Black and Asian Ethnic Minority

Unite commits to Windrush generation and its legacy - Monday 22 June 2026

Windrush Day is a commemoration in the United Kingdom held on 22 June to honour the contributions of the Windrush generation to the post-war economy

“Today is Windrush Day, this is not just a day to remember the Windrush generation, but to honour them and to speak their truth, and to defend their legacy. They came to this country in its hour of need. After the devastation of war, Britain called and they answered. They, worked in our NHS, drove our buses, built our railways, powered our industries, and strengthened our communities. They gave their labour, their skill, their culture, and their courage. And let us be clear they did not just help build Britain. They are Britain. They are the communities that we live in today. 

“But recognition alone is not enough. “Because alongside this story of contribution and sacrifice, there is also a story of injustice. Members of the Windrush generation are people who gave decades of their lives to this country and were betrayed. They have been denied healthcare, denied homes, denied dignity. Some were detained. Some were deported. Families were torn apart. That was not just a failure of policy. It was a failure of humanity. And today, as trade unionists, as part of Unite, we say this clearly: An injury to one is an injury to all. The lessons of Windrush are not locked in the past.

"It shows a direct link to the present. We see it in ongoing inequalities at work, in the hostile environment, in insecurity for migrant workers, and in divisions that try to pit worker against worker. But Unite rejects division. We know the truth: whether you came on Windrush, whether your family has been here for generations, or whether you arrived yesterday! Working people share the same struggles and the same rights. The right to decent work. The right to fair pay. The right to dignity. The right to belong. That is what solidarity means.

“So today, we do more than remember. We commit. We commit to fighting racism wherever it exists, in workplaces, in systems, in society. We commit to standing up for justice for every worker, no matter where they come from. And we commit to ensuring that what happened to the Windrush generation is never allowed to happen again. Because the true way to honour Windrush is not with words alone. It is with unity. It is with action. It is with unwavering solidarity.” - Sharon Harding, Unite nation equalities officer, BAEM and disabilities

"This Race Equality Week, Unite the union reaffirms its commitment to celebrating heritage, amplifying voices, and creating workplaces where everyone belongs."

Unite Equalities February 2026

Black & Asian Ethnic Minorities in Unite

Race equality is a key priority in the workplace and beyond. Unite campaigns for fair treatment for all and recognises the responsibility of everyone in the union to challenge racism in the workplace, the union and our society. 

BAEM workers face higher levels of unemployment and racism at work and Unite Race Forward Campaign action plans are targeted at union reps to support them in tackling racism in the workplace. 

We must all work together to promote race equality and ensure that BAEM members continue to play a key role in our union and to increase their involvement at every level.

By joining Unite you too can get involved in achieving this aim. 

Contact us

Unite National Contacts 

128 Theobald’s Road, Holborn, London WC1X 8TN 
Alison Spencer-Scragg, Director of Equalities, Tel: 020 7611 2635

Sharon Harding, Unite National Officer for Equalities
BAEM and Disabled Members, Tel: 020 7611 2643

Regional Women's & Equalities Officers

East Midlands – Neelam Verma, 0116 253 2020
Ireland - Taryn Trainor, Belfast 028 90 029443 x 30031
London & Eastern –  Aisha Malik-Smith 0208 800 4281 
North East Yorkshire & Humberside - Heather Blakey (acting) 0113 236 4830 
North West - Sharon Hutchinson, 0161 669 8701
Scotland - Lorna Glen, 0141 404 5424 
South East - Kathy Walters 01622 234101
South West - RWEO, 0117 923 0555 
Wales – Joanne Galazka, 02920 394521 
West Midlands - RWEO, 0121 553 6051

Unite BAEM statement

National BAEM Committee chair and EC rep statement on fascist riots and anti-fascist protesters- August 2024 (Word)

We stand together for peace and unity in our communities. We steadfastly reject the violence, division and racism we have seen this week as some seek to use the tragic event in Southport to spread hate based on mistruths and false information. Read the full statement above.

Black Lives Matter

It is time for justice because #BlackLivesMatter ➡️ We must not let anything or anyone distract us from the worthy and righteous call for justice. Find out more on Unite and #BlackLivesMatter

Unite statement: Marking International day for the remembrance of the slave trade and its abolition in 2024

23 August

The international day for the remembrance of the slave trade and its abolition is also known as slavery remembrance day. It is marked internationally with a period of silence to remember all those people who were affected by the transatlantic slave trade. The abolition is also marked which was not solely driven by politics, but also by uprisings, notably Haiti in 1791.

There are a number of sites worldwide, where ceremonies are held. This includes an annual gathering at the banks of the river Thames. We want everyone to remember this day and raise awareness amongst others.

• Download the Unite flyer/poster marking International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition 2024 [PDF].
• Download and share the postcard to prime minister Keir Starmer on the slave trade [PDF]
• Join Unite’s National BAEM Committee in calling on the government to remember the slave trade and its abolition and eliminate RACISM - sign the Unite petition. 

23 August has been designated by UNESCO as the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its abolition. From 1562 when slavery began with the first English slaving expedition setting off by Sir John Hawkins to 1865 when the transatlantic slave trade was abolished, between 10 and 28 million African men, women and children were enslaved, persecuted and their human rights denied.

By the end of slavery millions had lost their lives. The transatlantic trafficking of enslaved African labour resulted in brutal economic exploitation and inhumanity towards humankind. This abominable and shameful period of time was unprecedented and unique in the way that these terrible acts and crimes against humanity took place on an industrial scale and was enforced by European law, which involved and was supported by many major establishments and institutions.

We pay tribute to all those who campaigned – black and white – to abolish the trafficking of enslaved African labour. 

Unite salutes the Windrush pioneers

On Sunday 22 June, we commemorate the 77th anniversary, of the arrival of The Empire Windrush. The first ship to arrive in Tilbury Docks after the Second World War, a pivotal moment in British history ... more details and join the campaign for justice for those affected by the Windrush scandal. Join the campaign, find out more on Windrush Day. 

Unite the union – Celebrating Black History Month

To all our Black, Asian, and Ethnic Minority members, activists, and comrades—past and present - who have shaped our workplaces, communities, and society: We see you. We honour you. We thank you.

Your contributions continue to inspire progress, unity, and justice. For Black History month, and every month, we send our deepest solidarity and appreciation.

We are stronger together. We hope you enjoyed Black History Month—celebrated, reflected, and were uplifted.