UNISON makes sure everybody has a voice in the union. Our 'self-organised groups' include those who are traditionally under represented, while young and retired members also come together to work on key issues affecting them. See SOGS below
Women Conference report 2010
Thursday 18th February
Karen welcomed colleagues to Gateshead reminding all of the rules of conference including the ruling order of the business.
Gerry talked about how he was proud to be one of the rare man invited to conference. He talked about the issues that women are facing on a day to day basis in the professional environment and at home and he re-iterated the importance for women to become involve and active in UNISON.
He explained why women are vulnerable during the recession as they are the first one to suffer loss of jobs.
Gerry presented the changes in the culture of how to tackle Domestic violence talking about his own experience as police officer. In the 70’s the police would have intervene by telling off the perpetrator or putting him in a cell for the night, however now the Police Force tackles things differently. The legislation has changed and help has been developed for victims and their children. The response of the Police has changed and the work force is better trained to handle issues such as Domestic violence and racism. This great achievement has been reach by campaigning and lobbying and he encouraged conference to carry on the good work.
The President addressed the issue of the pressure for the government to make cuts in the public service. Recession are hard time this is during this time that we need to expand the public service. This government has extended maternity right; introduce tax credit for single parents and flexible working, he insisted that conference remember these achievements by the Labour government. If a Tory government come in power all these achievement will be under threats and many more.
He reminded the conference the importance to take part in the vote in the General Secretary election.
The President Charity : Raising money for women hostel (Domestic Violence)
Friday 19th February
Dave started by saying that he couldn’t believe that a year had passed since he had last addressed this conference and acknowledged that as Trade Unionist we face different and difficult times. One million workers lost their jobs during the last 12 months, that’s one million households affected. Those facing retirement now face the prospect of poverty as they watch their pensions fall. 42% of young black children coming out of education face unemployment – their dream career is no longer there.
There has never been a better time for us to organise and forge ahead to assist those affected. The politicians and that means all parties need to know that we will stand up and be counted, we will say no to public service cuts, we will say no to pay freezes, pension attacks, job cuts and yes if we need to we will take industrial action if our membership deem it necessary.
To the Tories – we will not be fooled by your ‘spin’ we remember the havoc that you caused during the 80’s. Under your proposals women will be the hardest hit, when the nursery places are gone, when the day centres, respite units are closed, then who will fill the gap?
WOMEN.
During periods of recession, job cuts etc then the statistics evidence that cases of domestic violence increase. Where will these women go when the Tories have closed the refuge centres? Dave reassured conference that UNISON will continue the fight. We are strong, well organised and ready to stand and fight.
Trade Unions were built out of a necessity to fight for those unable to do so on their own. One million women mould and form the heart of UNISON and to all those women a personal thank you from UNISON’s General Secretary. You juggle a day job, your family, your home and your trade union duties, you are the ‘ jewels in our crown.’
Let’s not forget our retired women members – you had a vision and remain loyal to the movement even after you have received your last pay packet. Thank you.
Our young members who continue to grow, you are organised, influential and you are the future of this movement. Thank you.
The Equal pay fight goes on Dave promised that whilst ever he is the General Secretary of our union we will fight on. No matter how long it takes, no matter how much it costs, we will continue the fight until every woman receives what she is entitled to.
To the Labour party, Gordon if you think our hate of the Tories means that you will get our vote then think again. You have to deliver on the things that are important to our members. If the bankers and billionaires threaten to leave the country because of proposed tax changes and they can’t have bonuses then let them. UNISON says “Good bye”.
Do you know that a hospital cleaner would have to work 227 years to earn the same amount of money as the RBS Chief Executive earns in 1 year!!! What’s fair about that?
Whatever the outcome of the election we have no need to be fearful, the Tories tried to crush us in the 80’s but note we are prepared for the fight. Our recruitment figures go from strength to strength. We will stand in your way you will see and hear us.
Enjoy the rest of conference and let’s celebrate all that unites us.
She began by asking what about women? This is the title of their campaign. She went on to ask: “is this question asked enough?” The answer is : “We don’t think so”
Ceri then went on to list the Fawcett Society Campaign Strategy.
The Inequality agenda for women is still a big issue. Fawcett vision is still for equal power and equal rights.
We need more women in power and women empowered to enable change.
We need equality in the law
Law needs to catch up with public opinion for example: flexible working condition for women.
We would like women to be bolder and stronger in the work place in relation in women issues.
First time delegate report Women Conference 2010
I attended the Women’s conference has a nominated visitor from the Bradford Local Government Branch. Having been a UNIS ON member for a decade or so I have seen many changes from NALGO to UNISON.
The beginning of conference started with a warm welcome from The Chair Karen Smales, Yorkshire and Humberside region. A minutes silence was held as respect for past members of the movement.
Karen outlined the timetable of the conference and explained the rules re motions, amendments, voting, whilst I was only a visitor I found this to be really useful.
I was very moved by UNISON’s President Gerry Gallagher as he spoke about both his role within UNISON and his substantive post as a police officer with Strathclyde Police Force. It was good to know that things have moved on since Gerry first started with the force. An exemplary of good practice can be found on the Strathclyde Police force website and I would urge others to have a look at this site.
Our General Secretary Dave Prentis gave a moving address to conference in which he personally thanked the women of UNISON for all their work.
Dave signed the agreement with the National Institute of Adult Education as a way of empowering Women and giving them the support and opportunity to return to learn.
Overall as a visitor I found conference a great experience and it has empowered me as a person, listening to a wide context of motions. Has a black female it is clear from conference that UNISON has come a long way and understand the issues facing others like myself on a day basis.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to participate.
Christine Gordon.
Why not check out this quiz (download here) - This file is a word document.
Email your answers to the Branch Admin@bradfordunison.org.uk.
If you would like to apply for this event please download and complete this application form
UNISON 2009 National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Members Conference.
My name is Richard Locke and I am a General Manager working within Facilities Management for Bradford Council.
I have been a member of Unison since September 2009 and was delighted to hear I had been accepted as a visitor at this years Conference.
I arrived with Tony Sykes on Friday afternoon at the hotel and soon turned around to attend the first meeting at Cardiff City Hall which was the Regional Meeting. The two Chairs made me feel very welcome and whilst most of the information given related to how the Conference would run It was interesting to note that I was not the only first timer there. In the early evening I attended the Local Government meeting, the largest of the Service Groups. It was particularly re assuring that there were so many LGBT members in attendance and whilst I had little knowledge or opinion on some of the issues raised, I found it interesting and positive that some many people wanted to be represented in this service group.
After the meetings had ended there was a small reception with various speakers welcoming everyone to the Conference.
Saturday was a full day of speakers, motions debated and voted in agreement. Sitting at the rear of the Assembly Hall made me feel a little excluded from the proceedings, however, should I have the opportunity to attend again in the future I would like to be a voting delegate.
A number of motions were discussed such as pension rights for civil partnerships. This issue will affect me and it was enlightening that someone had actually researched this subject and was so knowledgeable about pension rights. I was glad that he had raised this as an issue which was supported throughout the hall.
The Equality Bill is another motion debated. My knowledge of this legislation was and still is pretty limited but the heartfelt speeches and commitment by delegates to make positive choices and changes have left me feeling the need and desire to find out more.
In the afternoon I attended a discussion group. I chose LGBT mental health and wellbeing. The subject is something I have first hand experience of as I have worked in mental health establishments and I live with a psychiatric nurse. The statistics presented were shocking to me and very interesting despite the research had only been considered for the Welsh region and not for the UK. Stress, anxiety and self harming were words banded around in discussion which I felt saddened to hear that my brothers and sisters were victims of these conditions which can be so hard to resolve in one’s life without good support structures in place and potentially the need for medication. It was particularly heart wrenching when two delegates spoke of the discrimination they had experienced in their mental health issues. This made me realise that whilst my life has not been a straight road I have many synergies with some many people on so many levels that I have never considered previously. As an out gay man in a civil partnership we do not frequent the scene or other gay events and therefore I feel I have missed out on sharing and understanding so much, the needs of others who are LGBT. This weekend has started to change my perception and armed me with knowledge and experiences I never thought imaginable.
Further motions were then debated. Blood donation and the possible consequences of being outed for not giving blood at work. I feel im in the fortunate position that I am out - albeit for the last 15 years. Again I had great realization after listening to the experiences of others and the conviction in their voices made me want to be part of this support network even more to help make positive changes to people who identify as LGBT.
Due to the far out location of our hotel we did not attend the social event in the evening.
Sunday morning saw the final day of the conference.
I was particularly enthused by the group debate regarding the BMP. Sadly, due to time it was cut short.
It was very moving to see people speaking so passionately on different motions, particularly one guy who stood up to speak on male rape. My heart went out to him when he became totally overwhelmed and was unable to speak at all. Another guy spoke how proud he was that he had just come out after more than 40 years and had also found God. I found these testimonials quite moving as I could relate to many issues from my own life experiences.
Having never had a strong political view point, I have come away from this Conference feeling a little stronger and more confident in knowing exactly what shifts in political power I don’t want for my future and that of other LBGT people. The message needs to be out there and needs to be loud and I would welcome the opportunity to take my part in this.
I have always had the desire and belief to have equality in every part of life and therefore I would be keen to follow the path of an Equality Representative, in addition, I am a manager of a large and diverse team and have always been enthusiastic about the learning and development of myself and others to make a stronger team. In that regard, I have an interest in becoming a Learner Rep. As previously mentioned I am new to Unison and therefore I would like to receive further information and guidance on these roles in order to make a sound decision for myself and to how I may have some impact on helping others in greater need.
Richard Locke
24 November 2009.
UNISON Regional Disabled Members. Yorkshire & Humberside.
Report from– Doncaster races
30th May 2009 click here for full story.
The Branch has an active Retired Members Section with a Constitution and Annually elected officers. A wide range of activities are provided both social and political. There are monthly meetings during the winter months at Shipley Library with a variety of interesting speakers and tea and biscuits. In summer the meetings are replaced with a series of trips to different locations and an annual five day holiday is organised. There is a walking group which meets monthly for a walk of around five miles and followed by an optional pub lunch. We also have an annual Christmas Lunch which is a very popular event. All the above revolve around a monthly newsletter which also keeps you up to date with pensioner matters.
We play a full part in pensioner campaigning being affiliated to the Bradford Older Peoples Alliance, the Yorkshire and Humber Pensioners Convention and the National Pensioners Convention. We are also represented on the Unison Regional Retired Members Committee. We send delegates to the National Retired Members Annual Conference and the Pensioners Parliament.
We do charge a nominal membership of £2 per annum or you can choose to become a life member with a maximum fee of £25 depending on your age when joining.
For further details about the Retired Members Section you can contact the Secretary or Treasurer whose details are given below. A membership application form can be down loaded from the website or obtained from the Branch Office.
Secretary: Patricia Grogan, 11, Leeds Road, Eccleshill, Bradford BD2 3BA. Tel: 01274 639677 E-mail: patricia@patriciagrogan7.orangehome.co.uk
Treasurer: Peter Meer, Peremar, 10, Bramham Road, Bingley BD16 4HP
Tel: 01274 561004 E-mail: petermeer@btinternet.com
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Disabled Members
Disabled people experience discrimination at work. UNISON challenges discriminatory actions and campaigns for a fair deal for disabled members.
Women
UNISON has almost one million women members - more than two thirds of our union. Women still earn a lot less than men and face sex discrimination and harassment at work. Our members also juggle work and home commitments. This is why UNISON takes a lead on negotiating and campaigning on women's rights at work and in the community.
Black Members
Black members in UNISON play a key role in winning equality in the workplace,
actively challenge racism wherever it is found, and are at the forefront of UNISON's organising work. As black members in UNISON we work together to win positive change in the workplace. The more of us that are actively involved the stronger we become.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender members
Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are still denied equality in the workplace - too often we face discrimination and harassment instead of a fair deal. Joining UNISON gives you a voice in Britain's biggest union, which is committed to working for LGBT rights.
