Like many of you, we have been watching the ongoing far-right riots across the country in horror. From shocking scenes of racist and islamophobic rallies in major cities across the UK over the weekend, to numerous attacks on mosques, local businesses and individuals (including mob attacks, stabbings, and acid attacks). While these events affect us all, they directly impact many of our members and the broader campus community, whether that’s concerns about using public transport to come into work, or sending one’s children to pre-arranged daytime activities, thus being exposed or exposing one’s loved ones to risk.
We have written to the University to request that they offer additional forms of support, from access to wellbeing services, to adjustments to their working patterns. Specifically, we have requested that the University authorise approval of work from home requests until the situation has calmed down. Finally, we have requested that the University communicate its support to both staff and students, especially Muslim, migrant and racialised staff and students.
We will let you know when we have received a response from the University, but in the meantime if you feel unsafe, contact your line manager and request permission to work from home. If you are struggling to get support, we are here for you. You can get in touch with our Casework Coordinator at casework-coordinator@warwickucu.org.uk or at administrator@warwickucu.org.uk.
Finally, it is the responsibility of all of us as trade unionists to oppose all forms of racism. We would ask that all members consider signing this “Trade Union Open Letter” opposing the fascist mobilisations and standing in solidarity with those being targeted: https://forms.gle/tHW5Wa6NVwduGSqT9.