@RachelWilde13 The idea that only lawmakers, including unelected ones, are entitled to “pontificate” on the laws that bind us is precisely the problem. Citizens, workers and civil society have every right to speak up. They should not be told to get back in their box.
The arrogance of this unelected legislator lecturing a trade unionist, dripping with condescension - “the rights you imagine (or, more likely, have been briefed about)”.
The assumption is clear: working people only disagree with her because they’re too thick to understand.
@CordyHaig “The FBU’s remit is all about the workplace” is a strange line. Trade unions are entitled to speak beyond the workplace and shouldn’t be told to stay in their box.
In any case, saying firefighters have no remit to comment on public functions and service providers is absurd.
During the assisted dying debate, many on the right prayed in aid Disability Rights UK’s opposition. “How could you support a policy opposed by disabled people’s organisations?”
Yet when Disability Rights UK stands with trans people, their view is suddenly ignored.
🚨DR UK's Statement on the EHRC's New Code of Practice
"We are appalled at implications that an adequate workaround is trans people using Disabled toilets instead. We will not be used as a loophole in the wider erosion of trans rights."
Full statement👇
https://t.co/2eZAsJXdzV
@Naeluckmate Because there is currently no up-to-date guidance sitting beneath those regulations. You are seeking to compare secondary legislation with a statutory Code of Practice.
If you click UNISON's link, it says:
"Whilst the government has said this guidance is not intended for workplaces, we anticipate many employers will look to this guidance as the standard to apply in many workplaces."
UNISON are obviously right.
Our draft Code of Practice helps providers of services, public functions and associations apply the Equality Act 2010. It doesn't apply to workplaces; employers should consult the Workplace (Health, Safety & Welfare) Regs 1992, the Equality Act, and seek independent legal advice.
@Naeluckmate Do you materially disagree with this statement, in and of itself:
"Whilst the government has said this guidance is not intended for workplaces, we anticipate many employers will look to this guidance as the standard to apply in many workplaces."
If so, on what basis?
If you’re a trade unionist and being told that major societal issues are “not the concern” of trade unions doesn’t make you bristle, I honestly don’t know what to say to you.
Unions are entitled to concern themselves with whatever their members decide. They are accountable to those members through democratic structures, not KCs on X.
There is a protected right to association and a proud history of unions fighting for justice beyond the workplace.
@cathy_ahf@WeaselFidget Certainly. However, Parliament is entitled to reject a proposed Code of Practice. Such a code can only come into force with parliamentary approval. That process is itself very much part of the legislative framework.
@cathy_ahf I don’t think it’s either/or.
Anyway, it's surely reasonable for UNISON to have something to say about service providers and bodies exercising public functions, given that those organisations are the workplaces of its members. In practice, the distinction is barely meaningful.
@CR_twisted@DuncanHenry78@unisontheunion There is nothing hypocritical about supporting most of an Act, relying on it where it applies, and arguing that specific provisions should be amended. Parliament is sovereign; that is part of democracy.
Or do you take an all-or-nothing approach to every piece of legislation?
Unions are entitled to concern themselves with whatever their members decide. They are accountable to those members through democratic structures, not KCs on X.
There is a protected right to association and a proud history of unions fighting for justice beyond the workplace.
1 Unison is a union. It's concerned with workers rights in workplaces. It's not concerned with the rights of service users in services, people who are affected by the exercise of public functions or members of associations.
@DuncanHenry78@unisontheunion That is a remarkably narrow view of trade unionism. Unions are democratic associations of working people, free to campaign on issues that matter. You don't have to agree with them, but unions are allowed to have something to say about the society their members live in.
@DuncanHenry78@unisontheunion This is a link to complain to the Certification Officer through the process set out in TULR(C)A 1992. Specifically, what are you proposing to complain about under the statutory framework?
Or is it simply that you disagree with the political stance being taken?
In any case, issues beyond the workplace inevitably affect work. UNISON is right that employers may misapply this guidance. If you believe employers will always understand it perfectly, then you absolutely underestimate the need for fighting trade unions.
Coyle handing the Greens the easiest dunk imaginable.
No one is talking about whether the Lib Dems and Greens, natural bedfellows, after all, actually have the right ideas for Southwark. Instead, people are understandably stuck on what a numpty one of the local MPs is.
I have severe concerns about the incoming Coalition in Southwark and whether it will focus on community safety and housing needs. I suspect it’ll McCrash and burn. Time will tell.