Equality forums
The Union has equality forums in each region made up of members from the black and Asian, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+), and disabled communities.
Members can volunteer to get involved in their Regional Equality Forum by contacting their local office. This forms part of the Union’s aim to increase the participation of female members in the work of Usdaw.
Supporting members
While discrimination is illegal it can be very difficult to prove. However, Usdaw works tirelessly to support members and reps both to promote equality and end discrimination in all its forms. Legislation does exist to protect individuals from discrimination and Usdaw’s reps, officials and Legal Department can be called upon to support members. Usdaw has successfully represented many women unlawfully discriminated against at work.
Evidence shows women returning from maternity leave are particularly subject to discriminatory treatment. They are also under-represented in senior managerial roles and the ‘gender pay gap’ (the difference between the average earnings of women and men) is still significant.
More and more female members are getting involved in Usdaw.