Black women poorly represented in unions: The Trades Union Congress in Blackpool

Trade unions have failed to represent black members effectively with low levels of particiaption at all levels, according to a study prepared by the Commission for Racial Equality published yesterday, writes Martin Whitfield.

Poor organisation of shop stewards and the perceived racism of local officials had resulted in low levels of recruitment and activity.

Black women, as in employment generally, had fared particularly badly. The few women's organisations set up by unions were dominated by whites whose main interest appeared to be sexism within the union hierarchies.

'Afro-Caribbeans reported they were often assumed to be 'too assertive', whereas Asian women were assumed to be 'unassertive'. The effect of this was to undermine the belief in both groups of women in their chances for further career development,' the report said.

Part of the Union? Trade union participation by ethnic minorty workers, is published by the Commission for Racial Equality; pounds 2.

Leading article, page 16