Belfast & Derry Talks: Migrant Workers Unionise

Migrant workers in the West are often in some of the most precarious positions in the labour market.

While economies intimately depend upon our labour, we are routinely subjected to poverty wages, labour rights abuses and health&safety violations. The recent immigration law changes proposed by the UK government will only push us deeper into insecurity, and make our lives worse while demanding more of our labour.

We know that governments, businesses and the law will not protect the dignity of migrant workers: history has consistently shown that only the power of organised workers can generate lasting improvements in labour conditions.

Across the UK, the Pan African Workers Association (PAWA) and the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) have been mobilising with many workers in care, logistics and hospitality to build the power of the working class.

At each event, key organisers from PAWA/IWW and the Black and Migrant Workers (UNISON) will discuss the organising challenges, strategies and successes they have experienced in the last few years. They will also discuss what the new immigration proposals mean, and how we can collectively organise to improve our lives as migrants.

Tapiwa Guruuswa is a founding member of the Pan African Workers Association and an equal rights campaigner. Kefilwe Selotlego is secretary of PAWA, and responsible for communications and the smooth running of the union. Idnan is a PAWA delegate and organiser. Marley Davies is a casework coordinator for the Industrial Workers of the World in London. Panos Theodoropoulos is an IWW member and academic whose recent book 'The Precarious Migrant Worker' explores the ways in which precarity is internalised, experienced, and resisted. Beverly Simpson and Susan Magutakuona are trade union activists in the Black and Migrant Workers group in UNISON.

The events will conclude with Q&A and open discussion, with light food and refreshments.

Both events are open for everyone interested in finding out more about how workers can organise as a union to fight exploitative working conditions, and how to build resilience through mutual aid and solidarity.

Derry: Friday 17th April 2026, Holywell Trust, 10 Bishops Street, Derry, BT48 6PW at 6.30pm

Belfast: Saturday 18th April 2026, Education and Empowerment Centre, 54 Kings Street, Belfast, BT1 6AD at 1pm

#migrantrightsareworkersrights #EveryWorkerNeedsaUnion #IWW #unionisethefight