Your UNISON Branch
City and County of Swansea Branch serves Swansea and the surrounding areas. There are currently 24 Community and Town Councils in Swansea.
A Swansea Welcome
Welcome To UNISON Swansea Branch. Here you can find information on membership and joining UNISON ….. joining fees ….. what we do ….. getting help and support ….. campaigns ….. and all the latest news.
Campaigns 2024
A Christmas Message 2024
UNISON truly appreciates the vital work you all do. As we approach Christmas and the end of another year, I want to thank all of you who have worked tirelessly to keep our public services going. As we look forward to 2025, I know we will continue to work together successfully to campaign for better pay, conditions, workers’ rights, equality and world-class public services. We will also continue to be part of the global trade union movement, fighting for peace and justice. I wish you, your families and loved ones a happy Christmas and let’s hope for a kinder and peaceful new year.
Thank you all once again, Christina McAnea
Full article click here
A Basic Human Right
Firm Foundations – housing: a basic human right. In the first of a series on the UK housing crisis, Simon Jackson explores the many issues involved, what the government intends to do about them, and what UNISON is doing.
‘Everyone has a basic human right to a decent and affordable home.’ #Housing #HousingShortage #HousingCrisis Full article click here
Champions Day
Champions Day is back on Thursday 5 December. In workplaces across the country, we’ll be celebrating the incredible contributions that local government workers make to our communities. Contact your branch today to find out about #ChampionsDay where you work.
Full article click here
Thank You
Thank you to everyone who got involved with the #starsinourschools and #EarlyYearsStars celebrations. We appreciate everything that you do! Don’t forget we still have two fantastic competitions running:
Nominate a star Full article click here
Croyde Bay competition: Full article click here
Wales Climate Week
Wales Climate Week is back from 11th – 15th November 2024, bringing together a diverse range of climate stakeholders to discuss one of the most pressing issues of our time – adapting to climate change. This year’s event coincides with the United Nations COP29 conference, placing an emphasis on how Wales can prepare and adapt to our changing climate.
Whether you’re part of a public sector organisation, business, voluntary group, community, or simply an individual who wants to make a difference, Wales Climate Week is your chance to join in the conversation and take action. The focal point for Wales Climate Week is a 5-day virtual conference designed to explore how we can deliver policies and initiatives to help our communities face climate change head-on. Panels will cover topics like: Adapting to extreme weather: heatwaves, droughts, storms, floods, and coastal erosion. Safeguarding key sectors: health, energy, transport, water, infrastructure, agriculture, and food systems. Balancing adaptation and mitigation: how can we protect our environment while reducing emissions? The virtual sessions are free and open to everyone. Register (Below) via the Wales Climate Week website and make sure you’re part of these crucial discussions.
To register click here
Registration Is Now Open
UNISON Cymru Wales School Support Staff Seminar 2024 on 21st November 2024 – Radisson Blu Hotel, Cardiff. Did you know that the training offered at this FREE seminar can count towards your continued professional development? To register click here
Stars In Our Schools
As part of #StarsInOurSchools and #EarlyYearsStars – we’ve just opened nominate a star. This prize draw is all about recognising the wonderful contribution of support staff in schools and early years settings. Find out more click here
The Budget
Opinion: A week from the budget, the country needs a new direction. The chancellor faces a tough task, but Rachel Reeves must show that Labour is serious about growth. Full article click here
Swansea Health Workers Strike Action
Health workers in Swansea Bay to vote on strike action over pay. A ballot of more than 700 healthcare support workers employed by the Swansea Bay University Health Board opens on today (Thursday 17 October) and closes on 14 November. Full article click here Update article: Action update click here Update article: IMPORTANT: Update December 10th 2024
Council Cuts Swansea
Swansea (Abertawe) – Wales
£28,583,000 funding gap.
That’s funding needed for refuse collection, local parks, recreation and public health facilities, care for the elderly, and so much more. Without funding, services you and your community rely on could soon disappear.
Full listing click here
Council And School Pay Ballot Voting Reminder
Members,
Look out for a purple envelope containing your ballot paper and send it back in the freepost envelope provided ASAP! UNISON recommends you vote yes for Industrial Action to get the pay award YOU deserve!
Ballot closes on October 16th
#UnisonCymru #UnisonWales
Full article click here
Council And School Pay
We’ve submitted our local government pay claim for 2024. We’ve asked for:
– £3,000 or 10%, whichever is greater
– Review of equality pay gaps
– Reduction of the working week
– Additional annual leave
– June 2024 updated information link here
Important Update
As you will be aware, the NJC Pay Award for 2024/25 has now been agreed. The Local Authority has confirmed that they will be paying the backpay as follows:
End of month 002 payroll – Nov 2024
Mid-month 001 payroll – Dec 2024
The Foundation Living Wage rate has also now been agreed and will be processed as above.
Disability Members 2024
By Angela Hamilton, who represents disabled members on UNISON’s national executive council
UK Disability History Month runs from 14 November to 20 December. This year’s theme, Livelihood and Employment, recognises the valuable role disabled people play at work and in society.
The disability employment gap shows no sign of ending, with disabled people twice as likely as non‑disabled people to be unemployed.
Full article click here
Pressing The
Reset Button
A Labour government can now press the reset button for public services, says UNISON. Investment in communities, health and care must be at the heart of change.
More information link click here
Stand Together
2024 – 2025
One week left to take part in the higher education consultation. This is your chance to make your voice heard and make a difference to the future of HE pay. Read more about the campaign. Full article click here
Thank You For
Your Support
A Unity Rally was held in Swansea Castle Gardens.
2024 National Delegate Conference
18 – 21 June 2024
The Brighton Centre Kings Road Brighton East Sussex BN1 2GR.
We have now opened the Online Conference System (OCS) to allow branches to register delegates and submit motions in line with the rule-book requirements. Please note the deadline to submit motions on OCS is 12.00 noon on Tuesday 27th February 2024.
More information link here
Key General
Election Dates
– Register to vote: 18 June
– Apply for a postal vote: 19 June
– Apply for Voter ID: 26 June
– Apply for a proxy vote: 26 June
ELECTION DATE: on 4th July, 2024.
Voting By Post
Voting by post is quick, easy and secure.
– Don’t miss out
– Vote in advance, when it suits you
– No queues, or bad weather to worry about
– Apply now more information link here
– Deadline for registering to vote in the General Election.
– Register by 11:59pm on 18 June 2024 to vote in the General Election on 4 July 2024.
– If you want to apply by post for a postal vote, you must get your postal vote application to your local Electoral Registration Office by 5pm on 19 June 2024.
Ballot Papers
Please Vote
The Service Group Executive Elections 2024 are just around the corner, have you received your ballot yet? If Not, please give our office a call on (01495 355252) so that we can ensure one is sent out to you.
To all those who have received a ballot, you can either return them via post or online.
Voting closes at 5PM on 17 May, 2024.
Voting – New ID Requirements
This is a milestone year for democracy. Four billion people, more than half of the world’s population, will go to the polls in 2024. It is the first time so many have been able to exercise their vote in a single year.
Read more link here
Prioritise A National Care Service And Protect The NHS
New Welsh Labour leader, Vaughan Gething MS, must prioritise a national care service and protect the NHS from privatisation.
Read more link here
Apprentice Members
Apprentices can join UNISON from £10 a year which gives you the support of a union – our reps, legal team, a helpline and more.
UNISON organises, protects and campaigns for apprentices #NationalApprenticeshipWeek #NAW2024
More information link here
Local Services Champions Awards 2024
Our annual Local Service Champions Awards celebrate the incredible work that local authority staff do and its impact on the lives of the people who depend on it. Without dedicated workers who make a difference so many invaluable services would disappear, so we owe our champions a huge debt.
More information link here
Campaigns 2024
LGBT+ Workers 2024
A year ago, Jennifer Black, Lucy Power and Penny Smith, all members of UNISON’s national LGBT+ committee, discussed their hopes for the imminent Year of LGBT+ Workers in 2024.
They were particularly aware that the year would be taking place against a background of culture wars being pushed by the far right and members of the then Conservative government, not least in terms of anti-trans rhetoric. The committee was looking to make the group more visible, and to enhance education around LGBT+ identities.
Full article click here
A Better Life At Work
Employment Rights Bill. What happens next? An introduction to the ERB. Full article click here
Unity Is Our Strength
Opinion: UNISON will stand up to the politics of hate.
Christina McAnea says: “We will work with other unions across the country to call for an end to violence, intimidation and discrimination. Unity is our strength”. Full article click here
Campaigns 2024
Nominate Someone Today
Nominate someone that you feel has gone above and beyond during the past year. We are giving £500 Love2Shop vouchers to the winner and £250 Love2Shop vouchers to two runners up so it’s well worth nominating someone you feel represents the best of local government. We want to hear all about how they have supported their community in their role, with the more detail the better!
Employment Rights Bills
Employment Rights Bill gets the green light from MPs. In the days leading up to the vote, over 13,000 UNISON members emailed their MPs, asking them to back the bill at second reading.
More information link here
End Of An Era
Huge sense of loss in Port Talbot as Tata Steel Furnace 4 is closed today 30.09.24. The greener and low CO2 emission electric arc is due to replace traditional steel making by 2027 but many of the 2,000 workers are not clear on their future at the site #PortTalbot #Baglan #Steel #SteelMaking
Solidarity With Tata
Steel Workers
Cardiff Trades Council is with Swansea Trades Council. Saturday 4th May, 2024.
May Day march and rally organised by Cardiff Trades Council. Assemble 12 noon, top of Churchill Way at Queen Street CF10 2GR. Bring your banners!
Supreme Court
Supreme Court judgment stops bad bosses from punishing striking workers. UNISON’s legal case makes clear employers must not discipline staff for striking.
More information link here
Please Sign
Together with the education unions we have formulated a petition on the reform of the school year. If we collect more than 10,000 signatures the petitions committee will consider referring to a debate in the Senedd. The reform of the school year is not only relevant to those who work in schools but to parents, carers, and other interested parties.
Please sign here
40th Anniversary
There is a special conference taking place in Cardiff on the 2nd of March marking the 40th anniversary of the 1984/85 miners strike. More details are in the post below – a special conference for a time that should never be forgotten.
Save Money, Save The Planet
The new Unison Wales “Saving Energy in the Kitchen” webinar will now run on the evening of Wednesday 24 January.
Learners already booked on the original date have been informed, and we still have a few places remaining.
All other sessions in the “Good For Your Pocket, Good For the Planet” series are now fully booked, but waiting lists are open.
Click here to book now
Winter Grants
Great news for UNISON members! UNISON’s Winter Essentials Grant offers £200 vouchers for food shopping. Open on 11 December. Check eligibility now #ThereForYou #WinterEssentials #Grants
Click here for more information
2024 NATIONAL YOUNG MEMBERS CONFERENCE
UNISON’s Young Members Forum has agreed to hold a National Young Members Conference on Friday 29th November at 4pm, finishing Sunday 1st December 2024 at 12:30pm.
We have now opened the Online Conferencing System (OCS) to allow submission of motions in line with the rule-book requirements. Information on when, how and who can submit it can be found in the NYMC bulletin.
Full article click here
UNISON POD CAST 2024
A new episode of the UNISON Local Government podcast is out now. Yesterday, an all-member email was sent to local government members advising them of the podcast. After evaluating series 1, we’ve changed the podcast’s name to ‘Behind the Service: a UNISON insight into Local Government’.
In this podcast, Ruth Levin and Paul Bell chat with Tony Wright and Abi Coombs from UNISON’s charity, There For You.
This episode of the UNISON Podcast covers:
– What ‘There For You’ is, and how it works
– The sheer range of support available
– Quantifying the charity’s massive impact across the year
– How UNISON members can access support and get involved with the charity
Listen now on your favourite podcast platform via the links below! Please promote the podcast within your branch and regional networks.
Listen Online click here
Listen on Spotify click here
Listen on Apple click here
Listen on Amazon click here
UNISON MEMBERS 20% OFF NOW
That’s right, UNISON Members are entitled to 20% discount.
Only valid for direct bookings through Croyde Bay Resort at croydeunison.co.uk or 01271 890 890.
More information on the Croyde Bay holiday resort, click here
UNISON useful links to save members money
As well as the links below you can visit UNISON latest benefits page. Full article here.
Help & Support
Winter Essentials Grant
Winter is tough enough. UNISON’s Winter Essentials Grant is here to help members with £200 food shopping vouchers. Open 24 hours on 11th December.
Check eligibility here
Young Members Mental Health Matters
UNISON believes mental health is a trade union issue.
We all have difficult times, and sometimes that’s because of work. Our leaflet for our Young Members Mental Health Matters campaign outlines how we look after our young members.
Full article click here
UNISON College
It is designed to help increase confidence with money management, understand debt and improve financial literacy. UNISON College’s Financial Wellbeing Fortnight 2024 runs from Monday 11 November – Friday 22 November. It is a two-week series of sessions designed to help increase confidence with money management, understand debt and improve financial literacy. These are free online events for UNISON members. The sessions will help develop your financial management skills and knowledge, which can be applied to your personal and professional life. You can sign up for as many sessions as you like by completing the online registration form. All sessions will be delivered online via MS Teams or Zoom #Finance #FinancialWellbeing #Money #UNISONCollege To sign up click here
Christmas Rewards
As a UNISON member you can save £££’s on discounted gift vouchers and shopping cards and get cashback from top retailers such as M&S, Very, Comet, Thorntons and more.
#ChristmasRewards #SaveMoney View website detail link here
Help & Support
UNISON Members Win Shopping Vouchers
We’re excited to share an exclusive opportunity with you to ‘Win £250 in Shopping Vouchers’. This is a Free Prize Draw exclusively available to UNISON members and their families in partnership with the UNISON NHS Dental Plan.
The draw is open to enter until 31st August 2024 and it’s completely free, there are no strings attached and you don’t need to take out a plan to enter the draw.
Join A Union
Check Your Benefits
It can often be tricky to figure out which benefits you are eligible for and how to claim. Check your support now with the UNISON benefits calculator.
Not Just Today But Everyday Of The Year
If you live in Wales or speak Welsh and are struggling with your mental health and need to talk to someone, there is always someone there who wants to listen. Use these free helplines and listening services for information, support and advice. Information and help link here
Help With Debt
There’s lots of help out there to get you back on track and it’s important to know you’re not alone. You can turn to UNISON Debtline, a free debt advice service.
UNISON Members 20% Off Now!
That’s right, UNISON Members are entitled to 20% discount. Only valid for direct bookings through Croyde Bay Resort at croydeunison.co.uk or 01271 890 890.
More information on the Croyde Bay holiday resort, click here
Help & Support
Energy Support Appeal
There for You is proud to support thousands of members and their families every year with things such as: general living cost, household appliances, urgent repairs, disability equipment and adaptations, utility bills and funeral costs. The support fund is there to help members through this cost-of-living crisis.
Cost Of Living Survival Event
Vital knowledge to help you and your colleagues survive in these challenging times. Full details here.
When Will It Get Better
Help For Ukraine
UNISON members and activists across Wales have been raising funds and holding vigils in support of the people of Ukraine. More information.
Wellbeing Matters
Wellbeing breaks can provide welcome relief from stress and respite from difficult circumstances – this can include assisting with recovery from illness to help prepare for a return to work. eing breaks
Wellbeing breaks can provide welcome relief from stress and respite from difficult circumstances – this can include assisting with recovery from illness to help prepare for a return to work. If you are on a low income or in hardship and cannot afford the cost of a break, There for You may be able to help you towards the cost.
Budget Planner
Our user friendly budget planner is free to use and should only take minutes to complete if you have all your financial information to hand.
Long COVID
UNISON fights to protect rights of workers with long COVID. Almost 5% of the UK workforce are struggling with long COVID. UNISON’s legal advice is clear that the Equality Act 2010 means that anyone with a long-term physical or mental impairment, which has a substantial impact on their day-to-day activities, is likely to be a disabled person. Support information is here.
Young Workers Month
November 2024 is Young Workers Month! Are you 30 or under and want to know more about being in a union? Get in touch today and find out what opportunities await you when you join UNISON! Today marks the start of #YoungWorkersMonth!
With UNISON, young members get more than just a voice – they get a community.
Explore how joining a union can boost your career, education, and personal journey. Ready to take that step?
Find out more click here
Become A Regional Organiser
Ever thought about becoming a UNISON regional organiser?
UNISON is now recruiting and looking for a fantastic regional organiser in Wales.
Become A Health And Safety Rep
Annual Events
Champions Day
Champions Day is back on Thursday 5 December. In workplaces across the country, we’ll be celebrating the incredible contributions that local government workers make to our communities. Contact your branch today to find out about #ChampionsDay where you work.
Full article click here
You’re Never Alone
On November 19, International Men’s Day celebrates worldwide the positive value men bring to the world, their families and communities. We highlight positive role models and raise awareness of men’s well-being. Our theme for 2024 is “Positive Male Role Models”. More information click here #InternationalMensDay
A Decade Of Stars
Everything you need to know, and do, to get ready for the tenth anniversary of UNISON’s Stars in Our Schools. On Friday 29 November, join people across the UK celebrating the vital Stars in Our Schools – support staff. For 10 years now, UNISON has held a celebration day each year to raise the profile of the vital role that school support staff play. Support staff are caterers, admin staff, finance officers, teaching assistants, librarians, ICT technicians and more. Full article click here
World Menopause Day
On #WorldMenopauseDay UNISON calls for meaningful workplace support for anyone experiencing the menopause. The menopause is an issue for everyone who cares about fairness in the workplace, not only those who experience it directly. Take a quiz click here
World Mental Health Day
On World Mental Health Day, let’s all come together to talk about mental health and show everyone that mental health matters. Talking about our mental health can help us cope better with life’s ups and downs. So, on World Mental Health Day and beyond it, why not check in with your friends, family, peers, or colleagues?
Wear Red Day 2024
Show Racism the Red Card will be celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Wear Red Day on Friday 18 October. Be a proud anti-racist. Be the difference. Join us. #WRD24
Wear Red Day Fund Pack click here
Bevan Day
Health workers in Wales and across the UK will be honoured at the birthplace of NHS founder Nye Bevan this weekend. The annual Bevan Day event in Tredegar will take place on Sunday July 7 and mark 76 years of the national health service.
– 10:30 assemble at Charles Street, Tredegar
– 11:00 march to Bedwellty Park, Tredegar
– 12:00 speeches at Bedwellty Park, Tredegar
Remembering Grenfell
June 14th, 2017. Today marks 7 years since the Grenfell Tower fire in which 72 men, women and children lost their lives.
– 7 years
– No Public Inquiry report
– No prosecutions
– No justice
The Grenfell Tower tragedy must not be forgotten, nor must justice for those who lost their lives, their loved ones or their homes #Justice4Grenfell
Annual Events
World Press Freedom Day
May 3rd
Many journalists and media professionals risk their lives and their freedom during their careers in pursuit of their stories, as some countries still put their journalists in jail to stop them from releasing certain information to the public. World Press Freedom Day aims to put an end to that and to honor those who have lost their lives because of their profession.
Annual Events
Clean Air Day
It’s #CleanAirDay and Feargal Sharkey is helping us promote the benefits of a cleaner environment.
Our members are at the frontline of the crisis emergency and understand how we can work to improve our planet for now and for the future.
Sign the Global Action Plan petition now to help make every day #CleanAirDay
Article link here
World Health Day
The World Health Day is celebrated annually and each year on 7 April to mark the anniversary of the founding of WHO in 1948. World Health Day is a global campaign, inviting everyone – from global leaders to the public in all countries – to focus on a single health challenge with global impact. By focusing on new and emerging health issues.
International Autism Awaremess Day
This day is recognised on April 2nd every year. Today, 17 years later, we have moved beyond raising awareness to promoting acceptance and appreciation of autistic people and their contributions to society.
International Women’s Day
There’s an exciting online event coming up for International Women’s Day.
To register your interest for this excellent event, click the link below.
Register link here #IWD24
Training And Events
Training Proud History
UNISON has a proud history of providing high quality learning opportunities for our members. We work with trusted national institutions like The Open University and the Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) and a host of local providers, and we also deliver informal learning in-house. Full article click here
Renters’ Rights Awareness Week
Your Guide to a Secure Home 7 – 11 October 2024. Join us for a series of free webinars, hosted by Generation Rent @genrentuk and UNISON.
Renters: Know Your Rights! – 7th October 6:30pm-7:30pm
Student Renters’ Rights Webinar – 8th October 6pm-7pm
Migrant Renters’ Rights Webinar – 9th October 6pm-7pm
The Past and Future of Renting Webinar – 10th October 6pm-7:30pm
Older Renters’ Rights Webinar – 11th October 6pm-7pm
We hope to see you all there!
Click here to register for free
September 2024 New Courses
September 10th: Learning Cafe
September 11th: Getting Started With Mentoring Skills And Practice,
September 17th: Loss And Bereavement Awareness
September 19th: Climate Aniety Workshop
September 19th: Bereavement In Childre And Young People
September 25th: Mental Health In Children And Young People Awareness
Training And Events
Free Absence Guidance
NEW – revised sickness absence guidance gives step-by-step advice to improve terms at work. Advice on understanding norms, making a case for a review, policies to pre-empt absence, rate and duration of sick pay, procedures and model survey and agreement.
Free PDF click here
British Sign Language Courses
Introduction to British Sign Language. September 17th from 12 noon to 1:30pm. Now is your chance to learn for free an important skill. Course is online via MS Teams
National Learning Week
Explore the power of learning! All sessions free of charge and open to all. Unison College, National Learning at Work Week.
13-17 May #LearningAtWorkWeek #LearningPower2024
TUC 2023/24 Training Courses
There is some fabulous learning available with the TUC coming soon.
Develop yourself and your skills and knowledge with some of our amazing Trade Union learning offers.
Further information and booking.
WALES: TUC Wales courses link here here
ALL: TUC courses link here here
Training And Events
Booking And Attending Courses
Since the beginning of the Covid pandemic, many of our courses have been and continue to be run online. Going forward, we expect to use a mixture of classroom and online formats. You should check the listing carefully to make sure that the course will be delivered in a format that is suitable for you. Details link here
Activist Training Pathways
We offer a range of courses from getting started as a union representative to developing your branch and building the union. Details link here
UNISON College
Providing high quality learning and training opportunities for UNISON members and activists.
LATEST EVENTS HERE:
For more information and to register, please click the link
UNISON Cymru Wales Learning
Places on all our courses this March are going quickly, so don’t miss out.
We put on courses, workshops and conferences aimed at building the skills and confidence of the public service workerforce, working in partnership with our Branches, employers and specialist learning providers.
Find out how to book your place on the buses here: Eventbrite link here
