TUC Cymru marks Black History Month with call to turn commitments into action
Trade unionists, community leaders, and politicians gathered at the Senedd this week for TUC Cymru’s annual Black History Month event: Celebrating Our Past and Protecting Our Future. The event honoured the achievements of Black workers and trade unionists across Wales, while calling for renewed action to deliver racial justice in workplaces and communities.
The event sponsor, Vaughan Gething MS said:
I am really proud to have sponsored the TUC Cymru at this year’s celebrations of the trade union movement and Black History Month. The trade union movement is at the forefront of tackling discrimination and racism in the workplace. As a trade union representative and lawyer, I am proud to be part of and support this work. We have lots to celebrate but there is always more work we can do, together.
Speakers highlighted the living legacy of Black trade unionists who have shaped Wales’ healthcare, industries, and civic life. Delegates paid tribute to generations of Black workers whose stories and struggles continue to inspire today’s movement for justice and equality.
Discussions focused on how trade unions and government can work together to turn the ambitions of the Welsh Government’s Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan into tangible progress.
Shavanah Taj, TUC Cymru General Secretary, said:
“This event is a celebration of the incredible contribution of Black workers in Wales – but it is also a reminder that our work is far from done. Black workers still face barriers in recruitment, pay and progression. An anti-racist Wales can’t be achieved through words alone. It requires commitment, accountability, and real partnership.”
During the event, Jane Hutt MS praised the role of trade unions in promoting equality and pledged continued collaboration to embed anti-racism across public services and workplaces.
Speaking at the event, Jamie Morris, a midwife and member of the 2025 TUC Cymru Black Activist Development Programme said:
I started my journey as a midwife and union activist to help make maternity care better for black women and more inclusive.
The Anti-racist Wales Action Plan changed everything and has played a huge role in my journey. Before it existed, so much of this work was happening quietly. People like me were trying to drive change from the side-lines. Trying to tackle racism often meant standing alone, pushing against systems that didn’t want to move.
When the plan was launched, it did something important. It gave the fight against racism structure, accountability, and power. It meant that when I spoke up, I wasn’t just speaking as one person with a passion; I was backed by a national commitment.
Black History Month is about building better, not just looking back.
TUC Cymru reaffirmed its commitment to building a fairer future for all. Wales is a nation of sanctuary, shaped by generations of immigration. Its public services are delivered by a diverse workforce, including refugees who serve on the frontlines of the NHS and social care. However, there is growing concern about the threat posed by Reform and its anti-immigrant agenda. Racism continues to blight too many lives across the country.
Trade unions remain steadfast in their commitment to fighting for fair treatment, dignity, and respect for every worker. By confronting racism and rejecting the politics of division and ‘othering’, Wales can become a stronger, fairer, and safer nation for all.
- TUC Cymru represents over 400,000 working people in Wales, promoting equality, social justice, and fair work.
- The event took place at the Senedd on 21 October 2025, as part of Black History Month in Wales.
- Sponsored by Vaughan Gething MS, the event featured contributions from Jane Hutt MS,Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Trefnydd and Chief Whip, Jackie Short of GMB (GRASP), Jamie Morris of the Royal College of Midwives and TUC Cymru General Secretary Shavanah Taj.
For media enquiries:
Email: press@tuc.org.uk
Phone: 029 2034 7010
Website: www.tuc.org.uk/wales