Community Relations

This conference is deeply concerned at the growing sectarian tensions in our society created by the ongoing controversy over symbols of identity, which are being exploited by political parties for their own agendas. Politicians have for far too long refused to address the root causes of sectarianism thereby allowing divisions in the community to flourish. These divisions have festered with the failure of the main political parties to deal with the significant and historic problems blighting our community regardless of identity - including the high levels of poverty, deprivation, unemployment and educational underachievement. The impact of the Conservative party led coalition Government austerity measures are exacerbating the problems and have the potential to destabilise the peace in our society. A worrying new development has been the growth in racist attitudes, North and South, fuelled by the programmes of austerity. The trade union movement has a proud history of uniting workers and combating sectarianism and racism. At the height of the conflict our movement created Counteract to challenge sectarianism in the workplace. Conference appreciates that in this divided society issues of national identity are extremely important for many people. The failure to genuinely and inclusively address this sensitive problem creates a dangerous vacuum in which malevolent forces flourish, distracting the working people from uniting around the very real social and economic hardships they share in common. It is vital therefore that we work together to build a more tolerant society which recognises and respects the right of identity to which all citizens are equally entitled. Conference therefore: encourages all affiliates to engage with Trademark, which carries on the work of Counteract, to develop training for officials, representatives and members on dealing with identity, sectarianism and racism; calls on Congress to campaign for the establishment of a civic forum to agree a strategy for a more integrated and tolerant society.