GMB London Launches Somali Engagement Event

6 December 2022 Download as PDF

GMB London Region has held an event to highlight the role of trade unions for the London Somali community. The awareness-raising meeting was held on Friday 30th November at Granby Community Hub in Tower Hamlets.

Tower Hamlets has long been home to the UK's largest Somali community. Working with Amina Ali, a local Tower Hamlets' councillor, the union held a packed event involving speeches, dancing, food and comradeship.

The Somali community in the UK stretches back over a century, with its roots in Cardiff, Liverpool and London, where many could find work as dockers and seafarers. The modern British Somali community now have strong links to all parts of the UK economy, but a particularly close association with roles in social care, education and the NHS.

Among those speaking at the event were Cllr Amina Ali, a journalist of Somali descent, Warren Kenny as GMB Regional Secretary, Hilda Tavolara as GMB Equalities Officer and Gavin Davies as a Senior GMB Organiser. Each highlighted the importance of trade unionism to avoid exploitation in the workplace and as a means to improve pay.

After a performance of traditional dancing, attendees were then treated to speeches in Somali from Abdi Duale who sits on Labour's National Executive Committee and from Abdi Mohamed as Chair of GMB Race who provided an update on his important work. Both speakers pointed out that empowering communities comes from within and that in order to find your workplace voice you must be in a union.

Warren Kenny, GMB London Regional Secretary, said:

"A special thanks must go to the local community, who have turned up in big numbers to express their interest in GMB. Every journey starts with a step, and I hope this great event was the first step for many people towards fighting for justice in their workplace".

Hilda Tavolara, GMB London Region Equalities Officer, added:

"The London Somali community do so much for our city, but too often their voice goes unheard. It is through events like today, with community champions like Cllr Amina Ali, Abdi Duale and Abdi Mohamed, that there is great hope for a brighter future and an end to workplace exploitation. I would like to thank everyone for the part they have played in making the day a success".