This Energy Service Group Conference notes with concern that employers such as Vertex, part of United Utilities, Cap, Gemini, Ernst & Young and Thames Water are actively considering transferring work to India. Negotiators in such Branches are advised to seek assurances from their employers that this issue will not escalate and put more British workers […]
Conference motions
Conference notes that one of UNISON’s stated objectives is to improve the flow of information to members. Conference also notes that it is often those who are most vulnerable to discrimination from both employers and work colleagues who are the most difficult for us to reach by the ‘usual channels’. Conference believes that there are […]
There are an increasing number of utility companies either looking at or now using overseas call centres to resource work that has previously been carried out within the UK. Many of these call centres are being set up in the Far East where the annual salary is £2000 compared to the £12000 paid in the […]
The Employment Bill 2003 introduced a whole host of welcome changes to Working Terms and Conditions. In particular it introduces the right for employees to request a change to working hours based upon child-care needs. This is a positive step in securing flexible working arrangements for our members. However, in order to ensure that UNISON […]
This Conference welcomes the initiatives by the Energy Service Group Executive to foster and encourage self organisation in the Energy service – e.g. Lesbian and Gay Day, Disabled members’ Day, Women’s’ Seminar and Black Members Group. Conference urges branches, in consultation with regional self-organised groups, to encourage self-organisation in electricity and gas branches.
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 Energy members belong to a number of different pensions schemes, which have different terms and conditions. Conference welcomes the fact that some […]
Conference notes with concern the recent report published by Mitial research which claims that one third of Britain’s call centres will close by 2005, due to a predicted exodus of contracts to emerging markets such as India and South Africa. Conference also recognises that Energywatch and Ofgem intend to focus on customer response times this […]
We note with concern the proposals currently being considered by this ‘Socialist Government’ that employees may be permitted to work to 70 in order to provide adequate pension provisions for their retirement! This comes against a background of over 200 companies closing their final salary scheme in 2002 alone, and the knowledge that Energy Companies […]
Conference welcomes the Race Relations (Amendment) Act which places greater duty and responsibility on public sector bodies to end discriminatory practices in employment, eliminate racial discrimination and promote race equality. Furthermore, Conference welcomes the commitment to developing codes of practice for relevant public bodies. The Race Relations (Amendment) Act through the Commission for Racial Equality’s […]
This Conference notes with concern that while the lesbian, gay and bisexual community has been resourceful in negotiating their way around sectarian barriers in Scotland and Northern Ireland, sectarianism is on the increase and remains a taboo subject for many lesbian, gay and bisexual communities. This Conference believes that sectarianism has not only had a […]
Conference notes: 1.That in 2001 the Trades Union Congress (TUC) General Council was enlarged to include three new sections, each consisting of one seat: section H, ‘member representng trade unionists with disabilities’, section J ‘member representing trade unionists under 27 years of age’ and I, member to represent lesbian, and gay trade unionists, and in […]
Conference notes the International Conference on HIV and AIDS held in South Africa last year. Conference also notes that certain comments made by President Thabo Mbeki made causative links between AIDS and poverty to African States. This Conference wishes to make clear:- 1.While we accept poverty is a definite factor in terms of access to […]
In 1987 the Sex Education Forum was established with the hope that, along with other organisations they would share a common aim of providing information regarding sex and relationships. In 1999 the National Healthy School Standard was set up at local, regional and national levels in order to develop partnership with schools which would enable […]
Conference notes: 1.That harassment of lesbian and gay workers continues unabated despite the pending equalities legislation, and that one tactic becoming prevalent in such harassment is use of the media to smear lesbian and gay workers; 2.That the use of Commander Brian Paddick is only one example of such harassment using the homophobic agenda of […]
Conference welcomes with enthusiasm the poster designed to advertise the 10th National Lesbian and Gay Conference. This acts as an excellent marketing tool to encourage members to become active within our union and could also assist with recruitment and retention throughout the organisation. Conference agrees that we need to encourage more members to become activists […]