Conference welcomes the Government’s proposals on legal recognition of same sex partnerships through the introduction of a civil registration scheme. Conference believes that formal recognition of same sex relationships will help combat discrimination against lesbians. Conference is concerned, however, that while the proposals bring some advantages, they also introduce or highlight some problems. The proposed […]
Conference motions
Research shows that there are an increasing number of homeless women, who both live on the streets and more often on the floors of friends, or in other insecure housing as the hidden homeless rather than use the apparently male- dominated housing agencies. Many of these women are escaping domestic violence or breakdowns in relationships. […]
Conference notes the Government’s recent consultation paper on domestic violence entitled Safety and Justice. Conference welcomes the paper as a basis for discussion on improving responses to domestic violence. However, Conference believes that the paper does not go far enough in recognising the financial difficulties experienced by women who are ineligible for legal aid but […]
Conference welcomes the excellent campaign launched this year by the Fawcett Society and Age Concern to raise awareness and campaign for improved pension provisions for women. Women suffer pay inequality during their working lives, which continues to impact upon them in their retirement. Twenty five per cent of single female pensioners live in poverty and […]
Conference notes that although there has been progress within UNISON towards encouraging proportionality, women are still under-represented within the wider trade union movement. Conference calls upon the National Women’s Committee to encourage women’s participation as delegates to local trade union councils and other organisations to which branches are affiliated.
Conference notes the recent changes to maternity rights. However we remain concerned about employers’ absence management practices that disadvantage women who are or have been pregnant. Many employers record, actively manage and pursue capability procedures against employees whose attendance is affected by illness. Our concerns are that many pregnant women may have time off work […]
Conference notes that due to: 1)women’s longevity; 2)the predominance of women in caring occupations; 3)women’s role as carers; women are more likely than men to encounter problems related to dying, death and bereavement. Conference calls upon the National Women’s Committee to work with the National Executive Council to develop guidance for members and stewards in […]
Conference is appalled to learn that the British National Party (BNP) has been recruiting women as activists in an attempt to sanitise its image and present itself as a wholesome, family loving organisation. This seems to be part of a growing trend in the far right to recruit and involve more women with a view […]
UNISON is committed to achieving fair representation for women at all levels in the union. To achieve this, the rule book requires all elected bodies to achieve proportionality for women. This means women should be represented on the various UNISON committees and structures at least in proportion to the percentage of women in membership. Because […]
Conference applauds a recent initiative between Palestinian and Israeli women to participate in the fragile peace process in the Middle East. The women believe they can have an impact on what is happening and that the perspective they will bring will be radical in terms of Middle East politics and could offer a solution to […]
Conference notes the Government’s recent consultation paper on domestic violence entitled Safety and Justice. Conference welcomes the paper as a basis for discussion on improving responses to domestic violence. However, Conference believes that the paper does not go far enough in recognising the financial difficulties experienced by women who are ineligible for legal aid but […]
On 1 July 2003, David Blunkett presented Safety & Justice, the Government’s consultation exercise and proposals on tackling domestic violence. Whilst Conference broadly welcomes many of the proposals, we condemn the proposed changes to the legal aid process. Conference believes money should not be a factor when considering the protection of women and children from […]
Conference recognises the discrimination and exploitation against sex workers who are mainly women. Conference also recognises that some sex workers are a vital sector in preventing the spread of HIV/Aids. It also believes a more open approach to commercial sex would also help protect children from abuse. When sex workers are treated as second class […]
July 2003 saw the tenth anniversary celebration of the formation of UNISON. One of the founding principles is proportionality and fair representation. However, it appears that this principle is not adhered to in many of our branches and women are not being fairly represented amongst branch officers. Our present system does not facilitate women to […]
Conference notes the intention of the Conservative Party, announced at its Conference in October 2003, to re-introduce the earnings link to state pension increases which they themselves had broken when in government. Conference calls upon the National Executive Council to press the Government, through the UNISON Labour Link, to implement the decision of the Labour […]