Welcome to UNISON Blaenau Gwent
Blaenau Gwent is a county borough in Wales, sharing its name with a parliamentary constituency.
Branch latest news, archive news and branch representatives
UNISON Office, Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council,
Municipal Offices, Ebbw Vale, NP23 6XB
Telephone: 01495 369504
Blaenau Gwent 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.
UNISON USEFUL LINKS TO SAVE YOU MONEY
Please inform us if you see an outdated link, thank you.
Social Media Links:
February 2025
AGM 2025
Blaenau Gwent Unison - AGM 2025. Tuesday 25 February 2025 at 12.00 GMT. Online event.
January 2025
Nominations close at 16:00 on Friday 17 January 2025
LOCAL SERVICE CHAMPIONS
UNISON celebrates and defends local government workers for the everyday heroes they are.
Without great people running our local services, our communities would suffer. Nominations for the 2025 awards are now open – take 5 minutes to nominate someone that has gone above and beyond this year.
To nominate click here
January 2025
SCHOOL BUDGETS
School budgets need protecting, says UNISON in response to Institute of Fiscal Studies funding report. Delivering the education all children and young people deserve cannot be achieved without proper funding.
Full article click here
December 2024
CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR MESSAGE
Dear Unison Members,
As we approach the festive season, I want to extend my warmest wishes to each and every one of you. This year has brought its share of challenges, but it has also showcased the incredible resilience and unity of our Unison community.
Christmas is a time for reflection, gratitude, and celebration. Let's take this opportunity to appreciate the moments of joy we've shared, the milestones we've achieved, and the connections we've strengthened. May your holidays be filled with laughter, love, and the warmth of family and friends.
As we look forward to the New Year, let's embrace it with renewed hope and determination.
Together, we will continue to support each other and strive for a better future for all. May 2025 bring you peace, prosperity, and endless possibilities.
Thank you for your unwavering commitment and dedication. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Warm regards,
Dave Rees & The Blaenau Gwent Unison Team
December 2024
WINTER GRANT OPENS
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
Full article click here
December 2024
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
December 2024
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
November 2024
BLUESKY NEW LINK
Calling all our social media friends, if any of you are currently using BlueSky, you can now follow us there too. bsky.app Blaenau Gwent - Unison Branch (@unisoninbg.bsky.social)
November 2024
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?
You are entitled to receive training within your working hours in school where possible in the same way other education professionals access training and development opportunities.
By being registered as a professional with the EWC there is an expectation that you have access to ongoing training to support your professional journey.
The day will comprise of a conference address from Lynne Neagle, Cabinet Secretary for Education in Wales. Along with speakers including Andrew Jenkins from the Traitors on his journey discussing mental health and wellbeing and Wales Restorative Approaches Partnership discussing managing challenging behaviour in schools.
There will also be CPD workshops to include, mindfulness, wellbeing and core numeracy skills.
UNISON is running this Seminar during the time that our members are employed to be at work in the same way Teachers and Head Teachers have opportunities for training and development during the term.
We feel that our members have the right to access training and engage with colleagues across Wales in the same way other educational professionals do.
We are sure that your Head Teacher will recognise the importance and benefits of you attending this FREE seminar. Please make the request to attend. Your branch will be able to support you if you have any difficulty in getting released to attend.
All delegates will receive attendance certificates for each workshop attended. We look forward to seeing you there!
The UNISON Cymru Wales Schools Team
Full article click here
November 2024
YOU'RE NEVER ALONE
To mark INTERNATIONAL MEN'S DAY, we would like to give a shout out to two fantastic groups based in the Blaenau Gwent area. Both offer support and friendship to anyone that may need it.
You’re Never Alone - Men's Mental Health Group
Meeting @ 7pm (Every Tuesday)
Tabor Centre, Davies Street, Brynmawr, NP23 4AD
Men's Shed Blaenau Gwent - A Support group for Men & Women
Meeting @ 10am (Every Wednesday)
Blaina Community Sports Centre, Surgery Road, Blaina, NP13 3AY
Sometimes the hardest part of any journey is the first step.
#InternationalMensDay
November 2024
to 
WALES CLIMATE WEEK 2024
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
October / November 2024
NJC PAY AWARD LATEST NEWS
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.
November 2024
WINTER ESSENTIALS GRANTS
Winter is tough enough. UNISON's Winter Essentials Grant is here to help members with £200 food shopping vouchers. Open 24 hours on 11 December.
Check eligibility here
October / November 2024
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
October 2024
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.
Full article click here
October 2024
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?
World Mental Health Day is celebrated every year on 10 October. This year’s theme set by the World Federation of Mental Health is workplace mental health. The theme highlights the importance of addressing mental health and wellbeing in the workplace, for the benefit of people, organisations, and communities.
But what is a mentally healthy workplace?
There are many things that contribute to a mentally healthy workplace, from providing staff training on mental health to tackling discrimination and bullying.
Importantly, a mentally healthy workplace supports open conversations about mental health.
While talking about mental health in the workplace has become more common, many people still face stigma when it comes to severe mental health problems. This means there’s more work to be done to tackle mental health stigma in the workplace.
October 2024
COUNCIL CUTS - BLAENAU GWENT
Blaenau Gwent - Wales
£6,000,000 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
UNISON POD CAST 2024
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
September 2024
CHRISTMAS TRIP
Shopping Trip to Bath Christmas Market on Saturday 7th December 2024.
As seating is limited members are advised to book early. Members £5.00, Non-Members £15.00, Children under 16 Free. A deposit of £5.00 each for Non-Members is required and this can be paid at Reception in The General Offices and the remainder will be collected on the day.
PICK UP POINTS:
8.30am Foundry Bridge Abertillery
8.45am Brynmawr Square
9am General Offices Ebbw Vale
9 .15am Lidl Tredegar
Leave Bath 6.00pm
Book your seat/s by Telephone on 01495 369504/01495 369507 or e-mail unison@blaenau-gwent.gov.uk
September 2024
VOTING BALLOT 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
September 2024
SEPTEMBER COURSES
Upcoming events for September new courses 2024.
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
August 2024
IN FULL SUPPORT
More press coverage in the Western Mail, South Wales Echo and Wales on Sunday of the council proposals to stop their Meals Direct Service to the most vulnerable in our communities.
Caerphilly Unison Branch Secretary Lianne Dallimore quoted opposing the proposals on behalf of the Branch. See Caerphilly Unison for full article.
August 2024
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”
July / August 2024
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
July 2024
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
The event featured speakers including UNISON Cymru/Wales regional secretary Jess Turner, Wales TUC general secretary Shavanah Taj, TUC general secretary Paul Nowak, Unite lead health officer in Wales Richard Munn and Alun Davies MS.
June 2024
NJC PAY 2024/25
We are consulting members on this offer now and want you to have your say. We recommend that you vote to reject the offer. All members will receive a voting link via the email address provided on your account. If you haven't received a voting link and would like to take part, please contact us in the office on 01495 369504 or email unison@blaenau-gwent.gov.uk
Voting closes on Friday 28 June at midday.
June 2024
PDF report link here:
NJC PAY 2024/25
Pay Consultation Begins. This circular sets out the process for the digital pay consultation being organised by UNISON’s NJC Committee for all those covered by the NJC pay offer in councils and schools across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Want to find out more? Click the PDF report link here
Or read UNISON full report here
June 2024
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: 4th July, 2024
May 2024
SCHOOL UNIFORM GRANT
Applications will be made online and a link to apply will be added to the bottom of this webpage when the grant is live.
The grant will open on 29 May 2024 for 750 applications at 8.30am and again for another 750 applications at 5pm. You will not be able to apply before these times.
May 2024
BALLOT PAPERS - 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 369504) 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.
April 2024
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
BREAKING NEWS: Supreme court win! UNISON won in the UK Supreme court today as judges told bosses they cannot punish employees for taking strike action.
In what Christina McAnea Unison called 'The most important industrial action case for decades', the Supreme Court judges were scathing of the government’s failure to provide the minimum protection UK workers should have been granted.
April 2024
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
More information link click here
March 2024
THANKS GARY
Not something you see in a TEAMS meeting everyday. What a fantastic guest Gary was and we would like to thank him wholeheartedly for attending - We would also like to thank you, our members, we hope you had a great AGM.
If you have any further questions, please give us a call in the office 01495 369504
March 2024
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.
Read More #IWD24
March 2024
HAPPY SAINT DAVID'S DAY / DYDD GWYL DEWI HAPUS
Happy St David's Day #UnisonWales
February 2024
AGM 2024
The AGM 2024 group is now up, confirm your attendance and please share with your fellow staff members.
Tuesday 20th February, 4.00pm UTC.
February 2024
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 #Unison #NationalApprenticeshipWeek #NAW2024
February 2024
SCHOOL SUPPORT STAFF SEMINAR
Save the date for an insightful School Support Staff Seminar on the 23rd of February 2024 – an event designed exclusively for our valued UNISON School Support Staff. The Seminar will be held at the Radisson Blu in Cardiff.
Join us for insightful discussions and workshops covering crucial topics like Menopause awareness, an update on reviewing TA Job Descriptions, understanding the ALN Act, and be inspired by our special guest speaker, Libby Nolan, UNISON’s President. Excitingly, we'll soon be announcing additional influential speakers!
Stay tuned for registration details, which will be shared soon through email and this Facebook page. To ensure you don't miss out, take a moment to verify that your details are up to date.
January 2024
KEEP WARM THIS WINTER
UNISON's charity, There for You, is again helping members stay warm this winter with grants of up to £200 towards your fuel bills.
Set a reminder for Wednesday 24 January, as grants go live at 8.30am and 5pm and they go fast.
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 Blaenau Gwent Branch