Why is equality a trade union issue?
GMB members come from all backgrounds and identities. We know that different groups have different challenges in the workplace.
Sometimes people ask why equality is a trade union issue. The answer is simple:
- Women workers are still lower paid on average than men for doing comparable work
- Ethnic minority workers are less likely to get a promotion and more likely to enter disciplinary processes than white workers
- Young workers are the most likely group to face bullying at work
- Disabled workers are often ‘performance managed’ out of their jobs or denied reasonable adjustments
- LGBT+ workers are harassed at work with higher rates of sexual harassment
There is legislation in place to stop employers discriminating against workers if they fall into one of these groups (what the government calls having a ‘protected characteristic’ and GMB calls 'equality strands') - but if we had full equality these problems would not persist.
That’s why we organise around equality - to make sure that whoever our members are, they are treated with respect, have opportunities to progress, and can get justice for unfair treatment.
How does GMB help members from different backgrounds?
Equality is at the heart of everything GMB does. We are here to ensure that our members are treated fairly and that the workplaces we organise are inclusive for all.
From representing members who face harassment due to their ethnicity or sexuality to ensuring our disabled members get the reasonable adjustments they need, GMB delivers change for members in the workplace.
Each of our branches has a position for an equality officer. Branch Equality Officers help advise members on equality issues and help them organise in their workplace on what is most important to them.
GMB's Regional Equality Officers support regional self-organised groups to campaign on what matters to them at work.
Our National Equality Department coordinates campaigns and events across regions and develops new policies to help members at work.
Whether you want support for an individual issue at work, or you want to get the law changed to help a disadvantaged group, there will be someone in GMB who can help you forward your aims.
Want to get involved with GMB Equality?
Keep an eye on our events page for a diverse programme of inspiring and informative national equality and inclusion events throughout the year.
Contact your local Regional Equality Officer for details of local events, campaigns and to get involved with regional self-organised groups.
Birmingham & West Midlands Cerys Way - cerys.way@gmb.org.uk
London Hilda Tavolara - hilda.tavolara@gmb.org.uk
Midlands & East Coast Tyehimba Nosakhere - tyehimba.nosakhere@gmb.org.uk
Northern Julie Wynn - julie.wynn@gmb.org.uk
North West Lisa Ryan - lisa.ryan@gmb.org.uk
Scotland Sandie Rowlands - sandie.rowlands@gmb.org.uk
Southern Michelle Gordon - michelle.gordon@gmb.org.uk
South West & Wales Marie McDonald - marie.mcdonald@gmb.org.uk
Yorkshire & North Derbyshire Louise Foster-Wilson - louise.foster-wilson@gmb.org.uk
For any other enquires, contact:
National Office Eleanor Saunders, National Equality and Inclusion Coordinator - EqualityInclusion@gmb.org.uk