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Fighting for equality: UNISON materials for LGBT workers

02 August 2016
UNISON fights discrimination and prejudice in the workplace on behalf of its lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) members. UNISON works together in local and national groups of LGBT members to campaign and provide support for members and works closely with PSI at the international level.

UNISON is one of the UK's largest trade unions, with more than 1.3 million members.

UNISON has a long and proud history on equality and represents all staff who provide public services in both the public and private sectors.

Bisexuality: a trade union issue: UNISON recognises that bisexual people face particular issues at work and strives to tackle biphobic prejudice and discrimination. Bisexual people are those who feel attraction to more than one gender.  The 2010 Equality Act protects bisexual people (and lesbian, gay and heterosexual people) from discrimination because of their sexual orientation. Read the full factsheet

Transgender workers rights: This factsheet gives information about the rights of transgender people at work and good practice for employers and UNISON branches.  It includes information on the law, support for members undergoing gender reassignment and checklists for negotiating for branches. In UNISON, transgender members organise together with lesbian, gay and bisexual members. There are many areas of common concern, but important areas of difference. Read the full factsheet.

Lesbian, gay and bisexual workers rights: This factsheet contains information about the rights of lesbian, gay and bisexual workers and sets out a bargaining agenda for branches.  It includes information on the law and a negotiating checklist, which is on page 9. In UNISON, lesbian, gay and bisexual members organise together with transgender members.  There are many areas of common concern, but important areas of difference. Read the full factsheet.

Gender identity: An introductory guide for trade union reps supporting trans members: UNISON and the Scottish Transgender Alliance have produced this guide for union reps supporting transmembers. For many reps this may be their first experience of dealing with trans equality. The guide gives a background to what it means to be trans followed by practical advice on common workplace issues.

Trans workers face high levels of prejudice and discrimination: UNISON is committed to tackling this discrimination and building equality. Everyone has the right to work with dignity and respect and to contribute to the workforce to their full ability. The extent of discrimination against trans people means that unless an organisation is explicitly transgender inclusive, many trans people will assume they will not be treated fairly. This applies to employers and also to us as a trade union. We must actively demonstrate our commitment to trans equality.

This guide should be read alongside UNISON’s factsheet on Transgender Workers’ Rights, which gives further information on the law and key negotiating points. Download the full guide.

For more information:

 

Also see