RCM Briefing – Report of the Black Workers' Conference, April 2019
RCM delegates attended the TUC Black Worker’s Conference from 12-14 April this year where the theme was ‘fighting to win workplace unity’. Paul Nowak the Deputy General Secretary of the TUC opened the conference. Other speakers included Claude Moraes MEP and former Race Equality Officer at the TUC, Sandra Kerr, Director at Business in the Community (BIC), Kye Gbangbola, Truth about Zane campaign and Nazek Rahman from Migrant Voice. The RCM joined delegates from a wide range of TUC affiliate unions including other health workers such as physiotherapists and podiatrists.
The RCM delegation was made up of:
- Sue Alcide, RCM member
- Alice Sorby, Employment Relations Advisor (observer)
“I enjoyed the fantastic opportunity to represent Black and ethnic minority RCM members at this annual conference. It’s extremely important that the issues facing BME midwives and maternity assistants are discussed and actioned to eliminate the inequities faced in the workplace if we are to provide an inclusive service for all to be treated with care, compassion, dignity and respect. I look forward to seeing the RCM’s.commitment to improving BME leadership in maternity services” Sue Alcide, RCM Delegate.
The RCM’s motion to the conference was, NHS leadership and was passed unanimously. Our motion focused on the lack of BME leadership in the NHS and was seconded by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP). Speakers from a wide range of different unions got up to speak in support of the motion focusing on their own experiences working in the NHS or those of family members. The RCM also seconded a CSP motion discrimination in education and its long term impact.
If you would like further information about TUC Black Worker’s Conference or any other TUC conferences and events please contact Alice Sorby on alice.sorby@rcm.org.uk.
