GMB plans new forum to tackle inequality

The GMB last month adopted a new approach to its work on equality, following a year-long review which was critical of past work on the issue.

The review, undertaken by the union's deputy general secretary Debbie Coulter, found "a widespread dissatisfaction with the way that equalities issues are currently progressed within the GMB." It also stated that the GMB's equality structures were seen by the majority of those consulted during the review as being "unproductive and outmoded", with regional-level meetings being poorly attended or cancelled at short notice because of the number of apologies received. At national level there was "little evidence of planned activity".

The review calls for the separate equalities bodies at national level to be replaced by a single equalities forum made up of representatives specialising in different areas, with a single national equality and diversity officer.

"There were people doing a tremendous amount on equality, particularly on migrant workers and equal pay," Coulter said. "But the traditional structures weren't delivering."

In terms of its female membership, however, the GMB can point to clear recruitment successes. At present women make up 46% of total GMB membership, but they account for 65% of those who joined last year.

Martin Smith, head of organising in the union, told Labour Research: "This isn't an accident ... we are targeting schools staff and the care sector, and we are running equal pay campaigns across the country."