In this piece, Sarli, our regional organiser for Yorkshire & the Humber, reflects on the recent Trades Union Congress (TUC) motion to defend migrant rights.
On 21 March 2026, at the TUC North-East, Yorkshire & the Humber Regional Conference in Durham, delegates voted to support Motion 16, proposed by the Bakers Union (BFAWU) and seconded by the Train Drivers Union (ASLEF). The motion, passed unanimously by attendees representing 18 unions and 32 branches, calls for unions across the region to stand with migrants, defend communities targeted by the far right, and work closely with organisations like Migrants Organise to build a stronger, united movement.
The motion, which was part of a package on an Equal and Fair Society, recognises the work of Migrants Organise, affirming the importance of migrant-led organising in building a fair and inclusive society. In simple terms: the trade union movement in the region has made it clear that standing with migrants is not optional — it’s essential.
Migrant justice is trade union business
Rooted in practical solidarity and collective power, Motion 16 is a call for:
- Active organising of migrant workers, ensuring they are supported to join and lead within unions
- Challenging racist narratives that seek to divide workers
- Building partnerships with migrant-led organisations, like Migrants Organise
- Defending the rights of people seeking safety, dignity, and fair treatment
- Mobilising against far-right activity that threatens communities and workplaces.
Presenting the Motion, Sarah Woolley on behalf of the Bakers Union highlighted the need for solidarity and working with all sections of society for a fairer and equal society. She spoke about the need for real solidarity — the kind that brings every part of society together to fight for fairness.
San Senik, seconding the Motion on behalf of ASLEF, followed with a powerful reminder – she highlighted the low representation of BME people in unions. She urged unions to do more to engage with and recruit more BME members.
For us at Migrants Organise, this is more than a symbolic gesture. It is a powerful affirmation that migrant justice is trade union business — and that defending migrants is essential to defending the whole working class. The Hostile Environment is not just targeting migrants, it also affects our communities, work colleagues and neighbours.
Migrants are organising—and the labour movement is organising with us!
Migrants Organise has long argued that migrants are not passive recipients of charity or policy. We are organisers, leaders, workers, neighbours, and community builders. We are part of the fabric of the North-East, Yorkshire and the Humber — and every region across the UK.
The passing of this motion recognises that reality. It acknowledges that migrant communities are facing escalating hostility, fuelled by far-right groups who exploit fear and economic insecurity. And it commits the labour movement to standing with us, not just in words but in action.
Why this matters wow
Across the region, far-right groups have been attempting to mobilise around immigration and asylum accommodation. Their aim is clear: to turn neighbour against neighbour, worker against worker.
But the labour movement has a proud history of resisting divisions. From the miners’ strike to the anti-fascist organising of the 1970s and 80s, workers in the North-East and Yorkshire have always understood that unity is our greatest strength.
The Manningham Mill Strike in Bradford, for example, acted as a catalyst for the creation of the Labour Movement as far back as 1893. This motion continues that tradition. It sends a clear message: we will not be intimidated, and we will not leave migrants to face hostility alone!
When we organise together — across borders, backgrounds, causes and experiences — we build a movement capable of transforming society. There should be no by-stander!
The support shown at the TUC Regional Conference is a step forward. Now the work continues to turn this commitment into collective action: in workplaces, in communities, and in every space where people come together to demand fairness, equality, dignity and justice.
Quotes from the conference
Sarli Nana, Regional Organiser Yorkshire and the Humber for Migrants Organise said:
“This landmark motion provides a real breakthrough and an act of leadership from the trade union movement. Migrants are part of our communities and our workplaces. We’re living in a time where hostile anti-migrant policies from the government are normalised. This is fuelling the far right; and the far right thrives on division — but we know that by building solidarity in communities we can create unity This motion strengthens our collective ability to organise, resist, and build a society rooted in dignity and justice.”
Dave Pike (TUC Regional Secretary North-East, Yorkshire & Humber) said:
“In an important step this weekend, the North-East, Yorkshire & Humber TUC regional conference, representing more than 800,000 unionised workers, voted unanimously to support the work of Migrants Organise. This important organisation supports refugees and migrants when they need it most. Our movement already represents migrant workers every day, from health care to education, industry to distribution and beyond. When divisive actors in our society try to blame migrants & refugees for stagnant wages or cash strapped public services, we organise with them and our wider members to point the finger of blame where it belongs, at bad bosses and the super-rich who don’t pay their fair share.”
Sarah Woolley, General Secretary of the Bakers Union said:
“I’m really proud that the TUC North East, Yorkshire and Humber Conference has backed this motion. At a time when the far right is trying to divide working people and blame migrants for problems caused by exploitation and political choices, it’s more important than ever that our movement stands united and organises together. There is no such thing as a ‘foreign worker’ on the shop floor, only workers, and our strength has always come from that solidarity. Migrant workers are a vital part of our workplaces and our unions, and we must ensure they are supported, represented and organising. As General Secretary of BFAWU, I’m keen to work closely with Migrants Organise to build that strength, deepen our organising, and ensure no worker is left behind.”
Migrants Organise is a platform for migrants and refugees to organise for dignity and justice.
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