Black and Ethnic Equality

The Committee has been looking at issues such as racial harassment and how to increase the numbers of black and ethnic minority people both in the union and in the industry. It is very clear that black people are woefully under-represented in the industry and this must change.

The Committee has been working closely with employers to increase the numbers of black and ethnic minority (BEM) drivers recruited. Guidance given to employers is to use the 'black' press (e.g. The Voice and Eastern Eye etc) to advertise vacant positions and also to state in any advertising that applications are welcomed from BEM people who are under-represented in their workforce.

The Committee sent out a survey to all black members on the ASLEF membership database asking them what they want from the union. It was clear though, that racial harassment is a major concern to many black members.

ASLEF sends a full delegation to the TUC Black Worker's Conference. In 2009 they submitted a motion on unemployment in young black workers. A delegation also attends the STUC Black Workers Conference and in 2009 a motion was submitted on the BNP’s rise in Scotland. For the first time this year the committee sent a delegate to the Wales TUC Black Workers Conference.

Floyd Doyle, Chair of the BEM Representative Committee holds a position on the TUC Race Relations Committee, while Paul Patmore, Secretary of the BEM Representative Committee, has a position on the STUC Black Workers Committee.

HIV/AIDS

The committee worked closely with the LGBTRC to produce a pamphlet that gives best practice guidelines for those dealing with the issue of HIV and AIDS in the workplace. Their interest was stirred by the horrifying statistics that are emerging from Africa, and ASLEF are campaigning for government intervention to allow countries to produce generic versions of the HIV drugs under licence which will mean much greater numbers of people will have access to life saving drugs.

The BEM Representative Committee produces a newsletter called 'Fresh Tracks'. This is available to all BEM members; if you do not receive your copy please contact Head Office on 020 7317 8600. Alternatively you can view a copy online.