Social media, protecting members freedom of political belief

LGBT members are disturbed by the activities of many Fire Services in their intrusive
activities around monitoring employee’s use of social media, particularly when not at
work. LGBT members believe that such intrusive activities may compromise the
privacy of some members who may not choose to be out and open about their sexual
orientation.

LGBT members are also concerned that disciplinary actions are being taken against
FBU members in relation to activities on social media. These disciplinary actions are
being justified by the tenuous excuse of it not being conducive to the values of their
employers’ organisation.

The journey to achieving LGBT equality has not been easy and many of the advances
are relatively recent. Campaigning around issue such as age of consent, gays serving
in the armed forces, protection from discrimination in employment based on being
LGBT were not at the time conducive to the values of our employers. These were
issues that required legislative change and if we were to be campaigning for those
issues now using tools such as social media we have little doubt our employers would
act against us.

Conference has a clear position to defend all FBU members who face attack from
their employer for expression of political beliefs on social media if those beliefs fit
within the framework of the aims and objectives of our Union.