Campaigns 2023
Merry Christmas And A Happy New Year
As 2023 comes to an end, I want to thank all of you who’ve been working tirelessly to keep our public services going. I also want to thank those who’ve given up their time to support members, through representation and UNISON’s campaign work.
Stars In Our Schools
Stars in Our Schools is an annual celebration of school support staff. This year the event will take place on Friday 24 November 2023 – but we encourage schools to join in whenever suits them!
#StarsInOurSchools #EarlyYearsStars View Stars In Our Schools website link here
Teaching Assistants
Hundreds of teaching assistants say they don’t have adequate training to deliver the Curriculum for Wales, says their union UNISON.
In a recent survey of teaching assistants two-thirds of those who took part (66%) said they have not received enough training to deliver the curriculum.
Others said that on in-service training days (INSET days), which are meant to be used for staff development, they had been asked to clean classrooms and do photocopying.
Pay Up Important Update
Following our 2023 pay ballet results in the summer, UNISON’s NJC Committee made the decision not to pursue industrial action. UNISON met with the other local government unions, GMB and Unite, on Wednesday 1 November, and the joint decision is to accept the pay offer for 2023 of an increase of £1,925 on all NJC pay points {pro rata’d for part-time and term time only staff). The pay award will be backdated to 1 April 2023.
We want to thank you for your patience while we have worked to resolve this year’s pay dispute. The local government employers have been informed and our immediate priority is to get the money into the pay packets of our hardworking members as soon as possible. If you have any questions, please contact your local branch.
The NJC Committee will be meeting in November, and we are starting preparations for the 2024 pay campaign as a matter of urgency, starting with consulting on and submitting a joint pay claim. The fight to restore local government pay will continue and we plan to be stronger than ever to get fair pay for councils and school workers.
Council Funding Gap
Click on your area to find out the funding gap – CUTS ARE COMING!! If you aren’t in a Trade Union you need to be – Join Unison today. #JoinUNISON
How bad will cuts to services be where you live?
Click on your council to find out the funding gap facing vital services in your community. The coronavirus pandemic has cost councils billions. Now services we all rely on are facing catastrophic cuts.
Equal Pay
Blog: In the campaign for equal pay, UNISON stands firmly on the frontline
To achieve wage equality across the whole of our society, and to permanently close pay gaps, we need systemic change.
UNISON Fact
- Percentage of UNISON women members. 70%
Campaigns 2023
Protect The Right To Strike
Three things you need to know about the anti-strike bill, 2023. The government’s new law is being voted on and is a full frontal attack on the rights of working people.
The UK is seeing record levels of strike action as ambulance workers, nurses, transport workers and teachers take a stand against the crisis in our public services.
Yet, rather than engaging with the people who keep our country running, or finding solutions to staffing shortages and waiting lists, the government is intent on punishing frontline workers when they speak out. Full Article Here
Our Right To Strike
Hundreds of trade unionists gathered for major rallies to protect the right to strike in Cardiff and Swansea, 2023. The events took place on Wednesday February 1 as thousands of public sector workers including teachers took part in industrial action over pay and conditions in Wales and across the UK. Right To Strike Rally details here
Sign The Petition 2023
Our right to strike is under attack. Rishi Sunak has just detailed his anti-union legislation and plans to introduce new laws in the coming weeks. It means that when workers democratically vote to strike, they could be forced to work and sacked if they don’t. That’s wrong, unworkable, and almost certainly illegal. These new laws are a direct attack on working people’s fundamental right to strike to defend their pay, terms and conditions. Sign the petition here
Use Your Vote
National Executive Council Ballot Papers and Election Statements have started to arrive through the post!! Make sure you return your voting paper in the pre-paid envelope provided. The ballot closes on 19th May 2023.
National Delegates Conference 2023
It’s that time of year once again when the gang gets together for National Delegates Conference 2023!
#UNDC23 #NationalCareService #ShowRacismTheRedCard #UnisonWales
Tax Oil And Gas Giants
Oil and gas companies that fuel climate change are making record profits and giving billions to their execs. Meanwhile, people like you and me get record (and wallet!) breaking energy bills.
All because Chancellor Jeremy Hunt isn’t taxing oil and gas giants fairly.
Sign the petition and tell the Chancellor to make oil and gas giants – not ordinary households – pay the price. Sign the petition here
Cabinet Statement
Written Statement: Education update on Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete
News Stories
Click here to close all articles:
REINFORCED AUTOCLAVED AERATED CONCRETE - SEP'23
CABINET STATEMENT
Written Statement: Education update on Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete.
NATIONAL DELEGATE CONFERENCE JUN'23
ACC Liverpool, Kings Dock Street, Liverpool, UK.
11,000 NEW UNISON MEMBERS IN WALES REGIONS FOR 2022
Were you one of them? Join UNISON today and be part of something bigger!
#UnisonWales
Campaigns 2023
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
Wear Red Day ’23
Show racism the red card. Proud to support #WRD23
Text ‘RED’ to 70470 to donate £1
Text ‘RED5’ to 70470 to donate £5
Text ‘RED10’ to 70470 to donate £10
Text ‘RED20’ to 70470 to donate £20
Higher Education Action
Higher Education Pay Negotiations 2023-24. News updates and events. Where are UNISON members planning to strike over pay next? Full information link here
NJC Strike Ballot
UNISON has been campaigning for a decent pay rise for council and school workers, who receive little recognition for their hard work.
Over the past 12 years, council and school staff have lost on average 25% from the value of their pay when measured against the Retail Price Index (RPI).
UNISON has called for a pay increase of inflation plus 2%, but employers are only offering a flat-rate increase. In a cost-of-living crisis, it’s not good enough.
Find out more and don’t forget to vote. Ballot information link here
NJC Pay 2022 Settled
Update November 2022
We are pleased to inform you that the NJC Pay award for 2022 has been settled and it has been agreed to accept the 2022 pay offer.
The council has received a joint circular from the Local Government Association/NJC, confirming an agreement has been reached on rates of pay for 2022/23.
This means the council and all other NJC employers will be in a place to pay you the increase and back pay in November’s pay run.
If you would like any further information on this year’s agreement, please give the branch office a call or send an email. Thank you.
March For The
Right To Strike
UNISON Cymru/Wales is encouraging all members and branches to take part in a march to protect the right to strike. The event takes place at Montpellier Gardens in Cheltenham starting at midday on Saturday January 27. UNISON will run a coach picking up in Carmarthen, Swansea and Cardiff. To book your seat email cymruwales@unison.co.uk
Click here for the march details
LGBT+ Workers
At UNISON’s LGBT+ conference in November, delegates welcomed the launch of the Year of LGBT+ Workers, which will take place throughout 2024.
More information link here
New Autumn Online Courses
26 October at 10:15
Wonderful evening webinars coming up on …..
6/12 Christmas Crafts
17/1 Energy Saving in the kitchen
31/1 Saving Money
21/2 Green Spring Cleaning
20/3 Nature Friendly Gardening
FREE for all public service workers in Wales
Green Squirrel Unison College Unison Wales
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
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
School Uniform Help
For members on means-tested benefits, or net household incomes of under £26,000/yr. For full eligibilty And application details, please visit here. Thursday 1st June 2023. Online at 8:30am and 5pm.
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.
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.
Help & Support
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
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.
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.
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
Special Events
Wear Red Day ’23
Show racism the red card. Proud to support #WRD23
Text ‘RED’ to 70470 to donate £1
Text ‘RED5’ to 70470 to donate £5
Text ‘RED10’ to 70470 to donate £10
Text ‘RED20’ to 70470 to donate £20
Saluting Our Sisters
This year’s Black History Month, in October, is themed ‘Saluting our Sisters’. UNISON is using the month to celebrate exceptional women working in health
Happy 75th Birthday To Our NHS
Staff are the backbone of our NHS, with over 1.5 million people working as one team to deliver safe patient care.
From wards to walk-ins, corridors to communities, offices to operating theatres, labs to laundries and everywhere in between, UNISON celebrates the dedicated and diverse team of staff who have steered our health service to its 75th birthday.
Happy birthday NHS! #75Today #NHS
Workers’ Memorial Day
You are invited to attend Wales’ National Workers’ Memorial Day event.
Join us for refreshments followed by a short ceremony to lay wreaths at the National Workers’ Memorial Stone. We will be joined by dignitaries including trade union leaders.
Find out how to book your place on the buses here: Memorial Day link here.
Annual Events
Stars In Our Schools Event
Stars in Our Schools is an annual celebration of school support staff. This year the event will take place on Friday 24 November 2023 – but we encourage schools to join in whenever suits them!
#StarsInOurSchools #EarlyYearsStars View Stars In Our Schools website link here
National Delegates Conference 2023
It’s that time of year once again when the gang gets together for National Delegates Conference 2023!
#UNDC23 #NationalCareService #ShowRacismTheRedCard #UnisonWales
Remembrance Day
Armistice Day, or Remembrance Day as it’s also known, marks the very day that World War One ended in 1918. We hold a two-minute silence at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month to remember those who have died in any conflict.
6 Reasons To Join UNISON
Heart UNISON is part of Heart Unions Week, the TUC’s annual event celebrating unions – to make sure everyone knows why we’re vital in the workplace and to encourage everyone to join one. Video information link here.
Happy Birthday UNISON
On Saturday July 1, 2023, the Uk’s largest Union turned 30. What year did you join?
#Unison30 #Unison #UnisonWales
Annual Events
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
Mental Health Awareness Week
Anxiety is a normal emotion in us all, but sometimes it can get out of control and become a mental health problem.
Lots of things can lead to feelings of anxiety, including exam pressures, relationships, starting a new job (or losing one) or other big life events. We can also get anxious when it comes to things to do with money and not being able to meet our basic needs, like heating our home or buying food. But anxiety can be made easier to manage.
Focusing on anxiety for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week will increase people’s awareness and understanding of anxiety by providing information on the things that can help prevent it from becoming a problem. At the same time, we will keep up the pressure to demand change – making sure that improving mental health is a key priority for the government and society as a whole.
Celebrating Working Women
UNISON International Women’s Day is celebrating working women. UNISON prepares for IWD 2023. The union will celebrate International Women’s Day with an event in Glasgow in March 2023.
UNISON is organising an International Women’s Day event in Glasgow on 8 March next year to celebrate the contributions of care workers, cleaners, school workers, librarians, and administrators to their workplaces, communities and the union.
Find out how to book your place on the buses here: International Women’s Day link here.
Training And Events
Autumn Online Courses
Unison Cymru Wales Learning is with Green Squirrel and Unison Wales. Learn fun, practical and useful environmental skills on Monday lunchtimes this autumn with our new webinar series created and delivered by the wonderful people at Green Squirrel.
These sessions are the perfect build-up to #COP28 and great for anyone who wants to take the important actions – big and small, individual and collective – that will make a difference to the #ClimateChange and #Biodiversity emergencies.
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.
Cost Of Living Survival Event – Sessions
Here are the edited versions of the talks, workshops and webinars that made up the Unison Cymru/Wales Cost of Living Survival Event on 20 October 2022.
Cost of Living Survival – Sessions | Cost of Living Crisis Survival | UNISON Cymru/Wales
Cost of Living Crisis Survival link here.
Training And Events
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
Autism Awareness
We’re delighted to be able to offer UNISON members in Wales the opportunity to learn more about Autism with the wonderful Adjust Services – a provider we’ve trusted for many years.
The online session is a members-only event on Wednesday 22nd November 2023, starting at 12:45
Book now to avoid disappointment
UNISON Wales Union Learning
Using film in the classroom tickets are available for matters to do with children mental health.
Ticket link here.
Training And Events
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.
Are you a Disabled Members Branch Officer?
Are you a Disabled Members Branch Officer or Contact or a Disabled Member who wants to get more active in your branch?
The training is for disabled members and will focus on:
– Working for disability equality in UNISON
– Role of branch disabled members officer or contact
– Bargaining for workplace reasonable adjustments
– Disability campaigning and organising in your branch
– Support and resources
– It’s also a great networking opportunity!
– This is a 1 day training course to be held online between 10.00am and 4.00pm.
Details link here..
Autism Awareness
Our exclusive UNISON member-only courses for schools staff this autumn will help you to deal with some of the most the challenging and rewarding parts of your job – working with children with autism, ADAD and low-level behaviour issues.
Tutors from expert provider 2Resolve will guide you though these important topics, with online sessions starting at 3pm in October and November.
Book now to avoid disappointment