- Conference
- Lesbian,Gay,Bisexual & Transgender Conference 2005
- Date
- 29 July 2005
- Decision
- Carried
Conference applauds efforts already made by individual members, branch and regional groups, branches and the National LGBT Committee to promote the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003 [‘The Regulations’].
Conference is concerned, however, that a large number of members, stewards and branch officers are still unaware of the provisions of ‘The Regulations’. Further, in order that ‘The Regulations’ make an impact in the workplace, there needs to be a more organised and concerted effort at branch level to promote ‘The Regulations’ to employers and this should happen irrespective of whether the issue is being raised by individual LGBT members or branch LGBT groups.
Conference therefore resolves to:
1.Urge delegates, where they feel able, to raise the issue of ‘The Regulations’, and their implementation in workplaces, in their local branch or shop;
2.Instruct the National LGBT Committee to continue to work at all levels of the union to promote awareness of ‘The Regulations’, and work with the NEC and Service Groups to:
A.Remind all branches of the added importance of promoting ‘The Regulations’ in all workplaces, given that sexual orientation is often considered a minority issue, irrespective of the issue being raised by individual members;
B.Encourage branches to seek to negotiate an overarching policy statement on LGBT workplace rights, using the model policy on sexual orientation and gender identity as a tool;
C.Signpost other resources (including publicity materials, training, and bargaining support) that are available to branches.
3.Urge regional groups to work with regional committees and service groups to promote awareness of ‘The Regulations’ and in supporting branches to use the legislation as a negotiating tool.