Last week our Halewood Diversity and Inclusion Council came together for their first meeting of the year, so we took the chance to speak to council member Phil Hunter, who is a Unite Trade Union Steward.
As well as being part of the Inclusion council, Phil, who has worked at Halewood for seven years, is an active member of the Halewood R.E.A.C.H (RACE, ETHNICITY AND CULTURAL HERITAGE EMPLOYEE) Network.
R.E.A.C.H aims to create a more inclusive culture at Jaguar Land Rover by empowering under-represented employees of all ethnic and cultural backgrounds, ensuring they are represented and included in the workplace and have equal opportunities. Phil shares his experience with us:
“Equality has always been something I’ve been passionate about throughout my life but even more so since I met my wife Chiew Yee.
"Chiew Yee is Malaysian, and we have a six-year-old son called Elliot. I’ve witnessed first-hand the prejudice she and our family have faced because of their cultural and ethnic heritage.
Phil added: “This has actually got worse since the start of the pandemic. Because the virus was first discovered in China, we have experienced comments blaming its spread on Asian people which is hurtful and untrue.”
Asked what his hopes are for the Halewood Inclusion Council and the R.E.A.C.H Network, Phil, said: “Through my role as a Trade Union Steward and my own personal experiences, I’m hoping I’ll be able to champion change and help our networks to make a big impact on the shop floor.
Phil added: “The Halewood Diversity and Inclusion Council is going to make a real difference and all the networks are united in their common goal to build a safe and inclusive working environment for our employees, where they can come onto site and be their authentic selves without fear of discrimination as a result of their gender identity, race, or expression."
