Stop the far right

Unite delegates collectively resolved to do more to tackle far-right activism and racism in the workplace in a debate that drew numerous interventions.

Unite delegate Mibinzo Vundamina gave a heartfelt speech as he moved a motion on Tuesday (July 8), highlighting the pervasiveness of racism in all our institutions.

“[Racists] are some of our neighbours, they teach in our children’s schools, they exist in our police forces and they’re entrenched in the very social structures that are there to serve and care for our communities. They’re even amongst us in our trade unions,” he said.

He recalled the “stunned horror” when, after misinformation was spread about the perpetrator of the Southport attacks, racist riots broke out across the country. He condemned how Labour failed to act decisively, and how the Reform party is now “amplifying toxic views for votes”.

Mibinzo recounted his own experiences with racism. He told of how he and his then-fiancee were looking to rent a home, estate agents said they had no viewings when he used his name. But only minutes later, when his wife called the same agents using her Welsh surname, viewings suddenly materialised.

Mibinzo told of another instance when his Welsh-born, 18-month-old son had to go to hospital for a chest infection. After being discharged, a local NHS board wrote to the family, demanding proof of the boy’s entitlement to treatment – only because a staff member had flagged him because his name was different.

“I want my son to grow up in a place where he doesn’t have to justify his right to be here, where his mixed-race heritage is something to be celebrated, instead of a potential obstacle to be justified or explained in job interviews or casual conversations,” Mibinzo added.

“Unite is uniquely placed to drive positive change for the betterment of our members and society,” he concluded, as he called for support of the motion.

Meanwhile, Unite delegate Dara Basketfield, of Northern Ireland, seconded the motion as he highlighted the recent racist and xenophobic riots in Ballymena and other towns.

The riots began after two teenage boys were charged with an alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl. The boys had their charges read by a Romanian interpreter, which then led to the riots and attacks on people perceived to be from a foreign country.

Dara said it was clear that racism was fuelling the riots – and not concern for violence against women and girls. He pointed to many white men, such as DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson and a Gaelic football player, who have been charged with sexual and violent crimes, but have not been the target of protests or riots.

“Why?” he asked. “Because they’re white and local.”

“Violence against women and girls is a horrific issue in our society, and so too is racism,” Dara said. “We cannot allow violence and persecution of one group, to be an excuse for the violence and persecution of another.”

A number of delegates intervened in the debate, with many highlighting the importance of having difficult conversations with friends, family and work colleagues – to challenge far-right narratives that are fuelling so much hate.

The motion also called for more anti-racist training in workplaces and other tangible actions that the union must take.

The motion was carried.

By Hajera Blagg

Photos by Mark Thomas