NIPSA Branch 730, Belfast Health Branch condemns, without hesitation or qualification, the racist violence, intimidation and disorder that has taken place across Belfast this evening.
The assault in north Belfast is a matter for the police and the courts, and our thoughts are with the man seriously injured and his family. But let us be absolutely clear: nothing justifies mobs on the streets, attacks on minority ethnic communities, or the burning of vehicles and property. These actions terrorise working‑class areas and spread fear among people whose only wish is to live and work in safety.
Parts of our health service have already been significantly impacted by today’s events. Staff have been unable to travel safely, services have been disrupted, and workers have been left frightened for themselves and their families. This is real, immediate harm being done to the very system that cares for every community in this city.
Those now being targeted are the very workers who contribute to keeping our Health Service and our public services functioning. They staff our hospitals, care homes, social work teams, schools, admin offices and community services. They are our colleagues, our neighbours and our friends.
As a trade union, we stand in full solidarity with our Black, migrant and minority ethnic members. An attack on them is an attack on the entire movement.
NIPSA was built on the principles of equality, solidarity and collective strength. Racism is a tool used to divide workers and weaken our class. It has no place in our workplaces, our communities or our union. Those who seek to pit worker against worker only serve the interests of those who benefit when we are divided.
We recognise the real pressures facing communities — poverty, failing public services, housing shortages and deep social inequality. But these problems are not caused by migrants or minority ethnic families. They are the result of political decisions, chronic underfunding and years of neglect.
The answer is investment, decent jobs, and properly funded public services, not scapegoating or siding with those who have a clear objective to keep communities divided and in fear.
Tonight, we send a clear and unequivocal message to our Black, migrant and minority ethnic members:
You are not alone. You are valued. You belong here. NIPSA stands with you — shoulder to shoulder.
We call on political leaders, community representatives and trade unionists across Belfast to reject racism, challenge misinformation and defend every community under threat.
Belfast must remain a city where all workers can live and work free from fear.
An injury to one is an injury to all.
On Behalf of NIPSA Branch 730