- Conference
- 2018 National Women's Conference
- Date
- 27 September 2017
- Decision
- Carried
Conference, women make up more than 70% of UNISON members. According to Rule D.1.4, UNISON is committed to fair representation and proportionality. However, in the public sector where many of our members are Black women, we see very few Black women represented at branch, regional and national level; despite statistics telling us that Black people are amongst those most likely to join a union.
Furthermore, according to the Rule Book aims of self-organisation, (Rules D 5.1.1, 5.1.2, 5.1.3, and 5.1.4) and in line with the union’s aims and objectives; we acknowledge that further specific work can assist and encourage the participation of members who may feel marginalised. A high percentage of Black women members are working in the health, social care and local government sector; and many are low paid members. At a time when far right organisations are promoting division in our communities, it is crucial that UNISON and the National Women committee continues to lead the way in its view that diversity and inclusion in our society adds value to us all.
The freedom of information requests commissioned by UNISON that were carried out regionally in Local Authorities revealed that Black women are more likely to be selected for redundancy than their white counterparts; even though they are poorly reflected in numbers within the workforce (5% rather than 12% statistical expectation).
Work done regionally and in branches to promote the active involvement of women, especially Black women needs to be encouraged at a national level.
We therefore call upon the National Women’s Committee to work with National Black Members’ Committee to:
1)Work with the regions to encourage branches to do what they can to empower Black women and also Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Disabled and young women members from all cultures and all religious backgrounds, to become activists and to become involved with their SOGs, to consider becoming stewards and increasing their participation in their branch committees and to become active in their regions and the wider union as a whole;
2. Work with branches to actively encourage the inclusion of Black women (where visible) across the country and value their involvement and diversity.