The Northern arm of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) today published a new guide that will equip trade unionists and local communities with information and advice on how to challenge racism in the workplace and within broader society. Launched to coincide with a TUC anti-racism training day, the toolkit tackles some of the myths that exist about immigration and asylum seekers, and argues that improvements to the regional economy of the North East are dependent on all individuals and communities, regardless of race and religion, having equal opportunity to participate in the labour market.

Northern TUC Regional Secretary Kevin Rowan said: "This guide will be an invaluable resource for trade unions, local communities and others committed to challenging racism, discrimination and intolerance wherever it exists in the North East. It rebuts some of the lies spread about immigrants and asylum seekers. Our public services are essential for underpinning private sector enterprise, and for our general social well being. However, without migrant workers and the contribution of ethnic minority communities, our vital public services would soon collapse. Migrant workers, many of whom are highly skilled, give far more than they take, contributing billions in taxes to the Treasury. If the North East is to reduce the gap that exists between it and other regions, then, as the Regional Development Agency, One NorthEast, rightly argues, it needs to draw upon the talents of each and every single person in the Region. Discrimination on the basis of race and religion will condemn the North East to terminal decline.'

CRE BACKS UNIONS WHO EXPEL BNP MEMBERS

Speaking at the Trades Union Congress on 9th September, CRE Chair Trevor Phillips promised to back unions that expel British National Party (BNP) members. Addressing Congress, Mr Phillips said: "We will work with and advise any union which takes the view that no union branch should be forced to have a racist as a member. It is the CRE’s job to promote race relations. Anyone who is a member of the BNP is a racist. Anyone who gives money to the BNP is undermining good race relations."

In his speech, Mr Phillips called on the media to present a more balanced picture of immigration. He also encouraged employers to adopt a zero tolerance policy towards racist employees.

Click here to visit the TUC website.
Click here to visit the CRE website.