Implementing the Race Relations (Amendment) Act

Conference welcomes the Race Relations (Amendment) Act which places greater duty and responsibility on public sector bodies to end discriminatory practices in employment, eliminate racial discrimination and promote race equality. Furthermore, Conference welcomes the commitment to developing codes of practice for relevant public bodies. The Race Relations (Amendment) Act through the Commission for Racial Equality’s […]

Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Bill

Conference deplores the fact that during the Labour Government’s second term of office, asylum and immigration legislation remains oppressive and racially discriminatory. This Conference further condemns the Labour Government’s proposal in the Asylum, Immigration and Nationality Bill that proposes to withdraw the right of appeal from asylum seekers in this country. Conference applauds the work […]

Sectarianism

This Conference notes with concern that while the lesbian, gay and bisexual community has been resourceful in negotiating their way around sectarian barriers in Scotland and Northern Ireland, sectarianism is on the increase and remains a taboo subject for many lesbian, gay and bisexual communities. This Conference believes that sectarianism has not only had a […]

Ending Low Pay

Conference welcomes the statement in May last year by the Minister for Equalities and Women that “pink pounds” have created a more tolerant society towards lesbians and gay men. Conference agrees that whether one is treated with dignity and respect depends largely on whether you have money to spend. Conference therefore congratulates negotiators throughout the […]

Broadening the Trade Union Movement’s Understanding of Equality

Conference welcomes the increasing recognition of lesbian and gay rights as bread and butter trade union issues, evidenced by: 1.The solid body of UNISON policy and work on lesbian and gay equality; 2. 2. ever increasing numbers of unions represented at the TUC Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender conference; 3. the success of the 2nd […]

Bargaining on Equality

Conference notes that one of the most significant developments during UNISON’s first ten years is how central equalities issues have become to nearly everything the union does and that the self-organised groups have been the main single factor to make this so and keep it so. However, their work is often poorly integrated with collective […]

Trades Union Congress General Council – Section I – Member Representing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Trade Unionists

Conference notes: 1.That in 2001 the Trades Union Congress (TUC) General Council was enlarged to include three new sections, each consisting of one seat: section H, ‘member representng trade unionists with disabilities’, section J ‘member representing trade unionists under 27 years of age’ and I, member to represent lesbian, and gay trade unionists, and in […]

UNISON Conference Standing Orders

Conference notes that each national self-organised group and the National Young Members Forum can submit a total of two motions to service group conferences, although they can submit two motions and two amendments to National Delegate Conference. Conference recognises the key role of the self-organised groups and the National Young Members Forum in highlighting equalities […]

Stop the War

Conference notes that there is a rich and lengthy history of pacifism and non-violence that has run through the Lesbian and Gay movement and Lesbian and Gay Trade Unionism. With the increased hysteria and hypocrisy surrounding current rhetoric displayed by the British and American Governments it is important to remember that:- 1.It is the British […]

HIV, AIDs and Poverty

Conference notes the International Conference on HIV and AIDS held in South Africa last year. Conference also notes that certain comments made by President Thabo Mbeki made causative links between AIDS and poverty to African States. This Conference wishes to make clear:- 1.While we accept poverty is a definite factor in terms of access to […]

Getting Information to Isolated Members

Conference notes that one of UNISON’s stated priorities is to improve the flow of information to members. Conference also notes that it is often the very members who are most vulnerable to discrimination who are most isolated from information, support and advice. Conference is concerned that information on the self-organised groups often does not reach […]

Homophobic Harassment

Conference notes: 1.That harassment of lesbian and gay workers continues unabated despite the pending equalities legislation, and that one tactic becoming prevalent in such harassment is use of the media to smear lesbian and gay workers; 2.That the use of Commander Brian Paddick is only one example of such harassment using the homophobic agenda of […]

Raising Our Profile

Conference welcomes with enthusiasm the poster designed to advertise the 10th National Lesbian and Gay Conference. This acts as an excellent marketing tool to encourage members to become active within our union and could also assist with recruitment and retention throughout the organisation. Conference agrees that we need to encourage more members to become activists […]

Campaign for Reparation

Conference is appalled that the current Government refuses to recognise slavery as a crime against humanity, claiming it was “legal at the time”. Conference condemns the current Government for opposing reparation at the United Nations’ Anti-racism conference in Durban, South Africa last year. Conference recognises slavery as a heinous crime against our Black brothers and […]

Religious Schools and Other Religious Employers

Conference notes: 1.That the Church of England controls about a third of English schools despite having the active support of only about 3% of English people. 2.That the School Standards and Framework Act 1998, which applies in England and Wales, enables governing bodies of religious schools to employ teachers who have a commitment to the […]