SIPTU and the Communications Workers’ Union (CWU) today (Wednesday, 19th March) launched an online social media campaign to highlight racial discrimination in the workplace in the run up to the UN Anti-Racism Day 2014 on Friday, 21st March. According to a 2012 report by the ESRI, people of black ethnicity are almost four times more likely to report experiences of discrimination in the work place than white Irish people. SIPTU National Campaigns and Equality Organiser, Ethel Buckley said: “Racism, and its impact on the lives of workers is a matter of grave concern for all of society.“However, the vision of a society in which every worker, whatever their race, creed, colour, ethnicity or nationality is treated fairly goes to the heart of the trade union movement.“SIPTU represents workers from all communities and backgrounds across the island of Ireland. We are proud of the diversity of our membership and are committed to campaigning alongside workers, employers, communities and state agencies to stamp out racism and sectarianism in Irish workplaces.”CWU National Officer Carol Scheffer said “We are launching a joint online information campaign to highlight the issue of racism in the workplace and to alert people that trade unions are here to help. The message will be clear; we are all stronger together.”In a recent survey of CWU members working in mobile phone outlets it was found that 37% of staff had been the victim of racist abuse. On foot of this finding the CWU is engaging with employers to stamp out racism in the workplace by creating support mechanisms for staff who are victims of this abuse.SIPTU and the CWU is supporting the Stand Up to Racism – Celebrate Diversity Rally which beings at the Garden of Remembrance in Parnell Square, Dublin, at 1.00 p.m. on Saturday, 22nd March.
SIPTU and the CWU launch social media campaign against racism in the workplace
