|
Written by Ted Hartley
|
|
Tuesday, 04 September 2007 |
New Migrant Workers’ Support Network (South Yorkshire) Launched Successfully
Over 100 representatives, from trades unions, local authorities, VCS organisations, specialist agencies, legal firms and universities cam out on Friday the 18th of January to help launch the new network. This network, bringing the energies and expertise of VCS and other bodies into play with the strength of Unite, the union, will enable migrant workers and their families to access easily to help and support to tackle problems with their working conditions and issues in the host communities.
The speakers at the launch talked about the experience of migration: Jack Dromey, the Unite Deputy General Secretary is from an Irish migrant worker background who found the union a great way to get sorted out in the UK. The union is committed to ensuring fair and equal treatment for migrant workers in this country and the union will put its resources and leadership behind the work. Omar Ahmed described the work and help available through the union’s national migrant support unit. Speakers from migrant workers’ organisations and workplace groups talked of the bullying and exploitation that is encountered on a regular basis. They also spoke of the real need for help with language and the need for more information, education about the UK and its way of doing things.
The website was opened ( http://www.migrantsupportsy.eu) and the network formally launched.
The network is an association of voluntary and community groups, Universities, local authorities, specialist agencies, learning organisations and we are led by the large Trades Union, UNITE, which works with many migrant workers and is very keen to help and support those who call on us.
We want to see justice, fair treatment and equality for all workers and their families and we want to help ensure that exploitation, racism and other evils are avoided. We want the workers who come to stay here to have a good and safe experience and we want migrant workers to get to know the local community and understand and use the civil and civic opportunities to which all are entitled.
Ted Hartley, Secretary mailto:tedhartley@mac.com
If you wish to pledge any financial support please get in touch.
|
|
Read more...
|
