In UNISON, 2022 has been the Year of the Disabled Worker, which has been a great opportunity for UNISON to review and update our policies, and to campaign for better workplaces for disabled staff. UNISON has been holding webinars and online meetings throughout the year, as well as having regional meetings and of course our annual conference for disabled members.
Camden UNISON was really pleased that two of our members, Asif and Brenda, attended UNISON’s National Disabled Members Conference a few weeks ago. They’ve come back with lots of information, and some ideas about how we can continue the work we did with disabled staff drawing up the Charter to build on it and put it in to practice.
Camden UNISON has regularly taken up cases and represented members who have a disability to make sure that they aren’t treated differently or get the adjustments that they are entitled to so that they are not discriminated against at work. Camden UNISON has an elected Equality Officer who, along with other Branch Officers, can give advice if needed to all of our local stewards when they are representing members with a disability. Some of our stewards have disabilities and their experience is important in both raising how our branch can highlight issues and campaigns that affect our disabled members, and in making sure what they’re learnt is shared with other stewards to help when representing members.
We have represented members right up to Employment Tribunal level and have had a number of successful cases over the years. We regularly encourage members to register that they have a disability, and to complete the Wellbeing Passport – doing these now is a good thing anyway, but also really helps if there is any unequal or unfair treatment in the future.
We also think that campaigning collectively is important – that’s how we get changes in organisations and in society – and so have taken part in all kind of rallies, lobbies and protests. We have been part of the successful campaign to make BSL a recognised language, joining the rally in Trafalgar Square along with our members and the children from Frank Barnes School here in Camden, and are keen for staff to be taught some basic phrases so that we are part of making the services our members provide as inclusive as possible.
If you want any more information, support or representation, or would like to help campaign with Camden UNISON, then email us at unison@camden.gov.uk