Equality Matters and UNISON

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Conference
2002 National Lesbian & Gay Conference
Date
31 July 2002
Decision
Carried as Amended

Equality is the cornerstone of UNISON. Work on equality issues is integrated into the union’s core activities and into the bargining agenda. UNISON Scotland notes that 2003 is also an important year for the EU Framework Employment Directive which will bring in new protection from discrimination in employment, for sexual orientation, religion or belief and age. UNISON was actively involved in the Stephen Lawrence campaign which played a large part to bring about changes in the form of the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000. The law now requires public authorities to be proactive in race equality in employment and service delivery. This Act provides branches with the opportunity to make equality a central part of the bargining agenda. Therefore it is important to support branches throughout the UK in order to use this Act to the benefit of members.

Conference believes that we should also encourage the NEC to

1.Organise an event to highlight the EU Framework Employment Directive;

2.Campaign for the Race Relations (Amendment) Act to extend into the private sector and to all employers regardless of the number of employees;

3.Campaign to have equality in the public procurement agenda;

4.Look at imaginative ways to develop SOGs throughout the organisation;

5.Continue to examine, evaluate and monitor UNISON’s own structure to ensure discrimination is challenged at all levels;

6.Organise a joint SOG Conference with delegates from the Youth and Retired Members’ Committees to discuss common objectives;

7.Ensure that Black Lesbian and Gay members and Disabled Lesbian and Gay members are consulted alongside Self Organised Groups;

8.Examine, monitor and evaluate the implementation of the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 by statutory sector employers.