FBU black and ethnic minority members (BEMM) section delegates to the TUC black workers conference this year were BEMM reps Corneil Power, London region; Kasey LeGall, East Midlands region; and Jamie Newell, EC member Eastern region
Kasey Le Gall moved the BEMM section’s resolution on work by the FBU and the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) on contaminants and the union’s DECON campaign and how it impacts BEMM members.
Corneil Power spoke in support of a motion calling for action to support refugees.
He focused on the weaponisation of language and demonisation of refugees and migrant workers by the media and politicians.
I spoke in support of a motion on tackling institutional racism – which referenced the London Fire Brigade independent culture review.
Jamie Newell EC member Eastern region
I asked myself where I fit in with all this and questioned what other unions do for ethnic minorities.
I was nervous. I don’t think I fit into a model of a black woman. It’s strange how we all have our own thoughts of what that looks like. My mum is white British, and dad black Caribbean.
I grew up enjoying both sides of my heritage and then started work having different experiences due to having a mixed heritage.
Once I joined the fire service I naturally joined the FBU and quickly became involved. First as a women’s rep and then as a black and ethnic minority members’ rep, feeling more comfortable in this section as being a woman with darker skin has its own hurdles.
At BWC 23, I listened to stories and issues raised in other unions and workplaces. There is still much work to be done to level out the playing field.
By conference’s end, I felt comfortable and familiar, with faces and accents so close to my own family and friends. Understanding more the complexities in our workplaces and unions that still require nurturing and developing into places where black and ethnic minorities feel valued and accepted whole heartedly.
We must all continue to work towards this ideal.
Kasey LeGall East Midlands region
This year’s TUC black workers conference was a clear example of progress through struggle.
The room was filled with different traditions, cultures and professions, from teachers to firefighters. Many great people spoke, explaining their struggle with employers, colleagues, service users and even resistance from within their own unions.
Some spoke of how raising the issue of race was sometimes more difficult and frowned upon than actually being racist.
We spoke about a government that forces the poor into a downward cycle and peddles hate. We spoke of personal battles in toxic workplaces, smashing glass ceilings, handshakes in solidarity, and discussion on micro aggressions. We spoke about under-representation and the need to educate up-and-coming generations of black workers.
The key to events like this is to leave knowing something that you did not know before arriving. That was achieved by many.
Corneil Power, London region
