Migrant Workers Rights UK: UNISON Conference Supports Migrant Workers in Local Government
Migrant Workers Rights UK: “Migrant workers are not expendable, they are essential.”
Delegates at the second day of UNISON’s local government conference in Brighton passed a motion in support of migrant workers in local government.
Marlene Blake, from the East Midlands, introduced the motion, saying: “Without the skills, commitment and compassion of migrant workers, our social care system would struggle to function.
“No worker should have to choose between their job, avoiding exploitation, or deportation.
“Migrant workers are not disposable, they are vital.”
Migrant Workers Fill Critical Workforce Gaps
Speaking in support of the resolution on behalf of UNISON Edinburgh, Isabella Ingibina said: “Migrants come to plug gaps in the workforce. They look after people with disabilities and some of the most vulnerable members of society. They execute this service with compassion and sincerity and yet many migrant workers live with insecurity.”
‘I am not just a social care professional I am also a migrant worker,’ stated one speaker from Dorset branch. Migrant workers make an enormous contribution to local government and social care services around the UK. We support vulnerable individuals every day, fill gaps and help keep key services running, yet many foreign workers still endure uncertainty, exploitation and abuse in the workplace.
We pay our taxes and national insurance like everyone else but many of us are not allowed to access public monies and services. We contribute to the economy and our communities, yet we get so little in return.
“Many are afraid to speak out about bad treatment or working conditions because they are afraid of losing their jobs. No worker should be faced with the choice between safeguarding their rights or securing their future.”
Motion Passed Unanimously
The motion, which passed without a dissenting vote, asked the union to:
1) Continue Social Care Campaign Work
- Continue to work on social care campaign and push out best practice across regions and branches;
2) Lobby Government on Leave to Remain Plans
- lobby the government, with Labour Link, on its plans to extend the qualifying time for leave to remain for foreign workers in social care;
3) Reform Social Care Visa Rules
- Continue to urge the government to break the link between social care employers and social care visas in conjunction with Labour Link;
4) Strengthen Migrant Worker Protections
- Guidance and support for branches on implementing new authorities in the Employment Rights Act to improve the rights and protections of migrant workers;
5) Promote Migrant Worker Charters
- Encourage branches to work with local authorities and social care companies to sign up to a migrant worker charter, using the charters in the North West and West Northamptonshire as a template.
Conclusion
The unanimous support shown at UNISON’s local government conference highlights the growing recognition of the vital role migrant workers play in delivering essential public services. Delegates stressed that migrant workers are fundamental to the success of social care and local government services and called for stronger protections, fairer immigration policies, and improved employment rights to ensure they can continue contributing without fear of exploitation or insecurity.