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, […]
Conference motions
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
This conference recognises the valuable contribution already being played by public bus services towards the elimination of social exclusion and in the reduction of traffic congestion. However it also recognises that modern, environmentally friendly buses have a huge untapped potential to contribute even more to the objectives set out in the Government’s Ten-Year Transport Plan. […]
This Conference seeks to change the law to ensure all unmarried partners receive the same benefits through the Environment Pension Scheme as married couples. Since the introduction of the Scheme Society has changed and the pension regulations should be urgently reviewed and amended to reflect these demographic changes. In today’s society there is no reason […]
Conference notes that the Labour Party Policy Forum is consulting on priorities for transport at local, national and international levels, in its document “Sustainable Communities, Better Transport”. UNISON’s interest and role in sustainable, public transport provision was demonstrated by the Positively Public Transport symposium – Building World Class Public Transport held in January. The symposium […]
Conference notes that the issue of pensions has never been so much in the public eye, with widespread concern about the ability of schemes to deliver security in retirement. Conference further notes that Water and Environment Agency members belong to a number of different pensions schemes, which have different terms and conditions. Conference welcomes the […]