New set up will aid equality

Promoting equality and tackling discrimination is an important part of Usdaw’s work, and from 2006 this work will become even more important with the setting up of a new equalities committee in each division.

These new committees will look at how to get under-involved members more active in the union to promote equality in the workplace, and recruit more women, black, disabled, and lesbian and gay members into Usdaw.

The committees will be called divisional equalities forums. They won’t be talking shops - they will be out there in workplaces and at union events reaching out to members who might not otherwise get involved in the union.

The following groups of members can sit on the new committees:

- Women.

- Black and Asian members.

- Disabled members.

- Lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender members.

Membership is only open to these four groups for the following reasons; these groups suffer discrimination and inequality in society and are therefore the ‘experts’ in how best to tackle the problem. The discrimination they face often explains their lack of involvement in the union. So part of their role is to reach out to members in a similar position and it is important that they reflect these types of members.

These members can sometimes struggle to get their voices heard in the union and it is important they have the space they need to speak up.

The committees will agree a plan for promoting equality and tackling under involvement. They will then work with reps, officials and activists to put this plan into action.

You can find out more about how to get involved in the new equalities committees by doing any of the following:

- e-mail: Women and Equalities section and ask for more information about the new committees.

- Contact the equalities section at Central Office on 0161 224 2804.

- Visit: www.usdaw.org.uk/equality

- Contact your local Usdaw office telephone 0845 6060640.

Members of the divisional equalities forums will be selected by divisional councils from nominations received. If you become a member of your equalities forum you will receive full training and will be able to participate in their work without loss of pay.

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© 2003 (USDAW) Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers
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