Congress ups equality input

The 2001 Trades Union Congress is likely to have a higher focus on equality than ever before after structural changes were agreed at the 2000 Congress.

The changes will allow all the TUC equalities conferences to select a motion for consideration at Congress. This means there will be four new motions coming from the Women's, Black Workers, Lesbian and Gay Conferences and the newly established Disability Conference.

The TUC will be left to consider a motion remitted by lecturers' union NATFHE to allow two motions from each equalities conference.

Congress also agreed to add three new reserved seats to the general council - one each for trade unionists with disabilities, lesbian and gay trade unionists and those under age 27. And the current disability structure will be replaced by a motions-based conference and committee in line with other equalities structures.