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Original poster

UNISON reported over women-only reserved seat policy after Supreme Court ruling

44 replies

anyolddinosaur · 22/07/2026 09:18

Stephen Flaherty - who exposed Nottm College's secret transition of a child to her mother and was fired for doing so (garden in the usual place) has decided to report Unison to the Certification Officer who is supposed to "ensure that trade unions and employers' associations carry out their statutory duties". Interesting decision. More info below

"Last year, the Supreme Court ruled that women do have a right to a women-only changing room. UNISON, of course, continue to oppose this, betraying their members again. And they did so straight away, allowing a man to stand for a reserved woman's seat in the 2025 elections.

As a member of UNISON, I felt this was wrong, so I complained, using their official channels. And, just like my ex-employer, they ignored my complaint. So I reported them to the Certification Officer, who regulate unions in the UK. Unlike my tribunal, I didn't have to wait 3 years for resolution: It'll be heard next week, on the 15th July, just over a year after my complaint. I'm hoping to get a declaration from the Certification Officer that their actions were illegal and an instruction for them to change their electoral policy to bring it into line with the law.

I think this will be useful as UNISON are not the only union with illegal policies that haven't been rewritten after the Supreme Court Ruling exposed them as illegal. Watch this space, I'll report the result."

OP posts:
MrsTomRipley · 23/07/2026 09:37

sorry for the derail

BridgetYourFortyDaysAreUp · 23/07/2026 14:13

Aaarrghhh! And I gave up the rights to half my username!!

Snot fair!

@Boiledbeetle @Seethlaw I call foul!

JollyJaffa · 23/07/2026 14:16

.

Seethlaw · 23/07/2026 14:18

BridgetYourFortyDaysAreUp · 23/07/2026 14:13

Aaarrghhh! And I gave up the rights to half my username!!

Snot fair!

@Boiledbeetle @Seethlaw I call foul!

Yup, and it's too late, I've already used "Bridget" in my fic. Muahaha, life is tough!

😈

JollyJaffa · 23/07/2026 14:19

I just got invited to this and did wonder if it’s actually women only yet, I shall email and ask - You’re Invited – Women’s Self-Organised Group Heritage & Wellbeing Day Sunday 2nd August 2026

The Women’s Self-Organised Group is delighted to invite women members to join us for a Heritage & Wellbeing Day.

This day has been organised to give members the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of nature, history and culture while spending time with other women in a relaxed, supportive and friendly environment. It’s a chance to take a break from the demands of everyday life, explore some remarkable heritage sites, and build connections with fellow UNISON members.
Our planned itinerary includes visits to:

  • 🌿 Thornborough Henges
  • ⛪ Ripon Cathedral
  • 🏛️ Fountains Abbey
  • 🌸 Himalayan Garden & Sculpture Park
  • 🌳 Druid’s Temple
The itinerary may be adjusted on the day depending on the weather and time available, as many of the locations are outdoors. What’s included?
  • Entry to Fountains Abbey and the Himalayan Garden & Sculpture Park
  • Transport via shared cars (with fuel costs covered for volunteer drivers)
  • A full day of heritage, culture, wellbeing and great company!
To support both accessibility and UNISON’s commitment to sustainability, we’ll be travelling by car share wherever possible.

Places Available: 6

Places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and are open to women members of our branch.

Whether you’ve attended a Women’s Self-Organised Group event before or this is your first, you’ll receive a warm welcome. These events are a wonderful opportunity to meet other women members, make new connections, and enjoy a day focused on wellbeing, friendship and discovering some of Yorkshire’s most fascinating historic and cultural landmarks.

If you’d like to join us, please email to register your interest. Further details, including meeting arrangements and timings, will be sent to those allocated a place.

We hope you’ll be able to join us for a relaxing, enjoyable and inspiring day out!

Branch Admin Team

TheywontletmehavethenameIwant · 23/07/2026 14:19

If it's any consolation I still can't work out how to do it. 🤷

BridgetYourFortyDaysAreUp · 23/07/2026 15:37

Seethlaw · 23/07/2026 14:18

Yup, and it's too late, I've already used "Bridget" in my fic. Muahaha, life is tough!

😈

Show quote history

Sad Bridget

😑

BridgetYourFortyDaysAreUp · 23/07/2026 15:38

TheywontletmehavethenameIwant · 23/07/2026 14:19

If it's any consolation I still can't work out how to do it. 🤷

I'm not allowed to tell anyone. It's in the contract. 😒

TheywontletmehavethenameIwant · 23/07/2026 15:50

I figured it out, no one helped me, I did it all on my own 😜

MrsTomRipley · 23/07/2026 18:33

JollyJaffa · 23/07/2026 14:19

I just got invited to this and did wonder if it’s actually women only yet, I shall email and ask - You’re Invited – Women’s Self-Organised Group Heritage & Wellbeing Day Sunday 2nd August 2026

The Women’s Self-Organised Group is delighted to invite women members to join us for a Heritage & Wellbeing Day.

This day has been organised to give members the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of nature, history and culture while spending time with other women in a relaxed, supportive and friendly environment. It’s a chance to take a break from the demands of everyday life, explore some remarkable heritage sites, and build connections with fellow UNISON members.
Our planned itinerary includes visits to:

  • 🌿 Thornborough Henges
  • ⛪ Ripon Cathedral
  • 🏛️ Fountains Abbey
  • 🌸 Himalayan Garden & Sculpture Park
  • 🌳 Druid’s Temple
The itinerary may be adjusted on the day depending on the weather and time available, as many of the locations are outdoors. What’s included?
  • Entry to Fountains Abbey and the Himalayan Garden & Sculpture Park
  • Transport via shared cars (with fuel costs covered for volunteer drivers)
  • A full day of heritage, culture, wellbeing and great company!
To support both accessibility and UNISON’s commitment to sustainability, we’ll be travelling by car share wherever possible.

Places Available: 6

Places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and are open to women members of our branch.

Whether you’ve attended a Women’s Self-Organised Group event before or this is your first, you’ll receive a warm welcome. These events are a wonderful opportunity to meet other women members, make new connections, and enjoy a day focused on wellbeing, friendship and discovering some of Yorkshire’s most fascinating historic and cultural landmarks.

If you’d like to join us, please email to register your interest. Further details, including meeting arrangements and timings, will be sent to those allocated a place.

We hope you’ll be able to join us for a relaxing, enjoyable and inspiring day out!

Branch Admin Team

As it's UNISON it means women and men who think they are

BridgetYourFortyDaysAreUp · 23/07/2026 20:54

JollyJaffa · 23/07/2026 14:19

I just got invited to this and did wonder if it’s actually women only yet, I shall email and ask - You’re Invited – Women’s Self-Organised Group Heritage & Wellbeing Day Sunday 2nd August 2026

The Women’s Self-Organised Group is delighted to invite women members to join us for a Heritage & Wellbeing Day.

This day has been organised to give members the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of nature, history and culture while spending time with other women in a relaxed, supportive and friendly environment. It’s a chance to take a break from the demands of everyday life, explore some remarkable heritage sites, and build connections with fellow UNISON members.
Our planned itinerary includes visits to:

  • 🌿 Thornborough Henges
  • ⛪ Ripon Cathedral
  • 🏛️ Fountains Abbey
  • 🌸 Himalayan Garden & Sculpture Park
  • 🌳 Druid’s Temple
The itinerary may be adjusted on the day depending on the weather and time available, as many of the locations are outdoors. What’s included?
  • Entry to Fountains Abbey and the Himalayan Garden & Sculpture Park
  • Transport via shared cars (with fuel costs covered for volunteer drivers)
  • A full day of heritage, culture, wellbeing and great company!
To support both accessibility and UNISON’s commitment to sustainability, we’ll be travelling by car share wherever possible.

Places Available: 6

Places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and are open to women members of our branch.

Whether you’ve attended a Women’s Self-Organised Group event before or this is your first, you’ll receive a warm welcome. These events are a wonderful opportunity to meet other women members, make new connections, and enjoy a day focused on wellbeing, friendship and discovering some of Yorkshire’s most fascinating historic and cultural landmarks.

If you’d like to join us, please email to register your interest. Further details, including meeting arrangements and timings, will be sent to those allocated a place.

We hope you’ll be able to join us for a relaxing, enjoyable and inspiring day out!

Branch Admin Team

That sounds really fun. I wonder what are the chances they'll end up booking 6 men? 😁

YourTipsyPanda · 06/08/2026 15:48

I went to this, it was a lovely day out with some lovely women, recommend you going next time!

GargoylesofBeelzebub · Yesterday 10:28

Kirschcherries · Yesterday 10:22

I stumbled on this in x. Stephen won - yay.
Link to decision https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a7354aef77d0962881eec0a/29_07_26_Flaherty_v_UNISON_Decision.pdf

Fantastic!!

TheywontletmehavethenameIwant · Yesterday 10:32

Kirschcherries · Yesterday 10:22

I stumbled on this in x. Stephen won - yay.
Link to decision https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a7354aef77d0962881eec0a/29_07_26_Flaherty_v_UNISON_Decision.pdf

Brilliant, I'm on my phone so I can't read it properly but I read enough to say. Yay 🥳

FarriersGirl · Yesterday 11:16

Well that all sounds very sensible and hopefully Unison really is amending its protocols to abide by FWS as it told the tribunal.

SidewaysOtter · Yesterday 11:27

From the document:

"I would invite all trade unions and employer associations to ensure that they review their rules, procedures and guidance in respect of the UK Supreme Court’s ruling in, For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers [2025] UKSC 16, given its declaratory effect, should they have not already done so."

Amen to that.

Peregrina · Yesterday 14:28

I think it's particularly pertinent because wasn't the FWS judgement about whether men with Gender Recognition Certificates were eligible for posts reserved for women.?

So it's not even a case that doesn't quite fit the boundaries laid down.

SinnerBoy · Yesterday 15:01

This is good news, unions and councils have been bragging about how they intend to wilfully ignore the law. It's about time some lessons were learned.

I'd advise anyone in a union to stand as a member and if not, vote for the next one and encourage your colleagues to do so. They get in on tiny turnouts.

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