- Conference
- 2025 National Delegate Conference
- Date
- 24 February 2025
- Decision
- Carried
Conference notes that the year of LGBT+ workers finished at the end of 2024. This year followed the years of young members, disabled members and in 2023 the year of Black workers. In a union of one million women workers, we have seen how intersectionality is woven into our very fabric and is throughout our existence.
UNISON has a long standing commitment to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion within the workplace and society at large. This has been demonstrated in recent years by the dedicated efforts of UNISON to support and advocate for disabled workers, Black workers, young members, and LGBT+ workers. During these ‘years of’ UNISON members have been reminded of the importance of recognising and addressing the unique challenges faced by members who belong to multiple marginalised groups, through an intersectional approach. Being able to self-organise in how we individually identify is the strength of the union and allows everyone to have a place, and a voice in our union.
We have seen how celebrating the contributions and achievements of disabled workers, Black workers, young members, and LGBT+ workers is essential to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. Organising for change whilst linking with UNISON’s national and local campaigns are strengthened by supporting our unique intersectionalities.
Intersectionality is a critical framework for understanding how various aspects of a person’s identity combine to create unique experiences of discrimination and privilege. UNISON’s efforts to embrace intersectionality through our self organised groups have strengthened our ability to advocate effectively for all members, ensuring that no one is left behind. In the fight for equality nobody will be left behind, as equality for one is equality for all. By celebrating the achievements of disabled workers, Black workers, young members, and LGBT+ workers, and by embracing intersectionality, we can build a stronger, more inclusive UNISON. Together, we stand united in our commitment to equality and justice for all.
Conference calls on the National Executive Council to work with all sections of the union to:
1)Continue to celebrate and highlight the achievements and contributions of disabled workers, women workers, Black workers, young members, and LGBT+ workers within UNISON;
2)Continue to prioritise intersectional approaches in all organising, campaigning, advocacy and support efforts, ensuring that specific needs of those with intersecting identities are addressed;
3)Organise events, campaigns, and educational initiatives that promote awareness and understanding of intersectionality and its importance in the fight for equality and inclusion;
4)Encourage branches to actively engage with and support initiatives aimed at improving the working conditions and rights of disabled workers, Black workers, women, young members, and LGBT+ workers;
5)Reaffirm UNISON’s commitment to creating a union where diversity is celebrated, and all members can thrive without fear of discrimination or exclusion;
6)Continue to promote self organisation as the key to a healthy robust union;
7)Work with all sections of the union so that the organising to win strategy is closely aligned with our equalities agenda and intersectionality is welcomed as a powerful tool in all UNISON campaigns.