The stigma that still surrounds HIV and AIDS is the key barrier stopping people getting tested and allows this epidemic to flourish. World AIDS Day gives us an important opportunity to try and smash this stigma and encourage people to get tested. Trade unions have an important role to play in this. And this epidemic…
I have been a trade union rep for almost a decade and am now the policy officer for disability equality at the TUC. I have also had reasonable adjustments myself. Disability History Month (#UKDHM) is a good time to reflect on ways to create an inclusive workplace and here are my 5 tips for supporting disabled…
My family aren’t trade unionists or activists. In fact I grew up as a daughter of Indian immigrants learning that you don’t make a fuss and you accept your lot. But life has a way of surprising you. I became a trade union member and an activist at the same time in my mid 20’s.…
One on four people will experience some form of mental distress in their lifetimes. Workplace stress is cited as the number one cause. Lack of job security, continued cuts to public services and the shadow of Brexit is making the workplace increasingly insecure. Given that we spend more time than our European counterparts, having effective…
The striking women at the Grunwick factory reminded me potently that trade unionists, and trade union leaders, come from all walks of life. As a south Asian women trade unionist myself, the story of Jayaben Desai continues to have a deep resonance. We do not always choose a life of activism but circumstances – working…
James Baldwin wrote: “not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced”. We, as trade unionists, have always faced down bigotry, campaigning against inequality and injustice. Our resolve, in light of the horrific massacre of the 49 LGBT people in Orlando, is stronger than ever. We stand…
Coming up to Pride season, you’d be forgiven for thinking that being young and LGBT has never been more acceptable. Young LGBT role models in the media? Check. Music and fashion icons pushing the gender binary? Check? LGBT stories part of the media narrative? Check. See: Tom Daly, a young, charismatic Olympic swimmer coming out.…