Sexual Harassment - A trade union issue

In a special episode of the Union Dues podcast, we step into the fray of sexual harassment.  Guided by Andrea Oates, author of an excellent new LRD publication on sexual harassment, we drill down into questions of definitions, prevalence legal remedies, and effective union campaigns – on awareness, prevention, reporting, monitoring and, of course, representation.

Sadly union structures are not immune from misogyny and sexual harassment:  three successive reports by KCs showed how the GMB, RCN and TSSA unions had become delinquent with awful consequences for female staff and activists.  No surprise that the #meTUwomen came into being to give a voice to those denied one for so long.

We don’t ignore or minimise these matters, but place them in the context of the remedial and preventative work being done across the movement, with unions such as ASLEF and BFAWU being particularly pro-active.

We hear from Fliss Premru on how #meTU came into being, and what changes it seeks to achieve.  And Sarah Wooley, General Secretary of the Bakers’ and Food Workers’ union gives her unique and powerful perspective on the steps she has taken to strength the democracy and unity of her own union, why the movement needs to get its house in order, and how we can tell if we are making progress.

This podcast is not always comfortable listening – nor should it be.  But if you want the true and complete trade union view on sexual harassment, it is a must-hear event.

A companion blog with links, signposting and background is here