Rights of Caucuses

The members of the Lesbian and Gay Caucus are concerned at views heard around this venue, during the 2003 Disabled Members’ Conference, questioning the appropriateness of the rights of caucuses. In particular the view that caucuses should have no practical function within conference. As Disabled Lesbian and Gay Members we feel offended by these views. […]

Fair Representation

Conference notes the lack of black disabled members in attendance. The number here is even fewer than at the last Conference in 2002. The Black Disabled Members’ Caucus expressed ongoing concerns and now calls upon the National Disabled Members’ Committee to liaise with the National Executive Council to take all necessary measures to ensure that […]

Genetic Testing in the Workplace

Conference is appalled by the response to the recent research conducted by Genewatch UK into employers’ views about the use of genetic testing in the workplace. This research findings showed that despite their poor predictive value, many employers wish to use genetic test results and many research projects are seeking to identify people who are […]

Supporting Disabled Parents

Conference welcomes the research conducted by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation that showed the common barriers that disabled people face in their role as parents. In particular we are concerned that public services fail to provide: 1)policies and services without consulting or involving disabled parents; 2)accessible advice and information including advocacy and peer support; 3)adequate services […]

Access at Petrol Stations

A motion was passed at Conference about two years ago, concerning access at petrol stations for disabled people, but no information appears to have been circulated in connection with this issue. Accordingly, Conference instructs the National Disabled Members’ Committee to prepare and circulate to all disabled members, prior to National Disabled Members’ Conference 2004 at […]

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) also known as Myalgic Encephalitis (ME) is a much misunderstood disability, which can best be defined as severe and abnormal fatigue following minor physical or mental exertion. Symptoms may include severe fatigue which is not just feeling tired; sensitivity to light and noise; muscular pains; excessive sweating; severe headaches; sore throat; […]

Strengthening Disability Policy Within UNISON’s Affiliated Political Fund and the Labour Party

Conference welcomes the decision taken at UNISON National Delegate Conference to continue political links with the Labour Party. Further, Conference warmly welcomes the initiatives taken by the National Disabled Members’ Committee during the last year to establish a closer working relationship with the union’s Affiliated Political Forum. Conference agrees that the National Disabled Members’ Committee […]

Standing Order 3 Motions and Amendments

SO.3.1Who can submit motions and amendments? Add at end “National Women’s Caucus” and “National Deaf (native British Sign Language users) Caucus.” Subsequently SO.3.2 Delete and replace with the following new Standing Order 3.2 “Those caucus groups set out in SO.3.1 shall be enabled to meet in accordance with the Disabled Members’ Conference timetable to submit […]

Asylum and Disabled People

Conference is greatly concerned about how disabled people who are seeking asylum in the UK are treated. Disabled people, by virtue of society’s inaccessibility, face additional discrimination when seeking asylum. There is no evidence to show that the European Year of the Disabled Person has improved opportunities for disabled people seeking resettlement in the UK. […]

A Single Disabled Person’s Travel Card

Conference notes that one of the greatest barriers faced by disabled people is inaccessible and inappropriate transport. They face considerable restrictions on their use of public transport and increasing restrictions on the use of their cars. Inaccessible buses, trains and stations, increasing pedestrianisation, parking restrictions and road pricing, and inaccessible travel information all contribute to […]

Iraq

Conference notes the statements made by Robin Cook and Clare Short at the Foreign Affairs Select Committee on 17 June 2003, that reaffirmed our belief that the basis for war in Iraq was unjustified. They believed that information from the intelligence services showed that, far from being prepared for an immediate response with Weapons of […]

Fair Trade

Conference supports the movement for fairer trade with developing countries in the struggle against poverty and unjust trade terms. Conference endorses the Fairtrade standards set up by the Fairtrade Foundation. These standards guarantee that fairly traded products like tea, coffee or textiles are bought at a price which not only covers the cost of production, […]

Regional Government in England

Since 1997 UNISON has supported the principle of devolution and decentralisation applicable to English regions as well as Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and London. This union continues to believe that regional governance offers great opportunities for improving public services whilst making government more relevant and open to the local population. Conference notes the continuing contribution […]

Rise of the Far Right/Industrial Decline

Conference is appalled at the successes achieved by the British National Party (BNP) in local elections. These are based on their ability to spread lies, fear and prejudice and represent a stain on our democracy. Conference believes that this trend is part of the wider problem of the alienation of low income communities as a […]

Pensions

Conference congratulates the work of UNISON nationally, regionally and locally in highlighting the threat to our pensions. Recent developments in the pensions industry such as the closure of many final salary schemes, either completely or to new entrants, the multi-million pound mis-selling scandals, and the near collapse of longstanding financial institutions have all strengthened the […]