A union activist who has campaigned to promote equality in the workplace has been recognised with an award at the Scottish Trade Unionist Congress in Dundee.
Satnam Ner, chair of the Prospect Rosyth branch at Babcock International Group was presented with the 2010 One Workplace Equality Award by Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
The award recognises Satnam’s work to ensure that equality issues are included within all policies and practices within his workplace, in particular issues facing black and minority ethnic workers.
Satnam revealed that he was “surprised and honoured” to receive the award, he said: “I am only one of many equality reps out there, all of who are working just as hard to fight unfairness, inequality and discrimination. Progress is sometimes frustratingly slow but we must never allow it to discourage us. €ﾨ€ﾨ
“I hope that this award and the publicity that goes with it will encourage more reps in Prospect and other unions to take on the equality rep’s role so that they can work, positively and constructively, with their employers to continue making a difference. And making a difference to fellow workers is what trade unionism is all about.”
Prospect national secretary Anna Douglas added: “Equality in the workplace is not difficult but it does represent a culture change. It’s evolutionary work – but sometimes you need a revolution and that’s where Satnam and what he has done have made a real difference to the lives of hundreds of people.”
