Transcript Document
I.C.T.U. Equality Conference November 2010 Presentation by P.S.E.U. Public Service Executive Union Formed in 1890 and has 11,000 members Civil Service, Telecommunications, Post Office, National Lottery, Lighthouse Authority, Irish Aviation Authority, Health and Safety Authority and a range of other Public Service Bodies www.pseu.ie Public Service Executive Union Members Roles include: • • • • • • • Managing Computer Systems Tax Collection Social Welfare Services Employment, Enterprise and Education Customs and Excise Diplomatic Service Sales & Marketing PSEU and LGBT Members • Regular seminars to discuss issues of concern to LGBT Members • Standing item on Executive Committee agenda • Officer in each Branch responsible for equality and diversity issues including LGBT issues • Survey of Members on LGBT issues in 2009 http://www.pseu.ie/pdf/lgbtsurvey.pdf PSEU LGBT Survey • EU supported exercise under auspices of ICTU • First survey of its kind by a Trade Union in Ireland • Relatively low response rate • Developing awareness programme for membership as a result • In discussions with employers on issues arising PSEU LGBT Survey Highlights • 59.7% were not “out” to line manager • 41.2% did not know if employer policies covered LGBT issues • 71.2% said employer policy not well known at all • Reports of bullying, verbal abuse and discrimination • Performance at work and health and well being affected PSEU LGBT Survey Highlights • 61.5% said LGBT employees treated with respect in the workplace • 81% said LGBT members are treated with respect in the Union • 32.8% said employer provided supportive atmosphere for LGBT employees • 65% said Union provided supportive atmosphere for LGBT members • Most likely source of assistance would be family\friends (58.8%) PSEU and ICTU Initiatives • Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Workplace Diversity Guide launched in Dublin March 2010 • Developed by Gay Lesbian Equality Network • Supported by ICTU and Employer Bodies www.glen.ie PSEU and LGBT Members • Campaign for Marriage Equality www.marriagequality.ie • Legislation for Civil Partnerships • Negotiations with employers on force majeure,etc., leave • Negotiations on Dependants Pensions Benefits • Participation in Dublin Pride Parade Conclusion • Range of initiatives being undertaken • Atmosphere is improving • Positive legislative developments • Awareness of issues needs to be developed constantly • Members generally positive towards our own efforts