National Black Members' Conference success for Scotland

by Ismail Donmez and Lui Giacomello

Mike Kirby, UNISON Scottish Convenor, successfully led a team of UNISON Scotland officers and black members to play host to the 2008 National Black Members' Conference in January in Glasgow.

The conference proved successful with almost 500 people attending. Hamid Rasheed, Chair of Scottish Black Members, officially welcomed the delegates to the opening session of the conference on Friday afternoon.

He briefed delegates about the contributions made by Scottish Black Members to the work of our union on recruitment, equality, communications, learning and organising front.

Mike Kirby stole the show during Saturday's session by welcoming all delegates and visitors to the Glasgow, "The curry capital of Scotland". Mike briefed the conference about UNISON Scotland's ongoing work on:

• Equality and Equal Opportunities.
• Fighting against Racism in Scotland and successful campaigns on this subject
• Fresh Talent Initiative,
• One Nation one culture project,
• Asylum and Migrant workers,
• The role of UNISON Scotland in black self organisation groups.

Mike's speech was warmly received with a little gift, a spirtle each for every delegate with a gift card based on UNISON Scotland tartan design.

Scottish attendance and Motions

Twelve delegates and eight visitors from Scottish Branches attended the conference. The Black Members from Scottish branches invited debate on four motions (two from SBMC and one each from Fife LG and Perth and Kinross Branch black members). A

t the conference three out of four motions were moved by first time delegates to the conference. All the four motions were carried unanimously. Scotland's Ravi Nathan was elected to the National Black Members Standing Orders Committee. Ravi's nomination was effectively supported by votes from Greater London, Yorkshire and Humberside, Wales and North East Region.

Show Racism the Red Card

Also at the Conference 2008, UNISON Scotland's Secretary Matt Smith joined hands with Scottish Black Members to Show the Racism the Red Card (see photo), Conference Social Event Scottish Black Members thanked UNISONScotland for organising the social event at the conference.

We trust Scottish Black Members will continue to enjoy the unprecedented support from the Region and its branches.

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