Multiple leading trade unions affiliated with the UK Labour Party have announced they will boycott the Labour Women's Conference, scheduled for later this year, over a policy that bans transgender women from attending.
The unions involved include Unison, Aslef, Usdaw, and the Musicians' Union. Each has stated that the exclusion of trans women contradicts their principles of inclusivity and equality.
Unison, one of the UK's largest unions, confirmed its decision in a statement, emphasizing its commitment to trans rights. Aslef, representing train drivers, and Usdaw, the shop workers' union, also cited the ban as incompatible with their values. The Musicians' Union joined the boycott, expressing solidarity with trans members.
The Labour Women's Conference is an annual event that discusses issues affecting women. The ban on trans women has sparked debate within the party, with some arguing it protects women-only spaces and others condemning it as discriminatory.
As of July 29, 2026, the Labour Party has not publicly responded to the boycott. The conference is expected to proceed as planned, though the absence of these major unions may impact its representation and credibility.
