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Network Journal 2006 Issue 1 March |
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Equalities forums begin to take shape
The union’s new equalities forums will give a voice to all of those members who in the past may have been under-involved in Usdaw.
Women, black and Asian, disabled, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) members will all have the opportunity to get involved in their divisional forums.
Network caught up with the activists in the North West - one of the first divisional equalities forums to meet.
Equalities forums represent a significant step forward for Usdaw as it seeks to reflect, involve and organise all sections of its membership.
"I've never been involved with any union committees before so it was a first for me," said Sainsbury driver Paul Trotman from Stoke.
"I didn't know anyone when I arrived but we were soon getting on like a house on fire. We had our first committee meeting after a two-day training session which was very productive. We are now working on our first newsletter."
Cathy Nicholson from Gusco in Bolton also enjoyed the meeting. "The forums are there to raise awareness of the fact that discrimination is still real and widespread and we all have an important role to play in tackling it," she said. "It's great that Usdaw has for the first time given a voice to LGBT and disabled members."
Divisional Co-ordinator Jane Hunter said: "The first meeting was hugely successful with all the forum members making very valuable contributions. Activists were positive, enthusiastic and keen to work together to advance the equalities agenda."
The divisional forums hope to run weekend schools on issues like disability discrimination, women's health and tackling racism.
Local get-togethers and workplace visits to support and encourage activity among new members is also on the cards.
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