Overview

• Unison, the UK’s largest trade union, approved Ellie Waple, a trans woman, to run for the women’s disabled member seat on its National Executive Council.
• This decision follows a recent Supreme Court ruling and Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) guidance defining 'woman' as based on biological sex under the Equality Act.
• Unison maintains its long-standing inclusivity policies, stating the decision complies with internal electoral rules and reflects its commitment to equality for women, trans, and LGBT+ workers.
• Reform UK figures, including deputy leader Richard Tice, criticized the move, accusing the union of ignoring legal precedent and undermining women’s rights.
• Parallel legal challenges against government transgender policies, including cases led by Victoria McCloud and the Good Law Project, signal growing tensions over gender rights in the UK.