Equality reps
[ch 1: pages 8-9]A good way for unions to ensure inequalities and discrimination are addressed in their organisation is by electing or appointing someone to be a specialist union equality or BAME members’ rep. Such reps focus particularly on equality/BAME issues and so are likely to be able to give them more time and expertise. It is a formal position in some unions and an informal one in others.
However, there may be a need to negotiate some facility time for such representatives. The Acas code of practice on Time off for trade union duties says that equality and diversity may count as collective bargaining activities for which paid time off may be given to reps in recognised unions. But, unlike safety reps, equality reps as such do not have specific rights to time off. If there is someone in the workplace prepared to take on this role, it would be good to negotiate to get them recognition and facility time with the employer, on the basis that they can spot and potentially deal with problems early on.