Emmanuella Ogan, a first-time delegate and speaker from Aberdeenshire, delivered a heartfelt and impactful speech in support of Composite F at the National Delegate Conference.
She shared her personal story and experiences as a Nigerian worker in the UK, highlighting the challenges faced by sponsored workers, including bullying, intimidation, unfair treatment, and management’s use of sponsorship status as a tool of fear. Emmanuella described the emotional and practical struggles of standing up for fair treatment in hostile environments, and the isolation that can come from cultural misunderstandings, such as accent discrimination.
Her testimony emphasized the urgent need for stronger employment rights protections to safeguard vulnerable workers from exploitation and harassment. She called on delegates to back the Employment Rights Bill as a crucial step toward justice and dignity in the workplace.
Emmanuella’s speech was a moving reminder of the real-life impact of union campaigns and the importance of solidarity for all workers, especially those facing compounded challenges due to immigration and sponsorship status.