Stronger Together: Stronger Than Ever!
Irish Congress of Trade Unions hosts National Conference on Anti-Racism in The Workplace and Trade Unions.
Tuesday, September 10th, 2024.
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions is pleased to be hosting a national conference on Anti-Racism in the workplace in Dublin, on Tuesday September 10th.
The conference is part of the Stronger Together Anti-Racist Workplaces and Trade Unions Project, which has developed a number of initiatives to support ICTU’s affiliated membership of over 800,000 working people, in the delivery of antiracism initiatives.
The event will offer the opportunity for trade union representatives to discuss what trade unions can do to combat racism and other forms of bigotry. Initial findings of the project’s research component, which explores workers’ experience of racial discrimination and the effectiveness of Trade Union supports in response to same, will be presented on the day. An accompanying tool-kit will also be debuted. In addition, three expert panels made up of relevant stakeholders, will showcase existing good practice in Anti-Racism work, explore issues affecting ethnic minority/migrant workers, and look at ways in which the trade union movement can work with civil society to challenge racist narratives.
Speaking ahead of the event, ICTU General Secretary Owen Reidy noted; “We are excited to host this important conference today, which explores many aspects of racism in the workplace. Trade unions have a vital role to play in encouraging solidarity, not division, and racism has no place in any reputable workplace. The event is a culmination of a 10 month multi-strand project; the response to which from individual trade unions has been remarkable and a real testament to the movement’s intolerance to bigotry of any kind”.
Minister for integration, Joe O'Brien T.D., added “As Minister of State with responsibility for Integration I am proud to see the Trade Union Movement front & centre of challenging the issue of racism in the work place and indeed in all areas of life.
Racism is an insidious danger that threatens not only the person subjected to it but society as a whole - damaging our social fabric and sense of community. It is incumbent on everyone to challenge racism and racist remarks and actions whenever we encounter them. The very essence of the Trade Union movement is one of solidarity so it is fitting that ICTU is leading on such an important campaign and I’m pleased to participate in today’s important event.”
A number of presentations on the day, will focus on aspects of the wider progress being made to tackle racism. Kara Tuner, Adjudicator with the Workplace Relations Commission will present on race-related cases brought before the commission, and on Ireland’s Equality Laws. Ellis Barry, Chief Executive of FLAC (Free Legal Aid Centre) will focus on the agency’s work in the area of Anti-Racism. The newly appointed Special Rapporteur on Racism, Dr Ebun Joseph, will reflect on the National Action Plan Against Racism and its relevancy to the workplace.
Commenting on the event, Anti-Racism Workplaces and trade Unions Coordinator, Dr David Carroll stated: “Over the last number of months I have had the pleasure of coordinating this vital project. While the research launched today illustrates that there are gaps to be filled, and more work to be done in order to tackle racism as effectively as possible, the trade union movement is up for the challenge. Our local, regional and national events have been organized, promoted and attended by trade union representatives and members, keen to show their support and take a stand against racism and all forms of discrimination.
Full programme available here
And toolkit /sites/default/files/users/user319/ICTU%20Toolkit%2010Sept2024.pdf
And the research report will be published soon here
