Category: Year of LGBT+ Workers

UNISON opinion: Supporting our LGBT+ members is crucial

By UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea

Today is the international day against homophobia, bi+phobia (IDAHOBIT) and transphobia. It’s always been an important date for UNISON since its creation in 2004. Each year since then, we’ve reflected on how we can combat LGBT+-phobic discrimination and harassment.

Of course, some progress has been made over the last couple of decades, but I’m saddened to say that in some ways, LGBT+ equality is going backwards in the UK.

The 2024 ILGA Europe rainbow map was released just a couple of days ago. It ranks European and Central Asian countries in terms of how inclusive the country is for LGBT+ rights. Disappointingly, the UK has dropped to 16th place after ranking first right up until 2015.

The Conservatives’ culture wars have certainly contributed to our diminished standing on the rainbow map. In particular, ILGA Europe highlighted the lack of a ban on conversion practices, no self-determination legal framework for gender recognition and the passing of the Illegal Migration Act that could send LGBT+ asylum seekers to Rwanda, a country that is not safe for LGBT+ people.

Our union has a long, proud history of fighting for LGBT+ rights. I’m delighted that this year, our Year of LGBT+ Workers, has been embraced wholeheartedly by members. It’s been great to see the various launches, events and workplace activities that have been taking place across the UK to celebrate the year.

And we do have a lot to celebrate – the campaign has already been successful in encouraging members to step up to become leaders, with over 40 branches electing an LGBT+ branch officer since the start of the year and regional LGBT+ SOGs reporting a surge in new members coming along to meetings.

The young LGBT+ network is now 300 members strong, many of whom have gone on to other avenues of activism within the union.

Our trans equality campaign, which has been a key campaign of ours, has been wildly successful. Over 4,000 members have now been trained on how to be a good trans ally and over 70 of our trans, non-binary and gender diverse members have now completed a programme on how to deliver the trans ally training.

UNISON continues to lead the union movement in pushing for greater LGBT+ rights and inclusion. We have recently established an asexual (ACE) and aromantic network, which is a first for a UK trade union. We are focused on making workplaces inclusive of ace/aromantic workers, who are often misunderstood and many of whom experience appalling discrimination and harassment at work.

We have a lot more to do. The theme for this year’s IDAHOBIT is “no one left behind: equality, freedom and justice for all.” At UNISON, equality is at the heart of everything we do, hardwired into our DNA.

I look forward to being part of the Year of LGBT+ workers activities throughout the rest of this year and promoting why UNISON really is the union for LGBT+ public service workers.

The article UNISON opinion: Supporting our LGBT+ members is crucial first appeared on the UNISON National site.

UNISON opinion: Supporting our LGBT+ members is crucial

By UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea

Today is the international day against homophobia, bi+phobia (IDAHOBIT) and transphobia. It’s always been an important date for UNISON since its creation in 2004. Each year since then, we’ve reflected on how we can combat LGBT+-phobic discrimination and harassment.

Of course, some progress has been made over the last couple of decades, but I’m saddened to say that in some ways, LGBT+ equality is going backwards in the UK.

The 2024 ILGA Europe rainbow map was released just a couple of days ago. It ranks European and Central Asian countries in terms of how inclusive the country is for LGBT+ rights. Disappointingly, the UK has dropped to 16th place after ranking first right up until 2015.

The Conservatives’ culture wars have certainly contributed to our diminished standing on the rainbow map. In particular, ILGA Europe highlighted the lack of a ban on conversion practices, no self-determination legal framework for gender recognition and the passing of the Illegal Migration Act that could send LGBT+ asylum seekers to Rwanda, a country that is not safe for LGBT+ people.

Our union has a long, proud history of fighting for LGBT+ rights. I’m delighted that this year, our Year of LGBT+ Workers, has been embraced wholeheartedly by members. It’s been great to see the various launches, events and workplace activities that have been taking place across the UK to celebrate the year.

And we do have a lot to celebrate – the campaign has already been successful in encouraging members to step up to become leaders, with over 40 branches electing an LGBT+ branch officer since the start of the year and regional LGBT+ SOGs reporting a surge in new members coming along to meetings.

The young LGBT+ network is now 300 members strong, many of whom have gone on to other avenues of activism within the union.

Our trans equality campaign, which has been a key campaign of ours, has been wildly successful. Over 4,000 members have now been trained on how to be a good trans ally and over 70 of our trans, non-binary and gender diverse members have now completed a programme on how to deliver the trans ally training.

UNISON continues to lead the union movement in pushing for greater LGBT+ rights and inclusion. We have recently established an asexual (ACE) and aromantic network, which is a first for a UK trade union. We are focused on making workplaces inclusive of ace/aromantic workers, who are often misunderstood and many of whom experience appalling discrimination and harassment at work.

We have a lot more to do. The theme for this year’s IDAHOBIT is “no one left behind: equality, freedom and justice for all.” At UNISON, equality is at the heart of everything we do, hardwired into our DNA.

I look forward to being part of the Year of LGBT+ workers activities throughout the rest of this year and promoting why UNISON really is the union for LGBT+ public service workers.

The article UNISON opinion: Supporting our LGBT+ members is crucial first appeared on the UNISON National site.

LGBT+ equality is top priority at health conference

The opening debates at UNISON’s health service group conference, which began this morning in Brighton, emphasised the union’s equalities work.

In the conference’s opening motion, the national LGBT+ committee addressed the Year of LGBT+ Workers and its importance in embedding LGBT+ equality in health.

Moving the motion for the committee, Adam Williams (pictured above) took the opportunity to stress the great work that has been done by the union on LGBT+ equality, but pointing out that there is still much needed, given that LGBT+ people experience significantly greater risks of abuse and violence.

He urged delegates to “educate ourselves about making our union and workplaces safer for our LGBT+ colleagues.”

A further speaker highlighted how, when governments attack LGBT+ rights, you can be sure they’ll also be targeting migrants’ rights, women’s rights and workers’ rights.

James Shepherd from the Northern region said that, as a newly-recruited activist, the year is vital. He called on branches to get involved – and particularly to access the union’s trans ally training – given that the Westminster government, and much of the UK’s news media, is demonising and attacking trans people.

Tania Pretswell, speaking on behalf of the national committee, told conference that the service group executive will be taking trans ally training. Ms Pretswell proudly cited the history of supporting lesbian and gay rights as NUPE – one of UNISON’s founding unions – going back to 1981.

Delegates unanimously backed the motion, which, among a range of calls, urged the executive to “encourage and support the development of activism amongst our health LGBT+ members”, and to “promote and encourage participation in equality training and trans ally training”.

The article LGBT+ equality is top priority at health conference first appeared on the UNISON National site.

LGBT+ equality is top priority at health conference

The opening debates at UNISON’s health service group conference, which began this morning in Brighton, emphasised the union’s equalities work.

In the conference’s opening motion, the national LGBT+ committee addressed the Year of LGBT+ Workers and its importance in embedding LGBT+ equality in health.

Moving the motion for the committee, Adam Williams (pictured above) took the opportunity to stress the great work that has been done by the union on LGBT+ equality, but pointing out that there is still much needed, given that LGBT+ people experience significantly greater risks of abuse and violence.

He urged delegates to “educate ourselves about making our union and workplaces safer for our LGBT+ colleagues.”

A further speaker highlighted how, when governments attack LGBT+ rights, you can be sure they’ll also be targeting migrants’ rights, women’s rights and workers’ rights.

James Shepherd from the Northern region said that, as a newly-recruited activist, the year is vital. He called on branches to get involved – and particularly to access the union’s trans ally training – given that the Westminster government, and much of the UK’s news media, is demonising and attacking trans people.

Tania Pretswell, speaking on behalf of the national committee, told conference that the service group executive will be taking trans ally training. Ms Pretswell proudly cited the history of supporting lesbian and gay rights as NUPE – one of UNISON’s founding unions – going back to 1981.

Delegates unanimously backed the motion, which, among a range of calls, urged the executive to “encourage and support the development of activism amongst our health LGBT+ members”, and to “promote and encourage participation in equality training and trans ally training”.

The article LGBT+ equality is top priority at health conference first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Blog: Celebrating our LGBT+ members and history

This month, UNISON has been celebrating LGBT+ History Month. It was founded in 2004, as an opportunity for everyone to raise awareness of the history, lives and experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

UNISON has taken a look back at the positive contribution activists and members have made to the struggle for equality. Meanwhile, across the union, events continue to celebrate the union’s Year of LGBT+ Workers.

The theme for the 2024 LGBT+ History Month is medicine – #UnderTheScope – serving as a reminder that the NHS and healthcare services would not be the same without LGBT+ people and their contribution to medical advances and health care. But we must also remember and understand the health inequalities faced by LGBT+ people.

In recent years, the UK has been steadily falling in the rankings of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association’s Rainbow Map of European countries. As discrimination against LGBT+ people increases in the UK, it’s more important than ever to take steps to tackle the growing inequalities.

With the current government fuelling hate and prejudice and actively stopping progressive legislation, we must get together and fight for positive change in workplaces and society, to make LGBT+ workers more visible and confident in their rights. We cannot tolerate hateful speech and rhetoric.

Over the past decades, UNISON has built a great community of LGBT+ activists and now we have a chance to give a platform to and listen to LGBT+ people and their needs. I hope you will join me and UNISON in celebrating LGBT+ History Month – together we can be the change this country needs to make every LGBT+ person feel safe and valued.

The article Blog: Celebrating our LGBT+ members and history first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Blog: Celebrating our LGBT+ members and history

This month, UNISON has been celebrating LGBT+ History Month. It was founded in 2004, as an opportunity for everyone to raise awareness of the history, lives and experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

UNISON has taken a look back at the positive contribution activists and members have made to the struggle for equality. Meanwhile, across the union, events continue to celebrate the union’s Year of LGBT+ Workers.

The theme for the 2024 LGBT+ History Month is medicine – #UnderTheScope – serving as a reminder that the NHS and healthcare services would not be the same without LGBT+ people and their contribution to medical advances and health care. But we must also remember and understand the health inequalities faced by LGBT+ people.

In recent years, the UK has been steadily falling in the rankings of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association’s Rainbow Map of European countries. As discrimination against LGBT+ people increases in the UK, it’s more important than ever to take steps to tackle the growing inequalities.

With the current government fuelling hate and prejudice and actively stopping progressive legislation, we must get together and fight for positive change in workplaces and society, to make LGBT+ workers more visible and confident in their rights. We cannot tolerate hateful speech and rhetoric.

Over the past decades, UNISON has built a great community of LGBT+ activists and now we have a chance to give a platform to and listen to LGBT+ people and their needs. I hope you will join me and UNISON in celebrating LGBT+ History Month – together we can be the change this country needs to make every LGBT+ person feel safe and valued.

The article Blog: Celebrating our LGBT+ members and history first appeared on the UNISON National site.

‘As a woman, my rights are not reduced by my LGBT+ comrades’

The first day of UNISON’s women’s conference, chaired by Sharon Foster in Brighton, passed several motions relating to LGBT+ rights, flexible working and female representation in the union.

The day began with an impassioned speech from the union’s president Libby Nolan, who paid particular reference to Labour’s new deal for workers and the ongoing crisis in Palestine, describing it as a ‘war on women’.

First, Ms Nolan said she was “determined that 2024, the year of LGBT+ workers, leaves a strong legacy.”

Commending Labour’s new deal for workers, which promises day one rights for workers and a repeal of minimum service levels legislation, she said: “we need strike action to negotiate if we’re going to get money in people’s pockets, so they don’t have to go to food banks. It’s not a last ditch attempt, it’s always a threat. It has to be a threat.”

Women in Palestine

Ms Nolan also spoke at length about women in the ongoing crisis in Gaza. She said: “We cannot stand here without thinking of Gaza. Of Rafah. There are approximately 50,000 pregnant women in Gaza and 40% of those pregnancies are described as high risk. It’s not a war, it’s an assault.

“They are in a situation of fear and trauma, with no sanitation or clean water. No medicine, no healthcare infrastructure, no pain medications, anaesthesia and no ability to perform C-sections.”

“As women, we must never stop marching and calling for a ceasefire. However powerless we feel, we have to keep Palestine in the news. Gaza will always be a trade union priority. We will continue to demand for a permanent ceasefire and to allow humanitarian access and stop the blockade of aid.”

“There is so much work to be done, but we’re all united as women in this room. We can pull together, and we can win.”

2024 Year of LGBT+ workers

The first motion passed was to “embed LGBT+ equality within the union”. Introduced by a speaker from the national LGBT+ committee, the motion called for the national women’s committee to promote UNISON’s Year of LGBT+ Workers.

Supporting the motion, Liz Wheatley from UNISON’s NEC made a clear statement in solidarity with trans rights. In acknowledgement of the current climate of transphobia in the UK, Ms Wheatley said: “As a woman, my rights are not reduced by my LGBT+ comrades, they are reduced by Tory bigots who try to divide us.

“Together we are stronger, and when we fight together, we can all win more rights.”

Another speaker, who worked in adolescent mental health, made reference to the government’s new trans guidance for schools, which has been criticised by Stonewall as “not fit for purpose”.

She said: “In the 1980s, the trade union movement was at the forefront of the campaign to repeal Section 28. In this Year of LGBT+ Workers, we need to equip ourselves, again, to campaign against policies like that and to take on the rhetoric of the far right.”

Flexible working

Introducing a motion on flexible working, Alison Chisnell from the union’s national women’s committee said: “Flexible working is not a perk, it’s a necessity. But although you have the right to request it, the employer doesn’t have to provide it.”

The motion calls on the women’s committee to raise awareness on women’s rights to flexible working, recognising that women’s need to balance caring responsibilities with paid work.

Speaking in support of the motion, Linda Elvin from Canterbury City local government described how UNISON’s support was integral to her securing flexible working after her first application had been denied. She said: “Around five years ago, I was juggling being a child carer, looking after my mum and working. Thanks to the backing of UNISON, I got my flexible hours.”

Other motions passed included measures to increase the representation of women in leadership positions across the union, increase the support for young women members, improve health and safety conditions for women in the workplace and promote the ‘right to disconnect’ within flexible working policies.

UNISON women’s conference runs from 15-17 February 2024.

The article ‘As a woman, my rights are not reduced by my LGBT+ comrades’ first appeared on the UNISON National site.

NEC plans for the coming year

UNISON’s national executive council (NEC) met yesterday, for the first time this year, to discuss a substantial agenda, including the motions the council will be taking to national delegate conference in June.

In her report opening the meeting, general secretary Christina McAnea applauded the achievements of 2023’s Year of Black Workers – not least in building a legacy for going forward.

She noted that this year is the union’s Year of LGBT+ Workers, adding that she would be encouraging all branches and regions to ensure they supported and made a success of it.

Ms McAnea reported on “a very cold 24 hours in Belfast”, as health, social care and education members took industrial action, which “helped to finally force the return of politicians to Stormont”.

She reported that, with the Northern Ireland Assembly once again sitting, “catch-up health pay negotiations for 2023 can start”. Elsewhere, preparations for the 2024-25 pay claims across the UK are “well under way”, she said.

With so many councils facing financial crisis, the general secretary observed that UNISON, as the biggest union in local government, had been warning for years of the risks of councils going bankrupt because of underfunding from central government.

She applauded the UNISON turnout at the recent Cheltenham demonstration to defend the right to strike. It had been “a good, upbeat event” and the union is continuing to work with the TUC on what would happen if employers attempt to use the anti-strike minimum service legislation.

Ms McAnea also told the meeting that the union is continuing to press ahead with whatever it could do regarding the ongoing situation in Gaza.

A ‘fantastically political’ conference

The meeting also received a report from UNISON president Libby Nolan, who reiterated the importance of humanitarian aid for Palestinians and Israelis affected by the war in Gaza, and stressed what a vital issue it is for UNISON.

Ms Nolan celebrated January’s “fantastically political” Black members’ conference and also highlighted the importance of the Year of LGBT+ Workers.

In discussions, the meeting highlighted the scale of cuts at councils, with one NEC member saying, “It could be the end of local government as we know it.”

The council received a report into the union’s organising to win strategy, which explained that, by the end of last year, recruitment rates were in “net growth”. The highest such growth was in schools, particularly in school branches in Scotland and Northern Ireland. There had also been an increase in new activists.

In an industrial action update, the council heard that there is “lots of action going on” at present, with recruitment and retention both up as a result.

The council also approved a report on the union’s finances and heard a further report on the union’s work on the COVID Inquiry, to ensure that those who were working on the front line during the pandemic have their stories put on record, that the lessons are learned and the right people are held responsible for the lives lost.

The article NEC plans for the coming year first appeared on the UNISON National site.

NEC plans for the coming year

UNISON’s national executive council (NEC) met yesterday, for the first time this year, to discuss a substantial agenda, including the motions the council will be taking to national delegate conference in June.

In her report opening the meeting, general secretary Christina McAnea applauded the achievements of 2023’s Year of Black Workers – not least in building a legacy for going forward.

She noted that this year is the union’s Year of LGBT+ Workers, adding that she would be encouraging all branches and regions to ensure they supported and made a success of it.

Ms McAnea reported on “a very cold 24 hours in Belfast”, as health, social care and education members took industrial action, which “helped to finally force the return of politicians to Stormont”.

She reported that, with the Northern Ireland Assembly once again sitting, “catch-up health pay negotiations for 2023 can start”. Elsewhere, preparations for the 2024-25 pay claims across the UK are “well under way”, she said.

With so many councils facing financial crisis, the general secretary observed that UNISON, as the biggest union in local government, had been warning for years of the risks of councils going bankrupt because of underfunding from central government.

She applauded the UNISON turnout at the recent Cheltenham demonstration to defend the right to strike. It had been “a good, upbeat event” and the union is continuing to work with the TUC on what would happen if employers attempt to use the anti-strike minimum service legislation.

Ms McAnea also told the meeting that the union is continuing to press ahead with whatever it could do regarding the ongoing situation in Gaza.

A ‘fantastically political’ conference

The meeting also received a report from UNISON president Libby Nolan, who reiterated the importance of humanitarian aid for Palestinians and Israelis affected by the war in Gaza, and stressed what a vital issue it is for UNISON.

Ms Nolan celebrated January’s “fantastically political” Black members’ conference and also highlighted the importance of the Year of LGBT+ Workers.

In discussions, the meeting highlighted the scale of cuts at councils, with one NEC member saying, “It could be the end of local government as we know it.”

The council received a report into the union’s organising to win strategy, which explained that, by the end of last year, recruitment rates were in “net growth”. The highest such growth was in schools, particularly in school branches in Scotland and Northern Ireland. There had also been an increase in new activists.

In an industrial action update, the council heard that there is “lots of action going on” at present, with recruitment and retention both up as a result.

The council also approved a report on the union’s finances and heard a further report on the union’s work on the COVID Inquiry, to ensure that those who were working on the front line during the pandemic have their stories put on record, that the lessons are learned and the right people are held responsible for the lives lost.

The article NEC plans for the coming year first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Blog: Let’s make 2024 a success

Happy New Year to everyone in UNISON and here’s to a successful year for you and your families.

I have high hopes for 2024 – 12 months of campaigning for UNISON’s Year of LGBT+ workers and for a national care service, securing pay deals across all public services and a general election that will push the chaotic Tories out of Westminster and bring in a new government.

A new government is a must for our members and for our public services. Our NHS, schools, local councils and emergency services are on their knees and stuck in a state of crisis. The current government’s legacy is one of slashing jobs, squeezing budgets, and falling living standards for millions of working people. We need a Labour government that will rebuild our public services, put workers first with a new deal for working people and create a national care service.

Campaigning for that change in government will be a big part of our mission this year, but we won’t let election fever take over our daily task of fighting for our members’ pay and conditions. Day in, day out, our activists and organisers are supporting members in workplaces across the UK, and our teams in head office are mounting legal challenges, influencing politicians, preparing campaigns and helping members when they need us most.   

We’ll also be celebrating our Year of LGBT+ workers in UNISON style – continuing to be loud and proud against homophobia and transphobia, and ensuring that UNISON always remains the best trade union for LGBT+ public service workers.  

And later this year, there’s something that every working member can get involved with. From 22 April to 17 May, voting will be open for your representatives on UNISON’s service group executives (SGEs) – the lay leaders who decide on campaigns, pay claims, strike ballots and industrial action. Ahead of that member ballot, from next Monday (8 January) until 9 February, branches can nominate their preferred candidates.

Our SGEs are so important in UNISON. They’re powerful groups of activists that keep UNISON with you throughout your working life, campaigning for fair pay and conditions, safe and healthy working conditions, job security, work-life balance, equal pay and against discrimination.

So if you want some more new year’s resolutions, here’s two for you – have your say in UNISON’s SGE elections and get involved in our Year of LGBT+ workers activities that will be taking place throughout 2024.

From everyone in UNISON, we hope you have a happy, healthy and successful 2024.

The article Blog: Let’s make 2024 a success first appeared on the UNISON National site.