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 […]
Conference motions
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 […]
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delegations chose to meet only on Friday; 2.In 2004 the facility for Saturday evening regional delegation meetings was withdrawn without consultation with every regional Lesbian and […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
Conference welcomes the introduction of the Civil Partnership Act 2004 [CPA] which recognises our partnerships and families. However, conference notes that same-sex co-habiting couples who choose not to register their partnerships will have obligations in respect of claiming welfare benefits. Conference notes that disabled and black LGBT members are more likely to be low paid […]
Conference notes that in the UK, people living with HIV/AIDS face discrimination and harassment at work and within wider society. HIV/ AIDS has always been a workplace – and a trade union – issue. From December 2005, workers living with HIV will be covered by the anti-discrimination provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act from the […]
This Conference believes: 1.To be LGBT remains illegal in many countries across the world, with LGBT people facing life prison sentences, beatings, rape, torture and even death; 2.Even in countries where the state does not officially sanction severe repression of LGBT people, homophobia and transphobia can be brutally rife; 3.The UK Asylum system should provide […]
Conference notes with concern growing levels of homophobia – particularly against young people – and the refusal of most schools and other education facilities to acknowledge that discrimination and inequality is an issue. Figures indicate that 72% of Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual adults reported a regular history of absenteeism at school due to homophobic harassment. […]
This Conference notes the recent successful campaigns around LGBT issues, notably the campaign in favour of the LGBT rule change and our successes over Civil Partnerships and Pension rights and believes we can apply the lessons from these successful campaigns to campaign more successfully in the future. Conference believes that we still confront many challenges […]
Conference supports the Refugee Learning Project, being piloted by Unison Scotland which aims to give asylum seekers work experience in social service and health settings with mentor support to hopefully eventually allow them to obtain employment in these areas. This project is benefiting asylum seekers practically by integrating them into the community further, and tackling […]
Delegates to Conference have seen the statement on acceptable behaviour issued with the Conference papers. They are also aware of a variety of acceptable behaviour statements in use across UNISON as guidance for training courses, meetings and conferences. Such statements are not always comprehensive, or best worded. It should not always be up to those […]
Conference congratulates all activists on achieving the rule change at this year’s National Delegate Conference and welcomes the opportunity to meet at this, our first LGBT conference. Conference notes the interim LGBT committee structure as reported to last year’s Lesbian and Gay conference i.e. 24 regional representatives (1 female, 1 general from each region), 5 […]
Conference notes that since 1999 it has been unlawful to discriminate against workers on grounds of gender reassignment and since 2003 it has been unlawful to discriminate against workers on grounds of sexual orientation. We have also won further protections and rights in the workplace through the Gender Recognition Act and Civil Partnership Act. UNISON […]