Welcome to UNISON Blaenau Gwent
Branch latest news, archive news and branch representatives
UNISON Office, Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council,
Municipal Offices, Ebbw Vale, NP23 6XB
Telephone: 01495 355252
IMPORTANT COVID-19 UPDATES BELOW,
NEWS AND INFORMATION. PLEASE READ
Blaenau Gwent is a county borough in Wales, sharing its name with a parliamentary constituency.
It borders the unitary authority areas of Monmouthshire and Torfaen to the east, Caerphilly to the west and Powys to the north. Its main towns are Abertillery, Brynmawr, Ebbw Vale and Tredegar. Its highest point is Coity Mountain at 1,896 feet.
September 2021
Read PDF link here:
UNISON NATIONAL JOINT COUNCIL PAY OFFER 2021/2022 BALLOT
This online consultation ballot allows you to vote on whether to accept or reject the Local Government Employers' NJC pay offer. It is being run so that the UNISON NJC Committee can get a clear picture of members' views on the offer.
IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THAT YOU USE YOUR VOTE.
By clicking on the PDF link left you'll be able to read the offer and then vote, voting closes at midday on the 22nd September 2021.
September 2021
LGBT+ BLACK AND DISABLED NETWORK
Last chance to sign up for UNISON's Black LGBT+ network meeting 11:30am–2:00pm and Disabled LGBT+ network meeting 4:00pm–6:30pm on 17 September.
This meeting gives you the opportunity to find out about the work that UNISON does for LGBT+ equality for Black and Disabled LGBT+ members in the workplace and wider community. You'll have the opportunity to talk to and question your reps on the national committee and also influence the work that UNISON does on LGBT+ equality. For more information please message us, or email out@unison.co.uk
August 2021
CLAPPING DOESN'T PAY THE BILLS
Public service workers deserve a decent pay increase.
Staff in the NHS, in social care, in schools, in councils, in the police and elsewhere, have provided vital services to our communities during the pandemic.
Pay has been cut in real terms over a decade of being frozen or capped. Follow UNISON Cymru Wales campaign. Campaign details along with our consultation on unfair pay offers
August 2021
HAVE YOUR SAY - FAIR PAY
Dear Unison member,
It has been 18 months of trials and tribulations for our fantastic local government staff across Wales and the rest of the UK. Unison want you to know the sacrifices and commitment made by you during the pandemic has been exemplary and should be recognised in the form of a decent pay offer in this year’s settlement.
The committee who negotiate the annual pay offer in Local Government is called the NJC (National Joint Council) and it is made up of employees (trade unions) and employers (Local Government Association).
The employees side (trade unions) recently received a final offer from the employers side which consists of a 1.75% pay increase from 1 April 2021, with 2.75% for those on pay point 1. The joint trade unions believe the offer is unacceptable and agreed to launch a consultation of members on this pay offer.
In order for your branch executive gain an understanding on how members feel about the offer please can you get in touch via email unison@blaenau-gwent.gov.uk or join Unison on a team’s meeting on Monday, 16th August, lunchtime 12.00pm – 12.30pm and let Unison know your views.
A link here to: How do you want to join your Microsoft Teams meeting?
We look forward to hearing from you or seeing you at the meeting.
July 2021
Read PDF links here:
English version:
Welsh version:
WELSH AMBULANCE SERVICE - IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Quality is at the heart of everything we do. It’s an important factor in making sure our services meet your expectations. We care about your experience, and your feedback is vital in improving the quality of the care we provide. It helps us to see what is working well and what needs further improvement in the way we deliver services. We really want to deliver the best possible care, and your feedback will help us to keep striving to make the Welsh Ambulance Service the best it can be.
July 2021 Update
LET'S TALK
Blaenau Gwent UNISON are now able to offer members a new Talking Therapies initiative, which is accessed by completing a simple referral form. We can then put you in touch with a counsellor who can offer online or telephone support for issues such as work-related stress, anxiety and depression.
Sessions can be accessed quickly and arranged at a time to suit you. This support is offered free to all Blaenau Gwent UNISON members.
This initiative is being administered by Monmouthshire Branch, therefore if you would like to take up this opportunity, please email unisonmon@btconnect.com and a referral form will be sent to you. If you would like then to complete the form for you over the phone, please call 01291 675502 leaving your name, number and best time to call, and they will call you back to go through this with you. You can now apply online by clicking the link below.
Remember- it’s always good to talk #itsokaytonotbeokay Apply for Talking Therapies.
July 2021
Read the PDF report here
RACE EQUALITY FIRST - REPORT FOR WALES
UNISON Cymru/Wales Black Members’ Group has been working with Race Equality First on its report on the scale of racial inequality in Wales and how Westminster and Welsh governments must do a lot more to tackle racism. Chair of UNISON Black members, Kebba Manneh, said:
“This report is hard-hitting and the scale of the racism revealed may be shocking to some, but this is the reality for Black people every day. Our governments are failing to effectively tackle racism and address ethnic disparities in all areas of life. We want a Wales free of racial discrimination and Welsh government must take this report seriously and act on the recommendations. We need action! Well done to Race Equality First and UNISON Cymru Wales for all the work you have done on the report.”
The report identifies: -
• Police-recorded hate crimes rising by a third since 2016/17
• Ethnic minorities disproportionately stop-searched by the police across all four of Wales’ force areas
• Ethnic minorities remain substantially underrepresented in senior jobs in the public sector
• Ethnic minorities are more likely to live in poorer quality housing or work in precarious jobs, and face racial bullying in school and into their adult lives
The report has been submitted to the Committee of the UN International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.
July 2021
FAIR PAY
UNISON is calling for a 10% pay rise for all local government workers, as financial recognition for their commitment to public service.
July 2021
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
UNISON is clear: 1.5% is an insult to council and school staff and can’t be allowed to stand. Blog by head of local government and education, Jon Richards.
July 2021
THERE FOR YOU SCHOOL UNIFORM GRANTS 2021
There for You has once again set up a fund to help members on low incomes struggling with the cost of school uniforms. Grants of £50 per child are available, up to a maximum of £150 per family.
Applications are by downloadable form and will be available from Thursday 1 July at the link below. As always, this is a limited fund and once it’s gone, it’s gone.
Please ring 01495 355252 if you require a hard copy of the application form.
June 2021
PUBLIC SECTOR HEROES
Keep your eyes peeled for more of our posters appearing throughout Blaenau Gwent over the next couple of months.
Thank you to all our amazing public sector heroes.
June 2021
WORKPLACE DISPUTES
Employers can no longer mistreat staff who take part in industrial action, says UNISON. Christina McAnea hails important victory for staff involved in strikes or disputes
Employers will no longer be able to get away with mistreating any employees who take part in union-organised workplace disputes following an important legal decision, says UNISON.
Contact Blaenau Gwent Branch