Women are at their very best when they come together, united in a common cause.
Women with a cause are fierce, unstoppable and unapologetic. And they get the job done!
Women in trade unions make a real difference in our workplaces, and out in our communities, standing up against injustice and fighting for the rights and freedom of women everywhere.
When women from trade unions around the UK came together this week in London at the TUC Women’s Conference 2024, they were speaking up for women everywhere, and standing in solidarity with all women.
Attending this conference were some of the incredible women at Community who work tirelessly behind the scenes – representing Community members, making sure members’ voices are heard, and making their world of work safer and fairer. I am extremely proud to be part of this inspiring movement of women in the UK, fighting for the rights of women everywhere.
Key issues
Community shone a spotlight on two very important issues with our motions to this year’s conference:
- Childcare: In the UK, becoming a new mum means struggling under the weight of a childcare system that simply does not support family life in the UK. Statutory maternity pay is only 47% of the national minimum wage, and at 37% of median women’s incomes, it is so low a shocking 9% take no maternity leave at all. And then families face the additional barriers of difficult-to-obtain nursery places and very expensive nursery fees, which means many families are falling into debt. The current system is trapping young families, many of whom face hardship and poverty, with no end in sight. The whole system needs scrapping and a properly funded childcare system put in place – one which is affordable and accessible to all families.
- Gender pension gap: When compared to men, women’s private pension pots are on average £100,000 less than men’s in the UK. This is largely because, throughout our (women’s) working lives, we take time off work to care for others. And we support the social system in the UK by providing this care for free. Women are the primary care givers for children and other family members, and are much more likely to take breaks from work, or to work part time because of caring commitments, and while we do this we are silently paying the price. Lower earnings are having a long-term, detrimental and permanent impact on our pension contributions, and this will affect our financial security later in life. This has to change. We need recognition of the value that women give to society and the pension gap needs to be addressed.
And we also shone a bright light on the devastating impact to women that Tata Steel UK’s blast furnace closure plans at Port Talbot will have, with our emergency motion on women in steel.
International Women’s Day
Today on International Women’s Day, Community Women’s Delegation 2024 send a message of solidarity to all women as they speak on behalf of Community members across the UK:
Jacquie Thomas, a Women’s Representative on Community’s National Executive:
“I’m delighted to represent Community on International Women’s Day, celebrating the strengths and achievements of women worldwide. Let’s continue fostering equality and empowering women in every corner of the globe.”
Morgan Irvine, a Young Network Member, and steelworker at Tata:
“It’s fantastic to hear from so many empowering women, empowering other women.”
Joan Clark, Community activist and representative:
“I’m privileged to represent the women of our union at the TUC Conference, ensuring our voices are heard.”
Joy Rowley, from our Education and Early Years Sector, is a Women’s Representative on Community’s National Executive:
“This is a fantastic opportunity to play a small part in supporting women to achieve equality in their lives.”
Janet Sarsfield, from our Justice and Custodial Sector, and Community Equality Award winner for 2023:
“I’m pleased to be part of Community’s delegation, representing inspirational women and fighting for the rights and equality of all our sisters.”
Lucy Revill, an Equalities Representative from our Justice and Custodial Sector:
“I am delighted to be representing women at Community, a trade union that strives to secure rights for every woman through reform and organisation.”
Emma Baker-Barnes represents Community on the TUC LGBT+ committee:
“I’m privileged to represent all women on behalf of Community and privileged to be part of an organisation with reform and change at the forefront to help provide positive change for all women now and in the future.”
Pearl Abernethy represents Community at the STUC (Scottish Trade Union’s Congress) women’s committee:
“I was honoured to be at conference, representing the inspirational and hard-working women from all sectors, giving them a voice to help defend their rights, determine their own choices, and have the power to control their own lives at home and at work.”
Further information
Women workers: We are proud of the diversity of the Community membership. Equality is at the core of our mission to create a better working world. Find our more about our work with women workers
Early years and childcare: At the heart of every child’s development lies the important foundation provided by the early years workforce, and at Community, we’re proud to represent thousands of members across the early years sector in the UK. Find out more about our Early Years Charter.
If you are a member of Community and need advice or support, please contact our Service Centre at help@community-tu.org or on 0800 389 6332.
© Community Trade Union 2024