Welcome to UNISON Caerphilly
We are the largest Trade Union in Caerphilly, supporting public service employees
"You're strong and we're standing strong with you."
Caerphilly UNISON, Tredomen Business and Technology Centre
Tredomen Park, Ystrad Mynach, CF82 7FN
Telephone: 01443 863279
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We recognise that unity is our strength and work tirelessly to promote truth, justice and equality. Our purpose is not just to be a voice for the voiceless but to give them a voice of their own.
UNISON USEFUL LINKS TO SAVE YOU MONEY
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January 2026
SENEDD ELECTIONS
With the crucial Senedd Election on 7 May approaching, UNISON Cymru is working on lots of ways that you can get active in the campaign through your union. I would also like to invite you to join us for a pilot of the “Use your vote in Wales” citizenship webinar on Friday 6 February, 12.00-13.00 (Register at link here.
This short non-partisan session for members and non-members will run on lunchtimes and early evenings throughout March, April and early May.
The aim is to raise awareness of the issues at stake in the election, build knowledge of how the new voting system works, and encourage workers to register to vote and get involved in the campaign. You can help shape final version by attending the pilot, asking questions in the comments, and giving feedback on what could be improved before it is rolled out more widely.
We look forward to seeing you there. More information click here
January 2026
NEW GENERAL SECRETARY
Andrea Egan begins her five-year term as UNISON general secretary. ‘We will put faith in members’ decisions and stand up to any employer, politician or cabinet minister who acts against our interests’ 'We can be an incredible force for change' - UNISON general secretary Andrea Egan. Watch video click here
January 2026
FIGHT FOR FAIRNESS
Healthcare support workers across Wales have won a major victory after years of being underpaid for the vital clinical work they do. Together, members put pressure on their health boards and the Welsh government to fix an injustice that saw thousands of staff stuck on Band 2 pay while regularly carrying out Band 3 duties. More information link click here
January 2026
HEALTH SESSIONS
Menopause, Nutrition and Lifestyle sessions across Caerphilly borough in 2026. Spaces are limited so book your space early to avoid disappointment! Email: heather.r.manson@wales.nhs.uk
Tuesday 20th January 2026 (6-8pm) - Snug Coffee Shop, 92 Thistle Way, Ty Sign, Risca, NP11 6HJ
Wednesday 4th February 2026 (6-8pm) - Rhymney Library, Victoria Road, Rhymney, NP22 5NU
Wednesday 11th February 2026 (6-8pm) - White Rose Resource Centre, Cross Street, Elliots Town, New Tredegar, NP24 6EF
Tuesday 17th March 2026 (6-8pm) - Barged Library, Hanbury Chapel, Hanbury Road, Bargoed, CF81 8QR
January 2026
2026 UNISON YEAR OF GREEN ACTIVITY
Welcome to our 2026 Year of Green Activity hub! The direct impacts on public finances, on public health, the cost-of-living crisis (food and energy costs) and all other areas of public policy are plain to see. All experts now agree that the costs – both financial and ecological – of doing nothing far outweigh the costs of action. More information link click here
December 2025
A HUGE THANK YOU
After 16 incredible years of service, wisdom, and (yes!) those famously long speeches, we say goodbye to our Branch Chair, Juan-Antonio Garcia. From Labour Link Officer, Health & Safety Officer, Assistant Branch Secretary, Branch Secretary and finally Chair, Juan has been a guiding voice, a walking encyclopedia of Employment Law, and a true champion for our members. His dedication, humour, and passion have shaped our Branch - and will be deeply missed. Now he’s off to spend more time with family (and maybe give a few speeches to a tougher crowd - his grandkids!). Thank you, Juan, for everything. Enjoy your well-earned retirement - no alarm clocks, no early calls, just laughter and family time.
Cheers to you, Juan!
December 2025
LOCAL SERVICES CUT TO THE BONE
We launched our important new report today, examining the true cost of 15 years of cuts to local services in Wales. The message from every speaker was the same: councils have been cut to the bone.
Jan Davies, chair of the UNISON Cymru Local Government Committee, opened the event by setting out how far funding has fallen. Our head of local government. Darron Dupre, described the scale of the damage, with tens of thousands of jobs lost, services stretched to breaking point and women bearing the brunt of the cuts. Gwawr Eilian from Gwynedd spoke about staff who live and work in their communities. Lianne Dallimore from Caerphilly reflected on growing up with strong public services and how far things have changed. Award-winning campaigner Molly Fenton spoke about the growing mental health crisis facing young people and the lack of integrated health and local services to support them.
Report author Andy Mudd set the findings in a wider context, explaining how decades of austerity, outsourcing and a supply-side approach to the welfare state have failed. The event closed with UNISON Cymru regional secretary Jess Turner, who spoke about members’ lived experience of cuts and called on politicians to make insourcing a priority so public money stays in communities and services can be rebuilt.
Full Report click link here
December 2025
VOTING RESULTS
UNISON members have elected Andrea Egan as the union’s next general secretary in the 2025 general secretary election.
Voting in the ballot was as follows:
Andrea Egan 58,579 (59.82%)
Christina McAnea 39,353 (40.18%)
Report of Voting click link here
December 2025
LOCAL SERVICE CHAMPIONS
The Local Service Champions Awards aim to recognise the outstanding contributions of local government staff who go above and beyond in their role. Those unsung heroes who always go the extra mile to give ongoing support to our communities. To take part you must be a UNISON member, and the person you are nominating must be a member too. More information link click here
December 2025
WINTER HELP
Winter is tough enough. UNISON's Winter Essentials Grant is here to help members with £200 food shopping vouchers. Open 24 hours on 10 December. Check Eligibility link click here
December 2025
NEW: PLEASE SHARE
NEW: School support staff across Wales are being pushed into poverty because the current system for setting pay isn’t working. A major new Labour Research Department report, commissioned by UNISON Cymru, shows staff are routinely graded incorrectly, working above their contracted hours and rarely paid for the extra responsibilities they take on. The findings make a strong case for establishing a Wales School Support Staff Negotiating Body to end the postcode lottery in pay, address long-standing problems and ensure job roles reflect the work staff actually do. Please read and share the report today
December 2025
TIME TO VALUE
Today we launched Time to value school support staff: The case for a Wales School Support Staff Negotiating Body, our major new report produced with the Labour Research Department. We heard powerful testimony from UNISON members about their lives in schools. They spoke about overwhelming workloads, low pay and the reality of being pushed into in-work poverty despite their essential role supporting children’s education. We also heard from the Cabinet Secretary for Education, who spoke about her commitment to tackling this social justice issue and ensuring the contribution of school support staff is properly recognised. The report authors from the Labour Research Department set out the evidence in detail. From widespread grade mismatch and unpaid responsibilities to the urgent need for a dedicated Wales School Support Staff Negotiating Body to deliver fair pay, clear progression and national consistency.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and to the members who shared their experiences. Today showed why change is needed and why Wales must take this opportunity to build a fairer system for school support staff.
December 2025
WELFARE REFORM REPORT
On International Day of Persons with Disabilities, UNISON reaffirms its commitment to driving change and shaping welfare reform that helps our members stay well and thrive at work.
Read our Welfare Reform report and more from our members on this key issue: #IDPD #DisabilityEquality #Disability Welfare Reform Report link click here
December 2025
CELEBRATING STARS IN OUR SCHOOLS
Teaching assistants and support staff at Trinity Fields Special School having some fun with our selfie boards on Stars In Our Schools day! A huge thank you to all teaching assistant's and school support staff throughout Cymru for your invaluable contributions every day. #StarsInOurSchools
November 2025
November 2025
GENERAL SECRETARY
The election for the next general secretary of UNISON is now OPEN.
This is a paper ballot, and your vote must be returned via post. Election packs are now being posted and will start to arrive in the next few days. Don't worry if yours doesn't arrive straight away.
The general secretary is the public face of the union. They represent you in the media and on TV, in meetings with politicians and in discussions with employers. It’s a very important job and this is an important vote. Don’t miss out on your chance to choose your general secretary.
November 2025
4 WEEK RULE
Did you know UNISON's 4 week rule? You must have been a member for minimum of four weeks BEFORE the incident that requires assistance. Please join now.
#JoinUNISON #JoinAUnion #UNISONMembership
October 2025
Opens on 
VOTE FOR GENERAL SECRETARY
Every five years, UNISON members choose who will lead our union.
The general secretary represents UNISON to employers, Parliament and the public, the voice of over 1.3 million members. The ballot opens on 28 October.
October 2025
RATE OF PAY
This sets a clear benchmark for the rate of pay needed to keep workers out of poverty.
“Low-paid staff working for fair employers are the ones who’ll see the benefits of this rise. But for most workers in public services, it’s the government’s responsibility to make sure they’re on a decent rate.
October 2025
Event is on November
NOMINATE A STAR
UNISON members can now nominate a fellow school support staff colleague for Stars in Our Schools 2025. Let’s celebrate the unsung heroes of education.
This year the event will take place on Friday 28 November 2025
#StarsInOurSchools #UNISONCymru Nominate form link click here or More information link click here
October 2025
HOPE NOT HATE
UNISON is proud to support Hope not Hate’s weekend of action, taking place on 18-19 October, which aims to bring people together in a show of unity and solidarity. #HopeNotHate More information link click here
October 2025
WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY
At UNISON, we know that mental health matters in every workplace, every union branch and every conversation.
Here's four ways we're supporting mental health across the UK.
#WorldMentalHealthDay #UNISON
1. Quality social care - older people face greater risk of depression and anxiety if living in care or alone. UNISON campaigns for properly funded, quality social care.
2. Resources in schools - depression and anxiety are among the leading causes of illness for younger people. UNISON fights for better mental health resources in schools, and support pupils and staff.
3. A fairer workplace - tackling poor working environments, low pay, insecure jobs, and discrimination. UNISON stands up for fair wages, safe conditions, and respect at work. Good jobs mean good mental health.
4. Emergency services - when disaster strikes, workers step up - pandemics, floods, accidents. But who supports them? UNISON campaigns for proper mental health support for emergency and health workers.
October 2025
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
October is the start of Black History Month with the theme “Standing Firm in Power and Pride.”
This year we honour resilience, strength and legacy. We recognise the Black trade unionists and community leaders who stood firm in the fight for fairness, equality and justice. It is time to celebrate our heroes, amplify our voices and continue building a future rooted in power and pride #BHM25 #BlackHistoryMonth More information link click here
UNISON POD CAST 2025
The UNISON Local Government podcast is out now. 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
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.
BUDGET PLANNER
The first vital step in taking control of your finances is to create your own personal budget plan. 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.
> Budget planner 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.
Contact Caerphilly Branch