Being a BAOT member means you also belong to Unison and can access support and advice on workplace issues at any time .
Why we will always stand with the Windrush generation
© Willie B . Thomas via Getty Images
On 22 June , the UK celebrated Windrush Day , marking the moment when the Empire Windrush arrived at Tilbury Docks . This historic moment has come to stand for the huge contribution that postwar immigrants made to the UK . It has always had a special meaning for Unison as a union .
Workers from the Commonwealth not only helped build public services , they fought back against racism and , as they did so , they transformed our trade union movement too . It is one of the reasons why equality and a public service ethos that serves all communities is at the heart of everything Unison does . They are a part of the history of our union .
Windrush Day should be a day of celebration . Instead , the Windrush generation are still fighting for justice .
What happened to those caught up in the Windrush scandal was an outrage . Demeaning letters were sent out from the Home Office telling people who had lived in the UK all their adult lives to leave . It was shabby , shameful treatment from a country that had taken the best years of their lives and relies on the public services they helped build .
They were entitled to gratitude and a peaceful life . Instead , many lost their homes , families , health and even their lives . The head of the Independent Review , Wendy Williams , identified ‘ a culture of disbelief and carelessness … made worse by the status of the Windrush generation , who were failed when they needed help most ’.
The compensation scheme should have been a way of delivering justice , making restitution and rebuilding trust . Instead , it placed victims under scrutiny , made heavy evidentiary demands , treated their claims with scepticism and placed their applications and their lives in limbo .
This is why Unison called in December last year for the responsibility for administering the Windrush compensation scheme to be moved away from the Home Office .
It is also why we are supporting the campaign to make the compensation scheme easier to navigate and for all those affected to be given a real apology .
Unison stands against the ‘ hostile environment ’. We are public service defenders , not immigration border guards . We will not stand by as the government turns migrant workers into second class citizens – we will defend them as workers and equal citizens in this country , a true and fitting tribute to mark Windrush Day .
As a public service union , with a longstanding historic link to the Windrush
generation – and with existing members who have been directly affected by the scandal , Unison has highlighted the Windrush Scandal in its public policy campaigning .
As the Windrush generation continue to fight for justice and against racism , Unison will support them every step of the way .
Unison has made detailed submissions to the Home Office on the design of the compensation scheme , to the Wendy Williams ‘ Lessons Learned ’ Inquiry and to the Home Affairs Select Inquiry into the Windrush compensation scheme .
Unison has also supported the campaign for ‘ Windrush Day ’ and continues to support grassroots campaigners in their call for justice .
If you , friends , family or colleagues are affected by this issue please visit www . unison . org . uk / about / what-we-do / fairnessequality / black-members / for information on how to seek support .
If you have a problem at work , BAOT / Unison is there to help
Anyone can face problems at work , but if you are a member of BAOT , you don ’ t have to face them alone . Whether it ’ s about bullying , duty rotas , flexible working , annual leave or sickness procedures , a BAOT or Unison rep is on hand to help , wherever you work . We are also there to support in you case of disciplinary action , dismissal or redundancy .
For help and advice at work – or to find out more about Unison services – please contact your local BAOT / Unison rep or go to : www . unison . org . uk / get-help /.
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