Justice. Safety. Equality. The three words used to represent the ask of women at 2022’s TUC women’s conference.
It is two years since the conference was held in person and the world couldn’t look more different, especially for working women.
CSP national officer Siân Caulfield was joined by senior negotiating officer Helen Purcell and three members from across the NHS and private sector. Since affiliating to the TUC in the early 90s, the society has been able to influence its national work through engagement at equality conferences.
EqIAs and flexible working
This year, the society submitted two motions based on issues affecting women members in 2022 – equality impact assessments (EqIAs) and flexible working.
Elizabeth Cachia, an equality rep, was the first of the delegation to speak – delivering a very moving, personal piece on flexible working and the impact this had on her own mother’s career.
Newly elected CSP Council member Leanne Antoine gave a rousing speech on day two of conference. Leanne spoke about her experience of equality impact assessments and the power they can bring to ensure fairer workplaces as we recover from the pandemic.
The third member of the delegation was Samantha Russell, a specialist antenatal and postnatal physio, who worked with the team throughout conference.
Impact of war
The society also worked with the teachers' union NASUWT on an emergency motion in support of the ongoing situation in Ukraine and the impact of war on women. The motion called for protection of all women and girls fleeing conflict across the globe, including welcoming refugees and supporting international trade unions and women’s support services.
All motions were passed unanimously and will be taken forward by the TUC to form a part of their work for the next 12 months.
If you would like to attend a future TUC women’s conference, contact Siân Caulfield.
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