Low Paid Black Workers

This Conference notes the publication of the TUC’s Report ‘‘Black and Underpaid ‘ which highlights the fact that black workers continue to be discriminated against in terms of pay. Conference is perturbed that despite nearly a generation of race relations in Britain that black workers still earn less than their counterparts, for example black men […]

Ending Low Pay

Conference welcomes the statement in May last year by the Minister for Equalities and Women that “pink pounds” have created a more tolerant society towards lesbians and gay men. Conference agrees that whether one is treated with dignity and respect depends largely on whether you have money to spend. Conference notes that the Local Government […]

Schedule D.26 Disciplinary Procedures

Delete sub-paragraph D.26(3). Insert new sub-paragraph D.26(3): “3)A member may appeal upon any or all of the following grounds: (a)that the provisions of Rule I and Schedule D were not complied with at or before the original hearing, and/or; (b)that the Committee’s decision to find a charge or charges proven was unreasonable, and/or; (c)the sanction […]

Cochlear Implants

UNISON’s policy has long established the union’s support for the Social Model of Disability. The National Disabled Members Committee (NDMC) has been instrumental in advising the union about how to promote the rehabilitation of the environment and eliminate other barriers that deny disabled people civil rights rather than promote the rehabilitation of the disabled person […]

Fair Representation in Conference Delegations

Conference notes that this is the third year in which the National Executive Council exercising its powers under Rule D.1.3 has required that: 1)branches with three or more conference delegates send at least one low paid delegate and that 2)branches with four or more conference delegates send at least one young delegate. Conference applauds the […]

Future Anti-Discrimination Legislation for Disabled People

Conference notes with concern the failure of the Government to deliver its commitment to full comprehensive civil rights for disabled people in the UK. Conference is further alarmed by the Government’s apparent intention to proceed with the establishment of a single equalities commission with accompanying single equality legislation, despite severe misgivings on the part of […]

Prostate Cancer

Conference is concerned about the increase in prostate cancer every year and demands that prostate screening should be made available to men of all ages and that representations be made through all appropriate channels as a matter of urgency. In addition UNISON should arrange for appropriate materials to be distributed to UNISON branches to highlight […]

Craftworkers Recognition

Blackpool Local Government Branch: 1)Recognises that the JNC for Local Authority Craft and Associated employees negotiates agreements in respect of 39,000 craft workers, labourers, charge hands and supervisors, and 2,000 apprentices. 2)Notes that the Trade Union Side of that body consists of Amicus, TGWU, GMB, UCATT and the Confederation of Shipbuilders and Engineers Union. 3)Deplores […]

General Agreement in Trade in Services (GATS)

Conference recognises the serious impact on the powers and democratic freedoms of local authorities as a result of the general Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS). We believe GATS will have a serious impact on a range of services including Education and Social Services. In particular, GATS will over-ride local negotiations and contractual conditions agreed […]

The Role of School Support Staff

This meeting notes with great concern the so-called ‘historic deal’ reached between the Government, the teachers unions (with the exception of the N U T), and UNISON, the T & G W U and the G M B. The agreement is aimed at reducing teacher workloads to enable them to have a guarantee of up […]

The European Union

Conference notes the grievous consequences of the European Union’s Stability Pact and the Maastricht Treaty convergence terms for unemployment, reduced public spending and deepening economic recession across the Eurozone, and congratulates the National Executive Council for its leading role in the developing labour movement campaign against British membership of the euro. Conference also notes the […]

Consultation Arrangements on the Procedure for the Suspension of Industrial Action During National Pay Disputes

This Conference instructs the National Service Group to draw up a consultation document on the issue of the circumstances under which a National Sector Committee is able to suspend industrial action in response to an improved offer. The consultation document to set out current policy and invite comments and amendments from regions, branches, national sector […]

PFI Contracts

Conference is well aware of the Best Value regime and its rigorous requirements to Compare, Contrast, Compete and Consult. Conference is also aware of the number of contracts and services which have been externalised, outsourced or relocated. Let’s be honest they have been privatised. However, the rigorous examination ends when the privateers get their hands […]

2002 Pay Campaign

This Conference applauds the action of UNISON members in local government in both organising and delivering effective strike action in such overwhelming numbers on 17 July 2002 in pursuit of the local government pay claim. However, this Conference expresses intense concern about the decision by the Trade Union Side of the National Joint Council (endorsed […]

Equality in Employment Regulations – Implementation Issues

Conference notes that in October 2002 the Government published draft regulations required by the European Union Employment Directive which will outlaw workplace discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and of religion and belief from December 2003. Conference further notes that the Employers Organisation has published a brief guide to the main provisions of the […]