13. Migrant workers taking action
organiser reminded them that by relocating to work in a completely new country, they’ d already done something incredibly brave.” The case showed that even under these precarious conditions, organising can win.
Organising lessons
• Hold meetings in accessible, safe spaces( cafés, McDonald’ s) that are appropriate for the particular group of workers.“ It’ s about going where workers feel comfortable – not where organisers prefer,” the organiser noted.
• Set up WhatsApp groups and have regular calls to keep everyone united.“ It was constant communication, that’ s how they stayed strong.”
• Set tasks for each worker, these could be to bring another colleague to a meeting, collect statements, recruit ex-workers.“ The workforce organised themselves, they were signing each other up.”
• Prepare thoroughly before approaching management, including rehearsing stories and gathering evidence.“ Making sure you have all your eggs in the basket before you approach an employer. Don’ t jump the gun before you have everything sorted.”
• Collective grievances can be escalated to the highest level of the company to prevent cover-ups.“ It’ s about finding the best pressure points and making sure they can’ t bury it.”
• It’ s important to inoculate workers against employer and agency intimidation, reframing their own bravery. This was especially important when the agency began to intervene; the agency staff were from the same country as many of the workers but nevertheless were part of an exploitative system. The organiser encouraged them to not take any calls or texts about the grievance process.
• Recognise and support natural leaders who can move other workers.“ Gopal was incredible, the one everyone trusted and turned to.”
• Follow up work: the organiser was planning on following up with the agency that had charged illegal fees –“ they can sometimes get away with this if they are located abroad but this one was registered with Companies House”. There are also plans to look at the other homes run by the same company where similar abuses may be happening.
Becoming Active Members
Another way in which migrant workers take action in UNISON is through becoming Active Members. An Active Member is a member who commits to going beyond their own individual participation to help recruit, organise, and mobilise colleagues. The role sits between that of an engaged member and a workplace steward.
Active Members may talk to colleagues about issues at work and encourage them to join UNISON, help organise workplace or local campaign actions, attend short online training sessions and regional network meetings, and feed back workplace issues to the union to help develop plans to win change.
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