Conference notes that many women members are lone workers and they often feel at risk especially at nights or in isolated situations, including when travelling to and from work. Women work shift patterns that require them to travel in the dark, they open and close buildings, visit service users homes in isolated locations and in […]
Conference motions
Conference notes with concern the recent Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) interim guidance which risks creating confusion and division around the rights of women, particularly in workplaces. This guidance has recently been taken down from their website, however many workplaces have already started to implement its guidelines. While the guidance was presented as clarification […]
Conference notes that we face a steady rise of right-wing political parties, ideologies and movements across the globe, which leads to significant detrimental impacts on Black, LGBT+, disabled people and women and the struggle for equality. The combination of ideological stances, policy priorities, and the broader social and economic effects of far-right governance all have […]
Conference notes: There is still gender inequality affecting our women members in a number of areas according to latest research including the following: Economic ? Gender Pay Gap: While the gap has narrowed, women still earn less than men, with the overall gap in median hourly pay for full-time employees being 7.0% in April 2024. […]
Conference, it is known that the hormones that control your menstrual cycle can affect the neurotransmitter functions responsible for serotonin levels, a brain chemical that promotes feelings of well-being. When going through the peri or full menopause your oestrogen and progesterone levels drop, serotonin levels can also be affected which can contribute to depression, anxiety […]
Conference notes that digital technology is increasingly used in all areas of the workplace from HR systems and e-learning to rota management, payslips, communication tools, and performance monitoring. Staff in lower-paid, part-time, shift-based, or frontline roles, such as, cleaning, catering, and other manual roles are often excluded from digital systems or not provided with adequate […]
Conference notes that sexual harassment primarily affects women and girls, disproportionally targeted at the most vulnerable workers. Young, Disabled, Black and LGBT+ women are most at risk as they are more likely to be marginalised in their workplace and lack power. Conference welcomes the publication of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) consultation on […]
Conference welcomes the introduction of the Worker Protection Act, which places a proactive duty on employers to take meaningful steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. This marks a significant advancement in safeguarding workers’ rights. While this legislative change is a major achievement, much work remains to ensure its effective implementation and to address […]
Being a branch officer and being able to support your colleagues is undoubtedly a privileged position and one that can be extremely rewarding. However, anecdotally we hear that many branch officers, particularly workplace stewards and branch secretaries are suffering from burn out. Workloads are high but not measured or capped, casework is complex and often […]
Conferences notes: 1)Public services have been left to crumble. Tens of billions of pounds of funding shortfalls for NHS, education, housing and local authorities exacerbate the enormous detrimental impact of years of underinvestment and privatisation of key services; 2)All of these services have been significantly worsened as a result and many are on the brink […]
Conference notes the damage to public services caused by 14 years of austerity and Tory Government. Local government, the NHS, education, social care and police and justice have all been starved of the funding and investment they need to serve our communities. School and hospital buildings have been left to crumble. Jobs have been lost. […]
Industrial disputes – better and stronger in UNISON! Context: 1)The Labour government’s Employment Rights Bill means strike laws are set to change dramatically, lifting the restrictions that have stifled industrial action and, since 2016, have prevented some UNISON disputes progressing beyond ballot stage. 2)The union must use these changes in strike laws to deliver not […]
UNISON stewards have observed an increase in casework involving members with a wide range of neurodiverse conditions. Many stewards lack the necessary education and understanding of the challenges faced by our growing number of neurodiverse members. Without proper knowledge and training in this area, many stewards feel ill-equipped to effectively support our members in matters […]
Conference notes that artificial intelligence (AI) and automated systems are being rapidly deployed across UK public services. Conference recognises that AI and automation offer significant opportunities to transform public services. These technologies could help address many longstanding challenges by streamlining administrative processes, providing better data insights for decision-making, and freeing up worker time to focus […]
Conference welcomes the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman report dated 21 March 2024 entitled ‘Women’s State Pension Age’ which considered the impact of the arbitrary change in state pension age and its effect on women born after 6 April 1950. We note the level of compensation recommended by the Ombudsman. The Ombudsman recommended Level 4 […]