UNION members have felt “unsupported” by the absence of GMB’s national logo on anti-racism marches over a number of years, its conference heard today.

North East, Yorkshire & Humber delegate Margareth Andy-Jaja received a standing ovation as she moved a motion in Blackpool warning that an area the union is “not clear on” is its affiliation to anti-racism organisations.

Seconding, Farzana Jumma said: “If we truly believe in zero tolerance on anti-racism then we must show it.”

The motion, and another urging the union to challenge the use of the terms “illegal immigrant/migrant” in GMB spaces and documents, passed with qualifications from its central executive committee. 

Committee member Tracey Ashton said that regions are best placed to engage with external campaigns, adding: “Widely used terms are often repeated without intent and change takes time.

“As a union we must lead by example and support members to understand why change matters.”