football: from Oldham to Cuba
WORKERS, SEPTEMBER 2001 ISSUE
UNISON has taken the lead in tackling racism in the Oldham area by bringing together Stagecoach Buses, Stotts Buses, the Youth Justice Board and Salud International to establish a youth inclusion scheme. Cutting across the racial divide, youths from some of the most deprived areas, who have fallen out of society's safety net, have been brought together to learn educational and practical skills. Many have been excluded from school since they were 7 or 8 years old and cannot read or write. Drugs and gang culture are the norm and all have been caught up in the juvenile justice system.
The practical side of the scheme involves the refurbishment and redecoration of buses, which on completion are shipped to Cuba for use in Cuba's hospitals. Stagecoach and Stotts buses have provided the buses, skilled staff and equipment. The Professional Footballers Association has assisted in trying to incorporate football and sporting industries, so the buses being painted in Cuban sporting colours.
Through the combined efforts of UNISON, Salud International and the bus companies, the scheme has addressed not only issues of work and skill but also wider social and political questions. Tackling racism in the North West has been the main aim, but all participants in the scheme have learnt something from seeing how socialist Cuba deals with the question of race.
The scheme has taken on greater importance when set against the race disturbances of Oldham and other northern towns. Princess Anne visiting the scheme in late June setting the official stamp of approval on this initiative.
For Salud International this initiative follows on from the two ships to Cuba sent in 1999 and 2000, strengthening the links of British trade unions with ambulances and buses for Cuba hospitals.