Both the Disability Discrimination Act and the Public Sector Equality Duty have helped to reduce discrimination against disabled workers in the workplace. With regard to career and job opportunities available to disabled people, the public sector is at the forefront of anti-discriminatory practice by granting an interview to any disabled candidate who fulfils all essential […]
Conference motions
Conference welcomes the decision by UNISON to introduce equality reps in the workplace. Conference believes that such a move will ensure a greater awareness of equality issues in the workplace and encourage a more proactive approach to ensuring that the bargaining agenda reflects the need to mainstream equality and prevent discrimination. The role of disabled […]
Conference is aware that the Two tick Scheme and all it is supposed to entail is perceived to be a benefit for the disabled employees in the workplace. However, we as public services disabled workers are painfully aware, most employers covet the symbol as a cosmetic image rather than a declaration of positive attitude towards […]
Conference notes the devastation caused by the earthquake that has struck the Caribbean Island of Haiti. Reports have revealed that over 200,000 Haitians have died, including nursing staff, volunteers and other aid workers. The Haitian government estimate that 1.5 million have been left homeless in the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince and are sleeping on the streets […]
This conference welcomes the long awaited review of the United Nations (UN) Durban World Conference Against Racism took place in Geneva from 20th to 24th April 2009. The conference news was dominated by the absence of “key” countries such as America, Canada and Australia and the “controversial” speech by Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the Iranian Prime Minister […]
We recognise and welcome the Single Equality Bill which will change Discrimination Legislation in important ways. We recognise the significance of the clause on positive action and measures to redress historic discrimination in the recruitment and promotion of Black and other discriminated groups. However this Bill provides an opportunity to go beyond monitoring statistics and […]
This conference would like to raise the issue of the current process of electing Black NEC members to the reserved Black seats. Presently this process is open to the whole membership of our union. We believe that any election to these seats should only be voted on by Black members as the seats are for […]
This conference notes that the RMS system still does not record data on the ethnic origins of all our members. Information is collected on members joining branches, however a member could change job in their workplace and never complete a membership update form. In order to have accurate records on the ethnic origins of all […]
UNISON was actively instrumental in winning August 23 as the National Slavery Memorial Day in 2007. However the response of our union in leading and organising Black workers and others to commemorate this day has been very low key or in some cases non-existent. The union must commit to a regionally supported event and an […]
This conference welcomes the work of UNISON’s International committee, Labour link and UNISON departments working on a range of issues. However, there is concern that the needs and interests of Black members appear not to be taken as seriously as other sections of UNISON. For instance, the non participation of UNISON at the UN World […]
Conference welcomes the launch of the UNISON Million Voices campaign which aims to encourage public service workers and public service users to speak up for public services as the essential foundation of a strong economy and a fair society. Conference notes with concern the severe negative impact of the economic crisis upon Black workers and […]
Conference commends UNISON’s International work including Action Aid, Water and sanitation in Gaza, creating awareness of corporate tax evasion in developing countries, HIV and Aids in Southern Africa, to name just a few. Conference is, however, concerned about UNISON’s lack of work on the eradication of malaria, a killing machine that has, for so many […]
The number of Black Members attending National Delegates Conference is significantly low. Often Black Members in our branches are not aware or provided the opportunity to attend National Delegate Conference, despite UNISON having rules on proportionality and fair representation. Currently National Black Members Committee mandates 2 members to attend NDC in line with their constitution. […]
NBMC welcomes the Government’s commitment to introduce new in the Equality Bill. UNISON Black members have experienced the full effects of the recession and have felt its significant impact within the workplace especially in terms of reduction of staffing in key positions roles and services. The new bill has a few key elements that impact […]
Conference notes the rise of the far right in Europe. Conference is appalled that two BNP members have been elected as MEP’s in Britain. The economic recession is leading to a further rise in racism and in attacks on the asylum and refugee community, especially in the run up to the General Election. We must […]