UNISON has made a donation to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) appeal in the wake of the two earthquakes that have hit Nepal and also joined calls for Gulf states to ease restrictions and allow migrant Nepalese workers to return home without losing pay or benefits.
In a statement the presidential team of UNISON sent “its deepest condolences to the people of Nepal as they try to recover from the devastating earthquakes, which have killed thousands and affected millions more who are now struggling without adequate medical care, food and shelter.
“As the government of Nepal struggle with the enormity of the disaster and the international community try to assist with the emergency unfolding, UNISON wishes to show its solidarity with the people of Nepal by making a donation of £5,000 to the DEC appeal to assist with the immediate relief effort, and the longer-term reconstruction programme.
“We hope that the Gulf states and countries such as Malaysia that rely on exploited Nepalese labour, contribute generously to the emergency effort.
“We also support the ITUC in calling for the Gulf states to ensure that exit visas and other restrictions are waived for Nepalese workers who want to return home, that payment of salaries continues for workers on bereavement leave and that those who wish to leave their Gulf employer be allowed to do so and leave the country with end-of-service benefits.”