UNISON Scottish black members elected their new working committee at the reconvened AGM on 4th February 2006, in Edinburgh.

Despite lower than normal attendance, there were more than enough black members who came to attend the AGM from far corners of Scotland, to complete the quorum. UNISON black members elected the Scottish Black Members Committee 2006.

Those elected are Hamid Rasheed (Chairperson), Reena Lal (Vice chairperson), Ismail Donmez (Secretary), Bernard Kamya (Communications Officer), Luma Hassan (Membership Officer), Ravi Nathan (Education Officer) David Olwa / David Ng Hop (Budget Officer). Pramila Kaur and Hamid Rasheed were elected to be Scottish representatives on National Black Members Committee.

At the AGM the members raised many concerns about the way SBMC performed last year. Afshan Fairley a black member from Glasgow said: "I am delighted at the outcome of elections, and I am glad to be part of the process to elect a committee that understands what needs to be done and how to influence policies to ensure Equality".

"I trust the leadership of the new SBMC; there are more knowledgeable people on the committee this year, which provides an opportunity for us to benefit from their knowledge about Equality and on the working of the SBMC with in UNISON Scotland", she added.

Jalal Chaudhry a black member from Edinburgh said: "I know why I came to the AGM, and I have used my democratic right to elect a committee that can deliver. I am optimistic that the performance of the new committee will be matching Scottish black members' expectations".

Scotland in UNISON's call (article on importance to attend SBMC AGM in SiU 58), appeared to be well heeded, with enough members attending to allow the AGM to go ahead.

Bernard Kamya offered a vote of thanks and thanked the previous committee on their efforts to do the job in most difficult circumstances. He thanked branches for encouraging their black members to attend the AGM. He thanked all the black members who travelled from far corners of Scotland all the way to Edinburgh, to ensure successful AGM.

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