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embargo: 00:01 29 September 2007 TUC celebrates equality in the workplaceMichael Dodds, a TUC unionlearn* Union Learning Representative (ULR) at Northgate Hospital, Morpeth, celebrated last night (Friday) after being awarded the TUC unionlearn sponsored 'Trade Unions Equality for All Award'. The award, given to the union member or union organisation that have demonstrated their commitment to promoting equality in the workplace, was part of the '2007 North East Equality Awards' held at the Gateshead Hilton. The coveted award attracted entrants from all over the region but Michael was a clear winner. Barney McGill, unionlearn Regional Manager, when presenting the award said: 'Michael was chosen as overall winner because of his commitment and approach to removing barriers and opening up opportunities for people that they might not otherwise have had." On receiving the award Michael from Stakeford said: 'I passionately believe that learning should be available to everyone and I am absolutely delighted to receive this award in recognition of my efforts'. Kevin Rowan, TUC Regional Secretary and Chair of Equality North East said: "The Equality North East Awards are one of the jewels in the crown of the region and I am delighted to see trade unions taking centre stage along with other key players in this area. 'Even though there is a strong legislative framework, support for parents, rights to flexible working and much more affordable childcare available, the workplace remains a location for inequality, gender and race segregation and awash with barriers that prevent many people from accessing opportunities to progress. "Trade union reps are a key part of the solution to inequality at work, tackling barriers, working with employers to develop equality and diversity policies and enabling individuals to progress. This provides real benefits for those individuals, it also enables employers to be more productive and competitive, making the most of the talent they have in their businesses.' If you would like to find out more how you can remove barriers to learning in your workplace, contact the Northern TUC on 0191 232 3175 or visit www.equality-ne.co.uk NOTES TO EDITORS: Equality North East work to achieve the aim of removing the barriers to employment and entry into employment facing minority and disadvantaged groups. They recognise that stereotyping and prejudice can be deeply entrenched and if we are to address inequality and discrimination we need to use many different approaches, from working with school children and disadvantaged groups to raise self esteem and aspirations, to providing training and support for employers to help remove discrimination in the workplace. - All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk - Register for the TUC's press extranet : a service exclusive to journalists wanting to access pre-embargo releases and reports from the TUC. Visit www.tuc.org.uk/pressextranet - A series of TUC rights leaflets are available on our website and from the know your rights line 0870 600 4 882. Lines are open every day from 9am-9pm. Calls are charged at the national rate. Contacts: Media enquiries: Susanne Nichol T: 0191 227 5553; M: 07771 873108 E: snichol@tuc.org.uk Press release (600 words) issued 29 Sep 2007 |
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