MATERNITY RIGHTS

Conference believes that there is a need for an increase in the Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP). Many new mothers are forced to return to work earlier than the would like due to financial considerations. These new mothers lose out on precious time with their babies as they simply cannot afford to remain at home. Some […]

PREGNANT WOMEN AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE

This National Women’s Conference is concerned at the impact that substance abuse can have on pregnant women and their babies. Substances that can affect the foetus are: 1)Cannabis 2)Heroin 3)Methadone 4)Cocaine 5)Crack cocaine 6)Crystal methamphetamine 7)Prescription drugs 8)Nicotine 9)Alcohol Education on the hazards of misusing substances during pregnancy is urgently required and the Government should […]

DELIVERING THE CORSTON REPORT – WOMEN IN PRISONS

This National Women’s Conference welcomes the Government commissioned Corston Report and its recommendations in respect of women in prisons in the UK. In particular, the recommendations of small multifunctional non custodial centres widely dispersed across the country. As the Corston Report states prison is not the best place for non violent women offenders that do […]

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

Domestic violence continues to be a matter of concern to women in UNISON. Despite the fact that there have been many motions to the National Women’s Conference on this issue there are still many of our employers who do not have domestic violence policies for their own staff. Given the increase in the use of […]

MOTIONS AND AMENDMENTS RIGHT TO SPEAK

Delete standing order 3.5.2 and standing order 5.3, replace with : 3.5.2in the absence of a delegate of the branch, the motion or amendment may be moved by the Regional Delegate from the region to which that branch belongs, only where prior notification has been given to the Standing Orders Committee, but may not be […]

STANDING ORDERS COMMITTEE

Add new Standing Order 2.4.8 8.Any guidance issued by SOC will be reviewed by SOC following each National Women’s Conference to ensure the guidance continues to be fit for purpose.

CONDUCT OF CONFERENCES

Delete standing order 4.1.1 and replace with 4.1.1such members of staff as have been authorised by the General Secretary to attend Conference

STANDING ORDERS COMMITTEE

Delete Standing Order 2.4.7 and replace with : 7.The Standing Orders Committee will, from time to time, issue guidelines in order to assist with the smooth running of Conference and submission of motions and amendments. Such guidelines shall be consistent with these Standing Orders and amendments will be ratified by the Standing Orders Committee at […]

RIGHT TO SPEAK

Standing Order 5.1 Insert “nominated” between “those” and “persons” in the first sentence.

MOTIONS AND AMENDMENTS

Add new second sentence to standing order 3.3 Such motion or amendment shall be in writing and signed by the appropriate persons from the body on whose behalf it is submitted.

LIMIT OF SPEECHES

Add new standing order 14.4 14.4The Chair shall, at their discretion, extend a particular speaker’s time limit if their access requirements have an impact on speaking time.

MOTIONS AND AMENDMENTS NOT ON THE AGENDA (EMERGENCY MOTIONS)

Delete standing order 11.1.1 and replace with : 11.1.1Such motion or amendment shall be in writing, signed by the appropriate persons from the body on whose behalf it is submitted and shall be sent to the Standing Orders Committee at least five working days before the commencement of Conference, except if it relates to events […]

WITHDRAWAL OF MOTIONS AND AMENDMENTS

Delete standing order 10 and replace with: 10.WITHDRAWALS OF MOTIONS AND AMENDMENTS 10.1A mover of a motion or amendment who wishes to withdraw their motion or amendment shall inform the Standing Orders Committee. The Standing Orders Committee shall report this request to Conference. Conference shall decide whether or not the motion or amendment may be […]

THE INDEPENDENT SAFEGUARDING AUTHORITY

Conference notes that The Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) is a new public body which is being created with the intention of preventing unsuitable people from working with children and vulnerable adults. From October 2009, all individuals working or volunteering with vulnerable adults or children will be required to register with the ISA. This will affect […]

MATERNITY AND CARERS RIGHTS

Conference welcomes the new rights for parents and carers which were introduced in the Work and Families Act 2007, particularly the increases in statutory maternity and adoption pay and allowances, and the removal of the length of service requirement for Additional Maternity Leave. However, conference notes that, largely due to the efforts of UNISON in […]