- Conference
- 2008 National LGBT Conference
- Date
- 24 July 2008
- Decision
- Carried
Conference notes that trade union membership density in most employers where UNISON has members has been falling in recent years and that less than one in two public sector workers are members of UNISON. Conference recognises that we need to grow in numbers and density to grow in influence with employers and the government and ensure that we continue to have a powerful voice for equality both within the workplace and in influencing national policy debates.
Conference believes that the LGBT self organised group must play a full and active part in the recruitment of new members. Conference recognises that some positive steps are already being taken by regions, such as those at Pride events and Scotland’s outreach to local LGBT groups.
Conference also recognises the importance of maximising the recruitment strength of all union activists so that they are empowered to recruit from all sections of society. Conference notes the Greater London region’s success in raising awareness of transgender equality amongst activists through arranging a speaker from Press for Change to address the Greater London Regional Council.
Conference therefore calls on all regional and branch LGBT groups to prioritise recruitment initiatives and to integrate actions on recruiting and organising into their work plans. Conference further instructs the National LGBT Committee to:
1.Raise awareness of the importance of recruitment and promote best practice to branch and regional LGBT groups;
2.Continue to support regional Pride events and to promote awareness of UNISON’s work on LGBT equality through all possible channels, including advertising in LGBT and other relevant publications.
Because together we’re stronger.