TRADE unionists from across Scotland will gather to call for an end to discrimination against women in the workplace at this year’s Scottish Trades Union Congress Women’s Conference.

The 94th annual congress takes place this week online, where the major issues affecting women workers in the labour market and wider society will be debated by about 160 delegates from unions across Scotland.

The conference’s theme this year is women organising against discrimination at work, and delegates will debate a range of motions over the weekend, including sexual harassment, domestic abuse, women’s health and the impacts of Covid-19 on women. 

Speakers this week include Congress general secretary Roz Foyer, vice-president Pauline Rourke and GMB president Barbara Plant. 

Chair of the committee and this year’s conference Brenda Carson said: “This year’s conference comes after over a year of Covid-19, high-profile cases of violence against women and as Glasgow prepares to host Cop26.

“Since our last conference in 2019, we have seen drastic changes to the world of work.

“Many women’s lives have been turned upside down due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with many having taken on far more unpaid care work than ever before.

“Alongside this, the murders of Sarah Everard and Sabina Nessa have sent shock waves across the UK.

“In Scotland we must look at how sexual harassment, abuse and violence is tolerated, excused and perpetrated in our workplaces and communities.”

Today the conference will also welcome three high schools and representatives who will debate free school meals and child poverty in Scotland. 

Conference will also feature a panel session on climate justice, featuring representatives from Platform London, Trade Unions for Energy Democracy and young climate activists.

Ms Carson said: “Discrimination against women, in our workplaces and in our society, remains endemic.  

“It is only when we organise in our workplaces, and in our communities, that real change happens.”

The conference comes after GMB members, including workers involved in the historic Glasgow women’s strike, gathered at Holyrood to demand better wages for low-paid carers. 

Unions have called for £15 an hour for all care workers. 

GMB general secretary Gary Smith said members in the care sector would “summon the spirit of the Glasgow women’s strike,” which resulted in a historic payout from the council after years of underpaying female workers.