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Gifts from The Morning Star
The GMB report on institutional sexism — why we must change
If lessons are to be learned and effective action taken to address the serious issues of bullying, sexual harassment and cronyism highlighted in the recently published GMB report it must be recognised these problems exist not just in one union but across the entire labour and trade union movement, writes HELEN O'CONNOR

MANY keyboard commentators will have itchy fingers poised to express outrage but a key point should not be missed – no matter how uncomfortable and even traumatic this is, GMB is actually taking steps to deal with the problem.

There are specific historic foundations underpinning the macho culture of trade unions particularly in unions that formerly represented almost exclusively male industrial workers. 

But a number of unions, traditionally male preserves, increasingly represent women workers. GMB’s membership is now over 50 per cent women. It is high time for fundamental change in our culture and practices that genuinely enable the very best and most talented women to rise up the ranks of the trade union movement.

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