Conference welcomes the new ace (asexual) and aro (aromantic) network that has been established by the National LGBT+ Committee – called ‘The A-Spec Network’. This is believed to be the first trade union network for those who identify under the Asexuality Umbrella. Conference also welcomes the factsheet and awareness training that the a-spec network has […]
Conference motions
Conference notes the United Kingdom (UK) Supreme Court judgment in For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers, which stated that the protected characteristic of “sex” in the Equality Act 2010 refers to biological sex. The subsequent interim guidance issued by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has caused chaos in many workplaces and […]
Conference notes that the concept of Intersectionality, which was first coined by Professor Kimberlé Crenshaw, recognises that individuals hold multiple, overlapping identities which can impact the way they experience inequality and discrimination. For LGBT+ people, this can include—but is not limited to—being Black, disabled, a woman, a migrant, working class, a carer, neurodivergent or a […]
Conference welcomes and recognises the importance of 2026’s union-wide campaign ‘Year of Green Activities’. Over recent years, the United Kingdom has experienced significant bouts of extreme weather, such as unprecedented heat waves, wildfires and flooding. While these events have destructive effects on local communities, we know that it is the most marginalised groups in these […]
Over 100,000 people in the UK are living with HIV. With just under five years remaining until 2030, the UK’s ambitious goal of achieving zero new HIV cases is within sight. Encouragingly, 98 percent of people diagnosed with HIV in the UK have an undetectable viral load due to effective antiretroviral treatment, meaning they cannot […]
Conference recognises the inherent dignity and equal rights of all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, and affirms our unwavering support for the LGBT+ community worldwide. Any actions or policies that undermine LGBT+ rights and freedoms must be condemned in the strongest terms. Conference is especially concerned when the policies and actions of […]
The Energy industry is undergoing a significant transformation, requiring diverse perspectives to drive innovation and sustainability. Current statistics indicate that LGBT+ individuals remain underrepresented in the energy workforce, facing barriers to entry and advancement due to discrimination and lack of support. Studies show that inclusive workplaces lead to higher employee satisfaction, retention and overall productivity, […]
Conference notes that the use of gender inclusive language is extremely important within our union, and that gender-exclusionary terms can make members in our trans, non-binary and gender diverse communities feel excluded and unwelcome. Recent experience at National Delegate Conference shows that education in this area is still very much needed, with gender-exclusionary terms such […]
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) have changed, but have we? As we approach 2030 with the global goals of zero new HIV cases and zero stigma, we must ensure that no one affected by HIV is left behind in our union, workplaces or communities. HIV thrives on marginalisation – whether […]
This conference recognises that while continuity and experience are valuable, introducing term limits can help ensure the LGBT+ National Committee remains dynamic, inclusive, and open to new ideas and voices. This conference notes that other self-organised groups, such as the National Women’s Committee, have successfully implemented term limits to balance experience with fresh perspectives. This […]
Conference welcomes the United Kingdom (UK) Labour Government’s Employment Rights Bill which strengthens the role of trade unions by: I)Repealing anti-union legislation; II)Introduces sectoral collective bargaining; III)Restores the political fund to pre-2016 opt-out arrangements; IV)Strengthens facility time; V)Provides equality reps with facility time; VI)Introduces electronic balloting; VII)Improves access rights for unions to workplaces for recruitment […]
Conference celebrates our union’s rich history of international work and the increased importance of having a global perspective in many areas of our work. Conference recognises that UNISON’s national LGBT+ committee also has a strong tradition and practice of undertaking international work and regularly engages with and plays an important role within ILGA (International lesbian, […]
Conference notes that since 2022, UNISON has run a successful Trans Equality Campaign which has recruited over 300 members to the Transgender, Non-binary and Gender Diverse (TNBGD) Caucus, over 7,000 UNISON members attending trans ally training and 80 activists trained to deliver the trans ally training. However, The Supreme Court decision on 16 April on […]
Conference welcomes the great strides that UNISON has made in supporting plus (+) members within the LGBT+ Self Organised Group (SOG) and the wider union, particularly for those that identify under the asexual (ace) and aromantic (aro) umbrella; referred to as a-spec within UNISON. It’s amazing that UNISON is the first major trade union in […]
A unique strength of UNISON is the key role played by the self-organised groups – women, Black members, disabled members and LGBT+ members. UNISON provides us with the opportunity to bring the whole of ourselves into our workplaces and our activism. Self-organised groups are a foundation for activism, pushing UNISON forward in the campaign for […]