Gender Duty

Conference notes the new statutory duty on public sector organisations to proactively promote gender equality in both service delivery and employment. This new duty will come into force in April 2007. Conference believes this presents an opportunity for public bodies to more effectively address the needs of women generally and Black, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender […]

Rule D1.10 – Conference Quorum and Procedure

In rule D 1.10.4 delete ‘and/or amendments to Rule’ and insert “and one amendment to Rule” Revised text to read: “A Regional Council, a Self-organised Group, the National Young Members’ Forum and the Retired Members Organisation may each submit a total of two motions and one amendment to Rule.”

Amendment to Standing Order 3 – Motions and Amendments

In Standing Order 3.1, after “Disabled Members or Black Members Caucuses;”, insert “Bisexual Members Caucus or Transgender Members Caucus;”

Supporting Human Rights for All

Conference recalls that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights” and affirms that: 1.Promoting and defending human rights is a core part of trade union international solidarity, working alongside relevant human rights organisations; 2. We must ensure the UK government protects human rights […]

Amendment to Standing Order 3 – Motions and Amendments

Add new S3.5 Each motion shall contain no more than 500 words (except composites) and each amendment shall contain no more than 250 words

Amendment to Standing Order 1 – Application of Standing Order

In Standing Order 1.2, after “Black and Disabled Members’ Caucuses” insert “or Bisexual Members’ Caucus or Transgender Members’ Caucus”.

Charter for Change for LGBT Equality

Conference welcomes advances in legislation for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality. These include Gender Recognition and Civil Partnership, outlawing of sexual orientation discrimination in goods, facilities and services and the promised Single Equality Act, which should enact duties across all grounds to actively promote equality as well as combat discrimination. However, disadvantage and […]

Support for Members Undergoing Gender Reassignment

Conference welcomes the initial work undertaken by the Department of Health’s Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Advisory Group (SOGIAG) and the Scottish INCLUSION Project on the issue of gender identity in the NHS. Conference welcomes the increased profile of issues of concern facing transgendered communities but notes that trans people still face considerable hurdles in […]

TUC General Council Seats

Conference acknowledges the central importance that the TUC has in UNISON’s work with other British trade unions and the wider international trade union movement. Conference further acknowledges that the TUC has a central role in sharing and promoting best practice amongst affiliates and further notes the central importance of the TUC in promoting equality and […]

Joined Up Equality – Promoting the Use of Single Equality Schemes and Equality Impact Assessments with NHS Employers

This Conference notes the requirements for Equality Schemes and Equality Impact Assessments that are required under the provisions for the ‘positive duties’ relating to race, gender and disability. Conference further notes: 1.Recent equality legislation including the Employment Equality Regulations covering sexual orientation and religion or belief; the Civil Partnership Act; the provisions of the Equality […]

Improving Policy and Practice for LGBT People – Guidance for Local Authorities

Conference congratulates the Scottish Executive on producing the document “Improving Policy and Practice for LGBT People – Guidance for Local Authorities”, which is based on an extensive piece of research carried out by them in 2005. The document contains positive advice to assist councils to assess their progress in developing their policies and practice in […]

Save our Pensions!

Conference condemns the attacks by the Labour Government on the Local Government Pension Scheme. While welcoming the pension rights given to LGBT members in terms of the Civil Partnership Legislation; forcing members to work until age 65, and in breach of contractual agreements will mean financial hardship for members, and will erode many of the […]

Census 2011

Conference notes that the proposal to include sexual orientation in the data collected by the 2011 Census has been considered by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), receiving support from the Cabinet Office and the Department of Health. The ONS has however indicated that it is not intending to include sexual orientation in the 2011 […]

Monitoring – Doing it Properly, Getting it Right

Conference notes with concern that many employers are embarking on the monitoring of sexual orientation without adequate consultation with trade unions and relevant staff forums. Conference is further concerned that employers are failing to give adequate thought as to how to preserve the confidentiality and anonymity of replies to such monitoring surveys. Conference believes that, […]

Beyond Mere Legal Equality – The Campaign for a Charter for Change

Conference notes recent changes to legislation to provide for LGBT equality – notably the recently introduced provisions in goods, facilities and services and the promised Single Equality Act but recognises a number of areas where LGBT people are profoundly disadvantaged by a society where heterosexual norms still prevail and we still deal with a legacy […]