First Minister Alex Salmond, attending the STUC Annual Congress in Inverness, will present this year’s One Workplace Equality Award 2008 to recognise the role of Scottish trade union members in challenging discriminatory practices and attitudes in the workplace.
The joint recipients of the 2008 One Workplace Equality Award are Marion Stewart, Branch Secretary and Elaine North, Support for Learning Assistant at Maxwellton High School in Dumfries and steward both from UNISON Dumfries and Galloway Local Authority Branch.
The recipients have successfully worked with their Branch to eradicate the historical gender pay inequalities and promote equality of opportunity for all workers.
The leadership of Marion and Elaine has increased branch membership and demonstrates the tremendous impact union representatives can make. The work of the nominees in organising workers and recruiting members around Equal Pay issues has resulted in the recruitment of hundreds of low paid women members to the branch.
In the last year alone there was a 7% increase in membership in their Branch which is largely due to the equality work driven by the nominees and their Branch.
The STUC Union Rep Awards recognise the key role trade union representatives play in tackling inequality and discrimination, the promotion of Lifelong Learning and the promotion of Health and Safety issues. The Awards are intended to inspire and encourage Scottish trade unions and their members to take more action to represent and negotiate issues on behalf of their members.
The ‘STUC One Workplace Equality Award’ highlights the work of the STUC’s ground breaking One Workplace Equal Rights Project which has, since its launch in 2004, supported trade unions in Scotland in promoting equal opportunities issues in the workplace by offering support, targeted training and advice to trade unions, employers and employees on rights at work and on promoting and bargaining for inclusive work practices.
First Minister, Alex Salmond said:
"'I am delighted for both Marion and Elaine that they have won the STUC One Workplace Equality Award!' The STUC’s One Workplace Project is one of the major national projects supporting the Scottish Government’s One Scotland campaign. Both the Project and the Award recognise the important role trade unions play in promoting equality and addressing workplace discrimination, and we fully support their efforts."
STUC General Secretary Grahame Smith commented:
“It is entirely appropriate that the award this year goes to a group of low-paid women workers who stood up for fairer treatment, with the support of their union. They deserve all our congratulations in showing that standing up for fair treatment can deliver results.”
Marion Stewart said, “After so many years as an activist to be recognised for my efforts in this way is just amazing. I feel that this award is in recognition of all the effort put in by my Branch colleagues and members in promoting Equality in our Council.”
Elaine North said, “I am delighted and very honoured to have received this award and this recognition will only help to promote UNISON’s fight for fairness and equality in the workplace.”
ENDS
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