Conference notes that family law relating to lesbian and gay couples and unmarried heterosexual couples is currently being developed on a case by case basis in the UK. This has led to seemingly contradictory rulings by different courts in the different UK legal systems. Conference welcomes the introduction of partnership registers by the Greater London […]
Conference motions
Equality is the cornerstone of UNISON. Work on equality issues is integrated into the union’s core activities and into the bargining agenda. UNISON Scotland notes that 2003 is also an important year for the EU Framework Employment Directive which will bring in new protection from discrimination in employment, for sexual orientation, religion or belief and […]
Conference instructs the National Lesbian and Gay Committee (NLGC) to carry out the actions set out in the recommendations of the report ‘Organising for Our Future’ as follows: 1.to introduce a written constitution for the NLGC, from existing and agreed policies and procedures; 2.to increase the flow of information to activists by introducing more regular […]
Conference notes that UNISON published a statement in June 2001 relating to Leisure Services for Lesbians and Gay Men. This statement made clear that: “UNISON believes the local administration of arts, sport and leisure can make an enormous difference to lesbians and gay men. Organised on the basis of inclusiveness, it can support lesbians and […]
Conference believes that the fundamental purpose of our self-organisation is to improve the working lives of lesbians and gay men. Conference notes that the tenth anniversary of the formation of UNISON provides an opportunity to assess the impact of lesbian and gay self-organisation on the union’s bargaining agenda. Conference recognises that some progress has been […]
Conference notes with concern that the consultation on the political fund system due for Annual Delegate Conference 2002 has been delayed and the report is now due next year. The report was called for by a motion to 2001 National Delegate Conference. That motion, Motion 131 “The Labour Government – What do we get for […]
Conference notes that the Government has set up a project to consider the feasibility of a single equality body, which is doe to publish a report for consultation towards the end of 2002. The starting point of the project is that the status quo cannot continue, as provision must be made for machinery to deliver […]
The Government has announced that it intends to create a single equality commission to champion women, gay people, ethnic minorities, the elderly and disabled people. If this radical merger takes place it could dilute the rights of different minority groups. The Government’s intention is to have one body that can enforce the rapidly expanding body […]
It has been almost ten years since the death of Stephen Lawrence. In that time we have heard Dave Prentis say: “UNISON believes that tackling the problem of institutional racism within public services is essential not only for black workers but also to improve public services”. This is why it is important to establish what […]
The issue of race is sensitive now as at anytime in the 25 years of the Commission for Racial Equality’s existence. The far right is on the rise across Europe and, in this country, the BNP has gained a foothold in local government and this is very disturbing. There have been race riots in several […]
Conference notes that this is the tenth Conference that the National Black Members’ Committee has held but there has never been any occasion where the mass media – press, local and national newspapers and television – have given publicity to the National Black Members’ Conference, especially on the first day of Conference by interviewing key […]
UNISON has worked tirelessly since the death of Stephen Lawrence to influence a change to the Race Relations Act. We now have those changes and must continue to make a concentrated commitment throughout UNISON at all levels to ensure that all employers, including private sector employers adhere to the recommendations and their statutory duties under […]
This Conference notes the proposal to join together the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE), Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) and Disability Rights Commission (DRC) under one new Equalities Commission. At this stage it appears that this new Commission could also deal with lesbian and gay and age discrimination. This Conference has previously expressed concerns about the […]
University College London Branch (UCL) has been successful in persuading the employer to undertake an investigation into institutional racism. This was on the back of a number of disciplinaries affecting staff from ethnic minorities, perceived unfairness in allocation of duties and the so called glass ceiling in terms of promotion and career opportunities. The Branch […]
Conference calls on the National Black Members’ Committee (NBMC) to work with the National Executive Council towards a workable strategy of the recognition of duties undertaken by self-organised group representatives. This is to enable representatives of all the self-organised groups to actively participate fully in their UNISON duties without fear of loss of pay or […]