IN THIS ISSUE: 09 WOMEN’S SECTION 13 CWU ❤ PRIDE 17 GRUNWICK DISPUTE 22 TIME TO TALK A TUC report says two thirds of The story of how CWU members 40 Years on from the Grunwick The Word looks at the help young women have experienced got involved in Pride events this dispute, how much has really and options available when sexual harassment at work year, across the whole of the UK changed for black workers? trying to fight depression

CWU EQUALITIES MAGAZINE AUTUMN 2016 WWW.CWU.ORG

TIME TO STAND AND FIGHT ON EQUALITY EDITOR’S COLUMN

ContactUs WELCOME CWU The Communications Union DAVE WARD commonplace in the workplace. 150 The Broadway, Wimbledon, GENERAL SECRETARY London SW19 1RX The Brexit vote also could see the T: 020 8971 7200 he equalities agenda has come removal of certain equality protections E: [email protected] W: www.cwu.org under increasing attack over recent that have come to British workers via the General Secretary times. EU. The trends identified above could DAVE WARD T grow even worse with rogue employers E: [email protected] At the time of the last Labour @davewardGS government the Equalities Act 2010 came backed by a right wing Conservative Publications Editor onto the statute book – marking some government able to further attack SIMON ALFORD E: [email protected] significant gains for working people. Yet worker’s rights. Consulting Editor as this edition of ‘The Word’ reflects there So there is much to be done. There PAUL DONOVAN seems to be a real slowing of momentum, has been progress made on the equality BT Pensioner Helpline agenda but recent events certainly T: 0800 731 1919 when it comes to achieving the goal of Accenture BT Pension creating a more equal society. underline growing threats. It is important Central T: 0800 731 1919 So we learn of the growing gender gap to remember that many of the great BT Benevolent Fund in pay between women who become advances in equality across society have T: 0845 602 9714 Royal Mail Pensioner mothers and their male counterparts, been attained as a result of the struggle Helpline of trade unions. It has been a successful T: 0845 603 0043 black and ethnic minorities are more Royal Mail Pensions Centre likely to be underemployed than their collective effort. We have made major T: 0800 731 1919 gains but now the time has come to not Rowland Hill Fund white counterparts and T: 0800 232 1762 Muslim women are the only defend those gains but seek to push Support your magazine most discriminated against that equality agenda ever further forward. and send items for the in the workforce. Sexual There is still a lot to be done before we next issue to: The Editor, SDGS Department, harassment, particularly truly become an equal society. 150 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1RX against younger women, remains

Published on behalf of CWU Century One Publishing Ltd. Alban Row, 27-31 Verulam Road LINDA ROY conference(s), I would encourage you St. Albans, Herts AL3 4DG EQUALITIES DEPARTMENT T: 01727 893 894 to come along and experience the F: 01727 893 895 Hello everyone, welcome to the conference(s). E: [email protected] W: www.centuryonepublishing.uk second edition of our equality The Equality conferences give our Senior Designer publication, ‘The Word’. The first members the opportunity to have Dan Angel issue was sent out during annual their say on issues which affect them Cover image conference and the feedback we have in the working environment. It’s an A.Katz/Shutterstock.com received has been really positive. opportunity to directly influence CWU Copyright Reproduction in whole or part by any means without written permission of the Well done to everyone who policy and motions – as all motions publisher is strictly forbidden. The publisher accepts no responsibility for errors, omissions contributed. It is our intention to build that are carried are acted upon by the or the consequences on this positivity. relevant advisory committee, and this thereof. The views and Equality Day at annual conference forms their work for the coming year. opinions expressed was also successful. Equality is an The face of the CWU membership in’The Word’are not important area as it affects everything is changing and it is vital that you are necessarily those of the we do; the mentoring scheme is part of that change, so come CWU, the RMAC or along and join us, join the editorial coming together; training has been team. in the debates, you may © CWU 2016 given to mentors and mentees and this will progress over the coming find it interesting and months. Some of you will be reading worthwhile. this magazine as we are going into the Equality conference season, if you have not attended any Equality Linda Roy

02 AUTUMN 2016 THE WORD NEWS TO FIND OUT MORE AND GET INVOLVED contact [email protected]

BAME WORKERS WEST HAM FANS JOIN TRADE UNION CAMPAIGN A THIRD MORE FOR WORKERS’ RIGHTS IN QATAR LIKELY TO BE UNDEREMPLOYED

A TUC report has found Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) workers are a third more likely to be Fans reaching out to Qatari workers underemployed than white workers. West Ham United’s first Premier TUC Colin Bull questioned why Qatar Figures from the Office for League match at their new London has failed to match the good health National Statistics show that Stadium was used by a trade union and safety record of the Olympic for the first quarter of 2016, and football supporter-backed stadium in London. BAME workers faced an campaign to highlight the ongoing “There are two or three deaths a underemployment rate of 15.3%, horror of Qatar’s World Cup day in Qatar,” he said. “I don’t see why compared to a rate of 11.5% for preparation. they cannot adopt the same standards white workers. Thousands of migrant workers we have in this country.” The TUC analysis came just have been exploited building the Jonathan Havard, a West Ham after the Equality and Human infrastructure for the 2022 tournament supporter and national secretary at Rights Commission found that – with many deaths. maritime union Nautilus, declared BAME workers also face higher The protest at the London Stadium that the Qatari authorities cannot be unemployment rates, lower pay, marked the start of a series of days allowed to plough over workers’ rights and are underrepresented in of action by Playfair Qatar, the unimpeded. senior roles. TUC’s campaign with the Football “Whatever faults West Ham might Supporters’ Federation to raise have, there is a unionised workforce awareness of the exploitation and here and health and safety is a % abuse of rights faced by workers in the priority,” he said. Gulf state. Stephen highlighted that FIFA 15.3 Campaign coordinator and TUC has the power to put pressure on BAME workers underemployment rate policy officer Stephen Russell said: the Qatari government to ensure “This stadium was at the heart of the that proper health and safety and TUC General Secretary safest Olympics ever — no-one lost work conditions are applied, though Frances O’ Grady said: their lives. football’s world governing body “Underemployment is a major “If these standards can be applied has continually ignored calls from problem in the UK, and it only for the Olympics they can also happen the ITUC, GMB and Amnesty gets worse if you’re black, Asian, for the World Cup. International to strip Qatar of the or part of any ethnic minority. “As a mega-sporting event it tournament. This is not only wrong, but a stands in stark contrast to the “It is making no effort to reform,” massive waste of talent too. situation in Qatar where hundreds, Stephen added. “Qatar continues with “We know this is part of if not thousands, of people are at risk the Kafala system which binds people a much bigger story. BAME building both the infrastructure and in jobs for five years, unable to quit and workers are more likely to be stadiums.” go to another employer or even just to unemployed, paid less, and It has been well documented that leave and go back to their families. aren’t getting enough of the top some 1,200 migrant workers have lost “I am not sure what FIFA stand jobs. their lives while preparing for the to gain from refusing to act. If FIFA “Employers and the Qatar World Cup. However, the Qatar doesn’t take action in Qatar, as the only government cannot afford to Ministry of Health has estimated that remaining agency able to compel the ignore these problems. They there could be 7,000 deaths before a Qataris — who clearly have no interest must now take real action to ball is kicked. in reforming themselves — then they tackle underemployment and Treasurer of Southern and Eastern will have blood on their hands.” pay .”

THE WORD AUTUMN 2016 03 TO FIND OUT MORE AND GET INVOLVED contact [email protected] MOTHERS FACE A WIDENING PAY GAP WITH THEIR MALE COUNTERPARTS

The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) found that “Without more well-paid, part-time jobs and while the overall gender pay gap had narrowed over affordable childcare, the gender pay gap will take the past two decades, women with children were decades to close. falling behind. “We need to see a step change in government Carried out for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation policy and employer attitudes if we are to fix this charity, the study found that average hourly pay problem.” rates for women are currently around 18 per cent The IFS report suggested that the lower than for men. difference may be down to women But it also found that once women with children working fewer hours and started a family, the gap widened consequently missing out on promotions year after year so that by the time and gaining less experience while men their first child had reached the race ahead. age of 12, their hourly pay was Fawcett Society chief executive Sam 33 per cent down on men. Smethers said: “We are wasting TUC general secretary Frances women’s skills and experience O’Grady said: “It is scandalous because of the way we choose to that millions of women still structure our labour market. suffer a motherhood pay “Part-time workers can penalty, be the most productive, “Many are forced to leave yet reduced hours working better-paid jobs due to the becomes a career cul-de-sac for pressure of caring responsibilities women from which they can’t and the lack of flexible working. recover.” MUSLIM WOMEN THE MOST DISADVANTAGED The Parliamentary Women and for National Statistics (ONS) The unemployment rate is Equalities Committee have found figures for 2015, which found 35% calculated as a percentage of those that Muslim women are the most of all Muslim women from 16 to 64 who are economically active. economically disadvantaged were in employment. By contrast, The report cited Demos’s group in British society. 69% of all British working-age analysis of the 2011 Census which Figures suggest Muslim women women were in employment found that nearly half (44%) of are three times more likely between March and May this year. economically inactive Muslim to be unemployed The starkest comparison was in women are inactive because they jobseekers than the proportion of women who are are looking after the home; this women generally, and classed as economically inactive compares with a national average twice as likely to be – that is, unemployed and not of 16% of women who are inactive economically inactive. seeking work. for this reason. Many Muslim women The 2015 ONS figures found The report cited a number of in Britain face a “triple that 58% of Muslim women were contributing factors, including penalty” impacting on economically inactive. By contrast, family pressures, Islamophobia, their job prospects – 27% of all working-age women in recruitment discrimination and being women, being the UK were economically inactive language barriers. from an ethnic between March and May. The committee called on the minority and The percentage of Muslim government to introduce a plan being Muslim, women unemployed and seeking to address the inequalities by the the committee work was 16%, the ONS found end of the year. It also called for suggested. – compared with 5% of women name-blind recruitment to be It cited Office nationally. introduced. NEWS

BURKINI BAN OVERRULED BY FRENCH COURTS

The attempt by a number of French towns to ban the Burkini was ruled as unlawful by France’s highest administrative court

The ruling came after pictures beamed around the world of two armed French policemen standing over a Muslim woman on a beach insisting she take clothes off. The international outrage brought forward many images including those of nuns playing in the waves and divers in wet suits lying on beaches. The blatant discrimination against the Muslim women was clear for all to see. The ban had initially been imposed by 15 towns across France.

BRITISH PUBLIC GROWING MORE POSITIVE ABOUT IMMIGRATION

“The British public are growing tired of the media and political rhetoric that demonises immigrants. The government has an opportunity to move beyond arbitrary targets and to start work on a principled and just migration system that recognises the contributions that immigrants make to the UK irrespective of the Brexit vote. “Immigration policy and law should be founded on evidence, should be clear and A new study conducted by Ipsos year, and only 27% in 2011. understandable, and should Mori has found the public attitude Similarly only 38% of people ensure the benefits of migration to immigration in the UK has think that immigration has made it are reinvested in our communities. grown more positive over the past harder for ‘native Britons’ to get a Today’s net migration statistics five years. job, rather than 48% last year and show the great need the UK has Among those surveyed, some 62% in 2011. for immigration. We should start 45% believed that immigration has Saira Grant, Chief Executive of building a system that works both been good for the UK economy. the Joint Council for the Welfare of for migrants and those already in Only 38% agreed with that last Immigrants, said: the UK.”

THE WORD AUTUMN 2016 05 TIME TO STAND AND FIGHT ON EQUALITY

TUC general secretary Frances O’ Grady outlines the challenges facing the trade union movement on equality and calls on the movement to defend those hard won rights

he TUC’s commitment being done by the union in the workplace – and that to equality runs movement to address this. affects their earnings. A fifth Tthrough everything that The TUC publishes an of mums under the age of 25 we do. It’s the cornerstone of annual Equality Audit said they were dismissed or the new campaign plan that and this year it comes at were treated so badly that we launched at Congress a time when unions face they were forced out of their in September. It’s cast in a an unpredictable and jobs because of pregnancy or starker light than ever in the challenging climate for maternity leave, compared to aftermath of the vote to leave bargaining on equality. one in ten mothers overall. the EU. Despite the challenging % It is scandalous that Our movement has shown times, unions continue to 15 millions of women still great strength, unity and make progress in bargaining mothers’ earnings suffer a motherhood pay resilience, and we’ll need for equality, whether it is reduction before penalty. Many are forced to the age of 33 it more than ever in the equal pay, flexible working, compared to leave better-paid jobs due coming years. Our recent pensions or bullying and those who to the pressure of caring activities – including the TUC harassment. haven’t had responsibilities and the research and campaigning On women’s rights, we children lack of flexible working. on sexual harassment, the know that women who Without more well-paid, motherhood pay penalty, become mothers before part-time jobs and affordable underemployment of BAME the age of 33 earn 15% less childcare, the gender pay gap workers and disabled than those who haven’t had will take decades to close. people’s employment – all children. Younger mums We need support for more show that we still face an are also more likely to equal parenting roles to stop uphill climb but much is experience poor treatment women being held back at

06 AUTUMN 2016 THE WORD NEWS FEATURE

work; free childcare from Employers must through talking to disabled the end of maternity leave to workers that stigma, help younger mothers with be clear they have a and discrimination less seniority and lower pay zero tolerance attitude makes it harder for disabled to stay in work after having to sexual harassment people to stay in work. children; better-paid jobs and treat any complaint The TUC’s Manifesto for to be available flexibly (job seriously Disability Equality and shares, part-time working, accompanying guidance is compressed hours), to a tool for trade unions to prevent women getting stuck and Minority Ethnic Groups ensure disability equality in in low-paid, part-time work (BAME), one third are more the workplace. after having children. likely to be underemployed. At its heart is the social Most importantly, we The Equality and Human model of disability – a need better enforcement Rights Commission reported fundamentally different of legislation against that despite improving approach from the discrimination linked to educational attainment, medicalised model that has pregnancy and childbirth. BAME workers with degrees for so long dominated much There are wider concerns for are two and a half times more public understanding of women in the workplace. likely to be unemployed than disability. The social model of Research published by white workers with degrees. disability sees the individual the TUC shows the extent of Moreover, black workers first, it doesn’t medicalise sexual harassment women with degrees are paid 23.1% people by their impairments in the workplace are being less on average than white but it seeks to remove the subjected to. More than workers with degrees. barriers disabled people half (52%) of women, and The TUC has called on experience. The manifesto nearly two-thirds (63%) of employers to publish ethnic sets out what is needed to women aged 18-24 years old, % monitoring reports on achieve this in employment, said they have experienced 63 underemployment, hiring, social care, transport, sexual harassment at work. of women aged promotion, and training politics, arts and culture, and Sexual harassment shames 18-24 years old, and to use standardised, in social security. It is a tool said they have and silences the victim, it is experienced sexual anonymous job application to help trade unionists and undermining, humiliating harassment forms for new hires; others to resist government and can have a huge effect on at work establish clear, written policies that hit disabled mental health. It has no place procedures for dealing with people badly, and to in a modern workplace, or in discrimination at work and negotiate improvements in wider society. advertise opportunities the workplace. Employers must be clear for training, extra hours, In the case of LGBT rights, they have a zero tolerance and development such as the TUC has campaigned attitude to sexual harassment deputising and secondments to highlight the current and treat any complaint to all that we do. inequality in survivor seriously. Government must The government must pensions. I have raised this abolish employment tribunal take measures including issue both in the media and fees to give more people developing a comprehensive within government and the access to justice – it currently race equality strategy, opposition. We know that costs £1,200 to take a case expanding workers’ rights the inequality in survivor to court. The government to include temporary and pensions is not acceptable must extend the full range part-time workers and and will continue fighting for of statutory employment eliminating tribunal fees, justice in this area. rights to all workers, especially for discrimination The work of trade unionists regardless of employment cases. is vitally important. I want a status or type of contract, to For disabled workers the movement that is dynamic, ensure that women on zero- employment gap between responsive and relevant to all hours contracts or agency disabled and non-disabled workers. That is why we must workers are protected in the people remains stark. In 2015 stand together to defend and workplace. the disability employment advance equality, through all For workers from Black gap was 33.6%. I know that we do.

THE WORD AUTUMN 2016 07 EDITOR’S COLUMN TO FIND OUT MORE AND GET INVOLVED contact [email protected]

elcome to the autumn and hard work in creating this edition. We live in very magazine and a special thank WELCOME turbulent times, within you to those who have written KATH KELLY W EDITOR our politics, which will hugely an article. Anyone interested affect women and equality in sending an article, and I issues. Issues that the CWU are encourage you to do so, please proud to defend. forward to muthakelly@ Linda Roy and her hotmail.co.uk. department along with the Finally I look forward to advisory committees are all meeting new and old delegates working very hard trying to at Women’s conference in tackle the issues faced on a Leicester on 8 November. daily basis by CWU members. I would like to thank all involved for their dedication K. Kelly WORKING CHANCE Lisa Hubbard, senior support officer at Working Chance, explains what the organisation does to help women ex-offenders

We help women to secure quality, paid jobs by providing them with practical employability and life-skills training, comprehensive disclosure training, social welfare support and introductions to employers. In addition to professional recruitment consultants, we employ practitioners trained in debt and benefits, domestic violence and housing practice. orking Chance is the the UK today. Our beneficiaries We build women’s confidence UK’s only recruitment tell us the real punishment starts and help them overcome their Wconsultancy for women when they finish serving their barriers to employment so that with criminal convictions. sentence and try to find a job. they are able to move on from Our mission is to empower Many employers won’t even offer their pasts and pursue fulfilling women ex-offenders to become an interview to a woman, if they careers. financially autonomous through know she has a conviction, with Our focus on the quality of our employment and move from the result that fewer than one in job placements is a crucial part a life of exclusion to one of ten report a positive job outcome of our restorative recruitment contribution. We achieve this by within one year of leaving vision, as well as our success. offering a first-class, specialist prison. Without any prospect By matching our candidates recruitment service with of supporting themselves or to employers’ vacancies, we wrap-around resettlement and their families, many women are able to create life-changing rehabilitation support. ex-offenders are condemned to a opportunities for women with Women with criminal spiral of rejection, low self-esteem convictions, while helping convictions are one of the most and dependency which all too employers to source talented and isolated, stigmatised groups in often ends in re-offending. resilient employees.

08 AUTUMN 2016 THE WORD NEWS FEATURE

TWO THIRDS OF YOUNG WOMEN HAVE EXPERIENCED SEXUAL HARASSMENT AT WORK

A report by the TUC has found that two in every three young women has experienced sexual harassment at work

he report, “Still just a bit of prospects (15%), while others were “Anyone worried about banter”, found that more too embarrassed to talk about it inappropriate behaviour at work Tthan half (52%) of women, (20%) or felt they would not be should join a union to make sure and nearly two-thirds (63%) of believed or taken seriously (24%). they are protected and respected women aged 18-24 years old, said The study is also the first to at work.”. they have experienced sexual include the opinion of women harassment at work. who identify as black, minority The survey found sexual and ethnic origin (BAME) who THE harassment at work taking many say they have been harassed at forms, from suggestive remarks, work. More than half (52%) said FACTS jokes about a colleague’s sex they have experienced sexual ■ The researchers found that life, circulating pornography, to harassment in the workplace. nearly one in three (32%) of inappropriate touching, hugging TUC General Secretary Frances women have been subject to or kissing, or demands for sexual O’ Grady said: “How many unwelcome jokes of a sexual favours. times do we still hear that sexual nature while at work. In the vast majority of cases harassment in the workplace is ■ More than one in four (28%) of (88%), the perpetrator of the just a bit of ‘banter’? women have been the subject sexual harassment was male, and “Let’s be clear – sexual of comments of a sexual nature nearly one in five (17%) women harassment is undermining, about their body or clothes at reported that it was their line humiliating and can have a huge work. manager or someone with direct effect on mental health. Victims ■ Nearly a quarter (23%) of authority over them. are often left feeling ashamed women have experienced The survey also found and frightened. It has no place in unwanted touching at work – that around four out of five a modern workplace, or in wider like a hand on the knee or back. (79%) women who said they society. ■ A fifth (20%) of women have experienced sexual harassment at “Employers must be clear they experienced unwanted verbal work did not tell their employer have a zero tolerance attitude to sexual advances at work. about what was happening. sexual harassment and treat any ■ Around one in eight (12%) Of this group, some thought complaint seriously. It’s a scandal women have experienced reporting it would impact that so few women feel their unwanted sexual touching or negatively on their relationships bosses are dealing with the issue attempts to kiss them at work. at work (28%) or on their career properly.

THE WORD AUTUMN 2016 09 FEATURE WOMEN FROM AROUND THE GLOBE In the final part of the “Women from Around the Globe” series,Pauline Granstan looks at women’s contributions to the Olympics.

he Olympians” is a an Olympic medal unequal and racially divided. selection of great women, in Atlanta in 1996 “Twhose inspiration has representing Hong MIDDLE EAST left its mark on history. Others Kong, before it MOROCCO could easily fit the roles described was transferred NAWAL EL MOUTAWAKEL herein and they are also to be to China in 1997. (B.1962-) remembered and honoured. Lee’s Olympic gold ------in the women’s Nawal was the first AFRICA windsurfing, changed the history Moroccan woman ETHIOPIA of her country. Lee remains the to win an Olympic DERARTU TULU (B. 1972- ) only person to win an Olympic gold medal. She ------gold medal for Hong Kong. won the inaugural Derartu was the women’s 400 metres first black African EUROPE hurdles at the woman and first SWITZERLAND 1984 Olympics in Ethiopian woman HELENE DE POURTALES Los Angeles. Her win signalled to win an Olympic (B.1898 – D.1945) the breakthrough for aspiring gold medal. In the ------sporting women in Morocco and 1992 Olympics in Helene was the first other Middle Eastern countries to Barcelona, Derartu woman to compete participate in international sports. won the 10,000 metres event. at the Olympics Nawal’s achievement won her the Eight years later she repeated the and the first congratulations of King Hassan II feat, winning gold at the Sydney medallist. She won of Morocco, who declared that all Olympics in 2000. From humble gold at the 1900 girls born on the day of her victory beginnings, Derartu has made her Olympics in Paris, were to be named in her honour. mark on history. as part of the crew of the Swiss sailing team boat THE REFUGEE TEAM AMERICA Lerina. She won gold in the first SYRIA SIMONE BILES (B. 1997-) sailing race of 2-3 ton class and YUSRA MARDINI (B.1998-) ------silver in the second sailing race of ------Simone was the 2-3 class. Yusra was first woman to win representing the four LATIN AMERICA first ever Refugee golds in a single & THE CARIBBEAN Olympic Team Olympic Games BRAZIL under the Olympic since 1984. At her RAFAELA SILVA (B.1992 -) Flag. Yusra Olympic debut ------competed in the in Rio de Janeiro Rafaela was the first 100 metres butterfly (2016), Simone came away with five Brazilian woman to and freestyle at the Rio medals: four golds and one bronze. win a gold medal games. The 10-person strong team A combined total of 19 Olympic for her country should be applauded for their and World Championship medals, in a World bravery and courage. Simone ranks as the most decorated Championship American gymnast and is probably (2013). Rafaela All contenders at the unlike any other gymnast we have was the first gold seen, and still only aged 19. medallist winner for her country Olympics are champions. at the Olympic Games in Rio de Through determination, courage, ASIA Janeiro (2016) when she won the bravery and often difficult HONG KONG under 57kg judo title. Rafaela’s circumstances they achieved LEE LAI-SHAN (B. 1970- ) triumph at Rio is a resounding what many of us would find ------victory for the favela community, Lee was the only athlete to win where life is tough, violent, impossible to do

10 AUTUMN 2016 THE WORD NEWS CWU WOMEN INVOLVED WITH FOOTBALL IN THE NORTH EAST OF ENGLAND AND Trish Vollans tells how the CWU North East women’s committee is offering their full support for the region’s female football team

The CWU North East Regional Women’s committee community club is very difficult,” said Mark. are currently supporting a local North East ‘girls’ Participation is the most important factor for all football’ team. the girls at the club, but last season was a particularly The team was started by Andy Parish, lead Union successful one for the under 14 age group as they Learn Rep from the Hull mail centre. won the league and cup, as well as three summer Andy approached the committee asking if we could tournaments. support a local girls’ team by sponsoring them with a Pinefleet is a brilliant, community based female football kit. football club that provides training and playing The committee were opportunities for girls keen to get involved, so between the ages of 7 agreed to meet the team to 16 for the juniors and coach and purchase their also have a ladies team kit. at open age, currently The girls now proudly approximately 70 juniors wear a CWU sponsored and 15 adults participate. training kit. The The aims and committee visited the objectives of the club girls whilst training in are to provide the July. opportunity for children The team proudly showing off their new kit The girls’ U14s football and adults to play team, named Pinefleet organised sport in a safe Wolfretonare are coached by Mark Calvert, a CWU and enjoyable environment, whilst having fun. member and Parcelforce driver from Hull. As a Charter Standard club Pinefleet Wolfreton Mark is an ex professional footballer who played for adhere to strict guidelines and back the ‘Respect’ Hull City. He is now putting his knowledge to good and ‘Kick Racism’ campaigns. The club is also use, and getting the results to prove it. entirely run by volunteers. “It is very rewarding being involved with coaching At the time of compiling this, Pinefleet Wolfreton young people and seeing them improve, which builds Girls’ U14s sit at the top of the league! Girls’ football confidence, but the financial challenges of running a is on the rise here.

HELPING WOMEN’S FOOTBALL IN MOLDOVA Trish Vollans tells of her involvement with the CWUHA and how the charity is helping to improve girls’ football chances in Moldova

Community girls’ football is very new in Moldova, The CWUHA agreed to sponsor the girls and boys only last year did two villages in the Chisinau teams. So on 21 May 2016, the teams received their region put together two teams in their schools, “Viva first ever football kits, along with a variety of sports Sport”in Mihaileni and “Costesti- Prut” in the village equipment. This day was also special as it was the of Costesti. first community based football tournament in This is significant in the development of girls’ Riscani, Moldova. All the children received sport in Moldova as it is not due to the lack of medals and certificates of diplomas for their commitment by school coaches, but more the lack of achievements. The girls clearly enjoyed the equipment. day and there was some great football too! REVIEW

ADA SALTER John Monk looks at a new book highlighting the life and times of socialist activist Ade Salter and the role she played in ethical socialist politics in the early 20th century

raham Taylor’s new book charts the long neglected Grole Ada Salter played in ethical socialist politics of the early 20th century. Before reading this remarkable book I had very little knowledge of the groundbreaking work of Salter. Taylor chronicles the humble Methodist, Liberal Party and temperance movement influences on her early life in Raunds Northampton. She became a ‘Sister of the People’ and social worker and tutor to the poor in Bermondsey, London. Salter became an activist in the Independent Labour Party; being one of the first women in the UK to be elected a councillor. She became London’s first woman mayor in 1922, at the time of the women’s suffrage movement. Ada supported the trade union movement throughout her life, supporting women factory workers during the Bermondsey uprising; striking London dockers and cab drivers. Taylor’s painstaking research introduces the high profile characters Salter interacted with during her remarkable journey. These include the Pankhursts, Mary Macarthur, Ramsay the 1920s on the ‘Beautification interest in social, socialist, trade McDonald, and Herbert Morrison. Committee’ covering the unionist and women’s movement There was also Ada’s family, ‘dreary’ Bermondsey with history would benefit greatly close friends and colleagues such poplar trees, gardens, flowers from following Ada’s story; as her husband Dr Alfred Salter and playgrounds, as she and learning of the legacy she left us and her daughter Joyce – who her doctor husband improved with and the huge difference she sadly died from scarlet fever aged the health and wellbeing of the made in people’s lives; and why eight in the Bermondsey slums. Bermondsey poor. the revival of ethical socialism is Ada was influential during Those of you with a love and important today.

12 AUTUMN 2016 THE WORD FEATURE

TO FIND OUT MORE AND GET INVOLVED contact [email protected]

ere’s hoping you enjoy reading this issue of the Word. WELCOME The Bisexual Advisory THERESA CLARK Hcommittee has been hard at work this Pride season. OUTALK EDITOR They have travelled the length and breadth of the UK promoting the CWU’s values of equality. Our banner states that there is definitely ‘no place for prejudice’ in today’s society. We all need to stand up against inequality, wherever we find it. Perhaps we might support a work colleague or even demonstrate at Yarls Wood Detention Centre. Also rolling out are extra options in the ‘my details’ area of the CWU website so please keep an eye out for that. Theresa Clark CWU AT PRIDE Jason Reynolds tells how the CWU members got involved in Pride events this year

his year the committee has been working very hard with the regionals CWU flying the flag for Pride Tto raise our profile and help with any LGBT advice you may need. At our very first meeting it was decided that we needed to set up a working party. The main and two smaller ones objective was to raise the profile of the committee (Birmingham, Brighton, Bournemouth and and try to strengthen our working relationship Reading). with the regionals. In the event we were able to attend more – see It was agreed that this working party would be below. made up of committee members: Jason Reynolds, • Birmingham 28 May William Byrne and Keith Tyrrell. • Portsmouth 19 June We tried to be as flexible as possible because just • London 25 June three people were supporting this working party • Bournemouth (Bourne Free) 08 July and we didn’t want it to fail. • Newcastle (Northern) 16 July The Pride events will usually happen at a • Glasgow 20 August weekend, so some may not be able to attend all • Croydon 28 August activities. • Reading 3 September We have also had help from the following • Jersey 17 September committee members Theresa Clark, John Monk and Suzy Bewick as well. The working party would like We would like to thank all the regionals / to thank them for all their help. As you can see we branches that have attended these events as well. have had a great pool of resources which has been We have gathered lots of your useful information used within the last six months to promote this to help plan for 2017. committee. We believe it’s really important that our The working party originally agreed to attend members and branches show their support when just four pride events this year: two big ones we are coming to your branch area. Don’t be shy.

THE WORD AUTUMN 2016 13 FEATURE

WHAT HAS IT GOT TO DO WITH THEM? John Monk looks at how public sector organisations monitoring processes can be used positively for the LGBT community

All personal data is kept confidential

isitors to the CWU website services. So, monitoring how organisations to slowly find will soon notice a change to services are delivered is a vital out this information and build Vthe ‘My Details’ area where way to prove that they are meeting on the evidence. This enables personal details are stored. these needs and requirements. organisations to ensure our Currently individuals are able differing needs are being met to amend addresses and add It ensures LGBT people and where this is not happening details, such as ethnicity. Soon take action. It also ensures LGBT will be able to are given access to services, people are given access to services, be added together with gender and that access is equal and and that access is equal and there identity and disability. there are equal opportunities are equal opportunities at work. These days we fill in monitoring at work It can also help create a culture forms that routinely ask about of openness at work and change characteristics such as ethnicity, culture in workplaces to allow gender, sexual orientation, There are a number of them to be more inclusive. religion, disability and marital benefits from declaring this We are therefore encouraging / civil partnership status. These information. Although we know our members to complete your characteristics are protected from more LGBT people these days; personal information, once the discrimination under the Equality most organisations lack basic system change is launched. Look Act 2010. evidence on how many of their out for forthcoming comms. As Public sector organisations, employees fit the category. with all organisations the CWU including trade unions have a Consequently, they are unaware has to ensure data they collect duty to consider the needs and of the experiences of LGBT people is always kept confidential and requirements of people when within their organisations. stored in line with the Data developing and delivering Monitoring has enabled Protection Act.

14 AUTUMN 2016 THE WORD FEATURE

GAY RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS Merlin Reader looks at the growing discrimination against LGBT migrants and refugees

LGBT migrants need their he UK is currently human rights recognised undergoing a four Tyearly review of human rights. The report from the previous review highlighted the treatment of migrants and refugees as unacceptable. Unfortunately, the government has continued with its treatment of refugees in precisely the way it was told not to. So for example, people seeking asylum, or whose right to residency is in dispute, can be held in ‘detention centres’ indefinitely. Even though they have committed no crime, nor been charged. This includes women and children. One lesbian was asked often to an extremely unpleasant Despite this being a breach of for pictures of her having sex life, living ‘underground’ on next human rights, it still happens. The to nothing. And having attempted longest publicised detention was with her girlfriend. Another was to get asylum, the authorities in of a woman for five years. told she couldn’t be a lesbian their ‘home countries’ are often For LGBT asylum seekers, the because she hadn’t had a aware of them and therefore they political climate has made the girlfriend for two years are at far greater risk of arbitrary situation very difficult. They are arrest, vigilante attacks, beatings, asked to ‘prove’ their sexuality. rape and murder. One lesbian was asked for in 1967 (in very restricted There are regular campaigning pictures of her having sex with circumstances – over 21s, only two events concerning the issues her girlfriend. Another was told men and in a private house), laws of detention and deportation. she couldn’t be a lesbian because against ‘public indecency’ were Demonstrations, passenger she hadn’t had a girlfriend for still used by the police to arrest intervention on flights, mass two years. have been and prosecute gay men looking emails, phones and faxes to advised to ‘just be discreet about for partners for well over 20 years. airlines and embassies have your sexuality, when we send you This still happens in other parts of prevented some deportations back’. the world – Egypt is an example, from occurring. There have also The majority of countries where is not illegal been demonstrations of up to (around 70) where homosexuality in law, but ‘indecency’ is. It is now 2,000 strong outside Yarls Wood is illegal are former British being reported that gay dating detention centre. colonies. Even where it is legal – apps are being used by police Gay men were ‘illegal’ in the or at least, not technically illegal – there to entrap gay men. UK once. Why should a person LGBT people face persecution. The whole debate about be ‘illegal’ living here, because of In Brazil, trans women face migration means that LGBT where they were born? No human violence, sexual abuse, and a people seeking asylum have to being is illegal, and we need to number are murdered every ‘prove’ that they are LGBT and show solidarity with refugees year. Even in the UK, after liable to persecution in their home and migrants and join the various homosexuality was legalised country. So many are deported, campaigns to support them.

THE WORD AUTUMN 2016 15 FEATURE

INTRODUCING... THE LGBT COMMITTEE

Sally Wilson LGBT (and other) issues. I’m quite William Byrne I am a postwoman political. Hobbies include reading I have worked in the Castlemilk (historical, science, political, sci-fi), for Royal Mail Delivery Office swimming and travel. since 1988. I work in Glasgow. I at Glasgow Mail have worked for Royal Mail Tara Morgan Centre in Priority Services and for just over eight years and I have worked for Royal Mail since am also a workplace coach. been elected as the women’s 1988. This year I was voted onto My most important role within officer for Glasgow and District the LGBT Advisory Committee the CWU is being a member Amal for four years. I am a and am the only trans member at of the LGBTA committee. This member of the CWU Women’s the moment. I am part of Royal involves helping LGBT+ people Advisory Committee and the Mail’s steering group for trans and promoting the CWU’s LGBT Advisory Committee. I people. I was lucky enough to values of equality on Pride also represent the CWU on the attend the CWU LGBT conference marches around the country. Scottish Trade Unions Congress’s in Leeds in 2014, where I met One of my major concerns is LGBT and Workers Committee. Kate Stewart and Des Gibbons. that our LGBT+ members are I volunteer for LGBT Scottish They encouraged me to apply for afraid of of the charity, LEAP Sports Scotland. the LGBTAC after hearing of the closet. It is important to me, as a abuse and discrimination I had member of the committee, that John Monk suffered in my workplace. Trans our membership is free to be I am vice chair of people have little support and whoever they are! the LGBT advisory have nobody to turn to for help. I also carry out health and committee and a I will endeavour to communicate safety inspections within BT member since 2011. the support that is out there, as we building for the CWU as a union I have been a union member are never alone. safety rep. since 1982, a rep since 1986 and currently LGBT and disability Theresa Clark Jason Reynolds officer for London and West. Initially, I worked My first real I’m currently an internal auditor as a delivery officer involvement with for BT Fleet. I have been most at Grimsby but a the CWU was active recently with formulating serious injury, means when I stood for the ‘tackling LGBT bullying and I now work in the callers office. I election as my local work place harassment in the workplace’ was voted onto the LGBTAC last rep within Television Media & presentation – which the year as there were vacant positions Content (TVM&C) in 2011 – now committee are currently taking out and I’ve been voted on again in known as BT Sport. I also carry to the regions. the election this year. I have been out health and safety inspection I’ve also been a proud carrier of a union member for most of my within BT building for the CWU the CWU banner at pride events working life – GMB, Transport as a union safety rep. this year. I enjoy travel, going to & General Workers and for the I joined my branch Capital in theatre and gigs, and baking. past 13 years in the CWU. It’s November of 2012. Then in early only been within the last couple 2013 I became the BT TSO lead Merlin Reader. of years that I have put myself representative within my branch. I’ve worked in Royal forward as a representative. This role involves working with Mail for 19 years and The CWU have helped keep me other London branches to engage been a union rep for in work on a few occasions due to with management to improve 17. I have been openly my degenerative health condition. members working conditions etc. gay for 25 years. I have had a If it wasn’t for the union I can’t This is the first time that I have lot of experience in dealing with imagine where I would be now. served on the LGBT committee.

16 AUTUMN 2016 THE WORD FEATURE

TO FIND OUT MORE AND GET INVOLVED CONTACT [email protected] HELLO COMRADES!! GREG AMISSAH EDITOR – BLACK, ASIAN AND ETHNIC MINORITY NEWS

elcome to the second edition of ‘The tasered five times and sadly died. Black people are Word’. I hope that you all enjoyed the first three times more likely to have a taser used against Wand were able to learn a bit more about them than white people, according to Home the equality agenda. Office figures. I hope these events do not drag us I am led to believe you need to inform backwards and that we continue to move forward headquarters whether you fall under one of the in the fight to be treated equally with dignity and equality strands as the magazine is now sent to respect, irrespective of our colour, race, religion or home addresses. ethnicity. The recent “Brexit” vote has seen a rise in the I hope you enjoy the magazine and find some number of verbal and physical attacks useful information and as always feel free to send on ethnic minorities, as well as me articles or contributions at gregamissah@ police attacks – as seen with the gmail.com recent tragedy of former footballer The next edition will be for general conference. Dalian Atkinson. Dalian was Till then keep up the good fight. Greg Amissah

the photo processing company Grunwick in north GRUNWICK west London. The conditions were intolerable. Workers had to ask permission to go to the toilet, with overtime DISPUTE compulsory. On Friday 20 August 1976, a group of workers led by Jayaben Desai, walked out in protest when a manager told them off for “chattering like Amarjite Singh and Greg Amissah monkeys and that they were not in a zoo”. mark the 40th anniversary of the They decided enough was enough and wanted to Grunwick dispute and question what defend their dignity and rights. They soon realised that having a trade union at their workplace would has really changed for black workers help them to fight for better rights and so joined APEX (Association of Professional, Executive, he theme of the Black workers conference this year is 40 years on. As the chair, I Tthought it was important to look at our achievements and struggles – especially the Grunwick workers, who were predominantly low paid Asian women, who built up a strong bond with the Union of Postal Workers (UPW) during the strike. The guest speaker at conference will be Norman Candy, whose role before retiring was policy advisor to Dave Ward, then Deputy General Secretary (Postal), and whose service to the union dates back 40 years. Many people in Britain remember 1976 as the hottest summer on record; others will remember Thousands supporting the it as the summer of discontent for workers at Grunwick strikers FEATURE

Clerical and Computer Staff). this support victory seemed to be within the grasp of The workers began to demand that Grunwick the striking women. should recognize the workers’ right to join a trade Meanwhile, as the dispute had been going on for union and have that union take up any issues the some time, the government appointed a committee workers may have with the factory owners. of enquiry headed by Lord Scarman to hear evidence In those days, trade unions were all led by white from the workers and the factory owners. The men – both women workers and non-white workers government thought that, based on the evidence, they often found it very hard to win support from their would be able to make some recommendations which unions. Many migrant workers felt that the unions would help to find a solution to the strikes. The were racist and failed to challenge the management Scarman Inquiry recommended that the owners of practice of keeping down the wages of women and Grunwick should recognise the trade union and give non-white workers. But something special happened the sacked workers their jobs back. The management at Grunwick. rejected these recommendations. After Jayaben and her co-workers spent a few By now the government were getting nervous months picketing outside the factory, the cause of the about the number of people who were coming out to Grunwick strikers was taken up by the wider trade support the strikers. The police began to come to the union movement. By June 1977 there were marches in demonstrations in large numbers and used violent, support of the Grunwick strikers, and on some days heavy-handed tactics towards the people who were more than 20,000 people packed themselves into the protesting. The press covered these events – but, as narrow lanes near Dollis Hill tube station. usual were not on the side of the workers. Grunwick operated a mail order service to develop Both the TUC and APEX felt that the dispute could photographs. People sent their film rolls by post and not be won and wanted to pull back. They effectively the workers at the Grunwick developed and printed withdrew their support. But Jayaben and the strikers them, then sent the photographs back by post. The were not about to be told what to do, even by their nature of the work meant that there was a close own union. working relationship between the postal workers They mounted a hunger strike outside the TUC and the workers at Grunwick. The Union of Postal headquarters on a cold day in November 1977. But Workers strongly supported the Grunwick strikers’ even this action could not change the unions’ mind, cause and on 1 November 1977 the union voted to and so they had to call off the strike. The strikers felt boycott postal services to and from Grunwick. With abandoned and disillusioned with the trade union movement. As Jayaben Desai commented” “Trade union support is like honey on the elbow – you can Trade union support is like honey on the smell it, you can feel it, but you cannot taste it”. elbow – you can smell it, you can feel it, but After two long years of struggle, the Grunwick you cannot taste it dispute ended in defeat for the strikers. But according to Jayaben, “not everything was lost because of us, the people who stayed in Grunwick got a much better deal”. When the factory moved, the van used to come to their home and pick them up because it was difficult for them to get to the new place. Can you imagine that? And they got pension rights as well. That was because of because of the struggle. Sadly, Jayaben died in 2010. The following might sound controversial, but the question 40 years on from Grunwick must be has anything changed for black workers when it comes to trade unions and their structures. We are still badly under-represented. Yet our proposals for reform and positive advancement are not seen as part of the solution to that but as part of the “problem”. Steps forward have been few and slow. But as our friend and colleague Bob Crow used to say: “If you fight you won’t always win. But if you don’t fight you will Brave campaigner always lose”. So let’s get off our backsides and fight Jayaben Desai to keep what progress we have won and to fight for an even better future for black workers.

18 AUTUMN 2016 THE WORD FEATURE

TO FIND OUT MORE AND GET INVOLVED CONTACT [email protected] TIME MEDIA TOLD TRUTH ON IMMIGRATION Paul Donovan suggests the media are responsible for much of the growing division in society due to their misrepresentation of immigration over the years

urid immigration front determined to present a totally – many of the problems today pages sell papers,” said a negative view of migration. Most could have been avoided had “Ljournalist, who had just tabloids will print that a migrant those minimum standards been joined the Daily Express. This was has committed a crime on the enforced. years ago, when I asked how he front page, sending a subliminal The result of a public debate on could join such a paper when it ran message: migrant equals criminal. immigration driven by a media so many asylum scare stories. The There is also negative coverage trying to sell product and pander response was dispiriting: every of ‘migrants on benefits’. What’s to racism in the process has been time an asylum front page was lacking is any balancing good to poison the public well on the run, sales increased. The argument news: taxes migrants pay to the subject, so the starting point for was difficult to refute in economic exchequer, the huge benefits any discussion on migration is the terms but when it comes to the flowing to the education sector, reduction of numbers. So success other roles of the media, such as to diversity, and the positive stories on immigration amounts to cutting educate and inform, it represented of migrant workers contributing the numbers that enter the country. a clear failure. to our health, education and social Our responsibility now is to The positive side of immigration services. This means many readers repel that anti-migrant racism. has failed One way is to to register start telling a in public more positive consciousness story about as a result migrants, not of the way the lopsided the subject hysterical has been view that may covered in the sell papers media. The but also has government’s pernicious own figures consequences. show a net The media migration of has a duty 250,000 a year boosts annual GDP have a totally negative view of to report the good news on by 0.5%. This means more jobs immigrants. immigration, and politicians and tax revenues, more funding Not everything about migration must join that discussion. The for schools and hospitals and a is positive ofcourse. Over the past politicians, too, must stop lower deficit. Many jobs created 20 years it has been badly handled migrant labour being used to over recent years have been done by successive governments. undercut indigenous workers and by migrants, with figures from Labour allowed migrants from encourage them to join unions. the Office of National Statistics EU accession countries to enter They must also use the revenues showing that three quarters of the UK with few controls. There generated by migrant labour to employment growth for the year to were no minimum standards of provide services that migrants and August 2015 being accounted for pay, terms or conditions of work, the wider community need and by non-UK citizens. In a country so migrant labour could come deserve – including housing. It with a rapidly ageing population in and undercut the indigenous is late to be making these moves and skills shortages migration is workforce. The failure to set and with the racist genie already vital to the ongoing health of the enforce minimum standards out of the bottle, but a start has economy. meant that migration effectively to be made, otherwise we will These are facts you won’t find in became an incomes policy to keep all be staring into a particularly much of the media, which seems wages down. This bred resentment unpleasant looking abyss.

THE WORD AUTUMN 2016 19 PROFILE

PROFILE: LONNIE GEORGE VISITING THE JUNGLE JOHNSON The awful living conditions in the Jungle

Pauline Granstan describes the life of Linda Roy tells of sights of desperation and courage “The Professor” on her recent trip to the Jungle refugee camp in Calais Lonnie George Johnson he Race Advisory Committee had such a hollow feeling of how dreamed from an early age of visited the area known as the hopeless this Jungle is. That is why becoming a famous inventor. Tjungle refugee camp in Calais. it is called “the Jungle” – that is Johnson’s father, a skilled We set off, picking up the Eurostar what it really is. handyman, had taught his and arriving in Calais at about 3pm. Twice a day Care 4 Calais delivers children to build their own Our destination was a distribution aid, like food and clothing. How toys – a hobby young Lonnie centre called Care 4 Calais. It is run do you decide if you only have 20 took seriously. by Claire and volunteers. One of the pairs of trainers, who to give them Lonnie grew up in volunteers is doing a human rights to? Who gets a hoodie? Who gets Alabama, USA, during a course in Ireland. She is carrying out a pair of jogging trousers? If there time of legal segregation. He this work as part of the last year of are 12 sleeping bags, how to decide attended an all-black school her course. who gets a sleeping bag? There are and in 1968 he represented his After unloading the aid, we went over 5,000 people in the Jungle, how high school in the science fair. to the outskirts of Calais. It was very do you make the decision who gets Lonnie’s creation of a robot desolate, there was a high fence help? On one day Care 4 Calais took he named “Linex” won him protecting access to the camp. As 1,000 jogging bottoms into the camp the first prize at the fair. As we got nearer, we saw police and and within 15 minutes they had the only black student at the mainly men walking up and down vanished. fair this was an incredible the side roads near the camp. Claire went to Calais from achievement at that particular It was quite nerve racking Liverpool to see how she could help. time. Lonnie went on to attend because we didn’t know what to She has never returned to Liverpool college at Tuskegee University expect. We were told not to take any but stayed to help. and when he finished he photos and to be careful as there Claire has to fight every day to earned a B.S. in Mechanical are no laws in these camps – so we help people and it has taken its Engineering and a M.S. in could be at risk. toll on her. I keep in touch with Nuclear Engineering. We started walking into the Claire and try and give her support What started off as an camp; there were shacks on each when she needs it. She is a truly economic necessity has led side. Some people have very little remarkable wonderful woman, arguably, to one of the most and then some people are very trying so hard to help people who famous African-American enterprising but the most vulnerable have very little. inventors in recent years. are dependent on people like Claire This is just part of my experience, Lonnie is known for his ground to distribute aid to help them the CWU have been back since and breaking work in engineering survive. intend to go back again. It was a and he holds 80 patents, no I only walked so far into the camp very emotional time and if you can small feat for someone who and then I turned round. It is hard help, please, please do. If you want was told not to aspire beyond a to imagine what it is like walking to help, go to Care 4 Calais, where career as a technician. through this terrible place, I just you can make donations.

20 AUTUMN 2016 THE WORD EDITORIAL

TO FIND OUT MORE AND GET INVOLVED contact [email protected]

elcome to this disability conference edition of The WELCOME Word. This year has been very busy both in the Wvarious lines of business and the political arena. NATALIE FLEMMING We have seen some changes that will have a major impact EDITOR – DISABILITY for all our members and may have caused some uncertainty. We, as an advisory committee will continue to work with the Equal Opportunities department and ensure that we keep our members advised of any changes that may affect you. We have also seen an increase in our disabled members having difficulty getting time off for hospital appointments, Linda Roy has written a very informative article which will be of benefit to both members and reps alike. Natalie Flemming

TIME OFF TO ATTEND MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS SHOULD BE PAID TIME OFF National equalities officer Linda Roy outlines the law regarding paid time off relating to medical appointments

do get fed up of hearing how our members are the employer, financial resources, the terms of the being treated, when they have a disability and employee’s contract, whether or not the employer Iare asked to use annual leave or make the time normally pays employees for time off work to up to attend hospital appointments. attend medical appointments (and for time off Section 20 of the imposes for other reasons such as sickness absence), the a duty on all employers to make a reasonable amount of time off that the disabled employee adjustment to any requires and the cost of paying for the time off. provision, criterion In essence, unless or practice applied there is some tangible by them, or physical and concrete reason feature of their premises, why it would not be that places a disabled reasonable to pay the person at a substantial disabled employee for disadvantage. time off to attend medical The Equality Act 2010: appointments, payment employment statutory should be made. Even if code of practice lists it is not the employer’s examples of steps that normal practice to pay an employer may employees who take have to take in order time off to attend medical to comply with this duty. The appointments, it may be examples given include “allowing the person to reasonable to make payment be absent during working or training hours for in the case of an employee with a disability. Section rehabilitation, assessment or treatment”. However, 13(3) of the Equality Act 2010 makes it clear that it the code says nothing about payment for such time is not discriminatory against other employees to off. What is reasonable for the employer to do will give special treatment to a disabled employee. depend on the circumstances of the particular case. I hope this will assist our representatives when Relevant factors to consider will be the size of assisting our members.

THE WORD AUTUMN 2016 21 FEATURE

TIME TO TALK – IS IT SAFE TO SPEAK UP? DAC vice chair Jonathan Bellshaw gives a personal insight on depression

have a confession to make, I am suffering from a couple of things I did. First, I phoned another rep depression? This is something that took me a at the branch who knows some of the issues that Ilong time to come to terms with. I have been going through. It felt good to talk. In Over a number of months I had been feeling turn, I told the other officers in the branch. I have to ‘low’ however it got worse. I started thinking about say they have been great - very supportive. suicide. I was struggling to cope with things. I I have also tried to encourage those who have wanted to sleep but couldn’t, then every few weeks mental health issues to be open and honest and I would crash and sleep for up to 16 hours. don’t be ashamed, but here I was ashamed in many I had lost interest in lots of things. My mind ways to let out my little secret. I wasn’t sure how was like a fog. Sure, I managed to function and do to or indeed should I say anything to anyone else. I my job but it left me feeling exhausted. However, sent my mum and brother a text to let them know during a short child-free break away I opened up to Me of all people, always happy to have a laugh my wife and told her how I felt. and joke, always happy, nothing ever a problem. I called the Employee Assistance Programme. I So I mulled it over, then decided to turn to social will be undergoing counselling in the autumn media. I decided to make an appointment with It just so happened that my wife had written the doctor. I broke down as I told her how I a blog when she went through a bad spell a was feeling. The doctor asked me to fill in a few years ago but never published it. So she questionnaire. She discussed various anti- updated the blog and put a bit in about me (www. depressants. The one she wanted to prescribe she hopebubbles.wordpress.com). I simply shared it on couldn’t due to it increasing appetite which would my Facebook accounts and twitter with a comment impact on my trying to lose weight. I wasn’t sure “please read to find out what’s going on with me whether to be offended or not when she said just now”. because I was a big man that she would start me I am at early days of dealing with my big black on 25mg dosage. We agreed I would go back at the dog, sure I have moments where I can’t feel the start of September to see how things were going. dog and I hope in the future I will no longer have I then wasn’t sure what to do. My wife explained a black dog but I can’t tell what the future holds. to my son in a child-friendly way what was going What I do know is that I will continue to be open on. But I didn’t know who else to tell, so there were and honest about it.

I phoned another rep at the branch who knows some of the issues that I have been going through. It felt good to talk

22 AUTUMN 2016 THE WORD NEWS

WHAT PRICE IS TOO MUCH FOR TREATMENT? Richard Hirtsch looks at how NICE operates in drug allocations

ith people living longer lives and medical make some decisions but mostly keep to the advice advancement being made daily, the question given by NICE. In Scotland and Northern Ireland Wis what price is too much? they have they own separate organisations. Everolimus is a drug to fight against advanced NICE was set up to avoid what breast cancer, advanced kidney was known as “postcode lottery”, cancer or neuroendocrine where eligibility for treatments tumours of the pancreas. One could be decided according to heart-breaking story is of a where you lived. person who was taking the So, since NICE took over, drug but stopped for surgery. everyone is able to benefit from They expected to start again treatment or drugs that have been after the operation but were told approved the pause meant that he was NICE weighs up the cost- no longer eligible for funding. effectiveness and quality of life, Where there is a proven success and takes advice from experts, from these drugs on patients health professionals, patient organisations and other with cancer, should we not use them? interested parties so unfortunately not every drug or The independent National Institute for Health treatment can be approved. and Care Excellence (NICE) was introduced by the Pharmaceutical firms also play a part as the cost of Government in 1999. All drugs and treatments that drugs to the NHS is significant. The concern is that are available on the NHS are decided by NICE. In with financial pressures more and more treatments Wales, The All Wales Medicines Strategy Group will be turned down due to cost. CHILD AUTISM AND THE POSITIVE LIFE CHANGING ROLE OF ASSISTANCE DOGS DAC member Des Gibson looks at how dogs can contribute to the lives of people with autism here are more than half community. a million people with Everyday life for autistic Tautism in the UK, around children can be confusing, 1 in every 100 people. If you frightening and lack meaning. include their families, autism They often find understanding touches the lives of over two and communicating with others million people each day. particularly difficult, which Over 7,000 disabled people can in turn leave them feeling in the UK rely on an assistance isolated dog. Assistance dogs have been Assistance dog charities are shown to make a remarkable often oversubscribed with long difference to children with waiting lists autism and their families. There are a few charities Often reassuring children with providing assistance dogs, autism and helping with their such as Support Dogs – behavioural difficulties. supportdogs.org.uk they Self-esteem is often boosted provide online personal by a welcome companion, as stories along with video www. well as preventing children youtube.com/watch?v=BFV_ from bolting whilst out in the uTZXkKc

THE WORD AUTUMN 2016 23 LETTERS TO FIND OUT MORE AND GET INVOLVED contact [email protected] COMMUNICATE...

Disability rights campaign reduced to a scene where a police says Corbyn is best officer can stand over a Muslim s the Labour leadership woman insisting she take her Aelection dominated the clothes off. You could not make it headlines recently Jeremy Corbyn up. That was the scene in Nice last received a substantial boost from August. well-known disability rights If this ludicrous act of campaigners DPAC (disabled intolerance was in some way people against the cuts) intended to deter terrorism – it The support came in a letter won’t work. This act shows France dated 25 July 2016, signed by effectively giving into the tyranny over 700 people who live with a of the terrorists, reducing the The point of this letter is to disability, are carers or supporters human rights of its citizens at the remind us all that we all have a of DPAC. Available at: dpac. behest of the perceived threat. role to play in tackling bullying uk.net/ The call of give me your and harassment within the With 20% of British people and liberties and I will provide workplace. It could be as simple over six million voters, registered security has been the cry of as trying to step in and diffuse as disabled, this was seen as a dictators down the ages – it would a situation at the time, or after major endorsement of Jeremy be sad to see the great nation of witnessing something you feel Corbyn’s bid to become labour France succumbing to such a call, was inappropriate, asking the leader once again. and in the process destroying the recipient if they are OK. You may This support is monumental very liberties it has fought for so not feel confident in challenging as DPAC have never backed any many centuries to preserve. colleagues directly, but that particular political party in the Peter Briggs, East London does not mean you have no past. responsibility to assist. Corbyn and John McDonnell Ed: The French courts later Bullying and harassment is a were praised for their past decided the actions taken serious issue and it should always support for disability causes, against Muslim women were be remembered that “one person’s often attending disability rights illegal banter is another person’s protests. bu l ly i ng ”. Corbyn’s stance against Let’s Talk About Bullying & Dignity and respect towards welfare cuts and the support of Harassment colleagues and customers should the Independent Living Fund uring a recent CWU Equalities be maintained by all. were cited by DPAC and their Dconference, a delegate asked If we all stand up and challenge supporters in the letter. Linda Roy (National Equalities inappropriate behaviours, in the Des Gibbons DAC Member Officer): “What can or will the future we may eradicate racism, union do to assist a colleague in sexism, , bi-phobia, my unit who is being bullied in , religious, ageist and the workplace?” disability related discrimination Before providing details of from the workplace. both the CWU Bullying & Change comes from within and Harassment Helpline and the all members should recognise relevant company bullying and that if they adjust their own harassment helpline, Linda asked behaviours and challenge the delegate: “what have you been those of others, it could result doing to help them?” in more harmonious working This question was met with environments. some resistance as the delegate If you wish to talk to the attempted to explain that it was CWU Bullying & Harassment Ridiculous Burkini ban not their place to tackle the issue helpline in confidence, please call ow incredible to see the once and that it was the responsibility 0800 090 2303 Htolerant land of France being of those around them. Michelle Dunn (not real name)

24 AUTUMN 2016 THE WORD