UNISON can now negotiate on behalf of TIE members of staff
An LGBT education charity has agreed a recognition deal with a union.
The management of Time for Inclusive Education (TIE) and UNISON have agreed a formal recognition agreement that gives the union the right to negotiate on behalf of members working for TIE.
The charity said its work has been greatly supported by unions, and that it was pleased to come to the agreement.
Time for Inclusive Education director Liam Stevenson said: "We are delighted to have signed a workplace recognition agreement with UNISON. The very foundations of TIE are rooted in grassroots activism, community solidarity, and a desire to build a world where everyone is accepted, respected, and able to live lives that are free from prejudice and discrimination. These are the values that we take with us as we become a full time organisation, and employer. These are also trade union values.
"Our campaign, and subsequent work has been supported by the trade union movement from the very early days. That support has been vitally important in helping us deliver on our initial campaign goals, and in making Scotland a world leader in LGBT Inclusive Education.
"As we built our team of employees we have put the wellbeing of that team at the forefront of our minds. Part of making sure that your team feels valued, respected, and listened to means having Union representation in the workplace. We now look forward to working alongside UNISON and strengthening our relationship."
UNISON community and voluntary sector convenor Kate Sharkey said: “UNISON is delighted to sign up and bargain on behalf of workers at TIE. The organisation's commitment to equality and fairness are shared by UNISON and we look forward to developing a strong industrial partnership with the charity."
Josh Cairns LGBT+ officer for UNISON NHSGGC and CVS branch said: “Across Scotland LGBT+ citizens experience discrimination and prejudice on a daily basis. Working with and supporting our members in TIE will help ensure that future generations are spared the injustice and prejudice many LGBT+ people experience."
He continued: "Across history and in all walks of life, LGBT+ people have made a positive difference but in today's society we are not positive about talking about people’s sexuality. Promoting inclusive education is a significant step to ensuring a fairer more open and welcoming world."
The charity was founded by Jordan Daly and Liam Stevenson, on the belief that LGBT history, role models and equalities should be taught in schools in order to tackle prejudice and bullying.
