Women trade union activists from across Wales, England, Scotland, Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland met in Llandudno on 19-20 October to discuss issues women face in work.
Women trade union activists from Wales, England, Scotland, Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland met on 19-20 October for the Women's Council of the Isles. The annual event was this year hosted by Wales TUC in Llandudno.
Delegates discussed the undervaluing of women’s work, particularly in relation to care work and unpaid care. They called for a strategic framework to address the crisis and under resourcing of the care system across all respective nations. Delegates also demanded better support for carers, including paid time off and rights to flexible working.
Julie Cook, Wales TUC National Officer said,
No one should lose their job or face discrimination because of their caring responsibilities. During our Women's Council of the Isles we heard personal stories from women struggling to cope with the demands of work and unpaid care, often under great financial pressure and called for measures to recognize the critical importance of care to our society and economies.
Speaking about gender based violence, the Council of the Isles reiterated collective demands for action to prevent and tackle all forms of sexual harassment.
Clare Moore, ICTU Equalities officer said,
Addressing gender based violence requires a society-wide commitment. No workplace will be a safe workplace until sexual harassment is eliminated. Our delegates called on the statutory bodies with responsibility for workplace health and safety to work with trade unions to ensure that eliminating sexual harassment is seen as a workplace health and safety priority.
Clare referenced a recent ICTU survey of over 600 trade union members, which showed that the majority of people who were subjected to sexual harassment or assault did not go on to report it to their employer because they were afraid of the consequences for their job. For too many workers in front-line jobs like fast food workers, shop staff and GP’s receptionists, regular abuse and harassment can not only come from other employees but also from customers and patients.
The regular reports of workplace sexual harassment show us that we need stronger laws and positive action from employers to protect workers from abuse and harassment at work.
Speakers from across the two Irish jursidictions called for greater awareness of menopause and its impact of women workers. A coalition of unions are about to launch the #StopTheStigma campaign.
The Women's Council of the Isles also heard from members of the Wales TUC's Black Activist Development Programme. They shared their experiences of being Black workers in Wales and how they felt the programme is addressing the barriers that have stopped them from being able to progress in their careers. They said the success of the programme highlights the importance of leadership training having intersectionality at its core.
Finishing the conference, delegates sent a message of solidarity to women workers across the world recognizing and saluting their struggles for peace, justice and equality.
