LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER WORKERS RIGHTS – THE AGENDA FROM HERE

Conference notes that since 1999 it has been unlawful to discriminate against workers on grounds of gender reassignment and since 2003 it has been unlawful to discriminate against workers on grounds of sexual orientation. We have also won further protections and rights in the workplace through the Gender Recognition Act and Civil Partnership Act. UNISON […]

ENSURING EQUALITY FOR OLDER LGBT PEOPLE IN HOUSING PROVISION

Conference congratulates Communities Scotland for research into ensuring equality for older LGBT people in housing provision and for the publication of the extremely practical booklet. This research was carried out in conjunction with older LGBT people in Scotland and involved input from various agencies including UNISON. The research has produced an extremely useful “housing and […]

SEXUAL ORIENTATION IN LIBRARIES

Conference congratulates the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) for updating its CILIP Equal Opportunities Briefing “Sexual Orientation in Libraries”. It is intended to facilitate equality of opportunity for Lesbians, Gay men, Bisexuals and Transgendered people using, or working in, all types of library and information services. This information will prove to be […]

NATIONAL LGBT CONFERENCES – REGIONAL DELEGATION MEETINGS

Conference notes that: 1.For several years until 2003 UNISON National Lesbian and Gay Conferences offered a facility for regional delegation meetings on Friday and Saturday evenings though some regional delegations chose to meet only on Friday; 2.In 2004 the facility for Saturday evening regional delegation meetings was withdrawn without consultation with every regional Lesbian and […]

HOMOPHOBIA – TAKING NO PRIDE IN PREJUDICE

Conference notes the publication of “Homophobia – Taking No Pride in Prejudice” by Glasgow City Council as part of its commitment to address all forms of prejudice and discrimination in Glasgow. Conference congratulates Glasgow City Council for this excellent piece of research which raises awareness of homophobia and its effects on the lives of Lesbians […]

PROMOTING THE EMPLOYMENT EQUALITY (SEXUAL ORIENTATION) REGULATIONS) 2003

Conference applauds efforts already made by individual members, branch and regional groups, branches and the National LGBT Committee to promote the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003 [‘The Regulations’]. Conference is concerned, however, that a large number of members, stewards and branch officers are still unaware of the provisions of ‘The Regulations’. Further, in order […]

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE TRAVEL ADVICE

Conference welcomes the public service provided by the provision of Travel Advice by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) on the internet. In providing this public service, the FCO aims to ensure that British Travellers are well prepared. The advice given includes sections on Safety and Security, Health and Local Laws and Customs. The Local […]

JAMAICA

Conference recalls the resolution of the Twelfth National Lesbian and Gay Conference deploring homophobic violence in Jamaica and supporting the work of the Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-sexuals and Gays (JFLAG). Conference welcomes this self-organised group’s continuing work on this issue and that of others and it urges branch and regional Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and […]

DELIVERING THE GOODS

Conference welcomes the increased level of protection provided by the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003 in the areas of employment and training, but notes with concern that the same level of protection does not exist in relation to the provision of goods, facilities and services to LGBT people. Conference notes with regret that the […]

TRADES UNION CONGRESS GENERAL COUNCIL

Conference notes that: 1.Following earlier changes to secure the representation of Black trades unionists, in 2001 the Trades Union Congress (TUC) General Council was further enlarged to include three new sections, H, I and J, each consisting of one seat and representing, respectively, trades unionists with disabilities, Lesbian and Gay trades unionists and trades unionists […]

European Constitution

Conference welcomes the outcome of the French and Dutch referenda on the European Union Constitution and following the decision on Friday 17 June of EU leaders to defer ratification, Conference believes that within the UK, the government should now regard the treaty as finished business and consign its contents to history. Conference believes that trade […]

Make Poverty History

Conference welcomes and supports the 2005 Make Poverty History (MPH) campaign. Conference affirms that it is a fundamental role of trade unions to organise and campaign to ensure sufficient income and appropriate support from public services for all to live a decent life, free from poverty. Trade unions, aid agencies, campaigning organisations and faith organisations […]

Work Life Balance

Whilst Conference welcomes UNISON’s work on work life balance/family friendly policies the changing demands of the workplace mean that women in the main, and increasingly men, find it harder to juggle the pressure of work, family, and other caring and outside responsibilities. There are a number of issues which need to be highlighted and addressed: […]

Employment Rights

Conference reaffirms its belief that decent employment and trade union rights for all is one of the foundation stones of a just and civilised society. Conference welcomes the improvements in the law brought about by the Employment Relations Act, such as additional protections to prevent employers from engaging in union-busting activities, and new measures to […]

Anti-Terrorism Act

Conference welcomes the return to the UK of the British citizens who have been held without trial in Guantanamo Bay but believes that the practice of detaining such suspects without trial should never be tolerated. Conference therefore welcomes the growing number of voices calling for this practice to be ended in the UK. Conference especially […]