IWW: Discussions on rights of migrant workers in Belfast and Derry

THE rights of migrant workers in the North of Ireland will be front and centre of a discussion taking place in both Derry and Belfast this week. 

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

While economies depend upon their labour, they are routinely subjected to poverty wages, labour rights abuses and health and safety violations. The recent immigration law changes proposed by the UK government will only push migrant workers deeper into uncertainty make their lives more difficult while demanding more of their labour. 

This coming Friday April 17 in Derry,a discussion led by the Industrial Workers of The World alongside the Pan African Workers Association will take place in Holywell Trust on Derry’s Bishop Street. This event will begin at 6.30pm.

Then at lunchtime on Saturday April 18th at 1pm in Belfast, an event will take place at the Education & Empowerment Centre, 54 King Street, Belfast. Both events are open to everyone with an interest in the rights of migrant workers.

A spokesperson for the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) “We know that governments, businesses and the law will not protect the dignity of migrant workers, said a spokesperson. “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 IWW have been mobilising with many workers in care, logistics and hospitality to build the power of the working class.

“At this event, key organisers from PAWA/IWW along with activists from the Black and Migrant Workers Trade Union 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.”

Among the speakers will be Tapiwa Guruuswa, 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 Black and Migrant Workers Trade Union activists.

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

For queries or further information contact: derry@iww.org.uk

Derry Date: Friday April 17 

Time: 6.30pm 

Location: Holywell Trust, 10-14 Bishop Street, Derry

Belfast Date: Saturday April 18th 2026 

Time: 1:00pm 

Location: Education & Empowerment Centre, 54 King Street, Belfast, BT1 6AD