UNISON joined the successful protest against the Rocco Buttiglione's nomination as EU Commissioner for Justice, Freedom and Security. He had openly expressed homophobic views and insulting remarks about women in the workplace, writes LINDA JACKSON.

As well as Dave Prentis, General Secretary writing to all Labour MEPs urging them to vote against the inclusion of Mr Buttiglione, UNISON activists have been very involved in the ILGA Europe (International Lesbian and Gay Association) Campaign to highlight this man's unsuitability for such a post.

The level of protest resulted in ILGA Europe's Co Chair, UNISON's Jackie Lewis being able to announce at the start of the ILGA Europe Annual Conference in Budapest that President Barroso had withdrawn his proposed commission.

UNISON Scotland delegates were actively involved in the Conference and UNISON led a well-attended and lively workshop on organising in trade unions for LGBT workers rights.

This year, the workshop was organised in partnership with our sister union in Hungary, where the conference was held. This provided a very interesting position with two public service unions, both committed to LGBT rights, but one with many years of experience and one just starting out.

We look forward to future work with our sister unions in Europe and in particular Klara Gode of the Hungarian Democratic Union of Health and Social Workers, our co-presenter at the ILGA-Europe Conference. A full report of UNISON Scotland's participation will be presented to Scottish Council's February meeting.

• Open Meeting to welcome new members and activists to become involved and to contribute to the work of the group for 2005. Saturday 19 Feb 2005 Edinburgh (Venue and details TBC)
  
  
• See full details of all the work the L&G Group is involved in at www.unison-scotland.org.uk/lesbiangay/ Or contact Neil MacInnes, Secretary macinnesneil@aol.com 07810 358 139

headlines . top