This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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STUC Black Workers’ Conference
10/10/2004
New Communities Minister Malcolm Chisholm today said
that we need to tap the talents of all minority ethnic
groups if we are to grow the economy.
Speaking at the STUC Black Workers' Conference in
Stirling, he reiterated the Executive's commitment to
challenging racism in Scotland.
Mr Chisholm said: "I want to underline and re-emphasise
our commitment, energy and drive to challenge racism in
Scotland.
"That is vital to minority ethnic communities but also
to Scotland's future prosperity. Failure to capitalise on
their contribution and achievements in the workplace will
have serious consequences for the economy. But more than
that, it is a tremendous waste of talent.
"Getting employers to recognise the benefits of a
diverse workforce and to address the issues is a key focus
of the Executive's race equality work. Equality is a matter
for everyone, not just government or the wider public
sector, or organisations like the STUC and CRE.
"With diversity comes social and economic advantages,
and we all benefit from making society more inclusive and
enabling everyone to fulfil their potential.
"We're delighted to be supporting the STUC's 'One
Workplace, Equal Rights' campaign, which has been well
received and is a credit to the STUC. I know that the Black
Workers' Conference will provide opportunities to
strengthen existing partnerships and foster new ones, and
contribute to creating a just and fair Scotland."
The STUC 8th annual Black Workers' Conference took place
in Stirling on 9 and 10 October. Other speakers included
Ann Douglas, Chair of the STUC General Council and Maureen
Fraser, director of the Commission for Racial Equality in
Scotland.
The STUC's "One Workplace. Equal Rights" campaign (
www.oneworkplace.co.uk)
aims to tackle racism and promote equal opportunities in
workplaces across Scotland as well as build the capacity of
trade unions to bargain for, and promote, equality in the
workplace. The project will offer information and support
to employers, employees and trade unions through-
- a free phone advice line
- website
- awareness seminars
- dissemination of promotional
materials
- training
The project directly supports and complements the aims
of the Executive's "One Scotland. Many Cultures" Campaign.
The Executive is supporting the project with £109,350.70
funding. The project also comes under the umbrella of the
EU Equal SWELL Development Partnership.