Anti-racism is at the heart of what Napo stands for as a trade union. The work done so far, and that to come, to publicise a demonstration in London this Saturday, and organise those members able to attend, reflects our commitment to collective action.
History
Trade unions, in this country and across the globe, have a well-established history of being at the forefront of the fight against racism, discrimination and fascism. Trade unionists have fought and died in these struggles.
Napo’s position has been clear for decades on this issue, it’s so fundamental to us that it’s included in our constitution as a trade union and professional association (Section 2 “Objects”) –
“…As a professional association and independent trade union, the objects of the Association shall be…(b) To combat racism, oppression and discrimination and to actively oppose all forms of harassment, prejudice and unfair discrimination whether on the grounds of sex, race, ethnic or national origin, religion, colour, class, caring responsibilities, marital status, sexuality, disability, age, or other status or personal characteristic…”.
Napo’s 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM)
AGM – our supreme policy making body – convened in person in Newcastle upon Tyne and online from the 10th to the 12th of October 2024. The ‘Professional Session’ of AGM was on the issue of “Anti-Racism – Professional Practice Considerations In The Current Climate” and external speakers on the panel included the HMPPS Director General Operations as well as representatives from HOPE Not Hate and Show Racism The Red Card (the Honorary President of the latter, Shaka Hislop, having addressed AGM in an earlier session).
In a later session of AGM the following Emergency Motion (A) was passed by an overwhelming majority of 97% of members: –
“This Conference welcomes Napo’s endorsement of the National Demonstration to unite against racism, Islamophobia and antisemitism, and to oppose Tommy Robinson and the Far Right in Central London on Saturday 26th October as set out in the leaflet which was included in the Conference packs. This Conference therefore instructs Napo’s Officers and Officials to build for this demonstration in the Branches, Section, Committees and Networks to ensure the largest possible mobilisation of our members for this demonstration.”
Next Steps
Following from this instruction by AGM members received mailouts on the 16th and 18th of October with further information for members relating to this demonstration for those who may want to learn more and/or march, with more to follow before the 26th of this month. It’s important to note that this action is fully supported by a range of trade unions, the General Federation of Trade Unions (GFTU) and various community organisations.
It should be clear to all members that anti-racism is fundamental to Napo’s objectives as a trade union. The work undertaken to publicise and encourage participation in a peaceful demonstration on the 26th of October, confirmed as policy at our recent AGM, demonstrates our commitment to translate that into what we hope will be meaningful collective action by those members who are able to take part.
There is no prohibition, in either in the Civil Service Code or any policy of our employers against employees attending a legal, peaceful protest to assemble and march in their own time as a law-abiding member of the public. If members have been given advice, or an instruction by an individual in their management structure, to the contrary this is simply incorrect.
Ben Cockburn
Napo National Chair
