THE GIANT public sector union Unison is urging members to join in the largest ever call for justice for migrants at a national day of action and celebration in London on 7th May.
Participants are being encouraged to show their true colours by turning out in a Union Jack T-shirt or with a flag to a rally in Trafalgar Square.
There, London’s faith, trade union, business and civic communities will stand together in support of the Strangers into Citizens campaign for immigration reform.
The campaign is calling for a pathway to citizenship for undocumented migrants who have made new lives in Britain.
It proposes a two-year work permit for those who have been here for four years or more, with leave to remain granted at the end of that period, subject to employer and character references. compelling
Organisers say the case for one-off regularisation as part of the Government’s overhaul of immigration policy is compelling – on humanitarian, economic, fiscal and administrative grounds.
The midday rally is just one of a string of events taking place in London on the bank holiday, all celebrating the contribution of Britain’s migrants.
Unison general secretary Dave Prentis said: “Unison has a clearly established policy of supporting respect for migrant workers and an amnesty for paperless workers. I would therefore urge all branches to support the walk to Trafalgar Square and the rally afterwards, which is being organised by Strangers into Citizens.
“While the precise demands being made by Strangers into Citizens around amnesty do not reflect specific union policy, this represents an opportunity to show broad based support for fair treatment for migrant workers and for some form of amnesty for paperless workers.”
Strangers into Citizens: 11 am, assemble Westminster Cathedral Piazza 12:30 pm, rally Trafalgar Square 7th May 2007.
