Women in Unison

UNISON has almost one million women members – more than two thirds of our union. Women still earn a lot less than men and face sex discrimination and harassment at work. Our members also juggle work and home commitments. Many have caring responsibilities and almost half work part-time. This is why UNISON takes a lead on negotiating and campaigning on women’s rights at work and in the community.
UNISON is campaigning for equal treatment for part-time workers who still get a raw deal at work. Nearly half of UNISON’s members work part-time – the overwhelming majority of them women. Some occupations, like hospital domestics and school meals workers – are nearly all part-time. 
UNISON also encourages and gives advice on workplace policies more specific to women.  Issues such as Maternity rights, Domestic abuse and Health & Safety.  

Women’s self-organisation

There are women’s self-organised structures at national, regional and local level in UNISON.

In these groups, women meet to discuss their particular concerns and develop proposals for promoting equality to feed into the wider structures. Women in these groups also provide valuable support and encouragement to each other.

Branch organisation

At local level, many branches have women’s self-organised groups. They provide a forum for women to meet and discuss issues of concern and provide advice to branches on promoting women’s equality at work and in the union. 
Anglian Water does not currently have a Women’s Self Organised Group although it has been represented at Regional level committee meetings and at Women’s National Conference.  For information and advice about setting up a branch women’s group, talk to you Branch Secretary who will contact your regional women’s officer for advice.

Regional organisation

Each region also has a women’s group, which meets on a regular basis to develop policies to promote equality and encourage women’s participation at regional and branch level. Many of these groups will organise training and other events open to all women in the region. Many produce regular newsletters for women.

National Women’s Conference is held in mid-February each year, and is the UNISON event for women. It is held in different parts of the country each year to ensure fairness for attendance and travelling.  The 2011 Conference is in Harrogate. All women members are welcome to attend the conference every year but must apply through their Branch Secretary who will have more information and be able to tell you the deadline date for applications. Payment for hotel, travel and subsistence is made in line with Branch Rules.  

Regional Women’s Officer Eastern Region

Linda Durrant – l.durrant@unison.co.uk
womeninunisoneastern.wordpress.com
Much more can be found on the National Website including information on current campaigns, National women’s organisations and bargaining.  www.unison.org.uk/women