HeartUnions week will be taking place from 10 to 16 February 2020. A week of activity throughout England and Wales that highlights the good work that unions do every day to offer everyone a voice at work. It’s a chance to tell the story about why unions are vital for everyone at work, and encourage people who aren’t yet in a union to join. Every year it’s a chance for reps and activists to publicise what they’ve been doing and make the case for union membership.

In 2020, the campaigning theme for HeartUnions is standing against sexual harassment at work. Take action on sexual harassment, and use HeartUnions week to encourage non-members to get involved.

About the Campaign

The TUC-led alliance against sexual harassment is campaigning for a new law that means employers need to take steps to prevent sexual harassment at work.

1 in 2 women and 2 in 3 LGBT+ workers experience sexual harassment in the workplace.

This is a shameful reality in the year 2020.

In most workplaces it is up to the victim to report it – which can be isolating, confusing and traumatic.

4 out of 5 people don’t feel able to report sexual harassment to their employer.

Employers need to change their approach.

What we want

We’re demanding employers take all reasonable steps to protect workers from sexual harassment and victimisation.

We’ve got a radical yet practical plan to make this happen across every sector and workplace – but we need you with us.

Take part

Kick off #Heartunions week by joining the TUC’s urgent call on Monday 10 February at 7pm with Frances O’Grady and others to discuss the plan and how we can take action together and

Sign up for the call here and help us spread the word by forwarding this email and sharing the link on social media.

Let’s make 2020 count in the effort to end sexual harassment in the workplace.

If you are interested in finding out more:

  • the TUC have loads of information about what’s going on this HeartUnion Week here.

  • Read about BOSTU here.

  • If you’d like to volunteer as a Rep for BOSTU contact Sam Aitkenhead for more information.

If you’re an Orthoptic professional working in the UK, you get BOSTU representation as part of your BIOS membership.

Join BIOS Now

What to do if you have been sexually harassed at work

You are protected from sexual harassment in the workplace by the Equality Act 2010  It does not matter how long you have worked for your employer or whether you are a permanent employee, an apprentice or trainee, on a fixed-term contract or supplied by an agency, you are still protected by this legislation.

Click here for TUC’s Know Your Rights guidance which describes the offence, its impact and the rights you have to fight back if it happens.

Who to speak to for support if you have been sexually harassed or experienced sexual violence
For women:
Women’s Aid Federation – www.womensaid.org.uk / 08457 023 047
National Sexual Violence Helpline: 0808 802 9999
London Black Women’s Project – http://www.lbwp.online/ / 020 8472 0528
Latin American Women’s Rights Service – http://www.lawrs.org.uk/ / 020 7336 0888 

LGBT specialist support:      Galop – www.galop.org.uk / 0800 999 5428
Men’s specialist support:    Survivors UK – www.survivorsuk.org

2020-02-09T10:57:05+00:00