Usdaw continues the campaign for women’s equality, focusing on health and safety at work

Paddy Lillis - Usdaw General Secretary says: “On International Women’s Day, we celebrate women’s contribution to society, the economy, family life and workplaces. We also continue our campaigning tackling women’s inequality by addressing discrimination and improving workplace rights. We are focused on the impact the workplace has on women’s health; factors ranging from their over-exposure to low pay and insecure contracts increasing their risk of poverty, to the health and safety risks that can affect physical and mental health.

“One of the most effective ways to deliver better pay, decent work and fairness for women is for employers to recognise trade unions. We need a new deal for workers that makes work pay, ends insecure employment, provides a proper social security safety net and gives workers a voice through their trade union. Now that Labour is in Government, they are delivering on those aspirations, after 14 years of Tory failure on workplace rights.

“Too many workers suffer abuse and violence at work; for women this often takes the form of sexual harassment. Usdaw’s survey of members’ experiences found seven in ten women have experienced some form of sexual harassment in the workplace — and most did not tell their employer. After many years of campaigning by the trade union movement, the introduction of the new preventative duty is an important step forward to protecting women from sexual harassment at work, including from third parties. Usdaw also welcome Labour Government commitments that will further strengthen the law around tackling sexual harassment at work. 

“Where the differences between men and women are taken into account when assessing risk and deciding suitable solutions, there is a greater chance of ensuring that the health, safety and welfare of all workers is protected. Research shows that women are more exposed to repetitive and monotonous work and to stressful conditions. Usdaw works with employers to highlight and mitigate these risks.

“Despite a growing recognition among employers and policy makers that women’s health is a workplace health and safety issue, too few women are receiving the right support at work. Usdaw is calling for menopause-related absence to be counted separately and be discounted in disciplinary and other employment decisions. We continue to campaign in workplaces to support women members to recognise and feel able to discuss their menopause symptoms in the workplace.

“Strong employment and equality rights during pregnancy and maternity leave are absolutely necessary; pregnancy discrimination at work and in the labour market remains widespread, ranging from being denied paid time off for antenatal appointments to inadequate rest breaks and lack of proper risk assessments. Women in unorganised workplaces face particular problems asserting their rights, so strong trade union organisation and workplace reps are crucial to ensure women are not missing out on their rights at work.

“Women remain overrepresented in low-paid, low-hours and insecure work. Women workers need a new deal that provides high-quality affordable and accessible childcare alongside family-friendly rights and flexible working options that give working parents and carers real choices to support juggling their jobs with the demands of family life.  

“Today we highlight our all year-round campaigning on issues that affect women workers. Women are more likely than men to be members of a trade union, and strong workplace organisation is crucial to defend and further women’s rights at work. One of the most effective ways to deliver better pay, decent work and fairness for women at work is for employers to recognise and work with trade unions.”