the UK.

24. Racism Isn't Being TackledCarried

Conference notes, according to research carried out by Durham, Northumbria and Teesside universities, Police forces in the North East are failing in their duty to tackle racism in the region. The report explores issues relating to the increasing black and ethnic minority populations in the region and highlights racism in both urban and rural parts of the North East and says tensions exist between the police and ethnic minority groups, as well as there being issues in schools and the business world.

This report is further supported by the latest statistics in the Race and Criminal Justice System report. This report shows a 20% increase in Stop and Search of Black, Asian and Minority people and a decrease in the number of race related incidents being reported to the Police. In the light of the Stephen Lawrence case, the subsequent publicity regarding the behaviour of Police towards Black and Minority communities and the reporting of racist incidents, we can see there is still a long way to go regarding accountability, lack of trust and the preparedness of Black communities to report racist incidents. Without these in place dealing with racism, the recording, responding to, monitoring and tracking of incidents is needed to assemble an accurate picture of racism in the UK.

Given this information we ask the National Black Members Committee to;

1) Set up a campaign on Race and Criminal Justice

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2) Use a survey to gauge black members personal experience regarding racism and the Police and the Criminal Justice system

3) Use regional and branch based groups as a point of reference, alongside individual black members

4) Identify ways forward for our union using the data and information gained

5) Liaise with Labour Link to develop a strategy and a next step campaign

6) Report progress through Black Action and other UNISON press and media and next year’s National Black Members Conference.

25. What next for Equality and Human Rights?Carried

Following the pathetic attempt at consultation employed by the Tory Led UK Government on the future of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) this year, it appears that the fate of the EHRC was already in the balance and any support for a National organization that leads on Equality, Diversity, Discrimination and Human Rights in Employment was never a priority for the Tories.

However, this still means that the work on fighting on Equality and Discrimination issues in Employment has not disappeared but instead needs to be given more vigour and attention. Instead of individualizing these issues, UNSION needs to be setting the agenda on Equality and Employment in the Workplace. This means being more bold in supporting cases where Race discrimination is clearly taking place, implementing the UNISON Race Discrimination Protocol in full and supporting the EHRC or its re-vamped structure in tackling enforcement of Equality legislation, having punitive powers against bad employers and providing a scrutiny of current and prospective equality legislation in Parliament.

Therefore we instruct the National Black Members Committee to:

1) Produce guidelines for branches and regions on how to better support Race discrimination cases, using existing Race Equality legislation, UNISON Race

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Discrimination Protocol and other policies and procedures that exist within UNISON.

2) Continue to campaign for a National organisation that has powers to deal with enforcement of Equality legislation, punitive powers to deal with bad employers, powers to scrutinize current and prospective Equality legislation from Parliament and provide guidelines and research on all Equality and employment related issues.

3) Continue to campaign and publicise the impact of a relaxation of employment protection, workers rights in the workplace and the necessity to increase the health and safety regulations currently afforded workers.

26. The Black Experience - UNISON's Freedom of InformationCarried as Amended: 26.1

UNISON’s initial freedom of information exercise conducted in London in 2012 revealed that a significant number of local authorities were shedding hundreds of thousands of jobs across the Capital which was having a disproportionate effect on Black workers.

In seventeen of the Capital’s councils, Black workers were unfairly bearing the brunt of the cuts, and paying the price with their jobs.

Black women were being disproportionately affected, in at least twelve of the London councils concerned where they constituted just 5% of the workforce but made up at least 23% of the redundancies taking place.

It is due to this knowledge that conference notes with disappointment the total exclusion of black members and black staff in the production of the Local government “ All in it together” campaigning DVD which in so doing, has caused serious offence and appears to demonstrate a view that UNISON has “forgotten” the disproportionate impact that the Con Dem austerity measures have had on Black members in Local government.

Conference applauds this work being carried out and welcomes the roll-out of this exercise to other regions across the country.

These kinds of statistic’s need to be challenged and an alternative to the austerity measures must be put in place to stop what could be deemed, discriminatory practice – we need this information as soon as possible.

Conference calls on the NBMC to:

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1) Examine and discuss with the NEC whether a legal challenge can be made under the Equality Act 2010 and Equality Impact Assessment legislation where there is any evidence of discriminatory practices highlighted by this research.

2) Support branches to use available data where appropriate to challenge their employers using the Challenging Racism toolkit and the Race Discrimination Claims Protocol

3) Develop guidance and templates on how to submit a Freedom of Information enquiry on race statistics for branch use

4) To develop a campaigning strategy to highlight the disproportionate impact the cuts are having on public sector Black workers and defend Black community projects threatened with closure or funding cuts.

5) We call for the campaigning DVD “All in it together” to be immediately removed from internal distribution and from wider union use, pending advice as to whether it may be appropriately re- edited to better reflect the union’s wider membership or else be permanently laid aside.

28. Out Of Many We Are One - Hope for Real Independance and LGBT Equality in Jamaica

CarriedConference welcomes the election of Portia Simpson Miller as the first woman prime minister of Jamaica and celebrates the 50th Year of Jamaican Independence.

Conference notes that Jamaica’s last prime minister had said he would not allow any homosexuals to serve in his cabinet. But Portia Simpson Miller said in a national TV debate in December 2011, during her re-election campaign, that she would not discriminate on grounds of sexual orientation when it comes to choosing her ministerial team. She won by a landslide.

Since her re-election there has been progress on the political front and Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller has indicated her willingness to review the country’s anti-buggery laws, which were imposed on Jamaica under British colonial rule.

She made her position very clear when she publicly stated:

“Our administration believes in protecting the human rights of all Jamaicans. No one should be discriminated against because of their sexual orientation. Government should provide protection”.

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She went on to say: “I certainly do not pry nor do I have any intention of prying in the private business of anyone. I would appoint anyone with the ability, the capacity and capability to manage in my cabinet.”

Conference welcomes the fact that in expounding her belief in protecting the human rights of all Jamaicans, Portia leads from the front, challenging the homophobic attitudes that have been ingrained in the minds of some communities and people, which had been reinforced by the old-guard politicians.

Conference calls on the National Black Members Committee to work with the National LGBT Committee and the National Executive Council international committee to:

1) Write to Jamaica’s High commissioner, congratulating the Jamaican Prime Minister on her progressive statements on LGBT equalities and human rights and seeking an update on progress towards reform;

2) Explore solidarity work with Jamaican trade unions such as Jamaica Association of Local Government Officers (JALGO), Jamaican LGBT groups and Jamaican organisations that work to ensure that LGBT equalities are progressed.

29. The Day of the Africa ChildCarried

The 16th June is another historic day celebrated all over Africa, this is the day of the African Child.

On the 16th June 1976, thousands of Black school children took to the street of Soweto, South Africa. In a march more than half a mile long, they protested the inferior quality of their education and demanded their right to be taught in their own language.

Hundreds of young boys and girls were shot down by the then apartheid security forces in South Africa. In the two weeks of protest that followed, more than one hundred people were killed and more than a thousand were injured.

To honour the memory of those killed and the courage of all those who marched, the Day of the African Child has been celebrated on 16th June every year since 1991, when it was first initiated by the Organisationof Africa Unity (now the Africa Union).

The Day also draws attention to the lives of Africa children today. This year, the Day focuses on the rights of children with disabilities: the duty to protect, respect, promote and fulfil their dreams.

Global interest in the active involvement of children and youth in schools, community action, media and governance has grown over the past decade or so and this has been stimulated by recognition of children's and youth citizenship and their rights.

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This is not only about the African Child but it is about children all over the world, who still can’t realise their full dreams and potential. Its time we did something to ensure we help to fullfill those aspirations.

It’s also a day children or child activists use to promote and raise awareness about different cultures all over the world.

Conference to help raise awareness about this day in UNISON and in our communities.

We call on the NBMC to:

1) Raise this issue with UNISON’s International Committee and see how we can work with our international partners in South Africa

2) Have a bucket collection at this year conference 2013 and donate to help support the lives of children across Africa through the appropriate agency.

3) Report on the work undertaken at the 2014 conference.

30. Support Democracy Movement - To End Human Rights Abuse in BurmaCarried

The British Government's support for a UN Arms Embargo against Burma and an imposed ban on Burmese Gems, Timber, Metals, and on investments in these sectors, is very welcomed. However, it is time for further sanctions, as it is vital for us to pile up economic and political pressure on the military regime, to start genuine talks with Aung San Suu Kyi, to ensure a smooth transition to democracy.

Conference notes with deep concern that in the absence of democracy in Burma, abuse of Human Rights and killing of Burmese people is still going strong under Military rule.

For example, Amnesty International recent statement manage an evidence, that Muslims in Burma's western Rakhine state have been subjected to attacks and arbitrary arrests in the weeks since communal violence erupted, this June. BBC, Amnesty sources accuses Burmese security forces as well as ethnic Rakhine Buddhist residents of assaults, unlawful killings of Muslims and the destruction of property.

In its 56-page report “Human Rights Watch” insists: “The Government Could Have Stopped this Sectarian Violence and Ensuing Abuses. The report presents evidence

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that how the Burmese authorities failed to take adequate measures to end rising tensions and the outbreak of sectarian violence in Arakan State.

Although communal violence has eased since the unrest in June; violations by the security forces appear to have increased. According to human rights groups the government claims it is committed to ending ethnic strife and abuse, but recent events in Arakan State demonstrate that state-sponsored persecution and discrimination persist. Earlier this month, Burma's President Thein Sein said the "solution" for the Rohingya was deportation or refugee camps.

Killing and abuse of Human Rights in Burma does affect Black people living in the UK. The fact is British Citizens of Bangladeshi, Indian, and Pakistani origin via remittance do contribute a huge chunk to the economy of countries they came from.

Migration of Burmese people (including Muslims) to neighbouring countries such as Bangladesh, India and even to Pakistan puts addition burden on the overstretched economic resources of these countries. Migration of Burmese people does give rise to high cost of living back home, forcing our families to live in poverty – this worries us all. The neighbouring Bangladesh already hosts several hundred thousand refugees from Burma and says it cannot take any more.

Conference, UNISON has a chequered history in providing support to the movement for Democracy in Burma. And we believe democracy is the only way to put an end to the Human Rights abuse of Burmese people.

Therefore, conference urges up on the NBMC to work with UNISON NEC’s International Committee to lobby with our politician and sister trade unions in US, Canada, and EC:

1) To influence Burmese government to take urgent measures to end Human Rights abuses by their forces.

2) To ensure humanitarian access, and permit independent international monitors to visit affected areas and investigate abuses.

3) To intensify support for trade union led movement for democracy in Burma.

31. LibyaCarried

Conference notes recent reports from Amnesty International about the detention centres in Libya. Far from the situation improving since the Gadaffi government was overthrown; the government security forces continue to arrest Black men from a number of African countries such as Nigeria and Mali accusing them of being mercenary’s who were fighting on behalf of Gadaffi.

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Whilst some are refugees from other African countries, others have lived in Libya for over ten years with their families. Reports are emerging that these innocent men are being beaten and abused regularly whilst being detained without any human rights protection afforded to them.

Libya does not recognize the right to seek asylum, and has yet to sign the UN Convention on Refugees. This means that in practice all asylum-seekers and refugees are treated like irregular migrants; arrested and sent to cramped detention centres across the country

Conference calls on the NBMC to work with the NEC to:

1) Find out more on the detention of our Black brothers in Libya through our international committee

2) Report back the findings and any initiatives of support UNISON can give, to bring this to the attention of the United Nations.

3) Update National Black Members Conference 2014 on this piece of work.

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