Trades Union Congress Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (TUC LGBT) Conference

Congress recalls its view that the Trades Union Congress Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (TUC LGBT) Conference should not always be held in London. (Resolution 17 of the eighth National Lesbian and Gay Conference, 2000.) Moreover, it notes that, this year, the conference was held later than usual and on dates which, as far as […]

Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003

Conference celebrates the fact that next week sees the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations come into force. The regulations will make it unlawful to discriminate against lesbians and gay men in the workplace. Conference applauds the fact that the regulations cover all sectors and that there is no small employer exemption. Conference recognises the input […]

Young Lesbians and Gay Men

Conference notes that young lesbians and gay men are six times more likely to attempt suicide than other young people. They are also more likely to succeed so they account for over half of actual youth suicide in the UK. Conference therefore welcomes the (almost certain) repeal of Section 28 as the single most effective […]

Pensions Discrimination Suffered by Lesbians and Gay Men

Conference notes the Government’s disgraceful and hypocritical failure to ensure that the 2003 Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations will redress the pensions discrimination suffered by lesbians and gay men in public sector pay schemes. The Government has argued that this is because of the pension schemes cannot ‘afford’ to pay lesbians and gay men equal […]

Network Development in Rural Areas

Westnet is a UNISON Scotland lesbian and gay (L&G) forum which meets quarterly in the West of Scotland to promote, encourage and support L&G members in the area. Westnet encourages isolated members to come along and receive support in establishing their own groups and has successfully helped to establish groups within South Lanarkshire, North Lanarkshire, […]

Male Prostitution – UK Local Government Response

This Conference expresses its concern at Glasgow City Council’s recent leaflet “Prostitution – Changing the Outlook”. This leaflet is being circulated to all staff in the council and contains information on the council’s policy on prostitution and the role which staff have to play in tackling the issue of street prostitution in Glasgow. The text […]

Domestic Violence

Conference notes with concern that reported incidents of domestic violence are increasing, and that these figures reflect an increase in the incidences of same-sex domestic violence. Conference therefore calls on the National Lesbian and Gay Committee to; 1.urge the National Executive Council (NEC) to issue guidelines to Branches to ensure that issues of same-sex violence […]

Working with other Lesbian and Gay Trade Unionists in Our Localities

Trades Union Councils bring together trade unions on a local basis and offer an opportunity for them to support one another and work together on common issues. They therefore offer the opportunity for lesbian and gay (L&G) trade unionists to work locally on a cross-union basis and for the trade union movement to make links […]

Employment Equality Regulations

Conference welcomes the implementation of workplace protection on the grounds of sexual orientation, whilst deploring the exemptions granted on religious grounds. Conference believes that this will allow discriminatory practices which will be far more widespread than is necessary for the maintenance of a religious faith extending to groups such as teachers and administrative staff. The […]

Appointment to Public Bodies

Conference supports the view that all UNISON disabled members have a fair and equal opportunity to apply for and sit on public bodies, tribunals and public boards. It recognises that the present Nolan Rules can discriminate against working people and more so if they are disabled. Conference also recognises the full useful knowledge and experiences […]

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; […]

European Year of the Disabled 2003

Conference is concerned at the lack of UNISON activities to celebrate European Year of the Disabled 2003, both in some regions and particularly, nationally. This is an important event for disabled people and UNISON must be at the forefront of it. Conference agrees that a high profile event should be held nationally to publicise disabled […]

Self-Organised Groups

Conference deplores the action of some UNISON branches using branch rules to discriminate against self-organised groups by preventing them from participating fully in branch activities. Conference calls upon the National Disabled Members’ Committee, in conjunction with other self-organised groups, to liaise with branch disabled officers, equalities officers and other self-organised groups to compile a report […]

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 […]