Congress recognised the reality of present racism and the legacy of historic racism in Scottish society.
A wide ranging motion covered incidents from debates around statues of slave owners to the death of Sheku Bayoh.
The motion paid tribute to STUC Black Workers’ Committee in building support for the family of Sheku Bayoh and highlighting the fight against racism. It went on to note however that racism pervades all communities and workplaces, and as such, it is an issue for the entire trade union movement.
Seconding the motion Davena Rankin spoke of UNISON’S Year of Black Worker’s initiative – acknowledging that the trade union record is not nearly as good as we would hope.
“2023 has been designated the year of the Black Woker by UNISON – it is an opportunity for us to celebrate and commemorate the achievements and contributions made by Black workers. However, it is equally important that we also engage in difficult conversations.
Our movement have had a mixed history in tackling racism and we need to honest about that if we’re to become a truly anti-racist movement.”
The motion passed unanimously – Congress acknowledging that racism is a problem for all of us.