Lgbt School, Supporting Our Members Needs

Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual & Trans (LGBT) members congratulate the officials responsible for organising the successful LGBT school in October 2010. The school was a great triumph, despite a large number of our members from London being unable to attend as a result of London Fire Brigade withdrawing trade union leave facilities as a consequence of the industrial action taking place over imposed changes to duty systems. Our members have benefited from access to an annual LGBT school for over a decade. Although the function of the school is primarily trade union education it also provides a unique opportunity for our members to access their officials and discuss issues in a safe environment. For many members, the school has been the first step in a process of 'coming out' and for many of our officials their first active trade union involvement has been at the school. In previous years, as a result of financial hardship to the Union, the LGBT school has had to be cancelled. Last year again faced with financial constraint, the LGBT school had its budget cut by 50%, the largest reduction applied to any education event. The impact of such a reduction meant the promotion of the school was reduced and student numbers greatly restricted. LGBT members call on the National Officer with the remit for education, and Executive Council, to ensure that prior to future cuts in education, that full consideration be given to the function of the LGBT school not only in terms of education but also support, LGBT members ask that consideration be given that we have already received the heaviest burden in requirements to make savings in education and ensure the LGBT Officials tasked with planning the school are fully consulted on any efficiencies that need to be made.