Working Against the Far Right

Conference recognises the hard work and achievement UNISON activists have made in combating the rise of the far right. The campaign heavily focused on the discriminatory and criminal nature of the far right, especially in terms of their racist policies, statements and actions carried out by far right group members. We know that far right […]

Sexual Orientation, Religion and Belief

Conference notes that work place discrimination against Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual (LGB) people became illegal in December 2003 and discrimination on accessing goods and services for LGB people became illegal in April 2007. Conference is saddened by the remarks made by Bishop Nazir-Ali, Anglican Bishop of Rochester, when he commented in July 2009, at the […]

European Election Results

Conference notes with concern the gains far right parties made in the recent elections for the European Parliament. Unfortunately, due to the poor turnout of electors, seats were secured in some areas. Members of the European Parliament (MEP) are elected to represent the views of all their constituents and not just their own supporters, so […]

Reclaiming Pride

In light of the current economic crisis, threats to jobs and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) services due to lack of funding, the rise of the far right and an increase in homophobic hate crime, there can be no doubt that the need for a strong, political movement to promote and defend the LGBT […]

Services for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Older People

Conference acknowledges the work currently being undertaken in Scotland with regard to the equality of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender older people. The aim of the work is to deliver a high quality of service to older LGBT people and to ensure that they are treated equally. It is important to state that no ‘special’ […]

Training on the new single equality legislation

Conference welcomes the new Equality Bill and that it has provisions for sexual orientation and gender reassignment groups who experience discrimination, harassment and victimisation. However, conference is keen to ensure that all activists are updated with the new requirements to be met by employers and public bodies. Conference notes that while the main anti-discrimination provisions […]

Transgender policies at work

Conference recognises and commends the work that the National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Committee has completed with regards to transgender issues. Conference also welcomes the Gender Equality Duty which will hopefully help to eliminate the prejudice and harassment of transgender members in their employment. However, conference continues to be concerned with the lack […]

HOMECARE SERVICES

Conference believes that nothing represents more potently the way in which our society values its elderly citizens than home – or domiciliary – care services. They are the point at which the state – literally – enters the private household to ensure the well-being and health of its most vulnerable citizens. However, councils are faced […]

AMENDMENT TO STANDING ORDER 4

In Standing Order 4.1 delete current wording and replace with: ‘The mover of a motion or an amendment shall speak for not more than five minutes and each succeeding speaker for not more than three minutes, except where the Standing Orders Committee have decided otherwise.’

OLDER PEOPLE’S LIVES ARE GETTING WORSE

A report “One Voice: Shaping Our Ageing Society” was launched on 7 April by Age Concern and Help the Aged to mark the formation of their new charity. The report examined the issues facing older people in the UK, such as poverty, age discrimination, isolation and lack of care and support. The report claims that […]

AMENDMENT TO STANDING ORDER 8

Delete SO 8.8

AMENDMENT TO STANDING ORDER 8

In Standing Order 8.1 delete current wording and replace with: ‘Motions and amendments will normally be considered in the order in which they appear on the final agenda.’

AMENDMENT TO STANDING ORDER 9

Insert new Standing Order 9 entitled ‘Withdrawals of Motions and Amendments’ 9.1 A motion or amendment which appears on the Final Agenda may not be withdrawn without the consent of the Standing Orders Committee, whose decision shall be reported to Conference. 9.2 If a motion be withdrawn with the consent of the Standing Orders Committee, […]

AMENDMENT TO STANDING ORDER 2

Under Standing Order 2.3.4 insert new ‘6’ ‘Issue guidelines from time to time in order to assist with the smooth running of Conference. Such guidelines shall be consistent with these Standing Orders.’

AGE DISCRIMINATION IN HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE

Conference notes that UNISON has been represented on the National Advisory Group for the Review of Age Discrimination in Health and Social Care which is due to report to the Secretary of State for Health in October 2009. Conference further notes that the Review’s objectives are to recommend: i.The timetable by which health and adult […]