- Conference
- 2022 National LGBT+ Conference
- Date
- 23 September 2022
- Decision
- Carried as Amended
Conference believes that one of UNISON’s strengths lies in its recognition of the value and unique experiences lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender plus (LGBT+) people bring to the workplace and to our union and commends the work of UNISON’s LGBT+ committee to raise the profile of our LGBT+ members across the United Kingdom (UK).
Conference notes that some LGBT+ people still do not feel able to disclose their sexual orientation and/or gender identity at work for fear of discrimination. It is concerning that some employers are afraid to visibly speak out in favour of LGBT+ workers due to myths and misconceptions perpetrated by anti-LGBT+ and anti-trans groups.
Conferences notes the success of 2021 the Year of the Young Worker which raised awareness around the issues that young members face and 2022 the Year of Disabled Workers raising awareness of the disability pay gap, disability employment gap, reasonable adjustments, accessibility passports and the importance of disclosure.
Conference notes that 2024 will be 50 years since the lesbian and gay network ‘NALGAY’ was set up in NALGO (national and local government officers’ association), one of our predecessor unions. This was ground-breaking and helped to lead to the first lesbian gay self-organised groups in a trade union.
When UNISON was formed in 1993, the lesbian and gay self-organised group was integral to the union structure and from the start the national committee had reserved seats for representatives of Black and disabled members. Over the years, we have seen our self-organised group grow from strength to strength, becoming a LGBT group and then in 2019, an LGBT+ group.
The LGBT+ group has been key to many campaigns to improve the rights of LGBT+ people within the workplace and wider society and we have witnessed milestones including the repeal of section 28, equalisation of the age of consent, and the introduction of civil partnerships and marriage for LGBT+ people. But there is still much more to do.
Conference calls on the national executive council (NEC) to make 2024 the Year of LGBT+ Workers in UNISON to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the formation of NALGAY. Conference believes that this will provide the opportunity to promote UNISON as the union for LGBT+ workers, raise awareness of LGBT+ rights throughout the union, challenge discrimination, and recruit and grow LGBT+ activists.
Conference further calls on the NEC to work with the national LGBT+ committee and other parts of the union as appropriate to:
1. To develop and deliver a programme of events and activities to mark the Year that:
A. Raise awareness of LGBT+ rights and discrimination throughout the union;
B. Promote UNISON’s work on LGBT+ equality;
C. Showcase the successes and contributions of LGBT+ members in the workplace and in the union;
D. Encourage and support bargaining on LGBT+ rights and equality in the workplace.
2. Seek support from the Trades Union Congress and other unions for this initiative.