PROMOTING WOMEN’S SELF ORGANISATION

Conference welcomes the closer working together of the self organised groups and young members through the Equality Liaison Committee. There are many cross cutting issues which affect women in different ways and this needs to be addressed on a joint basis. However, conference is concerned that this joint working may be the first step towards […]

A WOMAN’S RIGHT TO CHOOSE

Conference believes that a woman’s right to choose with regards to abortion is fundamental to her political, social and economic equality. One in three women will have an abortion in her lifetime and therefore even more will face the difficult decision of how to deal with an unplanned pregnancy. Anti choice proponents continue to attempt […]

REPRESENTATION AT NATIONAL WOMEN’S CONFERENCE

Conference welcomes the changes to the representation to National Women’s Conference which enables all branches to send at least one delegate to National Women’s Conference that came into effect in 2008. However, this has disadvantaged the very small number of large branches, which emerged following changes to public services structures. Many of these branches have […]

EXTENDING EUROPEAN UNION ANTI DISCRIMINATION LEGISLATION

Conference notes that European Union law provides protection against employment discrimination on all equality grounds, but there is currently no protection in EU law against discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation, age, disability and religion or belief in social protection, goods and services, health care and education. Discrimination on the grounds of race and gender […]

WOMEN TACKLING POVERTY

It is a tragedy that in the 21st century poverty remains a reality in Britain today. With a looming recession the situation is likely to get worse. UNISON’s Northern Region suffers with higher deprivation than any other part of the country outside London. This affects women’s life chances, health and well being, educational attainment and […]

EQUAL ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE SERVICES FOR LESBIAN GAY BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER WOMEN

Conference welcomes recent legislation aimed at ensuring more equal access to goods, facilities and services for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people – especially as this means more equal access to healthcare provision. These legislative changes are only recent and many reports highlight the entrenched disparities in the provision of health services for LGBT […]

MATERNITY RIGHTS

Conference believes that there is a need for an increase in the Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP). Many new mothers are forced to return to work earlier than the would like due to financial considerations. These new mothers lose out on precious time with their babies as they simply cannot afford to remain at home. Some […]

PROMOTING A POSITIVE FEMALE IMAGE WITHIN UNISON

In October 2008 the Post Office released a set of commemorative stamps celebrating the contribution of women who have sought to progress women’s issues throughout history. They include amongst others, Marie Stopes, a frontierswoman on the use and availability of birth control, Barbara Castle for her work to bring about the implementation of the Equal […]

BREAST FEEDING, BREAST CARE

In September 2008, there were distressing reports from China of many infant deaths because their formula milk had been corrupted with melamine. Previously as a predominantly rural/agricultural nation most of the tragic victims would have been almost exclusively fed on their mother’s breast milk. In the rapid expansion of China’s struggle to become an industrialised […]

DELIVERING THE CORSTON REPORT – WOMEN IN PRISONS

This National Women’s Conference welcomes the Government commissioned Corston Report and its recommendations in respect of women in prisons in the UK. In particular, the recommendations of small multifunctional non custodial centres widely dispersed across the country. As the Corston Report states prison is not the best place for non violent women offenders that do […]

RIGHT TO SPEAK

Standing Order 5.1 Insert “nominated” between “those” and “persons” in the first sentence.

MOTIONS AND AMENDMENTS

Add new second sentence to standing order 3.3 Such motion or amendment shall be in writing and signed by the appropriate persons from the body on whose behalf it is submitted.

STANDING ORDERS COMMITTEE

Add new Standing Order 2.4.8 8.Any guidance issued by SOC will be reviewed by SOC following each National Women’s Conference to ensure the guidance continues to be fit for purpose.

MOTIONS AND AMENDMENTS RIGHT TO SPEAK

Delete standing order 3.5.2 and standing order 5.3, replace with : 3.5.2in the absence of a delegate of the branch, the motion or amendment may be moved by the Regional Delegate from the region to which that branch belongs, only where prior notification has been given to the Standing Orders Committee, but may not be […]

CONDUCT OF CONFERENCES

Delete standing order 4.1.1 and replace with 4.1.1such members of staff as have been authorised by the General Secretary to attend Conference