Unions say members at risk from far right

As well as condemning the wave of far-right violence that swept across the country last month (see page 4), unions have reported attacks on their members and called for action from government and employers to protect them.

“Our police and emergency and public service workers, and those working in retail, hospitality and transport have all been targeted with threats, abuse and violence,” said the TULO group of Labour-affiliated unions.

The FBU firefighters’ union said there was evidence to suggest that firefighters had faced obstruction and that fire appliances had been deliberately damaged. The NUJ journalists’ union reported attacks on its members covering protests and warned of a worsening situation.

The UNISON public services, RCM midwives’ and RCN nurses’ unions all reported that frontline healthcare workers had been targeted. There were reports of Filipino NHS nurses and others travelling to work to treat the injured being attacked.

“Employers have a duty of care to keep you safe at work, whether that’s a hospital or delivering care alone in community settings,” RCN general secretary Nicola Ranger made clear. “Your organisation needs to act urgently to reassure nursing staff, review risk assessments and implement any measures to keep you safe.”

The IWGB, which organises gig economy workers, said many of its workers are migrants and racialised workers “and are now highly at risk”. It called for financial support from the government, councils and gig economy employers to support them to stay safe.