Four major Labour-affiliated unions have confirmed they will not attend the party's women's conference in September, in protest at the decision to exclude trans women from formal proceedings.
Unions announce boycott
Unison, Aslef, Usdaw, and the Musicians' Union are boycotting Labour Women's Conference over the ban on trans women from events such as main hall speeches and policy debates. The unions are among Labour's largest financial backers and say the policy breaches their views on trans inclusion.
Labour cancelled last year's women's conference after receiving legal advice following the Supreme Court ruling that 'women' in the Equality Act referred to biological sex. In December, the party's National Executive Committee voted to ban trans women from taking part in formal proceedings, though they may attend fringe events.
Union statements
A Unison spokesperson, whose union has given Labour £43.8m over the last 25 years, said: 'The union’s decided against sending a delegation to Labour women’s conference this year. This is because the party’s restrictions on access run counter to UNISON’s policy on trans equality.'
Usdaw also confirmed a boycott, with a spokesperson stating: 'The union’s decided against sending a delegation to Labour women’s conference this year. This is because the party has excluded trans women which runs counter to Usdaw’s policy on trans equality.' Usdaw gave Labour more than £500,000 before the 2024 general election.
Train drivers union Aslef, which donated £100,000 during the 2024 election campaign, is also refusing to attend. The Musicians' Union will not send a delegation either, citing a 'long standing position of trans inclusion'.
Metro has learned that other Labour-affiliated unions are unhappy with the policy, but they declined multiple requests for comment.
Backlash from campaign groups
Labour for Trans Rights said they are 'extremely disappointed' by the ban. They added: 'For decades, trans women members have had a home in Labour’s structures, and it’s not acceptable that they’re being so blatantly excluded. The trade union movement – including the Labour-affiliated unions – have been incredible allies to the trans community. We hope that they’ll continue to use their influence in the Party to shift the new government towards a far more inclusive position.'
The Trans+ Solidarity Alliance said it was 'really sad to see community and democratic spaces that have proudly included trans people for years feel forced to make decisions like this and betray their own values.' Director Alexandra Parmar-Yee added: 'Clearly there’s no real justification for banning trans women from a conference, this is just one example of a broken legal framework for trans equality.'
A Labour Party spokesperson said: 'Labour is committed to advancing women in politics and to providing opportunities for all members to network, debate and contribute. Labour’s Women’s Conference reflects our commitment to addressing the underrepresentation of women in the Party, inclusion for all, and compliance with the law.'
