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Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT)1) LGBT Equality at Work BriefingOver the last decade there has been a dramatic improvement in the legal rights of LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) workers. 2) Why are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights an issue for Usdaw? At the moment, lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people have no clear or dedicated legal protection against discrimination on the grounds of their sexual orientation. At the beginning of the 21st Century this might seem hard to believe, however it is true. The only protection LGB workers have got at this moment in time is the protection of their Trade Union and some protection (but not nearly enough) under the Human Rights Act 1998. Being a member of a union is therefore doubly important for LGB people. Our shop stewards have successfully represented Usdaw lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) members in cases of sexual harassment, bullying, victimisation and verbal abuse. 3) Join Usdaw’s LGBT e-mail network Usdaw has developed an e-mail network as a way of keeping in touch with our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) members. We send out news and details of events that we think might be of interest to our LGBT members. 4) Transgender rights at work At this year’s ADM, the topic of our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) fringe meeting was transgender rights in the workplace. It was a real success! More than 50 members attended to listen to what Christine Burns, Vice President of the campaigning organisation Press for Change had to say. 5) Family-friendly working In April 2003 the Government introduced a new right for parents to request child-friendly working hours. If you have a child under the age of 6, or 18 if disabled, then you now have a right to ask your employer to allow you to work differently so that you can fit work around your childcare responsibilities. This right applies to couples in same sex relationships – so don’t miss out! You must have worked for your employer for at least 26 weeks. 6) TUC challenges new equalities regulations The TUC have mounted a legal challenge to the new regulations which could allow pensions schemes and religious organisations to continue to discriminate against Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual workers. 7) Nail Section 28 Campaign At long last this homophobic piece of legislation has been laid to rest! On Thursday 18 September 2003 the Local Government Bill received Royal Assent and Section 28 was finally taken off the statute books. 8) New rights for gay and lesbian couples You may have read in the papers recently that the Government is planning to give gay and lesbian couples the same pension and property rights as married couples, and recognise same sex relationships in the form of an official 'civil partnership' registration. 9) Pensions Most occupational pension schemes pay out benefits to the partner of a member in the event of their death. Pride festivals Usdaw reps were out in force at Pride festivals across the UK this summer, talking to festival goers in Manchester, Aberdeen and Cardiff about rights at work. What we have achieved Read of Usdaw's achievement with employers. |
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