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
LATEST STORIES:
ACTION
NOW:
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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March 2026
CAERPHILLY AGM
UNISON Caerphilly Branch Annual General Meetings will begin. As members, please make every effort to attend one of the sessions. There are a range of dates, times, and locations detailed in the poster (both online and face to face). These meetings are a crucial part of UNISON’s business. Without a quorate level of member attendance (that’s you!), we cannot continue to operate as an effective and functioning Branch this year. Please contact the branch to have the links sent to you for the online meetings. Thank you.
March 2026
MARCH TOGETHER
UNISON Local Government SGE members standing #Together to support the march for love, hope and unity, in London on 28 March. Together Alliance UNISON in Local Government To Join click here
March 2026
STEP INTO SPRING GRANT
UNISON’s Step into Spring grant opens at 12 noon on Thursday 19 March and is available for 24 hours. Eligible members can get a £30 voucher towards the cost of essentials. Find out how to apply
More information click here
March 2026
CLIMATE CHANGE AND WOMEN
Climate Change and Women - 10th March, 12.30-13.30pm - Climate change is not gender-neutral. Around the world, and here in the UK, women are disproportionately affected by its impacts – whether through increased economic insecurity, health risks, or the burden of care during environmental crisis. This webinar will explore how climate change intersects with gender inequality and what can be done to create fairer, more resilient communities. Join us for an insightful discussion with expert speakers as we examine the challenges and opportunities for action. To book a place click here
March 2026
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
On International Women’s Day, we stand together for a society that uplifts the rights and dignity of all women. With over a million women working in public services, our union is driven by their strength and leadership. We are committed to real action on gender equality. #IWD2026 #GiveToGain #InternationalWomensDay
March 2026
SAINT DAVID'S DAY
UNISON, the UK's largest trade union, actively celebrates St David’s Day (Dydd Gŵyl Dewi) on March 1st, marking the national day of Wales and the patron saint. We thank all our members for the celebration messages promoting Welsh culture, language, and community.
February 2026
HEALTH AND CLIMATE ACTION
Do you work in health? Have you thought about how climate change affects both physical and mental health? Come along to this webinar as part of Unison's Year of Green Activity and find out more.
Year of Green Activity – the link between the health sector and climate action.
17 February 2026
12:30pm–1:30pm
Online via Teams: More Information link click here
February 2026
UNIONS AT THE HEART
Heart Unions week is about what unions mean for workers today. At work, people face pressure on pay, workloads and conditions, with decisions often made without workers’ voices being heard. On your own, it can feel hard to challenge that. A trade union brings workers together so they can support each other, raise concerns collectively and negotiate for better pay, safer workplaces and fair treatment.Unions work because they are made up of ordinary workers choosing to stand together and take action when something needs to change. If you want a stronger voice at work, joining a union is the first step. Find your union and join today: #CaruUndebau #HeartUnions More Information link click here
February 2026
LGBT+ MONTH
LGBT+ History Month, observed in February each year, is a chance to end invisibility and celebrate the lives and achievements of the diverse LGBT+ community.
UNISON looks back on our own LGBT+ history to see how far we have come, remind us of what we have achieved and recommit to the campaigns ahead.
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
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