NEW UNISON LGBT LOGO

Conference notes that since becoming a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender group in June 2005 we no longer have a logo to represent the group. Conference therefore instructs the National LGBT Committee to work with UNISON’s Communications Department to design a new logo appropriate to the needs of our new, wider group.

RETAINING OLDER MEMBERS AND ACTIVISTS

Conference notes that the proportion of delegates at UNISON Lesbian and Gay Conferences aged 50 and over was about 10% whereas about 30% of UNISON members are in this age group. Moreover, this showed little change from year to year and was reflected in membership of the National lesbian and gay Committee and, as far […]

SAFE SPACE AND WOMEN’S SOCIAL EVENTS

Conference recognises that space is not made safe merely by declaring it so. Women disproportionately suffer inequality in our society and this has an impact on their self-confidence, on their ability to act as their own agents and on their perceptions of security. Because of such factors, women who attend conference experience the ‘space’ of […]

POLICE STAFF – A PART OR APART?

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 […]

2+2 – INCREASING THE NUMBER OF MOTIONS WE CAN PUT TO NATIONAL DELEGATE CONFERENCE

Conference notes that at present self-organised groups (as well as regions, the Young Members’ Forum and Retired Members) are only permitted to submit a total of two motions (including any rule amendments) to National Delegate Conference. Conference also notes that a proposal to increase this to four motions was defeated at National Delegate Conference in […]

PUBLIC SERVICE RISKS

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 […]

BRIGHTON PRIDE AND FUNDING FOR REGIONAL PRIDE EVENTS

Brighton Pride is an annual event which has a week of various activities running up to the march and celebration in the park. Over 100,000 people visited Brighton last year during the week, and over 90,000 people participated in the march. Unlike London and some other cities, Brighton Pride is not a commercial venture, it […]

ENSURING EQUALITY FOR OLDER LGBT PEOPLE IN HOUSING PROVISION

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 […]

CHILDREN’S AND YOUNG PEOPLE’S SERVICES

Conference notes the continued prevalence of bi-, homo- and trans-phobic bullying among children and young people and the continued absence, largely, of positive image of Lesbians, Gay men, Bisexuals and Trans people from children’s and young people’s services. Conference believes that schools, playgrounds, youth clubs, children’s homes etc. should be safe places for all Lesbian, […]

SEXUAL ORIENTATION IN LIBRARIES

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 […]

MORE THAN A CAUCUS – ACCESSIBLE AND INCLUSIVE SOCIAL EVENTS

Conference takes pride in the way our venues are safe spaces in which to conduct our business. However, our Conference is also made more attractive by the chance to socialise with other delegates and visitors after the day’s business. Many delegates and visitors enjoy the entertainments that our host city has to offer, but these […]

NATIONAL LGBT CONFERENCES – REGIONAL DELEGATION MEETINGS

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 […]

MATERNITY SUPPORT LEAVE

Conference welcomes the provision for statutory paternity leave but notes with concern the low level of take up. Conference considers this is explained by: 1.The level of statutory paternity pay, currently a maximum of £106.00 per week; 2.Limited eligibility – restricted to the baby’s father or the partner of a woman on maternity leave; and, […]

HOMOPHOBIA – TAKING NO PRIDE IN PREJUDICE

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 […]

PROMOTING THE EMPLOYMENT EQUALITY (SEXUAL ORIENTATION) REGULATIONS) 2003

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 […]