Unite T&G Section Disabled Members Conference - Eastbourne

I first took the project to the T&G's Region 6 committee back in 2003; that was a memorable day doing about a dozen circuits of Salford in search of the Quay (how did I ever get by without sat nav!), and ending up asking directions from a car park attendant at Old Trafford! From there I met their National Committee in London but unfortunately, with the exception of a few individual members taking on the role, not a great deal has happened since. It was then, a great opportunity when National Organiser Diana Holland invited me to Eastbourne.

All of the equality conferences, Disability, LGBT, Women’s, BME and Youth, took place over the same weekend and plenary sessions were held where all delegates discussed common equality issues. I thought this was an excellent format particularly with the new single equality commission and the emerging role of the trade union Equality Rep.

My presentation on the Saturday afternoon generated lots of questions from the delegates especially about how the course can be tailored to met the needs of workers in some of the specialist job areas where the T&G section have membership such as bus drivers.

As I drove back up to Yorkshire on the Sunday delegates were working on their plans and policies for the future; I look forward to hearing their ideas for taking Disability Champions forward in their sector and working with them to make it happen.

Dave Parr