Including More Retired Members more effectively at Self-Organised Group Conferences

Conference notes that: 1)In 2014, UNISON amended its rules to allow the retired members’ organisation to send two representatives of relevant retired members to each self-organised group (SOG) conference; 2. For the first five years, the retired members’ national committee (NRMC) picked these representatives but from this year self-nominations will be considered and voted on […]

National Self-Organised Group Conferences – Representatives of Relevant Retired Members

Conference notes that, since Rule D7.8 was amended in 2014, the National Retired Members’ Organisation has sent two representatives of relevant retired members to each National Self-Organised Group (SOG) conference. It further notes that the Retired Members’ National Committee (RMNC) chooses these representatives, but Conference continues to think it would be better if, in future, […]

Equal Pensions (2)

Conference notes that some trans women remain cheated of arrears of State Pension due as a result of a European Court of Justice decision because the United Kingdom government, relying on domestic provisions on non-retrospection, refuses to backdate payment to date of transition. Conference instructs the national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender committee to work […]

Working for Inclusion

Conference believes a growing number of people identify with sexual orientations or gender identities outside of or in addition to the traditional concepts of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT). Conference believes that the most obvious place for these identities to be represented is within the LGBT Self Organised Group (SOG) due to the fact […]

Work Experience Schemes and Other Unpaid Work

Conference notes that: 1. The economic recession that began in 2008 has had profound effects upon the labour market leading to growing inequality and a growing distinction between “core” and “peripheral” workers. Among the worst affected are young workers and workers already subject to prejudice and discrimination on grounds including disability, gender, gender identity, race, […]

EM2 – Hate Crime

On Monday 5th November 2012 a man was arrested and subsequently released with a caution after he admitted a public order offence for a homophobic attack on two Manchester residents on a train from Blackpool. Delegates may have seen this posted on YouTube. Conference is aware of the high profile case of the racist Jacqueline […]

AMENDMENT TO RULE D.4.5.1

In Rule D.4.5.1 after “level,” add: “representatives of relevant retired members who shall have the right to speak but not to vote,”

AMENDMENT TO RULE D.4.6.1

In Rule D.4.6.1 at the end add: “and of relevant retired members who shall have the right to speak but not to vote”

CONFERENCE TIME – A WASTE OF TIME

Conference recognises the importance of ‘workshops’ to raise awareness, educate and inform members but not at a cost of conference time. Conference also understands that it is important for Caucuses to meet but not at the cost of conference business. Conference notes that at last year’s conference and previous years we have rushed through business […]

UNISON Participation in International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA)

Conference recognises that an ever-increasing amount of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) agenda is at a European and World level. Significant legislative and policy gains in relation to LGBT equality have been achieved through European structures. Time and again, UNISON members have shown their solidarity with brothers and sisters across the world who […]

General Social Care Council Register

Conference notes the recently introduced General Social Care Council Register, which includes the town in which a person works and is available via the world wide web to any member of the public. Conference is concerned that this may particularly problematic for Social Care staff who may have worked in service areas where threats of […]

Self Organisation – Is there a Glass Ceiling?

Trades unionism is all about organising workers around a common experience. Traditionally, this included employer, occupation and geography but it has come to include shared experience of prejudice and discrimination. These are deep-rooted in society and women workers, black workers, disabled workers and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) workers have often been under-represented or […]

TRADES UNION CONGRESS LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER CONFERENCE

Conference recalls last year’s resolution calling upon the Trades Union Congress Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (TUC LGB&T) Committee to review whether arrangements for its annual conference best meet the needs of the maximum number of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender trades unionists. Conference notes that UNISON raised this with the TUC which decided not […]

Discrimination against part-time staff in the electricity supply pension scheme

The ruling determined by the House of Lords, that the Electricity Supply Pension Schemes had discriminated against part-timers by denying them access to the pension scheme, means that may UNISON members will see their pensions fully restored. This is undoubtedly excellent news, but requires positive action by our Employers. As this action is not forthcoming, […]

Sex Discrimination Act

Conference notes that the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 outlaws discrimination against somebody on the grounds they are maaried but not on the grounds that they are unmarried. Conference calls for an amendment to the act so it provides equal protection for married and unmarried people.