Lothian Health launches anti-racist workplace sessions

by Derek Durkin

Lothian Health Branch has joined with “Show Racism the Red Card” (SRTRC) to launch a series of workplace sessions aimed at combating racism at work.

The Branch meeting on 4 June at Edinburgh’s Kings Manor hotel was addressed by Tommy Breslin and Dee Kenning from SRTRC, who were accompanied by ex Hibs legend Michael Weir.

The organisation employs a number of ex football players to assist them in delivering their anti racist message in schools across Scotland.

UNISON has a long relationship with SRTRC and the branch saw an opportunity to build on that relationship by bringing the great work done in Scotland’s schools into the workplace. On 15 June a 30 minute session was held with the Laundry staff at St. John’s hospital,

Livingston with around 80 workers attending. Later that day a second session was held with staff at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. Staff at both events were given time off to attend and the sessions were a major success.

The branch hopes to roll out the programme in the near future and ensure that the anti racist message is delivered to as many health workers as possible.

Dee Kenning, SRTRC education officer also addressed a meeting of the Lothian Partnership Forum on 13 July at which NHS Lothian pledged its full support for the UNISON/SRTRC initiative.

Tam Waterson, Lothian Health Branch Chair, said: “The Branch is delighted to be working with Show Racism the Red Card in this initiative.

“Racism in the scourge of society and this is an ideal way of educating our members in their own workplaces and with the full support of the employer”

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