Public and Commercial Services Union

In this section you can find:

• general introduction
• damage caused by stigma
• discrimination at work
• PCS policy
• PCS Proud - the voice of PCS LGBT members

General introduction

Lesbians, gay men and bisexuals are found in all occupations and professions, all cultural groups, all social classes, can be of any age and live in all areas of the country.

It is estimated that one in 10 of the population are lesbian or gay. But society assumes heterosexuality is the only natural and acceptable lifestyle.

Many lesbians, gay men and bisexuals are forced to hide their sexuality at work because by openly coming out they risk isolation, victimisation or even dismissal.

Damage caused by stigma

Heterosexism is the name given to the system of beliefs, attitudes and institutional arrangements which reinforce the view that everyone is, or should be, heterosexual.

Heterosexism holds that relationships between people of the opposite sex are superior to any other lifestyle, whether lesbian, gay, bisexual or single.

A huge stigma is attached to homosexuality, which results in gay people experiencing a variety of social and economic sanctions. These range from hurtful anti-gay jokes, to outright physical attack or loss of a job.

Homophobia is the term used to describe a fear of same sex relationships, or a fear of those who love the same sex. Homophobia at its worst results in violence against lesbians, gay men and bisexuals.

Discrimination at work

A recent survey by the TUC of lesbian and gay trade unionists found that nearly half reported that they had been discriminated against at work because of their sexuality.

The problems they reported included dismissal, physical assault, false accusations and social ostracising, harassment, bad assessment of work and failure to promote. The most common problem was homophobia: comments from colleagues, managers and in some cases clients and members of the public.

Terms and conditions of employment can also discriminate against lesbian, gay and bisexual workers. Mostly this stems from the assumption that everyone is heterosexual and in married relationships.

Special leave, such as for bereavement or to care for an ill partner, parental leave, relocation transfer policies, health and insurance schemes, travel concessions, pensions and other facilities provided to partners, and are all examples of conditions of service that are not always provided equally to lesbians, gay men or bisexuals and their partners.

PCS policy

PCS policy is to ensure that it does not discriminate or enable others to discriminate in providing services, education, publicity, recruitment and in organisation and it will emphasise its commitment to equal opportunities in all its work.

PCS believes that all members have the right to equality of opportunity and equal treatment regardless of their sexuality.

No-one should be subjected to harassment, discrimination or less favourable treatment because of others' prejudices or misconceptions.

PCS recognises that there is discrimination against our members who are lesbians or gay or bisexual and is committed to working to remove this oppression in the workplace and in society.

Lesbians, gay men and bisexuals face discrimination at work and discrimination in society.

The union has a role in providing equal rights to lesbian and gay and bisexual members, by negotiating policies and procedures, by using the law when appropriate and by working to create an atmosphere in which all our members feel that the union is there for them and can work to improve their rights and working conditions.

This guide forms part of the union's strategy, by providing practical guidance to negotiators, local reps and to members on tackling discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation.

PCS Proud

The union has a lesbian, gay and bisexual network called Proud, which provides information and support to negotiators and members. Proud also organises seminars and training events and holds an annual general meeting. The Proud group has regional reps and a national steering committee. They act as a link between the National Executive Committee and lesbian, gay and bisexual members.

Find out more on the Proud website or contact Proud direct - proud@pcs.org.uk.

Alternatively, you can contact the Equality Department at PCS Headquarters:

Tel: 020 7801 2683
Email: equality@pcs.org.uk