Recruiting Black and Disabled Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Members

Conference notes that UNISON’s LGBT membership is diverse and that our self organised group prides itself on being inclusive of all our members. Conference welcomes initiatives that have taken place to recruit more and Black and Disabled LGBT members including having a visible presence at UK Black Pride, distributing information on Beyond the Barriers campaign […]

Disabled Members Against the British National Party (BNP)

Conference is concerned at the rise of the BNP and other far-right groups and that they are organising throughout the UK claiming to be the voice of British people. Conference affirms that we will not sit back and be complacent which is what has led to the successful organisation of the far-right into mainstream politics […]

Challenging Transphobic NHS Policies and Funding Cuts

Conference welcomes the hard work of many UNISON members around the UK in being strong allies for transgender rights and equality. Of particular note is the tireless work of members of the Cymru/Wales Region in regard to challenging transphobic NHS policies and funding restrictions. Progress is finally being made to ensure that trans people living […]

Carry on Recruiting

Conference recognises that the low level of union membership in many employers in the public services undermines UNISON’s bargaining power at local and national level. Increasing the number of UNISON members is vital to our future as a vibrant and effective trade union. Recruitment is fundamental to the fight for equality. We need to grow […]

Training for Registrars in Marriage, Civil Partnerships and Gender Recognition

Conference notes that there is growing awareness of the difficulties facing trans people who are married should they wish to obtain a Gender Recognition Certificate. However, Conference notes that there is less awareness of the problems trans people face if they decide to annul their marriage in order to obtain a Gender Recognition Certificate, and […]

Smashing the Far Right

Conference notes the alarming results of the 2009 County Council and European Parliamentary elections. The British National Party (BNP) gained three county council seats. The BNP also had its first success in the European Elections, winning two seats, giving access to funding of more than a million pounds to spread their fascist propaganda. The BNP […]

Public Sector Equality Duties and the Bargaining Agenda

Conference notes that the Equality Bill, which applies in England, Scotland and Wales, was introduced into Parliament on 24th April 2009. The Bill builds upon the public sector equality duties for gender, race and disability, incorporating them into a single equality duty, but also extends this to cover age, sexual orientation, religion or belief, pregnancy […]

Bicon 2010

Conference notes that BiCon is an annual weekend-long gathering for bi people, their friends, partners, and others with a supportive interest in bisexuality. UNISON has been an active participant at BiCon for the last three years, providing advice on employment rights, promoting UNISON and recruiting workers into our union. Conference welcomes the fact that in […]

Increasing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Activity Throughout UNISON

Conference believes that UNISON’s LGBT members should be encouraged to be active at branch, regional and national levels and to participate in the wider union structure subject to Rule C2, which defines the rights and benefits of each category of member. Conference believes that, were this to be achieved, it would make the union more […]

British National Party (BNP)

Conference notes with concern the continuing growth of the BNP in elections on 4 June 2009, in particular: 1.The largest ever fascist vote in a UK-wide election; 2.The election of two British fascists to the European Parliament and fascist County Councillors in Hertfordshire, Lancashire and Leicestershire; and, 3.Fascist and far right advance in certain other […]

Pension Rights for Civil Partners

Conference notes that the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) is discriminatory in that the widow’s pension entitlement is potentially greater than that for the widowers and civil partners. We therefore call for the National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Committee to investigate the current situation with respect to LGPS and other pension schemes, reporting […]

Fostering and Adoption in Scotland

Conference welcomes the passing of The Adoption & Children (Scotland) Act 2007 in the Scottish Parliament which will become law in 2009. In passing this legislation and the subsequent amendment to the Looked After Children (Scotland) Regulations, same sex couples will now be eligible to be assessed to adopt and foster children in the same […]

Funding of Places

It has come to our attention that some branches are being obstructive in their support for our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) brothers and sisters by claiming the branch can only afford to send one member to conference every second year, based on the fair representation rules, or because of financial hardship. Conference therefore […]

Equalities in the Line of Fire

Conference recognises the changing economic and political climate and the impact this may have on defending and extending the rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) people. In times of economic hardship, women, Black, Disabled and LGBT workers suffer disproportionately. This is intensified as the help offered by public services in supporting vulnerable people […]

Support for Rural Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Youth

In rural areas many young LGBT people feel isolated, unsupported and invisible leading to increased levels of attempted suicide. Very often the support networks for young LGBT people that urban brothers and sisters enjoy just does not exist. Conference it is vital for the mental, physical and holistic well being of our young LGBT brothers […]