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 […]

Becoming a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgener Self-Organised Group

Conference welcomes the comprehensive consultation exercise on a possible extension of the lesbian and gay group to include bisexual and transgender members and the report that has been produced as result of that exercise. This Conference believes the UNISON lesbian and gay self-organised group should become a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender self-organised group, and […]

Sex Discrimination Act (1975)

Conference notes that: 1.the Sex Discrimination Act (1975) forbids discrimination against married persons but offers no equivalent protection to unmarried persons; although, 2.the Equal Treatment Directive may protect married and unmarried persons equally from discrimination. Conference considers this is an “Achilles Heel” which may undermine legislation intended to promote equality for lesbians and gay men. […]

Lesbian and Gay Members with part-time jobs, manual jobs and other low paid jobs

Conference welcomes the progress this self-organised group (SOG) has made and has sustained towards achieving proportionality in its structure and towards achieving fair representation with respect to race and disability. Conference considers that this progress has resulted from specific structures, requirements and mechanisms applied rigorously and consistently and adequately resourced. It does not consider that […]

Trades Union Congress (TUC) General Council

Conference notes that: 1. in 2001 the Trades Union Congress (TUC) General Council was enlarged to include three new sections, H, I and J, each consisting of one seat and representing, respectively, trade unionists with disabilities, lesbian and gay trade unionists and trade unionists under 27 years of age. In 2002 bisexual and transgender trade […]

Asylum and the Treatment of Refugees

This Conference deplores the use of language in certain parts of the media and the Government which only provides fuel for racists such as the British National Party (BNP) to pour onto the fire that is currently burning in this country. In this, UNISON’s 10th anniversary year, Conference believes that we must all fight to […]

Developing our International Work

Conference reaffirms its commitment to UNISON’s international work. Within the global economy, international co-operation and solidarity results in significant social, economic and political benefits for workers in the UK and abroad. Recent examples of successful co-operation with trade unions in other countries include: ·London Electricity’s reinstatement of recognition of UNISON at its Doxford site after […]

Lesbian and Gay Asylum Seekers and Refugees

Conference recognises with serious concern that lesbians and gay men face persecution, imprisonment and death in over 70 countries world-wide. Conference further recognises that 1.issues related to sexual identity are often not accepted as legitimate reasons for seeking asylum in British immigration and asylum legislation; 2.certain countries designated as “safe” by the Government have an […]

Equality and Inclusion Motion to 2002 Conference

Conference notes with concern the failure of the National Lesbian and Gay Committee (NLGC) to action Motion 3 “Equality and Inclusion – Public Services Agenda for Lesbians & Gay Men – Inclusion at our Leisure” passed at the 2002 Annual Conference. Motion 3 called for a letter to be sent to every local authority Chief […]

Activating Our Members

Conference notes that UNISON Rules provide for a lesbian and gay (L&G) group in every branch but, after ten years, there are still no groups in most branches. Rather what has emerged is a varied picture which includes: 1. branch Groups; 2. multi-branch groups on various models; 3. informal networks often led and organised by […]

Say No to the Employers’ Pay Commission Proposals

Conference notes with alarm the Employers’ evidence to the NJC Local Government Pay Commission which: 1Seeks to restrict national bargaining to the annual pay settlement 2Suggests optional use of the current pay spine 3Calls for an end to Part 3 conditions 4Regards ‘contribution pay’ based on individual performance and behaviour as the means to link […]

Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC)

Conference notes the establishment of the IPCC by the Police Reform Act 2002. Conference supports the creation of an independent and credible agency to investigate complaints against police personnel. Conference welcomes the necessary involvement of UNISON in the Home Office Working Parties setting up the structure of the IPCC and the way in which it […]

Fair Pay for Police Staff

Conference notes that threshold payment for police officers have recently been introduced. This scheme offers an additonal £1,002 to some Federated ranks, which is pensionable and will be updated annually. Conference also notes that there are other additional payments available for Federated ranks. No such payments exist for police staff. This is cleary unfair and […]

Better Funding for the Police Service

Conference notes the proliferation of short-term funding for initiatives such as CSOs and the DNA expansion project. Conference also notes that this type of funding can have a negative impact on the conditions of service of police staff and results in job insecurity. Conference instructs the Service Group Executive to lobby the Home Office to […]

Regional Assemblies and Public Transport

Conference welcomes the publication of the Government’s White Paper on Regional Assemblies: “Your Region, Your Choice: Revitalising the English Regions”. Conference notes that the White Paper acknowledges that “good transport is essential for sustainable economic success” and states that “transport needs to be integrated with policy on economic development, planning and housing”. Conference instructs the […]