Moment of Resistance: Shattering Barriers

kevinndaws
Jun 16
2 min read

Updated: Jun 29

Each year at the TUC Disabled Workers Conference we have a number of contributions based on the theme of 'Moments of Resistance' where a disabled union rep share their expereince. Below, Dawn Lovatt of the GMB Union share her thoughts and experiences

1. Opening

Shattering barriers is why we’re here today, bringing together the whole movement.

Because for disabled workers, barriers aren’t abstract.

They’re everyday.

They’re the adjustment that never comes.

The support that takes too long.

The meeting you can’t access.

The job you’re pushed out of.

Not because of who we are, but because systems and workplaces weren’t built with us in mind.

And too often, we’re left to carry those barriers on our own.

2. Collective focus

If you want to, take a moment now to think of one of those barriers, something you or your members have faced.

You can write it down if that works for you. Or just hold it in your mind.

3. The moment

But we’re not on our own here.

We have each other.

And that’s where things start to change.

Because when we come together, when we speak up, stand together, back each other, those barriers don’t feel quite so fixed anymore.

So when you’re ready, I’m going to ask you to take a simple action, in whatever way works for you.

· You might tear your card.

· Crumple it.

· Tap your desk.

· Raise your hand.

· Or simply take a breath and let it go.

And as you do, just remember, this is what it looks like when we stop carrying those barriers alone… and start shattering them together.

Together—let’s shatter them.

4. Reframe

This is what solidarity feels like.

Not everyone doing the same thing, but all of us moving forward together.

And it doesn’t stop in this room.

It’s in every rep who pushes for an adjustment.

Every member who speaks up.

Every time we say—this isn’t good enough.

It’s how we make sure support is there when it’s needed.

That rights are real, not just written down.

And that no one is left to face those barriers alone again.

5. Collective close

This is why we’re here today, bringing together the whole movement.

If you’re able, join me say:

“United: We break barriers. We defend rights.”

“Nothing about us without us.”