TUC Motion 17 and Women’s Rights

Union members have been writing to their general secretaries to ask them about their union’s position on the recent TUC Motion 17: Oppose the EHRC Code of Practice (Services, Public Functions and Associations).

Unions are starting to respond to these letters and we will be sharing their responses soon. If you haven’t written yet, you can use our model letter.

Women have told us they want to discuss the implications of this motion, and what it means for women’s rights, with other members of their unions and in their branches, so we have produced the following model motion.

You may wish to adapt the motion to your union’s preferred word count, format and phrasing.

You will need to follow your union rules on how to submit a motion and make sure you meet the deadlines for the meeting.

You should also talk to other members of your branch to ensure you have support for your position and encourage others to speak in favour of your motion.

Let us know how you get on by emailing us at tuwomen@filia.org.uk

MODEL MOTION

TUC Motion 17 and Women’s Rights

This branch notes:

  • The recent vote at Trades Union Congress to support a motion committing the organisation (and by implication its affiliate unions) to campaign against the EHRC code that provides guidance on the Equality Act for services, organisations and associations;

  • Despite the implications of such a campaign on the rights of women and girls, no mention was made of these in the motion;

  • The obligations of unions to promote equality and fairness and to uphold the law;

  • The struggles of union members over many years to win rights that challenge oppression and discrimination;

  • Individual unions make their own policy decisions separate to the TUC; therefore any decision to pursue a campaign needs to be agreed through this union’s democratic structures and processes;

  • The democratic structures of most unions rely on decisions made by a minority of active members.

This branch believes that:

  • For reasons of privacy, dignity and safety, biological women are legally entitled to single-sex provision including changing rooms, rape crisis services, domestic abuse refuges, intimate personal care and prisons;

  • The provision of these services, as well as the other exceptions set out the Equality Act, help women challenge the endemic social, political and economic discrimination and oppression they face;

  • TUC Motion 17 proposes a serious and substantial change to these legal rights;

  • This union must ensure that the voices of all members are heard in any discussion and that efforts must be redoubled to maximise grassroots member participation in all union processes, but particularly in developing union policies;

  • This union must be proactive in fostering good relations between individuals and groups across protected characteristics.

This branch agrees to write to the General Secretary of this union with a copy of this motion, and to seek answers to the following questions:

  • Did this union’s delegation support TUC Motion 17?

  • If so, on what basis did the delegation decide to do this?

  • Did the delegation consider the possible implications of TUC Motion 17 on the rights and protections of women and girls?

  • Does the union now intend to work to make this a policy for our union?

  • Does the union intend to campaign for a change in the law? If so, what specific changes will it seek?

  • How will the union ensure that the rights and protections of women and girls are not undermined by any change in policy or law?

  • How will the union ensure the widest possible consultation and participation in discussions and decision-making?

Sisterhood and Solidarity,
FiLiA Trade Union Women’s Network

Miz Jakubovic