UNISON Women’s conference

[UNIdaughter]

Please MN, tell me what I can do about this message I’ve had from my union about their women’s conference. I wanted to go but obviously don’t identify as a women, just being one. Is this even legal now after the supreme court ruling?

“Transgender Members
Members who are in the process of transitioning gender may not yet have changed their UNISON membership details. For example, a member may wish to attend conference as a woman, but may still be attending work as a man. Members will therefore be registered for conference as the gender in which they will attend the conference, irrespective of their gender recorded on the RMS. Please note, however, that only members identifying as women are eligible to attend this conference. To ensure that nominations are not rejected, please contact the Conference Office on 020 7121 5123 or email [email protected] with information on any online delegate submissions which include members attending conference in a different gender to that recorded on the RMS. Their confidentiality will be respected at conference.”

My rep is furious

For goodness sake.

So trans men aren’t welcome.

It would seem that is correct, trans men are not welcome.
Women are not welcome

This is why they do not get my money anymore

The picture paints a thousand words.

Another ex unison member here who remains homeless when it comes to joining a new union.

No this isn't legal

That’s what I thought.

I know there is a group for Labour women who don’t want leave Labour, but believe that sex is immutable.
Does anyone know if there is a similar group for unison?

I would, if I were being awkward (which is tempting) email them to ask about the representation available to trans men (ie. females), and especially "gay" trans men (ie. in a relationship with a male) concerned about their rights in the workplace.

Now that they're specifically excluded from a conference that was previously open to them, with all its associated advantages (set up, as it was, to provide for those with female bodies), what forum do they have in its place to explore their concerns (which could include eg. discrimination on the basis that they may become or are pregnant, or related to periods or menopause, or the - mistaken! 😶 - perception of them as female etc.)?

Surely Unison will have, on deciding to withdraw this invaluable source of support from trans men, have put in place alternative provision to compensate their loss? As an inclusive body? Which values its trans members?

Surely Unison will, on proactively deciding to withdraw this focussed support from trans men, have planned alternative provision to compensate this loss? As an inclusive body?

^ This.

Although we all know it will be like the NUS trans conference where the trans identifying women were the only ones without a travel grant, because they are the least oppressed, or something.

a) including transwomen in the women's conference must be illegal
b) the whole passage is confusing nonsense

Isn't this why Labour cancelled their Women's Conference, because they wanted it to include TW but got legal advice that they could end up being sued for breaching the Supreme Court ruling.

Is there some way GC Unison members can get together to say they will sue.

Or ask Sex Matters to challenge them?

Is there a Unison SEEN?

Yes, I think you are right. Labour did cancel their women’s conference for this reason. Unison obviously has different lawyers.

The women’s conference has only been open to people who identify as such for a good few years now. Nothing has been put in place for women or women who identify as men. But I thought with the SC ruling this would change.

I would love to meet some Unison sex realist women but don’t know how. I’ll put feelers out to my very small GC gang, but if anyone knows how I can make a contact I’d be grateful.

From Pete the Plumber xoxo

Brilliant

I've just joined UNISON. I couldn't bear the idea of being at work and not being a Union member. However I will be registering with Filia's women's trade union network. https://www.filia.org.uk/filia-trade-union-womens-network

Thanks @Angelabdc - I've just joined the FiLia TU network too 😀

@UNIdaughter if you do hear of a sex realist/SEEN for Unison please share!
I want to be part of a union but am increasingly fed-up with just how misogynistic they all are.

Thanks Pete!

So simple @afuckinggoat so perfect.

FILIA, of course, thanks.

Peter has had a response. Fortunately, I am not an enrolled member of Unison.

Peter would still very much like to attend though. Would anyone like to nominate their branch as Peter's local? He is thrilled at the prospect of attending. Will a simple slick of lip balm suffice?
Must he wear tights and sport a handbag? He will have the answers soon, Goddess willing.

Join unison

Classy Unison. Classy. I wonder if Anna knows my mate Ivor Biggun?

Surely Peter can simply identify as being a fully paid up and card carrying member?

Women’s Conference is great. We bring our knitting and everything is pink.