POLICY ON MUTUAL RESPECT

United Voices of the World (UVW) is built on the values of solidarity, dignity and respect.

We expect everyone in our union family to uphold these values and treat people in the way they would like to be treated, with dignity and respect.

UVW will not tolerate behaviour that undermines the dignity or self-esteem of any individual or creates an intimidating, hostile, abusive or offensive environment. 

This commitment applies to all UVW members, activists, committee members and staff and anyone that work with us. It applies to all aspects of UVW activity, including meetings, campaigns, workplace organising, casework, events and social gatherings, wherever they may take place.

We are opposed to any discrimination based on class, gender, nationality, race or colour, age, sexual orientation, disability or beliefs.

As an employer, UVW has a legal and moral responsibility to protect its employees from any form of harassment, abuse or similarly unacceptable behaviour.

This UVW Mutual Respect Policy will be made available at all UVW meetings and events and displayed in the union office and on the UVW website. 

What we ask of you

• To treat everybody, including UVW members, staff and visitors, with respect and dignity. 
• To think before you make personal remarks. 
• To ensure your own behaviour does not cause offence or misunderstanding. 
• To challenge any unacceptable or offensive behaviour whenever you see it. 

What kind of behaviour is unacceptable?

Unacceptable behaviour includes unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct and any behaviour that ridicules, intimidates, or is physically abusive, whether in person or via telephone, e-mail, WhatsApp messages or social media.

Unwanted behaviour may include: 

• Offensive language, insults and obscene gestures 
• Unwanted physical contact
• Physical or sexual assault 
• Racist, sexist, classist or religious jokes 
• Sexual or compromising propositions 
• Intrusion by pestering or stalking, or unwelcome gifts
• Persistent phone calls or other harassing behaviour
• Unreasonable criticism or making unjustified complaints

These lists are not definitive.

What should you do if you experience or witness unacceptable behaviour?

UVW members and employees are encouraged to report any incident that they feel breaches this policy to the UVW Committee at committee@uvwunion.org.uk

All reported incidents will be investigated by an appropriate person, designated by the UVW committee, that is independent of the incident.