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

Date	Event	Venue
September
14/09/19	Black Members SOG	Swansea UNISON Office
27/9/19	Regional Women’s Meeting	Venue TBA
27-29/9/19	Women’s Development Weekend	Venue TBA
October
11/10/19	International Day of the Girl Child
18/10/19	World Menopause Day
25-27/10/19	BMSOG AGM & Development Weekend	Holiday Inn, Newport
November
20/11/19	Transgender Day of Rememberance
25/11/19	International Day for the Elimination of Violence Towards Women
30/11/19	Black Members SOG	Cardiff UNISON Office
December
7/12/19	Regional Women’s AGM	Venue TBA

 

Earlier this year Sunil Patel from Show Racism the Red Card attended a meeting of the Equalities forum to provide more information about the charity and to let us know how UNISON branches can support their good work.

 

Show Racism the Red Card is the UK’s anti-racism educational charity and was established in January 1996. The organisation utilises the high-profile status of football and football players to help tackle racism in society. The majority of the campaign’s output is the delivery of education to young people and adults in their schools, their workplaces and at events held in football stadiums. Across Britain, Show Racism the Red Card delivers training to more than 50,000 individuals per year. I have attached a leaflet with more information about who they are and what they do.

 

In Wales, the charity delivers workshops to over 13,000 pupils a year, as well as providing training for teachers. Despite our efforts, young people continue to be victims of racial abuse every day in Wales. Our own consultations have found that 3/4 teachers have dealt with racism in their school without receiving proper training or support.

 

Following the EU referendum result in Wales, reported incidents of hate crime have risen by 28% and hate crimes against Muslim women has risen by an estimate of 300%. 

 

Each October Show Racism the Red Card holds its annual Wear Red Day! This year the 3rd annual Wear Red Day takes place in Wales on the 20th October 2017.

 

Wear Red Day is a national day of action which encourages schools, businesses & individuals to wear red and donate £1 to help facilitate the delivery of anti-racism education for young people & adults throughout England, Scotland & Wales. Last year, in Wales £5,000 was raised. This money went back into the work SRtRC conducts in Wales and has enabled us to work with even more schools. 

 

We would encourage branches to consider supporting the Wear Red Day by promoting this within your workplaces and employers. Every penny counts and the charity would really appreciate your support.

 

It would be great if you could tweet photos of yourselves wearing red to @UNISONWales so we can retweet. If you’re not a ‘tweeter’ then you can send pictures to Alastair Gittins at A.Gittins@unison.co.uk

 

If you want more information the 2017 Wear Red day fundraising guides are attached in both English and Welsh.

 

Many thanks,

Helen

 

Helen Huelin

Area Organiser

 

UNISON Cymru Wales

The Courtyard

Wind Street

Swansea

SA1 1DP

 

Mobile: 07957 505756

Tel: 01792 483909

 

Neurodiversity: Autism Awareness in the Workplace Seminars for Trade Union Reps

Register now via Eventbrite:

www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/neurodiversity-autism-awareness-in-the-workplace-seminars-tickets-33148546194?ref=elink

 

South Wales event (Nantgarw) - Wednesday 26th April 2017 - Venue: Central South Consortium (Ty Dysgu Conference Centre) Cefn Coed, Parc Nantgarw, Cardiff, CF15 7QQ

 

North Wales event (Bangor) - Friday 28th April 2017 -Venue: The Management Centre, Bangor Business School, Bangor University, College Road, Bangor LL57 2DG

 

Both events will start at 9:30 am and finish no later than 4 pm. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

What are the seminars about?

These events are for union reps and officers and aim to create greater awareness of autism spectrum conditions and 'neurodiversity' in the workplace. The events will include a mixture of speakers, discussions and workshops to help reps:

·       understand autism spectrum conditions

·       recognise and address workplace barriers that may negatively affect workers with autism and workers who are parents/carers of people with autism

·       understand the legal rights of workers with autism and the rights of workers who are parents and carers of people with autism

·       consider best practice for unions in addressing practices and environments within the workplace

·       find out more about support, resources and training available in Wales

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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

 

This survey can be made available for dyslexic or visually impaired readers in an agreed accessible format. Please contact jrees@tuc.org.uk

 

 

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:

·       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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Workers’ Memorial Day- Remember the Dead - Fight for the Living

·       Workers’ Memorial Day reception

·       Friday 28^th April 2017, Unite Building, 1 Catherdral Road, Cardiff CF11 9SD

Workers’ Memorial Day is held on the 28^th April each year. This special day commemorates the many thousands of people who have died as a result of their work.

To mark Workers’ Memorial Day the Wales TUC is organising a reception to remember all of those who have lost their lives at work and those who are still fighting for justice. The reception will take place in the foyer of the Unite Building at 11 am on Friday 28^th April and will finish no later than 12.30 pm.

The event will include a keynote speech by the Rt Hon Carwyn Jones AM, First Minister of Wales and speakers from the Wales TUC. A wreath laying ceremony will also take place at the permanent workers’ memorial outside the building.

If you would like to attend, please email wtuc@tuc.org.uk  with the subject “Workers’ Memorial Day”.

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1 in 3 BAME people have witnessed or experienced racist abuse since Brexit vote, finds TUC poll

Over a third (34%) of Black, Asian or minority ethnic people (BAME) witnessed or experienced racial abuse in the seven months following the Brexit vote in June 2016, a TUC poll has found.

The ICM/TUC poll of over 1,000 BAME working adults also found that since the referendum:

1 in 5 BAME people (19%) have suffered or witnessed racial assault

2 in 5 (41%) have heard racist remarks or opinions

2 in 5 people (38%) have seen racist material online

1 in 4 (27%) have seen racist graffiti, posters or leaflets

The poll is part of a major TUC project to combat racism in the workplace, which will document the British BAME experience of racism and harassment, and set out ways to tackle it.

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“Brexit has given racism a new lease of life. Discrimination has never gone away, but since the referendum racism has been on the rise.

“The scale of abuse is shocking. We have to come together and draw a line in the sand about what is acceptable in modern Britain in 2017 – and the government has to take a lead. It’s unacceptable that shop workers, bus drivers and street cleaners face abuse from members of the public – and their employers don’t have to do anything to protect them. 

“Anyone who has been harassed or mistreated at work should talk to their union rep or join a trade union. And we all have a responsibility to call out racist harassment wherever we see it.”

Read more: www.tuc.org.uk/equality-issues/black-workers/1-3-bame-people-have-witnessed-or-experienced-racist-abuse-brexit-vote

 

TUC launches major new survey into experience of LGBT people at work

The TUC has launched a major new survey into how lesbian, gay, bi and trans (LGBT) people find working life in the UK.

Despite changes in the law that should have brought an end to discrimination and prejudice, the TUC is concerned that LGBT people are still experiencing difficulties at work:

In 2013 Stonewall reported that 1 in 4 (26%) LGBT employees were not at all open with colleagues about their sexual orientation.

More than half (53%) of trans workers have also felt the need to hide their status from colleagues, according to Totaljobs.

And if you’re a lesbian or bisexual woman you may be at risk of sexual harassment as well as homophobic abuse. TUC research into sexual harassment found that more than half (52%) of women said they have experienced sexual harassment at work.

As a result the TUC wants to carry out a thorough investigation into the experiences of LGBT people at work, and will use the findings to:

Campaign on the issues most affecting LGBT people in the UK right now.

Produce training material for union reps to ensure they can best protect and represent their members.

Help employers create a more inclusive work environment – including training for staff, getting the correct policies in place to prevent discrimination, and supporting LGBT staff if things go wrong.

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: “We hope that this comprehensive research will let us shine a light on the range of issues faced by LGBT workers across the UK – many of whom may be experiencing bullying, harassment and discrimination in the workplace and have no one to turn to.

“It’s vital we understand what modern working life is like for LGBT workers, so we can challenge prejudice and have a zero-tolerance policy to homophobia, biphobia or transphobia. We know that getting these policies right makes business sense because employers retain experienced staff from all backgrounds.

“Please take part in our survey and help us campaign for a better working life for LGBT people.”

You can complete the TUC survey at: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/LGBTworker

The deadline is Friday 5 May 2017.

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New package of information and advice for employers from Mind Cymru

 

Mind Cymru believes that the way mental health issues are managed by employers can make a massive difference to outcomes – which obviously benefits both employer and employee, but employers often don’t know how to tackle mental health issues – leaving employees isolated and employers facing absence management challenges.

 

Mind Cymru have now teamed up with Time to Change Wales to offer businesses in Wales a package of information and advice to help promote better employee mental health and tackle mental health stigma in the workplace.  Welsh employers are now able to access:

·       A free workplace wellbeing pack full of information and resources.

·       The chance to sign the Time to Change Wales organisational pledge and make a commitment to change how we think and act about mental health in the workplace

·       Support from a Time to Change Wales champion who can share their experience of dealing with a mental health problem and help start the conversation with your employees.

·       Access to Mind’s extensive range of mental health training courses.

 

Resources in English and Welsh

Employers can download copies of the four Wales-focused resources listed below (in both English and Welsh) from www.mind.org.uk/workplace-wellbeing-wales

1.      Introduction to mentally healthy workplaces

2.      Taking stock of mental health in your workplace

3.      Promoting wellbeing and tackling the causes of work-related mental health problems

4.      Supporting staff who are experiencing a mental health problem

This project is funded by Welsh Government and Comic Relief, and employers can also request a pack containing the booklets, along with some other useful information, from the site, or by contacting Mind Cymru on 029 2039 5123 or at digitalwales@mind.org.uk.

 

These resources may also be useful for reps supporting members in the workplace.

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From the Guardian: The bullying and fear at the heart of zero-hour contracts

Lacking the protections of staff on contracts, victims of bullying in the gig economy risk everything if they speak up.

 

The TUC’s Hannah Reed said: “People on zero-hours contracts don’t have the basic protections the rest of us enjoy, to be able to challenge mistreatment such as bullying.”

 

Read more:

www.theguardian.com/careers/2017/mar/27/the-bullying-and-fear-at-the-heart-of-zero-hour-contracts

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News from Abortion Rights Cardiff

The Wales International Documentary Festival is to be held in Blackwood from April 5th-7th. A programme is available here: http://www.widf.info/programme/

This year, they are premiering a film is of particular interest because of the issues it raises surrounding abortion and women's rights.

‘Let Women Choose’ is a film that follows Maria, a Spanish physician working in a maternity hospital in Ecuador. Abortion is illegal in Ecuador, and sexual violence and abuse is all too common. Maria meets two women: Yanina, a mother of two with an unwanted pregnancy, and Mishel, a teenager who has been sexually abused by her father. Let Women Choose tells their stories.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vmx8bx45ZNI

The organisers are hoping to offer panel discussions after the films. They have particularly contacted Abortion Rights Cardiff after introducing themselves at the WOW film festival.

 

Hoping some of you may be able to attend.

Sincerely,

Eleanor (Secretary, Abortion Rights Cardiff)

 

 

UK in the relegation zone for decently-paid maternity leave in Europe, warns TUC

New mums in UK receive just  6 weeks of decently-paid maternity leave
- Only mothers in Ireland and Slovakia have worse decently-paid entitlement
- Croatia tops table with 6 months’ decently-paid leave

UK mums get one of the lowest amounts of decently-paid maternity leave in Europe, according to new TUC analysis published ahead of Mother’s Day on Sunday (26 March).

 

The UK ranks 22 out of 24 amongst European countries that offer statutory maternity leave. While mums in the UK only get six weeks’ decently-paid maternity leave, most European countries offer three months or more:

·       6 months: Croatia

·       More than 4 months: Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic

·       More than 3 months: Estonia, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Denmark, France, Malta and Switzerland.

The only European countries offering less decently-paid maternity leave than the UK are Ireland and Slovakia, where mums do not get any decently-paid time off.

 

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: “The UK is in the relegation zone when it comes to decently-paid maternity leave.

 

“Many Europeans countries offer decent support to new mums. But lots of parents here are forced back to work early to pay the bills.

 

“My advice to all new mums is to join a union. It is the best way to improve your pay and conditions.”

Director of Maternity Action Ros Bragg said: “Without adequate maternity pay, women’s choices are limited and many cannot afford to take their leave entitlements. We should be investing in support for pregnant women and new families.”

 

Read more: www.tuc.org.uk/equality-issues/gender-equality/pregnancy-discrimination/uk-relegation-zone-decently-paid-maternity

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Women work for free for a fifth of the year, says TUC

- Women’s Pay Day – the day the average woman starts getting paid compared to the average man – was on Tuesday (7 March)

- Women effectively work for free for 66 days compared to men
- But in some jobs women  have to wait until April or even May for their Women’s Pay Day

New analysis by the TUC published today (Friday) reveals that the average woman has to wait nearly a fifth of a year (66 days) before she starts to get paid, compared to the average man.

The current gender pay gap for all full-time and part-time male and female employees stands at 18%. This pay gap means that across the board women effectively work for free for the first 66 days of the year, until Women’s Pay Day on Tuesday (7 March).

In a number of key industries – even in jobs dominated by female workers – women have to wait until even later in the year for their Women’s Pay Day:

In education, the gender pay gap is currently 27%, so the average woman effectively works for free for more than a quarter of the year (97 days) and has to wait until the 7 April before she starts earning the same as the average man.

In health and social work, the average woman waits 69 days for her Women’s Pay Day on 10 March.

The longest wait for Women’s Pay Day comes in finance and insurance. There the gender pay gap is the equivalent of 137 days – more than a third of the year – before Women’s Pay Day kicks in on 17 May.

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: “The UK has one of the worst gender pay gaps in Europe. Even in industries where women dominate, like education, they get paid far less than men.

“Paying lip service to the problem is not good enough. Companies that don’t pay women the same as men for work of equal value are breaking the law. But with Employment Tribunal fees of £1,200, too few women can afford to access justice when bad bosses break the law.

“We also need to remove the barriers that stop women going into better paid, male-dominated professions. And we must improve pay for vital, but undervalued, jobs that are predominantly done by women, like social care.

“Employers must do more to help mums and dads to share out caring responsibilities more equally.

“By joining a union, working women can have their voices heard at work, and can work together to win equal pay and fair treatment.”

Read more: www.tuc.org.uk/equality-issues/gender-equality/equal-pay/women-work-free-fifth-year-says-tuc

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Minimum wage for younger workers worth less than a decade ago, finds TUC

 

The national minimum wage for workers aged 16-20 is worth less in real terms than it was in 2008, TUC analysis has revealed, as the new minimum wage rates kick in today (Saturday).

 

16-17 year olds working a 40 hour week on the minimum wage are £300 worse off a year in real terms since 2008. 18-20 year olds are £250 worse off a year.

 

In the same period, rates for those over 20 have exceeded inflation, resulting in real gains in their incomes.

 

Today the minimum wage for over 25s will increase by 4.2%, while the rates for younger workers will increase by only 0.9% to 1.4%.

 

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

 

“Young workers are getting a raw deal, especially those stuck on the minimum wage. As prices rise, their pay simply hasn’t kept up.

 

“More and more people rely on the minimum wage, but the pay rates aren’t increasing fast enough. The government’s target of £9 by 2020 now seems a fantasy. The minimum wage needs a serious boost in the coming years, especially for younger workers.

 

“I’d also encourage more employers to adopt the real Living Wage standard. Not only will it be good for their workers, but to help attract and retain talent.”

 

Read more: www.tuc.org.uk/industrial-issues/minimum-wage-younger-workers-worth-less-decade-ago-finds-tuc

 

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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/

 

Ends.

 

The equality network newsletter is sent out to trade union reps and activists in Wales with an interest in equality issues and includes news, events, resources and information. For any queries, unsubscribe/subscribe requests or if you have items for the of next edition of the newsletter (April) please contact jrees@tuc.org.uk

N.B: Please bear with us - we are moving to a new email system/format for our emails newsletters shortly. In the meantime our newsletters are in a plain format. __________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Jo Rees

Equality Reps Network Project Officer (Maternity Cover)

Wales TUC, 1 Cathedral Road, Cardiff CF11 9SD

TUC Cymru, 1 Heol yr Eglwys Gadeiriol, Caerdydd CF11 9SD

 

t/ff: 029 2034 7011

m: 07786 515 897

e: jrees@tuc.org.uk

@walestuc

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

 

___________________________________________________________________

 

“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.

_______________________________________________

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

 

________________________________________________

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.

______________________________________________

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.

 

________________________________________________

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

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

_______________________________________________________

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

_____________________________________________________________

 

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/

__________________________________________

 

Scrap tribunal fees to help fight dress code discrimination

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

____________________________________________

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

__________________________________________________________________________

 

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

 

	Wales TUC Education Service
	Wales TUC Equality Briefing                                                                                    Book now for your chance to attend the Wales TUC Equality Briefing. The event will include updates on key equality issues for trade unionists in Wales and an opportunity to find out the latest information in the equality field from experts. Delegates will have a chance to attend presentations and take part in discussions and workshops on a diverse range of topics including: Shared parental leave - domestic violence - autism awareness in the workplace - mental health - the gender pay gap - hate crime and other topics. Date: Thursday 16th April 2015 Venue: Cardiff City Stadium, Leckwith, Cardiff CF11 8AZ  Cost: Free Who should attend: Trade union equality reps, equality officers, union reps/shop stewards, branch officials, health and safety reps, union learning reps, union professional officers and any union activists with an interest in equality issues.                                                                             Time off, travel and expenses: All attendees should speak to their own union in advance to discuss permission to claim back travel and expenses from their union and for advise regarding securing time off to attend.   A buffet lunch and refreshments will be provided - please advise us in advance of any dietary or access requirements on the online booking form.     Food bank collection: There is no obligation, but if you are able, please bring an item of non-perishable food to donate to the local food bank.   Kind Regards       Nicola Savage WTUC Equality Representative Network Officer   Wales TUC Education Team Wales TUC Cymru Tel: 029 2034 7010 Email: nsavage@tuc.org.uk

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.

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