Response to Racist and Islamaphobic activities across the country
In addition to horrific scenes of racist and Islamophobic rallies in major cities across the UK over the weekend, there have also been numerous attacks on mosques, local businesses and individuals (including mob attacks, stabbings, and acid attacks). While we are glad to see the anti-racism rallies counterprotest (and in many areas significantly outnumber) the far-right activities, trade unions are standing with the communities that face racist attacks, violence and scapegoat blame.
"Unions have a proud history of standing up against racism and the far right – and we will continue to play our part in workplaces and communities to bring workers together, and to stand firm against those who sow hatred and division." Read the joint TUC anti-far right statementLink opens in a new window
Coventry UNISON, UCU, CWU, PCS and NEU branches at a local rally in Coventry on Saturday 10 August
Due to this many of our members and colleagues may need additional support: from additional access to wellbeing support, and clear condemnation of far-right ideologies by their employers, to working pattern adjustments that allow them to travel in relative safety.
As such, we ask that the University clearly communicate its concrete support to both staff and students, especially Muslim and racialised staff and students, and to ensure that clear guidance is in place for line managers, should they need it.
We ask the University to call out the Islamophobic ideologies and condemn violence against migrants and people of colour instead of describing them as "acts of disorder", to truly practice what we preach in offering effective intervention and stand in solidarity with communities who have been the most affected by the ongoing organised racism.
We also ask managers to authorise approval of work-from-home requests until the situation has calmed down, as many staff will feel safer working from home. We note that for many of our members working from home is typically not an option, however in the current circumstances coming into work may require use of public transport, which could expose staff to risk; and for many staff members it may feel (and indeed, may be) unsafe to send their children to pre-arranged daytime activities. Flexibility to work from home would enable staff to prioritize their safety and well-being during extreme stress. We ask that you facilitate this and request guidance from HR. We can also guide if you email us at .
For colleagues who are not a member of a trade union at Warwick, we would urge you to join and, if you are able to, to come to local anti-racism rallies and demonstrations through your trade unions and activist groups (see Stand up to RacismLink opens in a new window).
UNISON University of Warwick Branch