TRANSPHOBIA HARMS CHILDREN TOO

Conference notes with concern the negative impact that transphobic bullying and restrictive gender stereotypes can have upon children of all ages who: 1.Self-identify as transgender; 2.Self-identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual; 3.Appear to be gender variant in any way (often labelled as ‘tomboy’, sissy’, ‘butch’ or ‘camp’); 4.Have a parent or other family member who […]

EQUALITY IS FUNDAMENTAL

Conference believes that equality is fundamental and that members represented by our self-organised groups and young members organisation may face particular barriers in the workplace and in getting involved and active in our union. Indeed many members face multiple barriers. Conference notes that the introduction of the public sector equality duties has seen some improvements […]

EQUAL ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE SERVICES FOR LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER (LGBT) PEOPLE

Conference welcomes recent legislation aimed at ensuring more equal access to goods facilities and services for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people – especially as this also means more equal access to healthcare provision. But these are only recent legislative changes, and many reports highlight the entrenched disparities in the provision of health services for […]

ENSURING NON-DISCRIMINATION IN PUBLIC SERVICE PROVISION

This conference notes with regret the decision of the Employment Tribunal in the case of Ms L Ladele v London Borough of Islington (2203694/2007 July 2008). Ms Ladele, a Registrar in Islington, refused to officiate at Civil Partnership ceremonies on the grounds of her expressed Christian belief. The Tribunal found that she could not reconcile […]

NON-DISCRIMINATION IN PUBLICLY FUNDED SERVICES

Conference notes that some high profile media coverage of a 2008 employment tribunal judgment suggested that civil registrars were not obliged to carry out civil partnership ceremonies if that contravened their religious beliefs. The Tribunal found in favour of an Islington Registrar who refused to officiate at Civil Partnership ceremonies on the grounds of her […]

UNISON Equality Duty – Input to Policy for Branch Activists

Conference welcomes publication of the UNISON Equality Duty and the positive prospect of equality for all minority groups within the union’s membership, and as women form the majority of this union, disabled women suffer multiple discrimination including low pay. Disabled members along with colleagues from the other self-organising groups have consistently campaigned for not only […]

When is Hate Crime not a Hate Crime?

Conference notes that HIV/AIDS is an issue for all of UNISON members not just disabled members or LGBT members. However, Conference is aware that there are a number of LGBT members affected by HIV/AIDS – be it living with HIV or knowing someone close to them who is living with HIV. Conference is concerned that […]

Deaf Adjustments

This Conference is concerned that Deaf members do not get reasonable adjustments to carry out their work. We need time allowed to organise things such as arrange to get interpreters, deal with invoices, fill in claim forms that should be included in work hours to reduce stressful/frustrated on deaf members. We find that some Deaf […]

Equality Representatives

Conference welcomes the introduction of Equality Reps pilot project and believes that it will be fundamental in raising awareness of the equality duties at branch level. Conference also welcomes the announcement in the Equality Bill of the extension of the promotions of the positive duties to include sexual orientation and gender re-assignment. Conference therefore believes […]

Equality Representatives Initiative Involving Black Disabled Members

Conference welcomes the Equality Representatives initiative that will enable work to be continued in supporting black disabled members and other members facing multi-discrimination. The Black Disabled Members Caucus welcomes the equality representatives initiative which will further enable UNISON equality work to continue in supporting black and disabled members facing multi-discrimination. We call upon National Disabled […]

Cervical Cancer

Conference notes that one in 20 women experience changes to cervical cells which could lead to cancer and that 900 women die of cervical cancer in England each year. Conference acknowledges that early detection can prevent cervical cancer developing in 75% of cases and that cervical cancer has no symptoms until it is quite advanced […]

Making rights real

Conference welcomes the Human Rights Inquiry being undertaken by the Equality and Human Rights Commission. The inquiry will: 1.Assess progress towards the effectiveness and enjoyment of a culture of respect for human rights in Great Britain; and 2.Consider how the current human rights framework might best be developed and used to realise the vision of […]

Equal Marriage Law

This Conference welcomes the recent introduction of Civil Partnerships for same sex couples. Conference believes, however, that current provision is not entirely satisfactory as same sex couples who may wish to marry are prevented from doing so and opposite sex couples are barred from entering Civil Partnerships. In addition, where a person seeks to obtain […]

Equality is Fundamental

Conference believes that equality is fundamental and that women, black, disabled, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) and young members may face particular barriers in the workplace and in getting involved in the union. Indeed many members face multiple barriers. Conference notes that the introduction of the public equality duties has seen some improvements in […]

Hidden from hate

Conference notes that people living with HIV and AIDS are considered disabled from the point of diagnosis under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 2005. However, Conference is disappointed to note that the Ministry of Justice did not accept an amendment to section 146 of the Criminal Justice Act to give people living with HIV the […]