Conference notes that family law relating to lesbian and gay couples and unmarried heterosexual couples is currently being developed on a case by case basis in the UK. This has led to seemingly contradictory rulings by different courts in the different UK legal systems. Conference welcomes the introduction of partnership registers by the Greater London […]
Conference motions
Equality is the cornerstone of UNISON. Work on equality issues is integrated into the union’s core activities and into the bargining agenda. UNISON Scotland notes that 2003 is also an important year for the EU Framework Employment Directive which will bring in new protection from discrimination in employment, for sexual orientation, religion or belief and […]
Conference notes with concern that the consultation on the political fund system due for Annual Delegate Conference 2002 has been delayed and the report is now due next year. The report was called for by a motion to 2001 National Delegate Conference. That motion, Motion 131 “The Labour Government – What do we get for […]
Conference notes that the Government has set up a project to consider the feasibility of a single equality body, which is doe to publish a report for consultation towards the end of 2002. The starting point of the project is that the status quo cannot continue, as provision must be made for machinery to deliver […]
Conference opposes the British and US Governments unleashing an unending worldwide war against terrorism. We call upon Britain and the USA, and its allies, to cease all military actions and to withdraw from Afghanistan. Furthermore, we will vigorously oppose any continuation of this war to Iraq, Somalia, or elsewhere. We condemn the terrorist attacks on […]
This Conference welcomes the establishment of core objectives and associated priorities and as a much needed development. It has enabled our lay structures at national and regional level in partnership with staff to focus upon those key issues determined by our sovereign bodies. Conference also welcomes the initial work undertaken to apply both lay and […]
Conference notes that the campaign against the privatisation of council housing is continuing and gathering strength. It congratulates UNISON members and tenants in Dudley and on the Aylesbury estate in Southwark for their successful campaigns for a ‘no’ vote in the tenant ballots. Conference further notes the outstanding success of the national, West Midlands Region […]
This Conference whilst recognising that age discrimination can affect people of all ages deplores the blatant age discrimination that young people face in today’s society. Discrimination against young people exists in legislation and other rules and regulations, including those relating to: 1)National Minimum Wage 2)Eligibility to vote 3)Job Seekers’ Allowance 4)Housing and Council Tax benefits […]
This Conference believes that the civil disturbances that took place in a number of towns in the summer of 2001 are a result of the economic and political exclusion of the working class communities in those areas. The exclusion has been exacerbated by structural unemployment that has resulted form the demise off manufacturing, social deprivation […]
Conference welcomes the priority given to improving member participation and particularly that this has been agreed as a key objective for the union. Improving membership participation is vital to ensuring that UNISON remains a member-led Union. However, it is with concern that Conference notes the loss of activists at local level and the increasing age […]
The future health of our public services is at a critical point, with a government committed to improving them after years of under investment, but increasingly choosing the private sector, not existing staff, as the solution to problems. Conference deplores the fact that the Government has responded to the need for better services by creating […]
This Conference welcomes the support of employers’ bodies for amendments to the Local Government Pension Scheme to the purpose of removing/amending those regulations which discriminate against non-married partners including same sex. Conference notes this matter now lies with the Government and that they have failed to progress the necessary changes to date as they are […]
This Conference confirms that regional National Executive Council members need to be fully involved in the activities of their regional councils in order to maintain lay democracy in UNISON. Whilst recognising that regional National Executive Council members are elected by, and accountable to, the wider electorate of UNISON members throughout their region, Conference nevertheless believes […]
Conference applauds the contribution made by branches, regions and service groups in organising and supporting members employed in the community and voluntary sector and by private companies. Conference notes that an increasing number of UNISON members work in these sectors and for other non-public sector employers providing public services. Often these members are not covered […]
This Conference welcomes the statements made by the main political parties during the general election campaign and hopes that, in office, the Government will make evident its practical support for pensioners. However, Conference expresses its grave concern that the Government continues to refuse to implement the central recommendation of the Royal Commission on Long Term […]