17 June 2009
The Northern Ireland Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions is calling for a structured response from politicians, government agencies and local and migrant community representatives to the racist attacks which have left 115 Romanian migrant workers and their families distressed and homeless.
Peter Bunting, Assistant General Secretary of the ICTU
, said: “The immediate concern of the trade union movement is for the safety and wellbeing of these workers and their families. These people are among the most vulnerable members of our society, working dirty and sometimes dangerous jobs for the minimum wage, or less.
“Their vulnerability is exasperated by the UK government’s policy of making these EU citizens apply for work permits, a policy of social exclusion written in fearful response to the often racist coverage in the tabloid press of migrant workers and Romanians in particular.*
“This is not a time for pointing the finger at so-called ‘host’ communities. There is no evidence that these attacks are organised in any way, and the overwhelming majority of the diverse community of south Belfast are supportive of the Romanian families in their plight. We must also acknowledge the efficient response of local community organisations and churches and statutory agencies who are providing shelter, food, security and welfare to these families.
“The ICTU is particularly concerned at the capacity of disorganised delinquents to attack a peaceful protest on Monday evening at the Lisburn Road without adequate police protection. The PSNI must be resourced properly to deal with such attacks, and must prioritise hate crimes for speedy and thorough investigation, as the contagion can spread quickly among like-minded racist cowards.
“Resourcing local communities to assist in the work of integration and building trust and friendship ought to be seen as an investment in infrastructure which is as important as roads and bridges.
“Many of the Romanian families have expressed a wish to leave and return home. That is their choice and is completely understandable. However, we must hope that some stay to rebuild their lives as part of a pluralist Northern Ireland. The message sent by mass repatriation is that ethnic cleansing is a workable option for racists and thugs. That would be a message which shames us all.
“It is time for a political response which addresses community cohesion, intercultural integration and builds solidarity across all sectors of our diverse society. We must think about shared futures in a wider sense than simply a matter for Protestants and Catholics. There are also important lessons which can be learnt from our divisive past, such as from those who work to diffuse tensions around the interfaces across Belfast.
“Finally, we need to educate the public as to the benefits which migrant workers and their families bring to Northern Ireland, how our economy, our culture and our quality of life is enhanced by pluralism, tolerance and solidarity across the language groups and races, as well as across the sectarian divide.”
For further information and interviews contact
:
Peter Bunting (ICTU) on 07740 180869
John O’Farrell
Communications Officer, NIC-ICTU
Tel: 07808 582546
Email: john.ofarrell@ictuni.org
NOTES TO THE EDITOR
1.
Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) is the single umbrella organisation for trade unions on the island of Ireland. Congress is the largest civil society organisation on the island. It is the apex body representing 832,000 workers affiliated through 64 trade unions in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The organisation is required, through its mission statement, to strive to achieve economic development, social cohesion and justice by upholding the values of solidarity, fairness and equality.
2.
The Northern Ireland Committee (NIC) of the ICTU is the representative body for 36 trade unions with 250,948 members across Northern Ireland. In membership terms, it is the largest civil society organisation in Northern Ireland. Information on the NIC is available on
www.ictuni.org
3.
*See:
http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/8954/Ethnic+baby+boom+%27crisis%27
as a typical sample. For further context see:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/lies-damned-lies-and-immigration-412885.html