UCU day of action against workplace racism
On 8 February 2017 UCU will be holding a day of action against workplace racism.
‘…you’re really articulate for a black person’
‘…but where are you REALLY from?’
‘…although it seems very minor, consistent and persistent misspelling of my name. If you can learn Dostoyevsky…’
Extracts from the UCU survey into the experiences of black workers in further and higher education, 2015
Our theme this year is ‘This is what racism looks like‘ and follows on from our successful first day of action against workplace racism held on 10 February 2016. The campaign aims to highlight the issues faced in our workplaces by black workers in the post-16 education sector and to raise the profile and progression of race equality in the union.
Suggested branch activities for the day of action
Branches are encouraged to choose one of these activities to mark the day and raise awareness in their workplaces:
- film showings – using the ‘Witness’ film chronicling the lived experiences of UCU black members
- share the ‘witness’ document [824kb] capturing some of the experiences of UCU’s black members
- meetings to promote or discuss the findings of the survey of BME staff [132kb]
- joint meetings with NUS – suggested themes ‘Liberate My Degree’ or ‘Decolonise the Curriculum’
- stalls to distribute the challenging workplace racism pack – posters and leaflets can be found on the dedicated page on the UCU website
- promote the ‘Black Voices’ blog on the UCU website
- you can also find details above of events being held on the day of action 2017.
Branches are also being encouraged to use the UCU bargaining guide on tackling workplace racism and to raise the issues identified with employers as an integral part of the collective bargaining agenda.