Race Equality Act – How far have we come since 1968?

On 8 December 1965 the first Race Relations Act came into force in Britain. Prior to this, it was legal to discriminate against people because of the colour of their skin, and this act was the first in many equality legislation to promote non-discrimination and equality, the Act was amended in 1968. This year is […]

Rule J The Political Fund

Delete the current Rule J and replace with: “J The Political Fund The rules of the Political Fund set out in sections 1-2 below apply to all members regardless of when they joined the Union. The particular rules which apply to members who joined the Union before 1st March 2018 are set out in section […]

Schedule E Political Fund Ballot

Schedule E: Political Fund Ballot 2. Delete: “ “the Certification Officer” means the Certification Officer for Trade Unions and Employer’s Associations whose address is 22nd floor, Euston Tower, 286 Euston Road, London NW1 3JJ.” And replace with: “ “the Certification Officer” means the Certification Officer for Trade Unions and Employer’s Associations whose address is Certification […]

Our place on the global stage post-Brexit

Conference is concerned that post-Brexit, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights will be undermined at home and abroad due to the Tory Government‘s weak and wobbly Brexit and due to trade negotiations failing to take into account social and environmental protections, workers and human rights. International Trade Secretary Liam Fox started discussions on a […]

Workers’ Rights in Turkey

Since the failed coup attempt in July 2016 Turkey has experienced a rapid deterioration of democracy, human rights and the rule of law. President Erdogan has used the state of emergency to detain, dismiss and silence his critics; targeting trade unionists, journalists, human rights defenders and anyone perceived not to support the government. Approximately 120,000 […]

Rule C Honorary Members

C 2.8.2 Add at the end “or in such cases where a Rule I investigation is either impracticable or inappropriate, the National Executive Council shall have the power to revoke the Honorary Membership.”

Rule G Branch Officers

G 4.1.1 Branch Officers After “Welfare Officer” insert “, Women’s Officer (who must be a woman)”

Exiting the EU and Devolution

Conference welcomes UNISON’s priorities in our Exiting the EU campaign that seeks to inform and engage members and the general public on the impact of the EU exit negotiations. This strategy recognises the importance of addressing all devolved issues in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Conference recognises that exiting the EU can have a differential […]

Wholly Owned Subsidiary Companies

Conference is alarmed at the spread of new NHS arm length companies being set up in England. Potentially employing thousands of staff these companies seek to exploit a VAT loophole to reduce their operating costs. Though owned by local NHS trusts they in future could bring in cheap labour and deny pension scheme access to […]

Universal Credit

Conference notes that: 1) Universal Credit (UC) has been beset with IT failures and delays; 2) There have been many criticisms of UC, which while not opposing UC wholesale, have led to calls for the removal of some of the anti-claimant elements of UC, for example an end to in work sanctions, increased conditionality, monthly […]

Palestine – End The Detention of Children

Conference is appalled at the treatment of Palestinian children by Israel. The arrest of 16-year-old Ahed Tamimi shone a spotlight on Israel’s systematic abuse of minors through the process of military detention. The treatment of Ahed rightly generated a global response, but her situation is far from unique. Each year the Israeli military arrests and […]

REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS IN NORTHERN IRELAND

Conference applauds the historic landslide vote by the people of the Republic of Ireland to repeal the Eighth amendment to the Irish constitution and recognises the huge victory for women’s right to choose both in the South but also as a beacon of hope for all women where ever they live who are still fighting […]

We Need Pay Ratios in Higher Education (HE)

Conference notes: 1)By the end of 2017, members in Higher Education will have lost the equivalent of one fifth of their pay since 2009/10. 2)At the same time, Senior Managers have seen their salaries consistently increase above the rate of inflation, with twenty-three Vice Chancellors taking an increase of 10% or more last year. Conference […]

Increasing participation of young members

The last general election saw thousands of young people registering to vote for the very first time. Youth engagement with politics led to a change in the political landscape. Subsequent debates amongst MPs has shown them that the issues important to them will be taken up by politicians when there is strength in numbers. While […]

No to a Hard Brexit

Our political landscape has become dominated by the referendum decision to leave the European Union. Whatever the specific position in January 2018, there are particular principles which will defend the rights and freedoms of both UK and EU nationals working in Higher Education (HE). At the time of writing we have not seen full details […]