The Trade Union Movement, like everyone else has been deeply disturbed by the rise in social unrest and violence that has taken place in recent weeks. It is clear that the protests and violence we have witnessed did not occur in a vacuum and that much of that agitation has its roots in decades of neglect and underfunding by successive UK governments, which has enabled mistrust and resentment to fester. Those concerns need to be addressed urgently and we in the Trade Union Movement will be at the forefront of demanding change.
said Paddy Mackel, chair of NIC-ICTU
Equally however, it must be emphasised that ongoing racist attacks and violence that we have witnessed across many areas in the community are shameful and completely unjustifiable. The trade union movement stands together with all citizens who have been threatened or attacked, regardless of creed, class, colour of our skin, or race.
We offer solidarity to all those who have borne the brunt of these disgraceful assaults. Shop keepers and retail workers. Health workers who traveled here from other countries, often at government’s request to care for and comfort our citizens. Owners of cafes and restaurants who make an honest living by providing employment and serving the wider community. Asylum seekers fleeing persecution and war from elsewhere in the world, who are warehoused in hotels which are not designed for ongoing family living. Our under-resourced Emergency Services who have also faced abuse and violence for protecting lives, homes and small businesses.
We welcome the recall of our elected NI Assembly. There are clear policy issues at the heart of many of the frustrations felt across the community which can and must be addressed. We have a locally accountable Assembly and Executive which we will lobby relentlessly and apply democratic pressure to ensure that everyone in the community feels secure and safe, our public services protected, and that politicians refocus their efforts to ensure that we create a better society, with good jobs, proper support for citizens, decent housing for all and safer streets.
The trade union movement stands with victims of any hate crime; we support all of our public servants who look after, support and defend the vulnerable and we have zero tolerance for any divisive misinformation or attempts to spark or justify violence,
said Mr Mackel
We are standing together with NICVA, our friends from across the community sector whose work with recently arrived workers and refugees has helped develop a more integrated and diverse society as well organisations from interface areas who serve the needs of vulnerable people from marginalised communities who are facing the brunt of the tensions unleashed this week. Without that under-resourced and brave work carried out for years by dedicated people, we would be in a far worse place this week.
We at ICTU will also continue to work with all vulnerable and marginalised groups across the community, provide training and support for any workplace and ensure that the poison of racism is eradicated from our offices, our factories, our hospitals and our streets. Fighting for properly funded public services, properly funded Health and Education services and much needed investment in public housing and infrastructure must be our priorities. We remain determined and convinced that by working together, all of us can and will make this a better place for all workers and their families. The best way to do this is together, side by side, united, and free from intimidation and violence
NOTE: This event will be held at the ‘apron’ area in front of the main steps to Parliament Buildings.
The speakers will include NICVA Chief Executive Celine McStravick, Unison Regional Secretary Patricia McKeown and NIC-ICTU chair Paddy Mackel, whose remarks are below.
