LGBT Equality at Work Briefing

Date: 20 August 2007

LGBT Equality at Work Briefing

LGBT Equality at Work.

Introduction

Over the last decade there has been a dramatic improvement in the legal rights of LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) workers.

Unions have an important role to play in helping to improve the basic rights government has introduced. This briefing is designed to help reps and officers who want to:

• find out more about what rights LGBT workers have
• try and win better rights for LGBT workers through collective bargaining.

Why are LGBT rights an Usdaw issue?

• Because we have LGBT members

Around one in every ten workers are lesbian, gay or bisexual. There are around 5,000 trans people in the UK. This means that Usdaw probably has over 35,000 LGBT members. So these issues need to be on our agenda because we have large numbers of LGBT members.

• Because it helps grow the union

TUC research has shown that two thirds of non-unionised LGBT workers said they would be more likely to join a trade union if they believed LGBT rights would be taken seriously. So there is recruitment potential in organising and reaching out to LGBT workers.

• Because employers need our help to get it right

Employers are increasingly dealing with a wide range of LGBT issues such as harassment, time off for dependants and adoption leave. We want to make sure managers handle these issues fairly and sensitively and in accordance with the law.

What are the facts?

LGBT workers still face real discrimination in the workplace. This ranges from being on the receiving end of homophobic 'jokes', being denied equal access to employment benefits such as adoption or compassionate leave and being prevented from progressing at work as a result of prejudice and ignorance.

Usdaw reps have taken up a wide range of issues on behalf of LGBT members. Sexual harassment, bullying, victimisation, verbal abuse and obscene graffiti have all been successfully tackled in Usdaw organised workplaces.

The law now makes it clear that this kind of behaviour is unlawful. Even so prejudice and ignorance can ruin the lives of many LGBT people. Usdaw is committed to negotiating decent and effective policies and practices to ensure safe and healthy workplaces for everyone.

Section 1 - The Law - LGBT Employment Rights

This section summarises the employment rights LGBT people have under law. This is only a summary and the law is complex.

Section 2 - Workplace Negotiating Issues

This section is designed to support reps and officers in this work.

Section 3 - Useful Information for Reps and Officers

Useful information including a glossary of LGBT terms, resources and contacts.

LGBT Equality at Work Briefing was correct at date of publication August 2007.

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Last Modified: Monday, 16-Jun-2008 21:16:20 EST