Conference welcomes the recent UNISON advert in ‘Diva’ magazine – July 2005 issue and would further welcome adverts in other such publications. Conference notes with concern the omission of Police Staff within the list of service groups in which UNISON organise. Conference further notes that Police Staff are the fastest growing service group within UNISON […]
Conference motions
Conference notes with extreme concern that some of our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) members are facing hostility and violent discriminatory behaviour from service users and members of the public. Conference is particularly anxious that our members face threats to their personal safety in the line of their duties, and that these issues are […]
Conference supports the Refugee Learning Project, being piloted by Unison Scotland which aims to give asylum seekers work experience in social service and health settings with mentor support to hopefully eventually allow them to obtain employment in these areas. This project is benefiting asylum seekers practically by integrating them into the community further, and tackling […]
Delegates to Conference have seen the statement on acceptable behaviour issued with the Conference papers. They are also aware of a variety of acceptable behaviour statements in use across UNISON as guidance for training courses, meetings and conferences. Such statements are not always comprehensive, or best worded. It should not always be up to those […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Amendment to Motion 30 (Carried and incorporated into M 30) Add after fifth paragraph “That a member who is accused of a serious sexual allegation of a service user or member of staff can lead to the arrest or even charge of the member. The result of a false allegation can lead to the arrest […]
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 […]
Conference deplores the fact that almost 30 years after the Equal Pay Act there continues to be a gap between full-time men and part-time women’s pay in local government of 42% and an overall gender pay gap of 19%. 80% of councils across the UK still need to implement new pay structures and deliver equal […]
Conference notes with alarm plans announced by the Government and devolved UK administrations to achieve so-called “efficiency savings” in the public sector by increasing productivity and procurement. Conference affirms its commitment to high quality, responsive public services, but believes that the efficiency reviews are cost driven and not likely to improve services. Each efficiency announcement […]
Conference notes that the Government’s emphasis on high quality, improved local government services continues but believes that this cannot be achieved without a highly skilled and fairly rewarded workforce. However this contrasts with a continuing skills deficit in Local Government, in areas such as environmental protection, social services and trading standards and the additional pressures […]