WALES TUC launches survey on Black workers’ experiences of the workplace

Wales TUC is inviting Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) workers to share their experiences of the Welsh workplace and tell the Wales TUC if their workplace is treating them fairly.

Wales TUC has developed this survey in response to BME union members sharing how they have been discriminated against in a number of ways.  Workers have reported experiences such as being singled out for more dangerous or difficult work, not getting access to adequate PPE, not being furloughed despite having health conditions, being targeted when hours or jobs are being cut and being racially abused by colleagues or customers.

Often BME workers don’t feel able to raise issues with their employer because they fear of victimisation. They aren’t always given enough of a say in what needs to change to make workplaces fair. Currently Wales TUC believes that bad bosses are exploiting BME workers by not paying them fairly, or giving them fewer opportunities to progress.

Wales TUC is asking workers in Wales to share their experiences of the Welsh workplace and to suggest what needs to change.

Kebba Manneh, chair of UNISON Cymru Wales Black Members Group said,

“This excellent Wales TUC survey is very relevant to our times. The disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on Black people and the #BlackLivesMatter protests have shown everyone that systemic institutional and structural racism is a pandemic. UK government and Welsh government can effectively address it by showing the same effort they are displaying in tackling the coronavirus. We need action not rhetoric.

“We need to gather the experiences of Black people in the workplace and trade unions will use this evidence to fight for change and a better world.”