What are Self Organised Groups?

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.

SOGS News

(March 2011) Tackling homophobia - UNISON and Sheffield Eagles team up against prejudice. A groundbreaking rugby league game took place on Sunday March 13 at 3 p.m. at Bramall Lane, Sheffield which sends a clear message to the public that homophobia has no place in the sport. UNISON teamed up with the Sheffield Eagles RLFC by sponsoring the "Tackling Homophobia Day" match on Sunday against the Widnes Vikings.

UNISON's Regional Convenor for Yorkshire and Humberside, Wendy Nichols, and Sheffield Eagles Head Coach and Chief Executive Mark Aston, both feel there is an urgent need to make it clear that homophobic chants and insults will not be tolerated in rugby league.

The Sheffield event follows recent media coverage of rugby player Gareth Thomas who was the first professional player to "come out" and announce to the world that he is gay.

Yorkshire & Humberside SOGS

  • Disabled Members
  • LGBT Members
  • Women
  • Black Members

If you identify yourself as a disabled UNISON member, (that is a member who has ‘a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long term adverse effect on his or her ability to carry out normal day to day activities’) then you can be a part of the regional disabled members group.

We have training, support, and a say in disabled people issues. Every branch in Yorkshire and Humberside can have fi ve disabled members on the Regional Disabled Members Committee. Talk to your branch secretary and ask them to put your name forward, or contact the regional disabilities offi cer at the regional office.

A fantastic pack is available to download here - it highlights the way UNISON's disabled members support each other in the Yorkshire & Humberside region. (contact us)

Find out more about national issues here.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are still denied equality in the workplace - too often we face discrimination and harassment instead of a fair deal. Joining UNISON gives you a voice in Britain's biggest union, which is committed to working for LGBT rights. Find out more for the national UNISON website.

Dates of meetings 2011:- 4th June, 10 Sept, 5 Nov(tbc). All meetings will be held at the Y&H Regional Office, Commerce House, Wade Lane, Leeds (see map)

Training: 2 training dates which are 9-10th April 2011 and 8-9th Oct 2011
LGBT SOG contacts are Dean Harper and Claire Cribb at regional office (contact us)

Conference: Members from the LGBT group will be attending UNISON National LGBT members Conference in Glasgow in November 2011. Watch this space for more details.

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. This is why UNISON takes a lead on negotiating and campaigning on women's rights at work and in the community. Find out more for the national UNISON website.

 

 

 

 

Black members in UNISON play a key role in winning equality in the workplace,
actively challenge racism wherever it is found, and are at the forefront of UNISON's organising work. As black members in UNISON we work together to win positive change in the workplace. The more of us that are actively involved the stronger we become. Find out more for the national UNISON website.

 

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