TUC BLACK WORKERS’ CONFERENCE

The POA was proudly represented at the Black Workers’ Conference organised by the Trade Union Congress (TUC). This year’s theme, “Educate, Agitate, Organise,” brought together Black workers, trade union activists, and allies from across the country to address pressing issues of racial justice, workplace equality, and collective action.

The conference called for International Solidarity, with speakers voicing strong opposition to the invasion of Gaza and calling for justice and peace.

The POA delegation consisted of five members – four branch officials alongside the Assistant General Secretary – who actively participated in the debates, workshops, and motions brought forward throughout the three-day event.

All delegates spoke with passion and commitment particularly regarding their experiences of the labour market and the TUC advised the delegates that the ethnicity reporting pay gap was being actively pursued with the Labour Government. The challenges of obtaining redress for BAEM members in the workplace was debated as was the rise in racism post Southport that had led to healthcare workers being targeted across the UK as they travelled into work. Some Healthcare Trusts had supported their workers and our members by putting on taxis to ensure their safety travelling to and from work.

The current Government’s readiness to be seen to be tightening immigration controls was having a negative impact on many workers particularly in health and social care with the increase in the financial threshold required to be met increasing. This change will affect prison officers who work for HMPPS and one of our delegation spoke about the impact that the changes would have on his family and as a first-time delegate and speaker received warm applause for his contribution. The implementation of these changes will impact on the staffing levels in prisons and will further deepen the crisis which already exists in the Prison Service.

Inequality in healthcare particularly maternity care for BAEM women and the sharing of individual experiences by delegates was both moving and upsetting as were the difficulties that B Black healthcare workers have to promotional opportunities and the racist abuse received by colleagues and members of the public. All the delegates from the POA commented on what a positive experience this had been and that this had made them realise that their experience was not a singular one.

One of the most notable interventions by the POA delegation was the seconding of a motion, which highlighted the changes in the immigration rules for foreign skilled workers (prison officers in this context).

Our representative emphasised the following:

• Many migrant workers are burdened with exorbitant Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) fees, despite contributing essential services.
• Additional salary threshold requirements create unnecessary bottle-necks, making it harder for skilled workers to remain in vital roles.
• The need for the trade union movement to campaign collectively for the removal of these unfair financial and bureaucratic barriers.

This contribution was well received and underscored the POA’s commitment to standing in solidarity with all workers, particularly those facing disproportionate challenges.

For the POA, the event was not only a chance to engage with pressing national and international issues, but also an opportunity to amplify the voices of prison officers and staff within the wider labour movement.

ANGELA MONTGOMERY
ASSISTANT GENERAL SECRETARY &

AKINOLA AKINLADE
HMP STOCKEN