The ‘European Year of Equal Opportunities for All’ will be launched this month in Berlin. To coincide with this event the Scottish Trades Union Congress is launching the STUC One Workplace Equality Award to recognise the role of Scottish trade union members in challenging discriminatory practices and attitudes in the workplace.
The European Year of Equal Opportunities seeks to reach out to the general public about their right to non-discrimination and equal treatment. Despite advanced anti-discrimination legislation to protect workers, evidence shows that achieving a high standard of protection in practice to tackle inequality suffered by certain groups and communities is far from being a reality. It is here that Scottish trade unions have a key role to play.
From January 2007, Scottish trade unions organisations are being invited to nominate members who have shown a commitment towards promoting equal opportunities and challenging discriminatory work practices. The Award aims to highlight good practice in this area by encouraging more trade union organisations and their members to take forward equal opportunity issues.
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. The One Workplace Project is one of the major national projects supporting the Executive’s One Scotland campaign.
Communities Minister Rhona Brankin said: “A more inclusive and just Scotland is something the Scottish Executive consistently strives for and challenges others to work with us to tackle discrimination and prejudice. Diversity and equality of opportunity go hand-in-hand. To create a successful and caring society, we must recognise and value respect, understanding and equality. The STUC’s One Workplace project and awards recognise the important role trade unions play in promoting this agenda, and we fully support their efforts through our One Scotland Many Cultures approach.”
STUC General Secretary Grahame Smith, said: “Whilst we welcome the significant progress achieved so far by and within unions, more action is needed to challenge discriminatory work practices and inspire activity to promote equal opportunities in Scotland’s workplaces. This new Award highlights the pivotal role that the Scottish trade union movement plays in delivering this agenda.”
The presentation of this prestigious award will be one of the main events at the STUC Annual Congress which will be held 16-18 April 2007 in the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.
ENDS
For more information contact: Zaffir Hakim 0141 337 8100
Mary Senior 0141 337 8100