International Forum Meeting

Thursday 23^rd January 2020

Report for BMSOG

This was my first meeting representing the Cymru Wales BMSOG at the international forum after being nominated for the role at the development weekend last year.

The meeting was chaired by Huw McDyer and a range of issues were discussed. 

Cuba @ 60

Cuba at 60 was held back in October 2019 in celebration of the end of the Cuban revolution. The events showcase collaborations between workers from Cuba who visited the UK to mark the events. The international forum and Unison at large were quite involved in this and a key mention about Swansea county council branch was made for their key role in welcoming and accommodating the Cuban delegates. 

Huw suggested that the international forum should consider looking into the possibility of sending delegates to Cuba. This would be looked into.

Unison continues to show support and solidarity to the plight of workers and their welfare in Cuba. Other nations that unison continues to show solidarity for workers are Venezuela, Turkey, and Zimbabwe amongst others.

EU and Brexit

As we are set to leave the EU by the end of the month, the issue of Brexit came up and the importance of the need for registration by our members from the EU. Raul one of our members from Spain, who has just been accredited as an EU settlement scheme volunteer, stress the need for us to encourage members affected to register and not leave thing to chance.

The fear is if those affected choose not to register believing its unnecessary or maybe they are misinformed, the situation might become similar to that of the Windrush scandal. There is plenty of support and information within Unison and the UK government website on how to register.

A.O.B

The Climate change protest by school children is set for 14^th February 2020. Members are being encouraged to show solidarity and support in any way, shape or form to this course.

March against racism will be on 21^st March 2020 to mark the UN international day for the elimination of racial discrimination. The international forum will be supporting this march which may be held in Cardiff or London. It was noted that the BMSOG has always been in the forefront of these events and active in these marches. 

The Unison International Seminar will take place on 6-8 March 2020 at Unison Croyde Bay Devon (see attached). I wish to attend if the branch is happy for me to do so.

The next international forum meeting is scheduled for 26^th March 2020.

Many Thanks

Hassim Ganiyu

UNISON Cymru Wales Equalities Calendar 2019

Empowering Women in Uncertain Times – A Wales TUC Women’s Forum event

Saturday 11^th March 2017, Unite Building

There is still chance to book a place on this free event which includes sessions on: women and Brexit, menopause in the workplace, sexual "banter" in the workplace, mindfulness, flexible working and the law, the manifesto for girls' rights.

For further information and booking:

www.eventbrite.com/e/empowering-women-in-uncertain-times-tickets-31934519006?aff=affiliate1

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UN day against racism rally

Saturday 18^th March Cardiff

The Wales TUC Equalities Committee is supporting this march to mark the UN day against racism. Come and join us at the march: assemble at 11am at Grange Gardens, Cardiff. Full details and leaflets (available in Welsh and English)for distribution can be printed via the link below:

www.wtuclearn.org.uk/resource/leaflets-un-day-against-racism-event-18th-march-cardiff

Workplace diversity survey

The Wales TUC is promoting its latest survey investigating diversity/equality at work.  The results will form a very important part of the Wales TUC’s  work on this issue and your voice and experiences in Welsh workplaces would be much appreciated.  The survey is bilingual and completely confidential although we will use broad trends to influence any future reports or documents on this issue.  Respondents don’t have to be union members and the survey is very short.

Please fill in the survey and pass it on to your contacts: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/wtucdiversity

Mae gennym arolwg newydd sy’n ymchwilio i amrywiaeth/cydraddoldeb yn y gwaith. Bydd y canlyniadau’n rhan bwysig iawn o’n gwaith ar y mater hwn a byddem yn gwerthfawrogi’n fawr eich barn a’ch profiadau o fod mewn gweithfannau yng Nghymru.  Mae’r arolwg yn ddwyieithog ac yn gwbl gyfrinachol er y byddwn yn defnyddio tueddiadau cyffredinol i ddylanwadu ar unrhyw ddogfennau neu adroddiadau ar y mater hwn yn y dyfodol. Nid oes angen i’r sawl sy’n ymateb fod yn aelodau o undeb ac mae’r arolwg yn fyr iawn. 

A fyddech cystal â chwblhau’r arolwg hwn a’i anfon ymlaen at eich cysylltiadau.  

www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/WTUCamrywiaeth

If you would like to know more about how we will protect your data: www.tuc.org.uk/terms-and-conditionsSurvey

Wales TUC Equality Forums

Want to get more involved in the equality work of the Wales TUC?

The Wales TUC disability forum is open to new members. The forum exists to help promote disability equality through the trade union movement in Wales, and gets involved in activities such as helping to plan trade union events, surveys, resources and campaigns to raise awareness and advance disability equality in the workplace. The forum works on the Social Model of Disability and is run by disabled union members. It is primarily for disabled members and activists but any member with an interest in disability matters is also able to attend and take part in the meetings.

It meets around four times per year and is due to meet on the following dates this year:

·       20th March

·       25th May

·       13th September.

Meetings are held in the Unite Building at 1 Cathedral Road, Cardiff CF11 9SD.

If you’d like to find out more about the disability forum contact Terry Mills terrymills1@aol.com

The Wales TUC also has Women’s, LGBT, BME and Youth forums. Contact jrees@tuc.org.uk for more information on how to get involved or join a forum.

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Wales TUC residential school for experienced women union representatives

Thursday 6th April -  Friday 7th April 2017, Llanelli

The Wales TUC is offering 20 places on a 2 day residential school to experienced women workplace union representatives.  The school aims to provide participants with opportunity to build knowledge and skills, identify tools to cope with the increasing demands of the role of the union workplace rep and to develop union support networks.  The school is a fantastic development opportunity for those women active within their union for a number of years or who hold union roles with in their branches.

Sessions to include: sexual harassment, equality law, dealing with stress at work, menopause and work, Trade Union (Wales) Bill update, confidence building and networking.

If you would like any further information about the event, please contact gpearce@tuc.org.uk

Dying to Work Campaign

Neath Port Talbot council has become the first organisation in Wales to sign a charter to help terminally ill workers. The voluntary charter is part of the TUC’s “Dying to Work” campaign www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-west-wales-39032061

Find out more about the campaign here: http://www.dyingtowork.co.uk/

Women are making trade unions relevant again, says Rachel Holmes of The Guardian

Forget the idea of blokes and beer. With a majority of its members female, the movement is primed to tackle the gender pay gap and discrimination. Wales TUC menopause survey mentioned…

www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/feb/22/women-trade-unions-gender-pay-gap-discrimination

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Campaign news from Women Against State Pension Inequality Campaign (WASPI)

The campaign group Women Against State Pension Inequality is organising a march outside the Houses of Parliament in Westminster to coincide with budget day, 8^th March. There are places available on a bus going from South Wales for those who would like to join the march. If you would like to get in touch regarding the bus seats, please contact Anne Meacock of Usdaw (please contact via jrees@tuc.org.uk to get in touch with Anne).

International Women’s Day 8^th March: Will you #BeBoldForChange?

International Women's Day celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievement of women.  Yet progress has slowed in many places across the world, so global action is needed to accelerate gender parity.

How will you #BeBoldForChange?

Find out more at www.internationalwomensday.com

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News from WEN Wales: International Women's Day programme of events

International Women’s Day worldwide is a celebration of the achievements and contribution of women and the women’s movement. In line with the UN’s theme for this year, ‘Be Bold For Change’, the Women’s Equality Network (WEN) Wales and Fizzi Productions are designing an inclusive programme of events in both Cardiff and Swansea, focussed on the theme ‘Creating An Equal Future.’ View details of events here: us8.campaign-archive2.com/?u=6e5ee9551ab72b3e504505e3f&id=9731b03be0&e=a478948233

www.wenwales.org.uk

The motherhood pay penalty

By the age of 42, mothers who are in full-time work are earning 11 per cent less than full-time women without children. New report published by the TUC this week:

www.tuc.org.uk/sites/default/files/MotherhoodPayPenalty.pdf

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“You don’t look disabled” – TUC guidance on ‘invisible’ impairments  -  bit.ly/1LR9guq

Trade unions and disabled members: Why the Social Model matters:

www.tuc.org.uk/sites/default/files/socialmodel.pdf

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Autism Awareness in the Workplace

The Wales TUC’s new Autism Awareness in the Workplace Wales Toolkit for union reps and officers will be published shortly and is now available to pre-order: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/AAiWToolkitPreOrder

Autism Awareness in the Workplace course for union reps and officers will be offered in South Wales in late May and North Wales in early June – details to be circulated once confirmed.

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Neurodiversity seminars – diary markers 26^th and 28^th April

The Wales TUC is organising 2 x one day neurodiversity seminars to be held in late April. These are planned to take place on 26^th April in South Wales and 28^th April in North Wales (tbc – more details to be circulated once confirmed).

“Neurodiversity” is a relatively new term that refers to the diversity of the human brain and people’s “neurocognitive functioning”. This means there is a wide range of difference in how people’s brains work and not everyone is “neuro-typical” - a term describing those without neurological conditions. “Neurodiversity” recognises that some people’s brains are ‘wired’ differently.

The seminars will look at how union reps can help support neurodiversity in the workplace with a particular focus on autism awareness. The events will include the launch of the new Autism Awareness in the Workplace Wales Toolkit for union reps and officers.

The union Prospect has some excellent online resources on neurodiversity which can be found here www.prospect.org.uk/at-work/neurodiversity/index?_ts=2947

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Racism at Work

Racism is on the rise. For many Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) workers, racism at work is part of their everyday life.

The TUC has launched an online survey to expose the everyday reality of racism. Racism at Work is the first survey of its kind in the trade union movement.

Racism at Work can take many forms, from facing racial harassment at a work to being denied access to promotion or training. We are asking non-unionised as well as unionised workers to complete the survey. We are also keen to hear from anyone who has witnessed any form of racial harassment or discrimination.

This is your chance to share your experience about racism at work by completing the survey:

Racism at Work survey - www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/RacismAtWork

If you have any questions about the survey, please contact Wilf Sullivan wsullivan@tuc.org.uk or Natasha Owusu nowusu@tuc.org.uk.

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Update on the Wales TUC menopause in the workplace survey report and resources

The Wales TUC’s menopause survey is now closed and the report is being worked on at the moment, work is expected to be completed in late March. A big thank you to everyone who helped by circulating or completing the survey – it was the biggest response the Wales TUC has ever received to a survey. More news on the report and resources to follow soon.

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Still just a bit of banter? Sexual harassment in the workplace in 2016

TUC report : www.tuc.org.uk/sites/default/files/SexualHarassmentreport2016.pdf

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Government must ‘up its game’ to stamp out gender pay gap, says TUC

Commenting on the government’s response to the Women and Equality Select Committee’s report on the gender pay gap, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: 
“The government needs to up its game and tackle the root causes of the gender pay gap – not ignore them.
“This means removing the barriers that stop women getting better-paid jobs. And helping parents to share out caring responsibilities more equally.
“Ministers need to stop dragging their heels and challenge workplace discrimination full on.”

www.tuc.org.uk/equality-issues/gender-equality/equal-pay/government-must-%E2%80%98-its-game%E2%80%99-stamp-out-gender-pay-gap-says

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UK Pride dates

The dates for 2017 Pride events taking place across the UK can be found here. The TUC says “we want as many LGBT+ activists and allies at Pride events to demonstrate the trade union commitment - and continued fight - for LGBT+ equality.” 

Save the date: Pride Cymru in Cardiff will be taking place on 25-27 August 2017 http://www.pridecymru.co.uk/

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Scrap tribunal fees to help fight dress code discrimination

www.tuc.org.uk/equality-issues/scrap-tribunal-fees-help-fight-dress-code-discrimination

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New government pregnancy discrimination plans don’t go far enough, says TUC

Commenting on a report published by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on pregnancy and maternity discrimination in the workplace, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“We are pleased the government has finally published its plans for tackling pregnancy discrimination. However Ministers are still not confronting the elephant in the room – the impact of employment tribunal fees.

“Bad bosses will continue to get away with discriminating against new mums as long as it costs up to £1,200 to take a pregnancy discrimination claim.

“It’s also very disappointing that the government has not extended the time women have to bring a claim.

“My advice to women is to join a union. As the Equality and Human Rights Commission highlighted pregnant women and new mums are treated better in workplaces that recognise trade unions.”

www.tuc.org.uk/equality-issues/new-government-pregnancy-discrimination-plans-don%E2%80%99t-go-far-enough-says-tuc

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We was there!

STAND UP TO RACISM

Join us in Cardiff on March 18

Join the worldwide marches for Anti-racism Day

Hello All,

Great to see more people involved in the monthly meeting. The importance of Mar 18 Demo on UN Anti-Racism Day was well established. Following which we have come up with following campaign to raise awareness about the demo

Demo Name: 

Solidarity March

Key Issues: 

1. Islamophobia

2. Refugees

3. Bigotry/Sexism

4. Tradition

5. Freedom Of Movement

How are we going to run the campaign?

One Key issue will be addressed for a week, which would mean next 5 weeks will set us up nicely for the Mar 18 Demo

02/02/2017 - 10/02/2017 : Islamophobia

11/02/2017 - 12/02/2017 : Refugees

18/02/2017 - 24/02/2017 : Bigotry/Sexism

25/02/2017 - 03/03/2017 : Tradition

04/03/2017 - 10/03/2017 : Freedom Of Movement

11/03/2017 - 17/03/2017 : Back Logs

What are we going to do? (Content Generation)

1. We will be running stories from local communities

2. Getting endorsement from Celebrities, Politicians, Businesses (Video or Quote) and getting them involved.

3. Q & A session

4. Memes

5. Witty Twitter engagement 

6. Viral Challenge

7. PR

What happens to Content?

1. Videos & Quotes will be shared on Facebook & Twitter

2. Stories will be shared on Facebook & Twitter

3. Q & A Session will be more of Live streaming

4. Memes is to keep the campaign lively & engaging

What & Who do we need now?

1. We need everyone to reach out to their friends, family, community to find out stories for every respective key issue listed above.

2. Reach out to local businesses and see if they are interested to have our leaflets left at their reception and get involved

3. Reach out to Global brands who have openly condemned Trump and get them involved

4. Anyone who can make a Documentary video to cover the stories. 

5. Anyone who can make a promo video for the demo

6. Anyone who can do Memes

7. Anyone who is willing to handle twitter account

8. Ideas about silly challenge for social media that might go viral

9. Anyone who is available to talk on Radio, TV, English & Welsh Speakers

10. If you anyone else has any other idea arts, performance, gigs, fund raisers, anything to contribute and raise awareness let us know

Contact Krishna to let us know how you can help and for more details 

phone: 07456506291

email: srikrishna.katari@gmail.com

You can also join the what's app group via this link:

https://chat.whatsapp.com/97Q64Zlq1wCKPXu5rhNxcB

Best Regards,

Krishna

All Wales Equality Newsletter

If you would like to receive this newsletter on a monthly basis you can register your details following the link here

Unison Cymru/Wales Equalities Forum

Hi all,

Please find attached the notes from the meeting held in April. If you have not already responded but would like to attend the next meeting which is due to take place on Monday 21^st September please let me know ASAP. I have to finalise numbers for refreshments at the start of next week. The meeting will be held in the Plas Antaron Hotel in Aberystwyth. An agenda will be sent out next week.

Many thanks,

Helen

Helen Huelin

Area Organiser

UNISON Cymru Wales

The Courtyard

Wind Street

Swansea

SA1 1DP

Mobile: 07957 505756

Tel: 01792 483909

As part of the submission for the Workplace Equality Index, we need to give staff access to Stonewall’ feedback questionnaire.

Ordinarily it is only distributed to LGBT staff, but we have been instructed to distribute to all staff from this year on.

It takes about 5 minutes to fill in following the link below you have to enter the 3 digit code provided below.  We would appreciate as many people filling in the questionnaire a possible and do appreciate your time.  It goes directly to Stonewall and is totally anonymous apart from the 3 digit code we will all use.

Please see below.

Kind regards

Thank you for your interest in the 2015 Workplace Equality Index. All organisations participating in the Index are asked to invite their employees to fill in a questionnaire giving feedback directly to Stonewall on their experiences working in that organisation. The questionnaire is open to heterosexual as well as lesbian, gay and bisexual staff. It is worth five per cent of the overall marks in the assessment.

To participate, you will need to distribute the following to ALL staff:

The link to the questionnaire: www.stonewall.org.uk/wei2015/survey

Your organisation's unique three digit code: 188

Responses submitted online will go directly to Stonewall

Reg Fish

Renal Systems Analyst

Nephrology& Transplant

UHW    

Tel:     029 2074 6791

Fax:     029 2074 3525

• LGBT

  04 May 2012 17:31

  This section is for LGBT members. The LGBT members’ group fights discrimination and prejudice in the workplace and provides support for our members.

   

• LGBT key issues

  22 May 2012 12:39

  This section is about the key issues affecting LGBT members. Each key issue explains the facts behind the issue, what UNISON is doing and how you can get involved. You will also find news articles, useful resources and events.

   

• LGBT members conference

  06 Feb 2013 11:31

  The national conference of UNISON's LGBT members' self-organised group, to discuss issues and set policy affecting LGBT members. Find conference details and venue and accommodation information.

   

• Cuts and LGBT jobs and services

  06 Mar 2013 15:47

  

  UNISON believes the cuts are bad for the economy, bad for equality and bad for LGBT people. We call for a different future: we are fighting the cuts and defending public services.

   

• LGBT events

  10 May 2013 12:34

  Add your support by attending a conference, talk or other event about issues affecting LGBT members. National and local events are listed.

   

• LGBT resources

  01 Mar 2013 11:50

  Use the resources page to download factsheets, leaflets and other useful documents about issues affecting LGBT members. Some documents are accessible to members only.

   

• LGBT news

  08 May 2013 16:59

  The news page is regularly updated with articles about issues affecting LGBT members.

   

• LGBT organising

  29 Nov 2012 13:42

  LGBT members meet as a self-organised group at branch, regional and national level. Find out what the different groups do and how they are organised.

   

• LGBT group structure and contacts

  04 Apr 2013 08:35

  List of regional contacts. Members can contact their LGBT members' representative in UNISON branches to discuss any issues that might arise in their workplace.

   

• About LGBT

  27 Nov 2012 15:12

  UNISON fights discrimination and prejudice in the workplace on behalf of its lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) members. Find out about our priorities and how we’re organised.

   

National Disabled Members Conference 2012

National Disabled Members Conference 2012

The ballot results and decisons from the Disabled Members Conference held 27th - 29th October 2012 in Brighton are attached. 

UNISON equality scheme - making it happen

Equality matters in UNISON. We've have a tailormade equality scheme to give us the tools to embed equality in everything we do, systematically and consistently.

There was extensive consultation on our draft scheme and our equality action plans. The scheme was revised following the consultation and remains a living document.

Download:
UNISON equality scheme overview and action plans [PDF]

Equality matters

UNISON's equality scheme is a tool to help us make sure equality is promoted in everything we do. The equality strands in UNISON's scheme are age, disability, gender, gender identity, race, religion/belief and sexual orientation - plus low paid members and other groups facing discrimination, for example migrant workers. It includes detailed equality action plans for every head office unit and region. 

We are now at the end of the first year of the three year scheme. Regions and head office units are completing reports on what they have achieved in year one and any revision to their plans for years two and three. 

Equality makes sense

The equality scheme:

• demonstrates that UNISON is a best practice organisation
• brings new members into the union
• builds the skills that activists and staff need to integrate equality into our work
• assists us equality-proof our organising, negotiations and campaigns
• sets smart targets so we can measure progress and communicate achievements.

Members in the driving seat

UNISON's lay member committees, UNISON staff and their trade unions have all been involved in the development of the equality scheme. 

A new guide for UNISON branches sets out how they can make sure equality is part of everything they do. It introduces the equality scheme and explains how it can be put into practice locally. 

Making equality happen in UNISON branches

Guide setting out how branches can make sure equality is part of everything they do. 
Acrobat PDF (2503369 bytes)

For more information, email: 
equality@unison.co.uk or write to us at

UNISON Means Equality, 1 Mabledon Place, London WC1H 9AJ.

Developing self-organised groups

(26/08/11) UNISON is reviewing how its self-organised groups work – and aims to makes them work even better

Going local with UNISON's online print service

(26/08/11) UNISON'S online print service can help branches and regions create campaign materials customised for local use