National Delegate Conference 16-19 June 2008

Reach out and take back our world. Let asylum seekers work

Marlyn Tweedie

Conference backed and East Midlands motion calling for a change in the law to allow asylum seekers to work and UNISON will engage with the TUC's "Let them Work" Campaign.

Asylum seekers are fleeing famine, war or persecution in their own country and are seeking a place of safety. They want to work to support their families and themselves, but at present are denied that right.

UNISON will also take steps to combat the myths about asylum seekers and to educate members and the public about the realities of asylum seekers in Britain.

Supporting the motion, City of Edinburgh's Marlyn Tweedie spoke of the media hate, dawn raids, destitution and deportation faced by many asylum seekers who come to this country fleeing oppression. She condemned the government's refusal to allow asylum seekers to work. "This forces asylum seekers to work for unscrupulous employers who undercut wages. Allowing them to work would remove this scandal," she told conference.

"It would also mean they would pay taxes which would benefit the economy." "But the main reason is that, I believe they have the human right to work. They are equal to me and to you.They're not our competitors for jobs and houses."

Marlyn ended on a quote from Tom Woodruff of the SEIU. "We need to reach out to our brothers and sisters across the world and take back our world.”

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