PRESS RELEASE: UNISON CONDEMNS THEIR MEMBER'S DEATH FOLLOWING RACIST ATTACKS

Newry and Mourne UNISON health branch have expressed their horror and anger at the recent death of one of their members who was returning from work in the healthcare sector in Newry.

UNISON Trade Union Lead, Deborah Yapicioz, stated “this was a tragic and avoidable death of a health worker returning home from work who had been subject to racist attacks and threats. We are offering our condolences and sympathy to our member’s family and will be offering any assistance we can provide. Just 10 days ago UNISON held an anti racism rally outside Daisy Hill hospital which was hugely supported by the general public. Migrant workers are providing essential services to the public in the health service, in the hospital, residential care homes and in the community. It is unacceptable that these essential workers are being targeted by racists and bigots, put in harms way on their way home and this worker has died as a result of this. There is nothing to justify this careworker’s death and we call on all the trade union movement, the employers and our allies across civic society to protect our members from harm and challenge racism.”

ENDS