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Next meeting (AGM)
March 10th 2007 13:30-15:30, in the NASUWT South West Office, Matford Business Park, Exeter.
Minutes - Unions Out West December 2006 meeting
Dated Saturday 2nd December 2006
NASUWT South West Office, Matford Business Park Exeter
Attendees
Lindsey Ward (AMICUS)- Chair
Alan Phippen (NASUWT)
Nigel Marley (AMICUS)
Darienne Flemington (UNISON)
Alison Buck (UNISON)
Peter Graham (ATL)
Apologies
Jeff Grist (PCS)
Moira Macdonald (UNISON)
Minutes of previous minutes
Accepted
Introduction
It was good to see additional members joining Unions Out West from different TU's within the region.
On-going action to build on this so we can ensure that representatives from the top 10 largest Trade Unions within the region are in attendance at future meetings.
For this reason, we reviewed activities within each TU in order to harmonise our activities in support of the LGBT community across the SW region.
This is in support of our previous UOW strategy as follows: -
"Additional communication required in order to ensure greater support and participation from other trade unions to UOW"
NASUWT/ATL
Issue raised regarding the anti-bullying legislation within schooling, as there is no adequate policy available.
Teachers are not challenging the use of the term "Gay" as this is being used in an inappropriate way.
Stonewall say they have completed a consultation with material for "Schools Out" but Trade Unions have not been included within any consultation.
"Schools Out" is also not part of the NUT agenda.
This is resulting in levels of Homophobia within schools with little protection for both teachers and students
Action: - Alan to contract NUT in order to clarify current legislation and identify additional support required.
Access to Goods and Services Bill- visibility of content following ongoing consultations and how/when is this going to be implemented (April/May is the revised timescales proposed)
Transgender is not covered within this bill so additional support as an interim solution to be defined
Concern raised regarding the backlash from Religious parties, which may limit/delay, the introduction of this bill
Action: - TUC to request information from MP's regarding Goods & Services Bill including the above concerns (Nigel Costley)
UNISON
Trade Unions to raise the profile of European Legislation available in support of LGBT community.
Action : - Darienne Flemington to review Euro Legislation and report back to next meeting.
Concerns that Transgender still comes the category of Mental Health.
Action: - Lindsey to contact Health First who is completing a consultation on health care for Transgender. Feedback required for next meeting.
European Organisation ILEA does not have a voice within the UN
Further information to understand if the TUC to be affiliated
Action : - Darienne Flemington
Concerns raised regarding sexual health within the South West
Devenshire County Council say they consult Stonewall and the TUC regarding LGBT issues but reps not involved???
Action: - All work related issues should come through the TUC. Nigel Costely to clarify
AMICUS
Equalities Strategy to be developed and plans required for engagement within the workplace.
Additional harmonisation required regarding the process for proposing 2 motions to the TUC National LGBT Committee.
This is required to ensure that any duplication is avoided.
Amicus Equalities conferences are held simultaneously, which stops black/disability/LGBT from being fully represented as members may be elected to attend one or more conferences.
With the proposed merger, future LGBT committee members will have to be work place reps. Concern raised if Amicus is not represented at committee members of work.
Additional clarifications required regarding Equality Reps, are they addition to the current workplace and safety reps responsibilities or are they additional resource engaged.
If additional, will they be Government funded and time off from work be granted as part of statutory rights?
Action: - Meeting with Regional Secretary, Equality Officers and Lindsey Ward arranged for 24th Jan 2007 to discuss these issues and how the Equalities Strategy is to be implemented within the workplace.
London Pride for 2007 is to be themes for Transgender, dates to be confirmed.
Bristol Pride: - an official organiser sponsored by Bristol City Council has been appointed with the responsibility to organise and promote the Bristol Pride event in 2007, date to be advised.
Nigel informed us of the Plymouth Pride and again dates to be advised. Weekly planning meetings are ongoing and the next event; "Queen of Hearts Ball" is to be held on the February 14th.
Further information about the Plymouth Pride Events can be found at their website: http://www.plymouthprideevent.co.uk/
To support and co-ordinate these events, UOW to develop and issue a "Calendar of events" highlighting all Pride Events and LGBT meetings.
Action: - UOW members
Other Issues
Equality South West has now confirmed that an additional equality strand in support of Transgender will be added to the ESW Board.
Meeting scheduled for December 19th to discuss who should be elected and what issues need to be addressed.
This is in addition to the LGB forum at ESW on the 25th Jan 2007.
Unions Out West would like to have an LGBT stand at Tolpuddle (13th-15th July)
Action: - Meeting between UOW and Nigel Costley required asap.
In support of the LGBT History Month, the Terence Higgins Trust will be holding a question time event with Bristol City Council on Tuesday the 20th February 2007, 7pm-9pm @ Bristol City Council Main Chambers. This meeting is to provide the opportunity for lesbian, gay, bisexual and Transgender people from across the South West to discuss issues around health, sexuality and ethnicity, younger & older and Transgender issues. It will also offer an opportunity to for key service providers and stakeholders to hear the views and opinions of LGBT people
Agenda to follow once confirmed.
Forum for Equality and Diversity in Somerset (FEDS)
The major event celebrating equality and diversity in Somerset will take place on 27 April at Taunton Racecourse. This event is being organised by the Forum for Equality and Diversity in Somerset (FEDS) and hopes to attract several thousand people. Any performers, artists or speakers with an interest in equalities issues should be there. If you are interested in leading a workshop or being a performer at this event please contact Alison (alison@sain.org.uk) or Nat (nats@sain.org.uk) or tel. no. 0844 984 2828 to discuss what you may be able to offer.
There is a budget, which will cover expenses and may run to a small amount for professional fees. Please reply by January 11th.
Many thanks to Alan for organising the facilities for this meeting and additional thanks to Siobhan Endean and Nigel Costley for communicating this event.
As this location is central to the region, we will be holding our Unions Out West AGM here on Saturday the 10th March 2007 1.30-3.30.
Many thanks and I hope to meet you soon.
Lindsey Ward
Email, l.ward25@btinternet.com
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