Celebrating Our Milestones

Conference recognises the recent successes in working towards lesbian and gay (L&G) equality (most notably an equal age of consent, implementation of the Human Rights Act, laws on workplace discrimination, tenancy and adoption rights, the repeal of Section 28, the repeal of discriminatory sexual offences discrimination and the publication of Government proposals for the recognition […]

Strathclyde Police Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Community Surgery

Conference notes that Strathclyde Police has introduced a monthly police surgery within the Glasgow Lesbian, Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Centre located in the heart of Glasgow’s city centre. This surgery was introduced in September 2002 with two main aims: to improve the provision of a police service for the LGBT community and to raise […]

Progress in the Police

Conference welcomes the progress being made by the majority of UK Police Forces in accepting diversity in all its forms but particularly in its final realisation that gay men and lesbians do, and should, be represented proportionally within its ranks. Conference applauds the brave lesbians and gay men who have, over the years fought to […]

Sexual Orientation Regulations 2003

Conference welcomes the advice from the Joint Select Committee on Statutory Instruments regarding the proposed Sexual Orientation Regulations 2003. Conference notes the Select Committee’s advice that the regulations do not comply with the European Directive in relation to Regulation 7(3) regarding religion or belief. Conference is dismayed that the Government has chosen to ignore the […]

Developing our International Work

Conference reaffirms its commitment to UNISON’s international work. Within the global economy, international co-operation and solidarity results in significant social, economic and political benefits for workers in the UK and abroad. Recent examples of successful co-operation with trade unions in other countries include: ·London Electricity’s reinstatement of recognition of UNISON at its Doxford site after […]

Lesbian and Gay Asylum Seekers and Refugees

Conference recognises with serious concern that lesbians and gay men face persecution, imprisonment and death in over 70 countries world-wide. Conference further recognises that 1.issues related to sexual identity are often not accepted as legitimate reasons for seeking asylum in British immigration and asylum legislation; 2.certain countries designated as “safe” by the Government have an […]

Compulsory Extension of Working Life

Conference notes the Government statement of July 2003 and proposals to end age discrimination in the workplace and so on. Conference, however, recognises that the statement is also a blatant attempt by the Government to try to resolve the pensions crisis by forcing people to work longer. Conference declares its opposition to any attempt to […]

Appointment to Public Bodies

Conference supports the view that all UNISON disabled members have a fair and equal opportunity to apply for and sit on public bodies, tribunals and public boards. It recognises that the present Nolan Rules can discriminate against working people and more so if they are disabled. Conference also recognises the full useful knowledge and experiences […]

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) also known as Myalgic Encephalitis (ME) is a much misunderstood disability, which can best be defined as severe and abnormal fatigue following minor physical or mental exertion. Symptoms may include severe fatigue which is not just feeling tired; sensitivity to light and noise; muscular pains; excessive sweating; severe headaches; sore throat; […]

Access at Petrol Stations

A motion was passed at Conference about two years ago, concerning access at petrol stations for disabled people, but no information appears to have been circulated in connection with this issue. Accordingly, Conference instructs the National Disabled Members’ Committee to prepare and circulate to all disabled members, prior to National Disabled Members’ Conference 2004 at […]

European Year of the Disabled 2003

Conference is concerned at the lack of UNISON activities to celebrate European Year of the Disabled 2003, both in some regions and particularly, nationally. This is an important event for disabled people and UNISON must be at the forefront of it. Conference agrees that a high profile event should be held nationally to publicise disabled […]

Self-Organised Groups

Conference deplores the action of some UNISON branches using branch rules to discriminate against self-organised groups by preventing them from participating fully in branch activities. Conference calls upon the National Disabled Members’ Committee, in conjunction with other self-organised groups, to liaise with branch disabled officers, equalities officers and other self-organised groups to compile a report […]

Strengthening Disability Policy Within UNISON’s Affiliated Political Fund and the Labour Party

Conference welcomes the decision taken at UNISON National Delegate Conference to continue political links with the Labour Party. Further, Conference warmly welcomes the initiatives taken by the National Disabled Members’ Committee during the last year to establish a closer working relationship with the union’s Affiliated Political Forum. Conference agrees that the National Disabled Members’ Committee […]

Standing Order 3 Motions and Amendments

SO.3.1Who can submit motions and amendments? Add at end “National Women’s Caucus” and “National Deaf (native British Sign Language users) Caucus.” Subsequently SO.3.2 Delete and replace with the following new Standing Order 3.2 “Those caucus groups set out in SO.3.1 shall be enabled to meet in accordance with the Disabled Members’ Conference timetable to submit […]

Asylum and Disabled People

Conference is greatly concerned about how disabled people who are seeking asylum in the UK are treated. Disabled people, by virtue of society’s inaccessibility, face additional discrimination when seeking asylum. There is no evidence to show that the European Year of the Disabled Person has improved opportunities for disabled people seeking resettlement in the UK. […]