On Saturday, 9 November 2024, Black UNISON members gathered in Weston-super-Mare for their Annual General Meeting (AGM), a day dedicated to celebrating diversity and tackling systemic challenges.
The AGM included discussions on increasing representation in union leadership, promoting inclusivity, and addressing barriers faced by Black members. Members reviewed key proposals, reaffirmed the group’s constitution, and reflected on achievements such as racial discrimination awareness training and race equality campaigns.
Inspiring speakers reinforced the importance of advocacy. Karen Williams, UNISON regional manager, updated members on the regional migrant worker task force, which is organising a parliamentary lobby to address tier 2 visa restrictions.
Sharon Foster shared her journey as a Black woman, her career, and her role in UNISON, inspiring attendees with her story of resilience and her recent TUC gold badge award.
Looking to 2025, the group plans to expand racial equality campaigns, increase Black representation in leadership, and provide more training and collaboration opportunities. Their work continues to champion the rights of Black members and drive systemic change within the union and beyond.
