School Strike for Climate on 20 September 2019.

A number of branches have been in contact to seek UNISON’s position on supporting the next planned School Strike for Climate on 20 September 2019.

‘School Strike 4 Climate’ campaign is organising its next schools strike on Friday 20 September 2019 and has called on all workers and adults to join in and show their solidarity.

UNISON is liaising with other unions and the wider climate movement over how best to show solidarity to the young campaigners – who are aware that obviously anti trade union legislation means we can’t and won’t be organising strike action, but can show support for them in other ways.

In Scotland, UNISON has declared a ‘Green Day’ of action, to coincide with the planned School Strike in order to show their solidarity with the campaign to tackle the climate crisis.  

In Wales, branches may also wish to make their own plans for a range of activities to engage members in highlighting the climate emergency, green workplace action and the school climate strikers’ activities. 

Some ideas include: actions to support UNISON’s campaign for the local government pension funds to divest from fossil fuels; arranging to plant a tree – the best known system of carbon capture and storage technology; inviting a school student climate striker to speak at a lunchtime meeting/attending a local lunchtime school climate strike rally; create an international focus, with a speaker/film highlighting the impact of climate change on the global south; a stall with pledge posters for members to use and share on social media (#ClimateStrike).

As General Secretary Dave Prentis said last month, “the climate crisis is the greatest single threat humanity faces”.  In calling for nationalising energy suppliers, he referred to the escalating demands for urgent climate action, highlighting recent protests by Extinction Rebellion and the school student climate strikers, along with Sir David Attenborough’s powerful documentaries, raising awareness of the impacts, including massive plastic pollution in the oceans.

If you are going to get involved then let us know what you’re doing and we’ll share your plans.

Tanya Palmer

Regional Secretary

UNISON Cymru/Wales

Do you use Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest or Instagram? Then check out UNISON’s secure social learning microsite exclusively for our activists and staff.

Leaflet about UNISON’s Campaign Fund and Labour Link.

Events

Previous events

How to… get marching

Demonstrations and marches have always been effective ways to send a message to politicians and the public about issues that matter to our union and its members, and the people and communities they serve.

For those watching from the pavements a big demonstration – 500,000 people marching against austerity for instance – is a massive, colourful family-friendly and noisy event.

For those taking part, a march is inspiring, a way to make your voice heard and to show solidarity with other trade union members. It’s also fun.

So, whatever the issue and whether it’s local or national, why not get your branch involved and marching?

Planning for a demonstration

If you decide to organise a branch presence on a demonstration, it’s worth finding out as much as possible before you start speaking to branch members.

The UNISON website is a good place to start, as we publicise marches we are supporting in the ‘events’ section at www.unison.org.uk/events.

If we are supporting a demonstration held by another organisation, we will provide a link to their website so you can get the information you need.

Also keep an eye on our publications like activist – both digital and in print – as well as branch circulars from your service group.

We will also use social media to advertise marches, so keep checking on Facebook, Twitter etc… Make a note of the hashtag we are using for the event, so you can see what other people are doing.

The next step is to think about the questions members might ask when they are deciding if they want to be involved. A key issue is how members will get to the march. Do they need to make their own way, or will the branch co-ordinate transport?

If you think branch members will be keen to attend in numbers, you might want to investigate organising buses yourself.

But first check with the organisers to see if they have transport planned that your members can use. Or speak to your region, as often regional TUC or UNISON transport has been organised. But do it early: buses get full and parking spots get booked up.

If you are organising your own buses, check what arrangements have been made for parking at your destination and how long it will take you to get from parking areas to the assembly point for the march.

Coaches are often not able to park next to the assembly point, which can mean a bit of travelling to do. Make sure that is clear for members who may have mobility issues and check with the organisers about what arrangements have been made for disabled access on the day.

You may want to encourage branch members to travel together on trains, so it’s worth checking the timetables and advising members what train other people are getting so they can travel together.

Be prepared

However people get there, they will need to know what time to assemble, where to meet and when a march or rally is likely to finish.

It will also be helpful for them to know how far they will be walking.

Remind them to wear comfortable shoes and prepare for all weathers – it sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t think about that, especially if it’s their first time. Sunburn or blisters are no fun, however important the issue.

You should also remind them to bring food and water, as it can be a long day.

UNISON produces publicity material that you can use locally to encourage participation. You can order them in bulk from the online catalogue at unison.org.uk/onlinecatalogue.

Often, they can also be downloaded from the website and emailed to members, or printed out and put on noticeboards. These are for use before the event, so don’t bring them with you on the day. You won’t need them.

On the day

We like to encourage UNISON branches to march together, so we can be loud and visible together. Also, it’s great if people can wear purple and green so we stand out as UNISON.

For summer marches you can order UNISON t-shirts from our online catalogue. If it’s too cold for t-shirts, then you can order purple tabards – also from the online catalogue – which can be worn over warmer clothing. You will need to pay for t-shirts and tabards.

Look for the giant UNISON balloons or UNISON flags and head in their direction – as that is where UNISON members will be.

That will also be where you can pick up UNISON placards, whistles and other things to help you get noticed. You can order some of our blank placards in advance and encourage members to write their own slogans or messages on them.

After the event, check with the stewards where you should leave placards and other things you are not taking back with you.

Bring your branch banner and organise members to carry it in relays, plan some songs and chants, and ask someone to volunteer to take pictures and post them on social media.

They should do this from the minute you leave home to the end of the march – and don’t forget to use the hashtag. That’s a great way for branch members who couldn’t attend to keep up with everything that is happening.

There will be plenty of stewards around on the day who are there to help with any questions or issues you may have.

And finally, enjoy the day. Be inspired – inspire your members and help us make a difference.

How to get the most out of your campaigning photos

TUC national demonstration: a new deal for working people

Courses

Welfare Officer Course

Dear colleague

We have an ERA Refresher course scheduled to run at UNISON House, Cardiff on 2^nd & 3^rd October and there are still a number of places available.

If you wish to book a place for any of your stewards who require this training, please let me know.

Application form attached for completion and return.

Sheila Morris (Secretary)

Unison Cymru/Wales

Extension: 477

Direct Dial: 02920 729477

E-mail: S.Morris@Unison.co.uk

UNISON Learning Reps (ULR) - Stage 1 Training

22, 23, 24 October 2019 - Cardiff

<< New text box >>

When the GDPR (general data protection requirement) came in earlier this year there was a lot of panic and misinformation circulating. But, now that the dust has settled, what do you, as a UNISON activist, really need to know? 

Whether you're a communications officer, wondering what you're allowed to send people, a welfare officer, dealing with very personal and private information, or a steward keeping track of which of your colleagues, you may well be dealing with people's personal data on a daily basis. What should you stop doing, start doing, or do differently?

UNISON Learning and Organising Services have created a short e-note (online learning module) that takes you through the basic requirements of the law, and explains what you need to do to keep members' data safe. It should take about 20 minutes to complete.

You can find this at https://e-learning.unison.org.uk/course/view.php?id=42, along with some other useful resources including the Branch Data Protection Handbook.

If you haven't used UNISON's e-learning site before, you'll need to create an account at https://e-learning.unison.org.uk. In some cases we've found that the confirmation email is blocked by employers' email networks - if you don't receive an email, email learningandorganising@unison.co.uk and ask for your account to be confirmed manually. Please also contact us on that email address if you need your password reset or if the e-note doesn't work properly for you.

Best wishes,

UNISON Learning and Organising Services

learningandorganising@unison.co.uk

https://learning.unison.org.uk 

 

Subject: Online AfC handbook - evaluation survey link for sharing

http://www.nhsemployers.org/your-workforce/pay-and-reward/nhs-terms-and-conditions/nhs-terms-and-conditions-of-service-handbook/handbook-survey

Colleagues,

Following the launch of the online NHS terms and conditions of service handbook, we are now running an evaluation survey.  I would appreciate it if you are able to share the above link more widely amongst your membership as well as drawing their attention to the new online functionality of the AfC handbook.

We will be sharing the survey link via our workforce bulletin and engagement briefs over the next  3 weeks as well.

If you have any questions please let me know.

With regards,

Alex

Alexander van Rees

Team Leader, Agenda for Change

Employment Relations & Reward

DDI: 0113 306 3063

Mobile: 07912 516 460

www.nhsemployers.org

Setting up a SOG in your Branch

What is self-organisation?

UNISON has four recognised Self-Organised Groups, for:

• Women
• Black members
• Disabled members
• Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender members

Self-organisation encourages members in each group to come together to discuss and take forward their own issues and to give each other support.  It is a key part of UNISON's strategy for achieving equality.  Because self-organisation is so important, it is set in UNISON's Rules.

The Rulebook says:

" 4.1 The Union shall promote opportunities for the following groups to organise activities to meet the purposes set out below:

1. women members
2. black members
3. disabled members
4. lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender members.

4.2 The purposes of self-organisation shall be, within the framework of the Rules of the Union, to assist the union to:

1. promote the union’s equalities and bargaining agenda
2. defend jobs, terms and conditions and services
3. build its density and have a strong and dynamic presence in the workplace.

(UNISON Rulebook 2014, Sections D 4.1 and 4.2)

Why have self-organised groups in your branch?

TO REDUCE ISOLATION - because of the kinds of jobs they do or the hours they work, many members don't get the chance to talk with others or their UNISON Branch about their issues.  By providing them with an opportunity to get together, UNISON can help members to feel part of something and connected to their union; the Branch can also get better information about what's really going on in some workplaces.

TO PROMOTE DIFFERENT ISSUES - because black, disabled, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender members and often women are not fairly represented in UNISON's structures it means that the workplace issues pertinent to them are also less likely to get onto UNISON's agendas.  Having SOGs where members with similar problems can get together in a comfortable environment to discuss what's important to them will bring these issues to light and to prominence.

TO RECRUIT NEW MEMBERS - the visible and active presence of SOG members within the local Branch will make it more attractive to others who identify with them.  They will want to be a part of it, to join UNISON to be part of something relevant to them and making change happen. 

TO RECRUIT NEW ACTIVISTS - members can take on small, informal tasks in a SOG and get support for doing so.  Such activities are more likely to lead into formal union roles because the introduction is softer and confidence is built.  And this will help the Branch achieve its policy goal of fair representation.

TO CONSULT - both the Branch and the employer benefit from the existence of a SOG that can be approached both to provide information and to give their views on specific issues.  In this way, collective bargaining agendas are better informed.

TO LINK WITH REGIONAL AND NATIONAL SELF-ORGANISED GROUPS - other parts of the union can make contact with members in your Branch if they have a collective identity and/or spokesperson.  Information can also move from your Branch SOGs to Regional and National SOG Committees and Conferences so they can be involved in work over a wider sphere.  They can also submit motions to inform and affect the work of SOGs at Regional and National levels.

TO HAVE FUN - Branch SOGs can be innovative in how they operate; they don't have to replicate structures elsewhere in UNISON which have been off-putting and excluding to some members.  They should be a vehicle for members to get in touch with each other, to spend time together if possible, to learn and grow in confidence and enjoy being part of UNISON.  

Facility Time

Stewards have a legal right to time to carry out their duties; although that doesn’t necessarily mean any other activities.

The right to time off

• workplace reps
• health and safety reps
• union learning reps
• information and consultation reps.

Duties covered

• trade union duties related to collective bargaining, on issues like: terms and conditions of employment; redundancies; job evaluation; family friendly policies; discipline; trade union facilities; and negotiating machinery
• Individual representation
• meetings with management and preparation for these meetings
• keeping members informed about negotiations.

There’s been some negative publicity about facility time in recent years – much generated by conservative lobby groups – but the truth is that good employment relations increase productivity and efficiency.

New reps – where to get support

We know our reps and activists need support and information, help and advice – even more so if you’re new to the role. Here are three things to do to start you off.

1. Ask your branch for mentoring

Support, including training, is available at both national and regional level, but the key to supporting new activists is through the personal touch at branch level – in other words, mentoring.

The key roles for a mentor or buddy will be to:

• talk to you about your training or other development needs;
• direct you to key people in the branch;
• encourage you to work out solutions to issues as they arise;
• help you find ways to follow up actions from courses and put your learning into practice.

2. Read the Stewards’ handbook

This essential publication is given to all reps and stewards and is packed with useful information. Contact your branch if you haven’t received yours yet.

3. Join the Organising Space

The Organising Space is a dedicated microsite for UNISON activists to share and discuss the issues and strategies affecting their duties in the workplace.

More about the Organising Space

3. Look out for Activist communications

UNISON distributes a specialist stewards’ magazine, UNISON inFocus, offering support to all workplace representatives. There is also a weekly email bulletin, eFocus, which is sent to all reps and activists who have registered an email address with the union.

Branches also send representatives regular information on local matters and representatives can always ring the regional office, UNISONdirect or check the news section on this website.

• Our reps and activists
• Help and advice
• Training and development
• Your branch
• Your voice counts
• Make a suggestion
• Activist news and publications

Taking industrial action is a big step for any union.

And with a raft of legislation surrounding any form of industrial action, from ballots to picketing, great care is essential when taking action.

Because of the legal complexity of industrial action, it’s essential that you read the full UNISON guide to industrial action, and talk to your regional organising staff before taking any action.

Read the UNISON guide to industrial action [PDF] 

But there are a couple of general principles to bear in mind:

Getting permission

Permission to embark on a national industrial action ballot rests with the general secretary and the industrial action committee, following a request from the national secretary on the behalf of the service group.

The majority of industrial action ballots relate to local disputes with a specific employer, and permission to hold a  ballot lies with the relevant regional secretary.

There will be occasions where the regional secretary does not agree to authorise a ballot - in these circumstances the branch has a right to appeal to the industrial action committee.

Membership records

It is essential that before any ballot, you make sure your membership records are up to date.

Experience shows that employers will challenge the legality of any ballot they believe is based on inaccurate membership data.

Indeed, this is a really good reason to make sure that your records are regularly checked.

Organising Space

As an activist you are the heart and soul of UNISON, critical to the important work we do. 

So we decided it was time you had a unique online space for all your UNISON Organising activities.    

The Organising Space is an online portal and your place to:

And the great news is it's already here! So, what are you waiting for? 

Join the hundreds of your fellow activists and staff who are already sharing ideas, successes and experiences in the new online space.   

Simply follow the link https://organisingspace.unison.org.uk/

And login using your existing My UNISON details. 

Here's a short video that will explain more

http://youtu.be/sTaiJEebM9c

TUPE: an introduction 

The Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations (TUPE) is a law designed to protect the rights of employees when a business transfers from one owner to another.

http://www.unison.org.uk/knowledge/pay/tupe/overview/



• The UNISON health and safety rep

  07 Feb 2013 16:20

  Become a health and safety rep in your workplace