It’s no secret that UNISON is big on equalities: it’s essential trade union business. But there are few people who are as steeped in it as Eastern equalities activist of the year Jo Bateman.
As an electoral services manager at St Albans Council, she’s had a busy few weeks but she took the time to talk us about winning the award at our One Weekend.
“I feel very honoured to have won. It was touching to be nominated in the first place by Matthew, my branch secretary.
“I didn’t expect to win but as [regional secretary] Tim was describing the winner it started to dawn on me that it was me. It was lovely.”
Jo got involved because she wanted to make sure everyone at the council felt welcome, “where everyone is equally valued and can be themselves.”
She’s been building on the good work already going on at the council, getting UNISON’s Anti-Racism Charter signed, organising displays for LGBT+ History Month and helping to combat period poverty.
“We got the Anti-Racism Charter signed last October. I think it’s a really good public display of the council and UNISON’s commitment to being an anti-racist organisation. We were doing a lot already but it highlights that it’s a priority.
“We’ve put ‘just-in-case’ boxes in the toilets, sanitary products and incontinence boxes. UNISON paid for them initially but soon people started topping them up as well, which is really nice.
“And we helped organise a display in the council reception for LGBT+ History Month. There were pictures, posters about the history of Pride, flags. It was enjoyable and a good focal point, highlighting the fact that everyone is welcome.”
Jo joined UNISON when she started work — “my dad was a big trade unionist so it felt like it was my duty as well as benefitting me” — but only became active more recently.
“I wanted to get involved for a while but I was hesitant because I was so busy. But when a call went out that there was a need on the committee I did it. Yes it’s extra work, but the benefits of working with everyone on the committee definitely outweighs that.”
And she wants to reassure people that equalities work isn’t all about doing things for other people.
“You make a really positive contribution to your union and your workplace, but you get a lot from it too,” she says. “You get more knowledge, you get to meet colleagues from other branches.
“It’s a really positive experience and I’m glad it’s part of my working life.”
