The battle against racism in Northern Ireland was being stepped up today.
The start of Anti-racism Workplace Week saw employers, employees and trade unions in thousands of companies banding together to send out the message that racism is wrong.
Evelyn Collins, chief executive of the Equality Commission said they were delighted at the number who had registered to support the campaign and its message.
She said: “This year’s campaign has added poignancy. The racially motivated attacks over the summer which saw Roma and Polish people fleeing their homes was a stark reminder that racism persists in our community.
“It is important that people have the opportunity to voice their opposition to racism, and although Anti-racism Workplace Week is primarily aimed at employees and employers, we hope its message will travel beyond the workplace into the local communities in which they operate.”
The campaign was launched at Belfast’s Central Station where Translink chief executive Catherine Mason said as one of the biggest employers in the province they were delighted to be involved.
“As an employer we strive to ensure all forms of harassment, including racism, are removed from the workplace through our Dignity at Work Policy.
We are committed to creating a harmonious working environment where every employee and all of our passengers are treated with respect and dignity.“
The week-long campaign seeks to raise awareness of the issue of racism and encourage employers to develop strategies to achieve equality of opportunity and inclusivity in workplaces.
Business in the Community, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and other unions are holding a series of business breakfasts and events across the province during the week.
PA