Unison

Joint Union Statement on violence and racism, and the rise of the far right.   

 

The following statement has been agreed by campus trade unions at University of Glasgow (GMB, UCU, UNISON and Unite).  

 

We want to express our unwavering solidarity with our migrant members, our Muslim members and members of colour, and we want to acknowledge and echo the statement from the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI): The escalation of far-right, racist and Islamophobic violence against our communities in recent days is horrifying. These targeted attacks do not occur in isolation – they are the direct result of years of racist, de-humanising policies and language being peddled by our politicians and the media.  

 

We also endorse the statement from the Scottish Trades Union Council (STUC): We have witnessed appalling scenes of racist rioters targeting Muslim, black and minority ethnic communities, spreading fear and mayhem. The deliberate assault and arson of hotels accommodating asylum seekers is nothing short of barbaric. These hateful events must be condemned as Islamophobic and racist by politicians of all parties and the media.  

  

We have highlighted a number of key bits of information in relation to our stance below.   

  

Safety  

  

If you feel part of a targeted group, you may wish to avoid areas where far-right marches or events are announced. We would urge you to have your mobile phone and ID with you at all times and a trusted contact you can check in with.   

  

We would also like to highlight UofG's SafeZone app, which can be installed on personal devices and allows you to press the emergency number if you need help on or off campus (or use the 4444 extension to reach security on Campus). The app is available on UofG's Campus Security webpage.  

  

Make sure you attend any demonstrations with someone you know and do not attend alone. We note that rights to protest and rights during a protest can vary based on nationality, and we advise those who are concerned to refer to the helpful advice and resources provided by the Scottish Activist Legal Project, including their extremely extensive Guide to Activism, Scottish Law and the Police, and more specifically their Guide for Internationals.  

 

Note in particular that if you are on a visa and arrests are made during a demo, even if the demo is peaceful and lawful and you are released without charge, the arrest can go on your record and compromise future visas. While we deplore this racist immigration policy, we entirely understand any members who do not feel that this is an acceptable risk.  
 
If you prefer to work from home to avoid traveling during these times, please get in touch with your line manager in the first instance. These requests should be taken seriously. If you run into any trouble with a response to your request, please get in touch with your local branch office. If students are expressing worry and distress, please listen first, but then put them in touch with the Student Representatives Council and the dedicated Student Support services on campus who can provide specialised assistance.  

 

Above all, given our highly international community across staff and students, our priority is to look after each other. We encourage members to support each other, particularly those feeling at risk locally during this difficult time.  While hate grabs the headlines, kindness can go a long way for those who are scared and worried for their safety.  

 

Upcoming Demonstrations  

 

Our branches will be taking part in a demonstration against the far-right at George Square in Glasgow this Saturday, 10 August 2024 at 11am. Some of our branch banners will be there and those who feel able to attend are invited to assemble with other UofG members from 10.40am onwards. We believe it is vital to come together to oppose the far right in Glasgow and show solidarity with those directly targeted by violence and racism.  

 

 There is also a far-right rally called on 7 September 2024 at George Square, and the STUC have put out a call for Trade Unions to attend a counter protest.   

 

We recognise that some members might not feel safe to attend and we respect members’ self-assessment on what is right for them.  

 

Contact Us  

 

The unions will be organising to resist and oppose the far-right however we can, and members can get in touch with their branches as usual to ask for support or offer their assistance. Our contact details can be found below.   

  

GMB: gmbg@glasgow.ac.uk 
UCU: ucug@glasgow.ac.uk   
UNISON: UNISON@glasgow.ac.uk  
Unite: Unite-smb@glasgow.ac.uk  

  

We have included links to further resources below, should anybody want to refer to them. Please feel free to share this statement and the resources with anyone you feel may find beneficial. 

 

Look after each other, be kind, and if you are able and so inclined, please reach out to your branch to get involved. We are all in this fight together.  

 

In Solidarity,  

 

GMB, UCU, UNISON and Unite 

 

 

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Saheliya: one on one counselling for BAME and migrant women and girls. Glasgow contact: admin.glasgow@saheliya.co.uk. Edinburgh contact: info@saheliya.co.uk. 

Ubuntu: shelter for migrant women with no recourse to public funds, LGBT+ inclusive. 

Amina: Muslim women support centre. No appointment required, call 0141 212 8420 for helpline or just drop by. 

The Well: Multicultural support center in Govanhill. No appointment required, call 0141 424 4523 or just drop by. 

The Scottish Refugee & Migrant Centre: Legal advice on migrant and refugee rights 

Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights 

Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants 

First published: 8 August 2024