UNISON Self Organised Groups

Self organised groups

Organising for equality

UNISON is committed to achieving equality for all. One of the ways we promote equality is through self-organisation. Self-organisation brings together members from certain under represented groups - women members, black members, disabled members and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender members. Self-organisation helps the union identify and challenge discrimination and build equality. It can be a way for members to get involved in the union, developing skills, expertise and confidence.

Why does UNISON promote self-organisation?

Trade unionism is all about organising workers around a common experience. We organise members in a number of different ways, such as by employer, by occupational group (home care workers, police staff, teaching assistants and so on) and by geography.

Self-organisation is members organising around their experience of prejudice and discrimination. Because prejudice and discrimination are deep-rooted in our society, women members, black members, disabled members and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender members have traditionally been less visible in trade unions and under-represented in democratic structures. Self-organisation offers a way to address this.

It is sometimes thought that because the members of self-organised groups meet separately, self-organisation is separatism. It is not. UNISON's self-organised groups are a well-established part of our organisation. They are actively involved in all the union's mainstream work. They have a valuable role in ensuring that the union identifies and takes up equality issues, actively challenges discrimination and that our democratic structures reflect the whole membership.

Self-organisation strengthens UNISON. Self-organised groups may be the first point of contact with the union for members and potential members. Many members who become involved via a self-organised group go on to hold senior positions at branch, regional and national level. Self-organisation can and should be a vibrant and dynamic part of UNISON: welcoming new activists, encouraging participation and helping members take on other roles in the union

Equality

UNISON's membership is made up of individuals from all walks of life and all parts of the world. Every one of them is entitled to be treated with fairness, dignity, and respect.

Challenging discrimination and winning equality is at the heart of UNISON's policies. Because we recognise that equality is an inseparable part of all trade union issues, we actively campaign for equality in the workplace and in the wider world.

As the UK's major public sector trade union, UNISON also recognises its responsibility to harness the skills and knowledge of its membership. This is achieved by giving voice to public service workers on how public services are best provided and promoting equality in their delivery.

UNISON is proud of its record in winning equality, but we are not complacent. We will continue to promote equality and campaign to eliminate discrimination wherever we encounter it.

For more information on UNISON Self Organised Groups contact your local Steward.

Scottish Health Care Branch

Self organised groups