BLACK people remain underrepresented in the trade union movement despite their significant contributions, the TUC black workers conference heard today. 

Kicking off the event in Bournemouth, conference chairwoman Taranjit Chana of the GMB union remembered Stephen Lawrence on the anniversary of his killing, and that following his murder the TUC black workers conference “campaigned to seek justice.”

She said: “Fascism divides, and we are here together [to] make sure this never happens, as in this room, we believe and practice love over hate, unity over division, [and in] peace, love and solidarity.”

The conference began with a group debate on the trade union movement, hearing motions on the need for diversity in senior roles and building an anti-racist movement amid a time of “unprecedented challenge” of the rise of the far-right. 

Delegates heard that while black workers have the highest trade union membership density among all ethnic groups in Britain, it did not translate to representation in union roles.

This lack of progression within unions mirrors the wider British workforce, with black employees holding just 1.5 per cent of leadership roles.

Rohan Steele, of the Community union, putting the motion forward, said black workers have played a central and vital role in building the trade union movement, but warned: “There is a lack of representation when it comes to senior leadership roles and decision-making positions within unions. 

“Of course, this gap mirrors the wider UK workforce, but the question here is not about ambition or ability. It’s about structural, cultural and institutional barriers. 

“Union leadership must reflect the modern working class if we are to grow, organise and remain relevant. Supporting black leadership is not just an equality issue. It is essential to the future strength of our movement.

“We cannot credibly challenge employees on equality if we’re not willing to challenge it ourselves.”

Unite delegate Cecile Wright said there was a “symbiotic relationship” between the underrepresentation in senior roles and the ethnic pay gap, that black women are even more underrepresented. 

“To achieve fairer representation of both black women and men … we need to put together an effective, well thought-out plan of action,” she said, calling on the TUC race relations to put forward a timeline.