Motions from the Womens National Conference 2010

Motions on Breast cancer (motion 2 and 3)

The National Womens Committee (NWC) will be working with UNISON’s Bargaining Support to produce workplace guideance on breast cancer, during treatment and after.  The Scottish Women’s Committee have been asked to raise awareness to ensure activists and members are aware of the provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), including disability leave and the right to reasonable adjustments.  You can find out more information on the DDA at www.direct.gov.uk/en/disabledpeople/rightsandobligations/
disabilityrights/dg_4001068. 

Also, we would like to raise awareness of the support which can be provided by UNISON Welfare – the website is www.unison.org.uk/welfare/.

Motion 2 highlighted the need for improved services for women experiencing lymphoedema as a consequence of surgery.  There is an existing supporting network, and this can be found at www.lymphoedema.org.

A motion on “A million voices” – why women must be vocal (motion 5)

Regions are asked to support and promote the Million Voices campaign.  A womens factsheet has already been produced and is available from www.unison.org.uk/acrobat/18949.pdf.   The motion further calls for evidence gathering on women and the recession.  The TUC have produced a report, and this can be found at www.tuc.org.uk/extras/womenandrecession.pdf.

A motion on Mary Seacole – turn her into stone (motion 11)

When Mary Seacole nursed the sick and wounded on the front line in the Crimea she did not ask for, or expect any reward. She did it for the British troops, who she loved and admired. They responded in equal generosity to the person they called "Mother Seacole".

Mary Seacole was not a person to duck a challenge. She broke the race barrier to win the hearts and minds of the British people. She is wonderful example of an individual who was determined to make a difference. She did so with the force of her personality and her untiring entrepreneurial spirit. This is why she remains such a powerful role model in today's vibrant and diverse society.  Details of the appeal can be found at www.maryseacoleappeal.org.uk

Motions on screen and smear tests (motion 13 and 14)

There were 2 motions on screening and smear tests, but there was a contradiction in the age for access to routine screening.  The NWC will therefore be conducting further research.  In the meantime, they will continue to work with Jo’s Trust – the website is www.jotrust.co.uk.

A motion on Women and Pensions (motion 18)

 UNISON submitted a motion to both national delegate conference and TUC women’s conference on this issue.  We are continueing to support UNISON’s pension campaign.  UNISON is asking you to encourage more women to become involved in pensions governance through the capital stewardship programme – more information can be seen at www.unison.org.uk/capitalstewards.

A motion on Women and cycling (motion 19)

 The NWC will be liaising with the UNISON green project on support for Sustrans.  Details of the motion for women campaign can be found at www.sustrans.org.uk.

Motions on the far right and women united against fascism (motion 20 and 21)

 UNISON teamed up with the Hope Not Hate campaign and the Daily Mirror to produce 880,000 copies of the booklet Together Against Hate aimed at women and exposing the dangers of the BMP.  Over half a million copies were sent to members in 4 key areas.  The booklet can be found at www.hopenothate.org.uk/downloads/womens/womensbookletmarch10.pdf.

Motions about rape (motion 24 and 25)

One in four local authorities have no specialised services to support victims of rape. The NWC will be lobbying the government for sustainable funding for rape crisis.  The website for Rape Crisis in Scotland is www.rapecrisisscotland.org.uk.

Demand Change (Composite A)

Composite A was selected as a women’s conference motion to national delegate conference, and to support the motion the NWC have arranged a fringe meeting and a briefing pack has been produced which has already been circulated to the national committee and regional women’s/equality officers to be used in regions and branches in support of the motion.  Branches are encouraged to affiliate to Object, and support their campaign work at www.object.org.uk.

Buying sex is not a sport (motion 29)

Evidence from other major sporting events indicates that the number of women trafficked to the UK for prostitution will increase in response to the 2012 London Olympics.  As well as working with the Demand Change! Campaign, there is information from the Poppy Project at www.eaves4women.co.uk/poppyproject/php.

Palestine (motion 33)

The NWC would like to draw attention to the TUC campaign for the boycott of goods from the illegal Israeli settlements.  The trade union briefing can be found at – www.tuc.org.uk/extras/settlementgoodsleaflet.pdf.  Also, you can become involved with the work of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign at www.palestinecampaign.org.

Millennium development goals 4 and 4 (motion 34)

 Information on the millennium development goals can be found at www.un.org/millenniumgoals.shtml.

No more BPA Emergency motion 1)

 BPA is a chemical used in the manufacture of baby bottles and other food storage containers.  It has proven links with breast cancer, and is banned in the USA and Canada.  You can get involved in the campaign at www.nomorebpa.org.uk.

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