This Conference recognises that in this current political climate the Tory-led Coalition Government is systematically eroding the employment and civil rights of disabled people, it is therefore crucial that UNISON ensures activists are fully equipped with the skills and knowledge to assist them in challenging public service cuts and to deal with discrimination cases being […]
Conference motions
This Conference recognises that the Department for Work and Pensions Access to Work Scheme has been vital to many of our disabled members’ reasonable adjustment needs in public service workplaces. An adequate package of support to meet the cost of adjustments can play a significant part in disabled people’s employability, it can affect career prospects […]
Conference recognises and commends the work that the National Disabled Members Committee has undertaken with regards to Deaf issues However, Conference is concerned that, because of cultural and linguistic issues, prejudice and the workplace environment – it can be more difficult for Deaf members to participate in UNISON’s branch, regional and national democratic processes or […]
Conference welcomes the British Deaf Association (BDA), Royal Association for Deaf people (RAD) and the Signature campaign for British Sign Language – Recognition and Beyond Conference notes that BSL has been recognised by Government (since 2003) as an indigenous ’language in its own right, regularly used by a significant number of people’ this was after […]
This conference recognises the increased pressure put on disabled members by managers and supervisors being unaware of the responsibilities under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). This lack of knowledge puts additional strain on our disabled members and often results in them having to stay off work longer that required due to the lack of reasonable […]
Conference notes that despite the success of the 2012 Paralympics, attitudes towards disabled people have deteriorated in the current economic climate and this is exacerbated by the current Government. This government provides misinformation about disabled people and their benefit entitlements. This has led to a hate campaign by tabloid press and the scapegoating of disabled […]
Conference notes the changes to Housing Benefit Legislation which is leading to additional pressure on those renting in the private sector. Disabled people over the last decade have been made to make hard decisions about the appropriateness of their accommodation due to the restrictions of housing benefits which prevents them having an extra bedroom. This […]
Conference notes that that there are about 1.5 million people in the UK with a learning disability and that approximately 8%-10% of the UK population are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender (LGBT). Disability discrimination and discrimination based on a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity still occurs in the workplace and UNISON has persistently campaigned […]
The conference notes that the employers supposedly final offer of 1% for 2013-14 and the deletion of scale point 4 from October 2013 made on 24 April. Conference also notes that the offer is currently well below the Retail Price Index (RPI) inflation rate of around 3% and does not meet our claim for a […]
The Scottish Joint Council employers made a final pay offer last November of: 1)1% increase on all spinal column points from 1 April 2013. 2)Introduction of a Scottish Local Government Living Wage set at £7.50ph (The living wage element to be applied after the 1% uplift) 3)Potential for detrimental changes to terms & conditions next […]
This conference recognises that the changes to the State Retirement Age will create enforced working until the age of 68 will be a financial disaster for many disabled members. While some workers will be able to meet the demands of their jobs, many more will find their physical and mental health will reduce their ability […]
Conference recognises the work done at national level to ensure the access needs of disabled members are met when attending national events. Conference also notes the commitment of the union in ensuring disabled members are enabled to fully participate in all the work of the union. However, national events and circumstances are not always mirrored […]
Conference deplores the devastating impact the Government’s austerity measures are having on Black communities and the most vulnerable groups in the society. Conference notes with concern the severity of the impact on people from the Black community. Research from the Institute for Public Policy and Research shows that the unemployment level for young Black people […]
Raising the profile of Black activists within water, environment and transport employers and increasing the number of Black members involved at branch, regional and national levels within the WET service group and wider union is critical in meeting the UNISON’s recruitment and organising objectives. Conference also notes the Leadership School where activists can take steps […]
Conference condemns the ever increasing amount of disappearing bus services from Britain’s roads and the consequent impact on UNISON members employed in the public transport industry. This is due to the Government’s cuts agenda. Services are disappearing and fares are increasing, leaving the most vulnerable and those on low incomes more isolated and disadvantaged. There […]