Before this years conference there was a short play reading of a “Don’t Leave me Now”
A play by Brian Daniels exploring the impact of early onset dementia and family life. Where does love end and duty begin? – or does it? this powerful play based on real events covers two families lives and the effect dementia has, consisting of a husband, wife and daughter and a Lesbian Couple.
You can watch this play below for yourself
following this play an introductory regional meeting was held discussing the regions feelings on motions to be discussed in the conference. after this the Local government pre meeting was held where Heather Wakefield who talked about the Current issues facing local government workers across the country including the pay freeze and other main UNISON issues. A round of thanks was given to Heather for her support to the LGBT members of UNSION as this will be her last conference as she will be retiring early next year.
Conference started this morning with an introduction and welcome, with a guest speaker Gordon McKay UNSION Senior Vice President. Gordon explained how proud the National union are of the LGBT UNISON members across the company and how important they are to the union. He also discussed historical issues and
world issues that are happening today affecting LGBT members, and that UNISON takes LGBT equality very seriously. He also went on to talk about the national current campaigns including the Pay Up Now Campaign and the recently released video which explains the campaign.
How far will the government go to avoid a decent public sector pay rise? Sign the petition at unison.org.uk/payupnow
Now discussions are being made around the first Standing orders report discussing amendments and the order of business.
A minutes silence was held to remember those who have passed away and to honour the Transgender Day of Remembrance #TDOR – November 20 which is an annual observance on Monday 20 November 2017 that honors the memory of those whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence. this video explains more.
Now for discussions around the first section of the Annual Report – Introduction and Negotiating LGBT Equality Section.
The first motion to be discussed is Building a bedrock of LGBT voices against intolerance. This motion was carried. Now discussions about Negotiating for LGBTequality, Gender Neutral toilets, Domestic Violence, Increasing Bi Visibility and tackling biphobia Bisexual members caucus, gendered dress code in the workplace , and the cost of being out at work.
More information about these motions can be found in the conference guide below.