All workers have a right to go to work without fear or harassment. 

Serious disorder in Northern Ireland last night saw rioters commandeer a glider bus, forcing the driver off before setting it alight. Public transport services have been suspended to protect drivers and transport workers. 

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite condemns the violence carried out across Northern Ireland last night including the racist targeting of workers and even family homes. Burning buses and terrorising workers and their families does nothing for the victim, whose family have asked that this attack not be used to divide people or fuel hostility.

“All workers have a right to go to work without fear or harassment. It is only good fortune that no one was killed.

“Workers’ safety must be the priority of every employer. One of our members was forced off a bus before it was set alight. And while Translink is now suspending services, this should have happened 24 hours ago.”

Unite regional secretary Susan Fitzgerald said: “The suspect in the attack on Monday is in custody facing charges but that did not stop Right-wing politicians from opportunistically using the incident to blame all ethnic minorities. That only gives political cover to far-Right elements who seek to exploit fear and bring violence and racism to our streets.

“Today Unite is in conversation with our workplace rep network across Northern Ireland to ensure we are reaching out to and supporting all our ethnic minority members and their families who will no doubt be feeling extremely fearful and anxious today. No worker - regardless of ethnicity race or anything else - should have to fear for their safety either in work or at home with their families.”

ENDS…

For further information or to arrange an interview contact Donal O'Cofaigh, Unite campaigns, communications & press (NI), tel. 07810 157926.