Equalities
REPORT 2002
From pride in progressive approach, Council now going for
the basic legal minimums
Equalities has had a difficult year and to be honest, failed
to live up to the optimism I outlined in last years report.
This time last year I was able to report on progress being
made on national issues, on local issues and branch involvement
and in the union at all levels. How things change in just 12
months.
The Westminster Government has failed to come up with the anticipated
changes in our Pension Scheme to ensure equal access. Instead
we are facing threats to our final salary scheme although, in
my discussions with representatives of the Pension Fund, they
have assured me locally our pension fund is solid and, if left
alone, is a viable provision for the future.
Locally we have seen a different approach from lead Council
officials.
In the past we have been successful in negotiating improvements
in conditions beyond the legal minimum and this was particularly
so in equalities related matters.
Our provisions for Maternity Leave, Dependency Leave and many
others were among the best in the country but, in recent talks
on statutory changes affecting our Family Care Provisions, it
was made clear that because we will not accept fundamental changes
to other conditions all we will get is the legal minimum.
Oh for the halcyon days when Edinburgh District and Lothian
Region prided themselves for their innovative and progressive
approach. Who would have thought those radical politicians would
see their commitments to staff cast to the wind?
If any evidence was required, remember that 2002 was the year
when the Workplace Nursery closed!
As a Branch we will need to have an honest look at what we
expect of Equalities. Over the past few years my involvement
in Service Conditions cases has increased and we have had parallel
decrease in the activities of our Self Organised Groups and
the Equalities Committee itself.
The Lesbian & Gay Group and the Women's Group have stopped
meeting and we have had continuing problems in establishing
a Black Members Group. It is encouraging to see a vibrant Disabled
Members Group but that is not enough.
UNISON is 10 years old this year and from day one was committed
to be an inclusive body which offered support and protection
for all.
That commitment was strengthened by adopting rules which institutionalised
proportionality and fair representation and which supported
the principles of self organisation.
I understand there is to be a national review of self organisation
and the manner in which we represent our members. That initiative
will be welcomed by all and I hope this Branch can play its
part in developing new ways to ensure participation in the union
for all our members irrespective of what part of society they
come from.
The Equalities Committee has agreed to develop a questionnaire
for members. This will ensure the agenda for the Branch on Equalities
issues is truly representative of the aspirations of the membership
and will provide ways to reverse the apathy to what some view
as irrelevant issues (i.e. because it does not directly affect
them it is not important).
The past 12 months have not seen us progress in the same way
as past years, so let's all try a little bit harder this year
to get results.
In closing, my thanks go the members of the Equalities Committee
for their perseverance, my fellow Branch Officers for the advice
and assistance and finally, to our office staff for being so
helpful and patient with me.
IRENE STOUT
Equalities Officer
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