The STUC Black Workers’ Conference took place on 18 to 19 October 2025 and is a vital annual event that brings together workers of all ethnicities from across Scotland’s trade union movement. It provides a platform to address systemic racism, promote racial justice, and develop collective strategies for social change. This year’s agenda tackled a wide range of issues, from workplace discrimination and the right to protest to reparative justice, fair work, and addressing the rise of far-right extremism. Motions debated and passed at the conference will guide the work of the STUC Black Workers’ Committee over the coming year.
Sade said, “The Black Workers’ Conference is an amazing yearly event. I think it is so important to hear and see that you are not alone in your struggles as a Black worker in Scotland. The systemic and organisational racism is not a ‘you’ issue. It is an issue that many BAME workers face in Scotland.
The conference allows us to share our experiences and agree the steps to take to help drive change going forward. It is hard going; however, we find strength in solidarity and the voices of workers in all fields across Scotland who are trying to manifest positive change.”
Sade’s words echo the core purpose of the conference: to build solidarity, amplify marginalised voices, and ensure that Black workers are not only heard but are central to shaping the trade union agenda. The conference also highlighted the importance of psychological safety in the workplace, the need for robust anti-racism training, and the value of inclusive organising, especially in sectors like health, where Black workers are often overrepresented in insecure roles and underrepresented in leadership.
The PDA was proud to support a motion at this year’s conference calling for a national, mandatory system of race equality monitoring across NHS Scotland. This would include annual staff surveys, transparent data publication, and accountability mechanisms to ensure real progress is made in tackling racial inequality in the health sector.
Sade’s involvement in the conference is a powerful example of how PDA Reps can influence wider trade union policy and contribute to meaningful change. Her leadership and advocacy are a reminder that when Black workers organise, they not only challenge injustice but also build stronger, more inclusive unions.
The PDA has recently joined the NHS Staff Side in Scotland, giving a stronger voice in national discussions that shape the working lives of pharmacists across the NHS. To make the most of this opportunity, the PDA needs more of its members to step forward as workplace representatives, especially in NHS Boards where the PDA is not yet represented.
Being a PDA Rep is a chance to make a real difference: to support your colleagues, influence policy, and ensure pharmacists’ voices are heard at every level. Regardless of whether one’s passion is about equality, workplace safety, or professional development, every contribution matters.
Those interested in becoming a PDA Rep or want to find out more about what’s involved, are encouraged to contact the PDA by emailing [email protected] or by clicking here.
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Learn more
- PDA Hospital Rep joins STUC Black Workers’ Committee
- PDA BAME Network to attend 27th Annual STUC Black Workers’ Conference
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