UNISON has been praised for its work in the areas of anti-racism and allyship at special event held in the centre of Neath.
The UNISON Neath Port Talbot branch today (Thursday May 23) held a well attended session at the Neath Port Talbot Council civic centre focussing on the union’s anti-racism charter and allyship in the workplace.
The event featured guest speakers including Neath Port Talbot Council chief executive Karen Jones (pictured below) who recognised the work of the branch in a speech to delegates.
She said: “UNISON colleagues have been honoured nationally and won awards for the work they have done in this area.
“You have done credit to yourselves in shining a really positive spotlight on Neath Port Talbot.
“We have become a better organisation and deliver better services to our communities as a result of what you have done.”
Shirley Newbury, chair of the Ethnic Network Group, organised the event and thanked UNISON Neath Port Talbot branch secretary Mark Fisher and UNISON, for their work towards the UNISON anti-racism charter.
Shirley also credited Tom Owen and HR colleagues, for their ongoing work and commitment.
She said: “This is the first time we have presented an anti-racism event in Neath Port Talbot, and is a significant and essential initiative, especially during the current climate.
“The UNISON anti-racism charter aligns with the Neath Port Talbot Future of Work Strategy and events like this are vital in supporting our ambition to become a proud anti-racist council.”
The event was also attended by Riaz Hassan, head of the Welsh government anti-racist Wales action plan.
Mr Hassan (pictured above) addressed delegates and said: “If you want to be anti-racist you need to be brave, radical and bold.
“You need to be engaging in very difficult conversations.”
UNISON Cymru/Wales convenor Jan Tomlinson said: “I am immensely proud of the work of UNISON’s Neath Port Talbot branch and their allyship event is the culmination of an enormous amount of hard work.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about what it means to be an ally in the workplace.”
Click here for a full copy of the UNISON anti-racism charter.
For more information on work of the Neath Port Talbot UNISON branch click here or email unison@npt.gov.uk.