Proudly standing against the hate
In his third chair’s column of 2025, Mohammed looks forward to Black History Month and the Black members' seminar and talks about the importance of our continuing campaigning on Palestine and anti-racism.
As colleagues return to work after the summer period, I hope you all had some time to rest and spend time with your families.
As we look forward to Black History Month (BHM) which happens in October, the national Black members’ committee is delighted to present a series of engaging sessions for all members. The theme this year is “Standing Firm in Power and Pride”. Within PCS there are so many Black leaders who have a lasting impact in our movement at all levels of PCS, and we remember and celebrate them. I encourage you all to join our sessions and if you are organising a BHM session in your branch or group please let us know by emailing [email protected].
October is a month to celebrate our identities as we stand firm in our values. Recent political attacks on refugees are part of a wider agenda to roll back the progress we have made in the equality field and PCS is proudly standing for these values and against the hate.
I am proud that we will be having our Black members’ seminar in Birmingham in November and look forward to meeting as many of you in person who have applied to attend.
PCS is clear that trade unions have a responsibility to combat workplace racism; we recognise our struggle is not complete until every workplace has strong measures against racism. In light of the political and media demonisation of refugees and migrant workers we need to continue our public support for anti-racism in our workplaces, communities and in our trade union movement.
We were proud to support the TUC’s 2022 Anti-Racism Task Force, supported by Dr. Neville Lawrence, which focused on rooting out racism within unions and workplaces, promoting Black leadership and holding governments accountable. However, challenges persist, as seen in a 2025 Guardian article reporting rising racist online comments by union members, prompting calls for stronger anti-racism policies.
We know that members have supported our activism in support of Palestine, and I am truly grateful that PCS stands with Palestine. Since I last wrote this column, we have seen thousands more killed, including children and women. A ceasefire is still not being achieved, and subsequently Israeli forces are increasing their bombing of Gaza city. The UK government announced recently that in September it is prepared to recognise Palestine at the UN General Assembly if certain conditions are met. This is an historic announcement. However, I would like to see those conditions removed. Every people have a right to self-determination, and we support recognising Palestine now, supporting sanctions on Israel, and seeking justice through the courts for all those innocent people being killed.
As ever, if you need help, support, or just want a chat, please email me [email protected]