Conference notes that: 1. in 2001 the Trades Union Congress (TUC) General Council was enlarged to include three new sections, H, I and J, each consisting of one seat and representing, respectively, trade unionists with disabilities, lesbian and gay trade unionists and trade unionists under 27 years of age. In 2002 bisexual and transgender trade […]
Conference motions
This Conference deplores the use of language in certain parts of the media and the Government which only provides fuel for racists such as the British National Party (BNP) to pour onto the fire that is currently burning in this country. In this, UNISON’s 10th anniversary year, Conference believes that we must all fight to […]
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; […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
Conference notes that one of the greatest barriers faced by disabled people is inaccessible and inappropriate transport. They face considerable restrictions on their use of public transport and increasing restrictions on the use of their cars. Inaccessible buses, trains and stations, increasing pedestrianisation, parking restrictions and road pricing, and inaccessible travel information all contribute to […]
The National Disabled Members’ Committee is concerned that employers such as Birmingham City Council do not recognise UNISON’s self-organised groups. As a result members are not allowed paid time off to attend meetings during work time. For the disabled members’ group this makes it difficult for members to get involved and to play an active […]
Female genital mutilation otherwise known as female circumcision is a practice carried out on thousands of women and girls throughout the world annually. This can result in long term problems for disabled black women. Once circumcised a woman will experience ongoing problems with associated infertility, infection and bladder associated problems. We call upon the National […]
Conference the Black Members’ Caucus wish to raise concerns regarding the lack of recruitment of disabled ethnic minorities within the police staff. Whilst there is a drive to recruit ethnic minorities within the police, there is no focus on targeting disabled ethnic minority staff. Therefore we call upon the National Disabled Members’ Committee to liaise […]
Conference notes that disabled lesbian and gay members are most vulnerable to discrimination when they are isolated from information, support and advice. Conference is concerned that information on self-organised groups and network days often does not reach isolated members, including disabled lesbian and gay members who are not out in the branch. Conference calls on […]
By virtue of the fact that we are in this hall today is an example of how our Union supports diversity. Our employers recognise health and safety representatives and provides them with time off/facilities to undertake implementation of the legislation. Given the expanding equalities legislation and the increased diversity within the United Kingdom’s workforce, there […]
This Conference is greatly concerned about the lack of disabled access offered to delegates and visitors by the accommodation booking service. For this year’s Disabled Members’ Conference the hotel bookings have not been organised by UNISON’s Conference Office, but have been booked through the Conference Accommodation Booking Service Glasgow and Clyde Valley Tourist Board. Bearing […]
Conference notes that one of the most significant developments during UNISON’s first ten years is how central equalities issues have become to nearly everything the union does and that the self-organised groups have been the main single factor to make this so and keep it so. However, their work is often poorly integrated with collective […]