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Anti-Racist Workplace Week took place from the 6th to the 12th November and was a very busy week with four different activities from a training workshop, information evening, breakfast meeting and coffee morning taking place.
Here are some short reports from the various events:
Employee Training - Tuesday 7th October
Promoting an environment where cultural and ethic diversity are valued is key to an integrated workplace. Through BIG (Ballymun Intercultural Group), a half-day workshop on Diversity Awareness Training was held for a number of employees in the Ballymun area in line with events for Anti Racist Workplace Week. The training was carried out by Kevin Glackin from City Bridges. City Bridges is a trade union initiative which seeks to tackle prejudice and discrimination in society and the workplace. It is administered by the Irish Trade Union Trust (ITUT) SIPTU'S Social Solidarity Services. Different areas were touched on including issues around migration, understanding diversity, prejudice and different forms of racism. Tips and practical recommendations on interculturalism were provided to close the session. There were employees representing both the community and voluntary and business sector that lent to an interesting discussion around experiences
and current issues in the workplace. Each participant had the opportunity to explore their own attitude towards diversity and inherent prejudices and consider ways in which these can contribute positively towards an integrated workplace.
Breakfast Meeting - 8th November
A breakfast meeting was held at the Days Hotel, Santry Cross, Ballymun from 8a.m. 9.30 a.m on the 8th November. Guest speaker was John ODonoghue (HR Director of Noonan Services Ltd) who talked about how employers can provide integrated workplaces for their employees. This was an ideal opportunity to hear about how you can make your workplace an intercultural centre and there was also information on special funding which you may avail of to help you take the practical steps to providing an environment which is free of discrimination and providing greater equality for all workers. This was attended by 19 people representing the business and community sector.
Migrant Workers and Employment Rights - November 8th
In line with Anti Racist Workplace Week 2006, B.I.G (Ballymun Intercultural Group) held a public talk on employment rights and the migrant worker in Ballymun library. There was a great turnout from Ballymun and the surrounding areas. Vincent Edwards was in attendance as a representative for The Equality Authority. Information pamphlets on migrant led organisations such as the Immigrant Council of Ireland and MRCI were available in a variety of different languages.
Catherine Lane of B.I.G introduced the event and the speakers, Giovanna Teijido Vasquez of the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland (MRCI) and Frank Murphy of Ballymun Community Law Centre.
A number of topics were discussed such as exploitation in the workplace, the work permit system, non-recognition of qualifications, accessing social welfare and family reunification. The significance of understanding legislation concerning employment to ensure equality and fair treatment in the workplace was also discussed.
There is an evident interest in this topic from migrant workers living and working in the Ballymun area.
Coffee Morning: Traveller Economy - November 9th
As part of Anti Racist Workplace Week 2006, B.I.G (Ballymun Intercultural Group) held a coffee morning in the Ballymun Partnership on Thursday November 9th. The purpose of this event was to highlight the Traveller economy and Brid O Brien from Pavee Point gave a presentation on Pavee Feens Hawkeen. This story highlights the experience of Traveller men engaging in a pilot project around their traditional trades. A large number of local residents and the Travelling community attended the event and discussion centred on the significance of acknowledging and valuing diversity in the workplace.
It was recognised that there is not only a role for the workplace to manage cultural diversity but to encourage and comply with equality legislation. There is a need for support across the board for the integration of the Travelling community within the workplace.
Click here for some background about Anti Racist Workplace Week 2006.
Click here to view a full list of Anti Racist Workplace Week 2006 events.
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