‘Migrant workers are not disposable, they’re essential’

On the second day of UNISON’s local government conference in Brighton, delegates passed a motion in solidarity with migrant workers in local government.

Introducing the motion on behalf of East Midlands region, Marlene Blake said, “Without the skills, commitment and compassion of migrant workers, our social care system would struggle to function.

“No worker should ever have to choose between keeping their job, escaping exploitation, or deportation.

“Migrant workers are not disposable, they’re essential.”

Speaking in support of the motion on behalf of UNISON Edinburgh, Isabella Ingibina said, “Migrants come to fill workforce shortages. They care for people with disabilities and some of the most vulnerable members of society. They do this work with compassion, dedication, and yet many migrant workers continue to live with insecurity.”

One speaker from Dorset branch said, “I am not only a social care worker but also a migrant worker. Migrant workers make a huge contribution to local government and social care services across the UK. Every day we support vulnerable people, fill shortages and help keep essential services running, yet many migrant workers continue to face uncertainty, exploitation and abuse in the workplace.

“We pay taxes and national insurance like everyone else but many of us are unable to access public funds and benefits. We contribute to the economy and our communities while receiving very little support in return.

“Many are afraid to speak up about poor treatment or working conditions for fear of losing their jobs. No worker should have to choose between protecting their rights and protecting their future.”

The motion, which passed unanimously, called on the union to:

1) Continue to prioritise the social care campaign and roll out best practice to regions and branches; 

2) Work with Labour Link to lobby the government over its proposals to extend the qualifying period for leave to remain for migrant workers in social care; 

3) Work with Labour Link to continue to lobby the government to remove the link between social care employers and social care visas; 

4) Provide advice and support for branches to assist them in using new powers in the Employment Rights Act to promote the rights and protections of migrant workers;

5) Encourage branches to engage local authorities and social care employers to sign up to a migrant worker charter, using the charters in the North West and West Northamptonshire as a template.