UNISON all women shortlists

[PhonicTheHedgehog]

I’ve just seen this and couldn’t see another conversation on it but felt it was worth bringing to peoples attention.

It’s difficult to see how this press statement makes sense in the wider context of UNISONs TWAW believe.

^Jeremy Corbyn must oppose any attempt to undermine the practice of all-women shortlists, UNISON said today (Friday).

UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis has written to the Labour leader warning that any move that threatens equal representation in parliament risks a return to the ‘bad old days’ where men ‘monopolise promised (parliamentary) seats.’

It comes as Labour is set to decide who will replace retiring MPs in the run-up to a general election.

In his letter, Dave Prentis says: “The Labour Party and UNISON have a proud record of encouraging women to come forward.

“We’ve worked together over decades towards our goal of 50-50 representation through the all-women shortlist process.

“However, I’m aware of discussions around existing seats that seek to overturn that practice.

“I find this deeply concerning, and wish to flag up the risks and dangers of meddling with a process that has served us well.

“All-women shortlists are being used as bargaining chips primarily for the convenience of men to take or monopolise promised seats.

“There must not be a return to the bad old days of backroom stitch-ups and women being pushed further away from being represented in parliament.

“We support more than a million women including thousands who are active in the Labour party. They’re strong, talented and from all walks of life, and many – like Angela Rayner and Eleanor Smith – would make excellent MPs.

“Labour has a clear policy that where a female Labour MP steps down, that specific seat must stay open to women only. This must remain the case.”

Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services – in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in both the public and private sectors.
– UNISON is committed to increasing women’s representation in parliament through the all-women shortlist (AWS) process.

Media contacts:
Sophie Goodchild T: 0207 121 5255 M: 07767 325595 E: [email protected]
Siobhan Cooley T: 0207 121 5555 M: 07816 538199 E: [email protected]^

And should the law have ever got involved in 'don't say words that hurt people's feelings' and come to regard 'hurtful' speech as something that can be criminal?

Yes, the law should get involved if someone deliberately sets out to bully someone in the workplace. I don't believe TWAW but if a man wants me to call him Jane then live and let live I say.

But to clarify we're not talking about criminal law. We're talking about employment law.

Harassment is criminal law, not employment law.

Workplace harassment would be dealt with under employment law. This is the context of the unison guide.

I disagree. When they say "unlawful harassment" they are referring to criminal law.

I don't think two employees can break employment law between each other. Employment law deals with employer / employee relations.

Harassment in the workplace is likely to be gross misconduct under most workplace disciplinary policies but I don't think there's an employment law it would break.

Also I think it's yet to be proven that misgendering actually does constitute unlawful harassment. That's why I don't like it being stayed in the Unison guidance as if it's fact. It comes across as an intimidation tactic.

If a man wants to be called Jane-fine.

If UNISON are looking at a case where Jane and a AHF are doing the same job. Jane is being supported by a manager but AHF is having a difficult time with that manager. Is there a sex discrimination case? It’s not going to get past UNISONs lawyers.

Anyhow thanks for sharing the Trans Ally guidance. I just wanted to share the letter from Dave Prentis. I think it’s important to share information.

Again, the guide doesn't say that misgendering is unlawful harassment. It says it may constitute unlawful harassment. It is covered under employment law as employers are liable if they fail to prevent harassment between employees. I would be very surprised if Unison were giving advice on criminal law as that is outside of their remit.

OP, even if it were a man (not a TW) compared to an AHF, you haven't supplied any information which would support sex discrimination.

We have gone off-topic, I appreciate that. So i'd like to reiterate my support for AWS, show solidarity with CLPs like Stockport and Vauxhall and people like Dave Prentis who are speaking out against those who only support women when it's convenient for them.

When they say "unlawful harassment" they are referring to criminal law.
No. Harassment on grounds of a protected characteristic is covered in the Equality Act (so civil law).