Foreword
People have come across all over the world to help deliver public services in the UK, not just recently but throughout the history of the UK and of UNISON as a trade union. Migrant worker rights is part of UNISON’ s history and a key part of our trade union agenda.
Migrant workers face all the risks and vulnerabilities as other workers, but can have the added leverage wielded against them of their and their families’ immigration status. It takes an extra helping of courage, strategy and knowledge to organise and represent workers made vulnerable by immigration rules to further exploitation. This is why UNISON has partnered with LRD to produce this guide.
It reflects the experience and knowledge gained by UNISON members, branches, activists and staff in navigating these challenges. There has been an exponential growth in casework, organising and negotiation which relates to the migrant worker status of our members. We have fought exorbitant and unlawful recruitment fees, racist and sexist harassment, pregnancy and maternity discrimination, modern day slavery and the day-to-day injustices and cruelties inherent in much of our immigration rules.
As a result, we have migrant worker reps and activists who are setting this agenda within UNISON. We also have members, activists, caseworkers, organisers and staff who care deeply about tackling these injustices. There is a wealth of experience and knowledge as illustrated by this guidebook that shows the amazing work being done across the union. I know it will be an invaluable tool to share this best practice across the union and build on and strengthen this work in the future.
All workers should be treated fairly, with dignity and respect. Migrant workers have a home in UNISON and a seat at our table in setting the union’ s agenda
Christina McAnea, General Secretary
LRD • Supporting migrant workers 3