Welcome to UNISON Torfaen
Branch latest news, campaigns and UNISON member offers.
The area has a population of around 91,000.
UNISON Office, Civic Centre
Pontypool, NP4 6YB
Telephone: 01495 766356
ARCHIVE 2022 - 2023 STORIES
December 2023
CHRISTMAS REWARDS
As a UNISON member you can save £££’s on discounted gift vouchers and shopping cards and get cashback from top retailers such as M&S, Very, Comet, Thorntons and more.
#ChristmasRewards #SaveMoney View website detail link here
November 2023
STARS IN OUR SCHOOLS
Stars in Our Schools is an annual celebration of school support staff. This year the event will take place on Friday 24 November 2023 – but we encourage schools to join in whenever suits them!
#StarsInOurSchools #EarlyYearsStars View Stars In Our Schools website link here
November 2023
PAY UP IMPORTANT UPDATE
Following our 2023 pay ballet results in the summer, UNISON’s NJC Committee made the decision not to pursue industrial action. UNISON met with the other local government unions, GMB and Unite, on Wednesday 1 November, and the joint decision is to accept the pay offer for 2023 of an increase of £1,925 on all NJC pay points {pro rata’d for part-time and term time only staff). The pay award will be backdated to 1 April 2023.
We want to thank you for your patience while we have worked to resolve this year's pay dispute. The local government employers have been informed and our immediate priority is to get the money into the pay packets of our hardworking members as soon as possible. If you have any questions, please contact your local branch.
The NJC Committee will be meeting in November, and we are starting preparations for the 2024 pay campaign as a matter of urgency, starting with consulting on and submitting a joint pay claim. The fight to restore local government pay will continue and we plan to be stronger than ever to get fair pay for councils and school workers.
November 2023
STARS IN OUR SCHOOLS
One month to go until Stars in Our Schools and Early Years Stars celebration day. There are many ways you can get involved, plus lots of resources to download and don’t forget about our nominate a star prize draw to enter. #StarsInOurSchools #EarlyYearsStars
October 2023
CWMBRAN HOUSING
Cwmbran housing workers say no way to low pay.
Housing workers took to the streets of Cwmbran to protest against a below inflation pay award being imposed upon them.
Staff at Bron Afon Community Housing say they are now being forced to use foodbanks to survive while its chief executive could receive a £6,000 pay rise if the latest pay settlement is forced through.
October 2023
WEAR RED DAY 23
Show racism the red card. Proud to support #WRD23
Text 'RED' to 70470 to donate £1
Text 'RED5' to 70470 to donate £5
Text 'RED10' to 70470 to donate £10
Text 'RED20' to 70470 to donate £20
September 2023
BRON AFON SUPPORT
Housing workers in Cwmbran are being forced to use foodbanks to survive while bosses are receiving a £6,000 pay rise, says UNISON.
Staff at social enterprise Bron Afon Community Housing have had a below inflation pay rise imposed upon them and some say they are now relying on food banks to support their families.
UNISON and the GMB union are holding a demonstration over the pay dispute at Bron Afon on Thursday (September 28) outside the Bron Afon Housing Association on Llantarnum Way in Cwmbran from 4pm to 6pm.
Fantastic show of support here at Bron Afon.
September 2023
BRON AFON DEMONSTRATION
Join us on today between 4pm - 6pm outside Bron Afon at our demonstration against the immoral decision to award the already highly paid senior staff at Bron Afon more money than those who earn the least.
September 2023
TUC 2023 / 24 TRAINING COURSES
There is some fabulous learning available with the TUC coming soon.
Develop yourself and your skills and knowledge with some of our amazing Trade Union learning offers.
Further information and booking.
WALES: TUC Wales courses link here here
ALL: TUC courses link here here
September 2023
September 2023
CABINET STATEMENT
Written Statement: Education update on Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete
August 2023
9/10 - More Plants - Simple, planet friendly #food swaps
23/10 - How to reduce your online climate footprint
6/11 - Climate Resilient #gardening
20/11 - Not Buying it - Detecting & Rejecting #greenwashing
27/11 - How to have great #climate conversations at work
AUTUMN COURSES
Unison Cymru Wales Learning is with Green Squirrel and Unison Wales.
Learn fun, practical and useful environmental skills on Monday lunchtimes this autumn with our new webinar series created and delivered by the wonderful people at Green Squirrel.
These sessions are the perfect build-up to #COP28 and great for anyone who wants to take the important actions - big and small, individual and collective - that will make a difference to the #ClimateChange and #Biodiversity emergencies.
August 2023
AUTUMN COURSES
Our exclusive UNISON member-only courses for schools staff this autumn will help you to deal with some of the most the challenging and rewarding parts of your job - working with children with autism, ADAD and low-level behaviour issues.
Tutors from expert provider 2Resolve will guide you though these important topics, with online sessions starting at 3pm in October and November.
August 2023
UNISON CYMRU WALES LEARNING
We're delighted to be able to offer UNISON members in Wales the opportunity to learn more about Autism with the wonderful Adjust Services - a provider we've trusted for many years.
The online session is a members-only event on Wednesday 22nd November 2023, starting at 12:45
July 2023
UNISON WALES SCHOOL STAFF SUPPORT
Please contact the branch if you wanted our wonderful BSOF organisers to visit your school.
BSOF Local Organisers for Wales are currently working along side the local branch, visiting schools in Torfaen. If we are not already booked in and you want us to visit your school please send us a message.
July 2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY NHS
Staff are the backbone of our NHS, with over 1.5 million people working as one team to deliver safe patient care.
From wards to walk-ins, corridors to communities, offices to operating theatres, labs to laundries and everywhere in between, UNISON celebrates the dedicated and diverse team of staff who have steered our health service to its 75th birthday.
Happy birthday NHS! #75Today #NHS
June 2023
NATIONAL DELEGATES CONFERENCE 2023
It’s that time of year once again when the gang gets together for National Delegates Conference 2023!
#UNDC23 #NationalCareService #ShowRacismTheRedCard #UnisonWales
National Delegates Conference information link here
June 2023
HAVE YOU VOTED?
Back at the wonderful city of Liverpool for Unison Local Government Conference 2023.
First on the agenda is making 2023 The Year of The Black Worker.
Here we go!
#ULGC23 #UnisonWales
Rise Up to Get Pay Up!
LG Members can vote in the Pay Ballot 2023 until July 4th!
#PAYUP2023 #ULGC23 #UnisonWales
May 2023
NJC STRIKE BALLOT
UNISON has been campaigning for a decent pay rise for council and school workers, who receive little recognition for their hard work.
Over the past 12 years, council and school staff have lost on average 25% from the value of their pay when measured against the Retail Price Index (RPI).
UNISON has called for a pay increase of inflation plus 2%, but employers are only offering a flat-rate increase. In a cost-of-living crisis, it's not good enough.
Find out more and don't forget to vote.
May 2023
to
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK
Anxiety is a normal emotion in us all, but sometimes it can get out of control and become a mental health problem.
Lots of things can lead to feelings of anxiety, including exam pressures, relationships, starting a new job (or losing one) or other big life events. We can also get anxious when it comes to things to do with money and not being able to meet our basic needs, like heating our home or buying food. But anxiety can be made easier to manage.
Focusing on anxiety for this year's Mental Health Awareness Week will increase people's awareness and understanding of anxiety by providing information on the things that can help prevent it from becoming a problem. At the same time, we will keep up the pressure to demand change - making sure that improving mental health is a key priority for the government and society as a whole.
May 2023
COMPLAINT AGAINST THE NEU
Joint GMB, UNISON and Unite statement on the outcome of their complaint against the NEU.
Late last year, having failed to reach an agreement informally, the GMB, UNISON and Unite submitted a formal complaint to the TUC about the NEU’s organising activities and recruitment of school support staff.
The complaint alleged that the NEU had actively sought to recruit school support staff and had intervened in pay negotiations (known as the NJC) between the three recognised unions and the local government employers, which cover school support staff.
This undermined a previous agreement between all four unions around two fundamental TUC principles: which essentially require unions not to recruit nor organise in areas already covered by other recognised TUC unions.
Following a TUC disputes panel hearing the TUC issued its judgement the end of March 2023, which has now been presented to the TUC General Council. This upheld all the complaints against the NEU. The judgement reaffirmed that the NJC unions (GMB, UNISON and Unite) have exclusive bargaining rights for school support staff. It also explicitly stated that in future the NEU should take no action that could be regarded as organising activity among these workers.
April 2023
MAY DAY RALLY
The working class is standing up and fighting for a better future, pay, conditions and our services and to stop Tory attempts to attack our right to strike.
Great chance to show the strength of our movement and let's all turnout with our banners to march together for Mayday.
Here are the details of our march and rally in Cardiff on Saturday 29th April.
#WalesTUCCymru #ToriesOut #ProtectTheRightToStrike
April 2023
PAY UP 2023
As we get closer to the opening of UNISON's industrial action ballot for council and school workers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, it's so important to make sure that you and your colleagues are ballot ready.
To make the local government employers see that you are serious about demanding a decent pay rise, every eligible member must post their ballot paper back to us with a YES vote when the time comes. The ballot opens in May.
#payup2023
March 2023
PAY UP 2023
UNISON prepares to ballot local government and schools workers for strike action over pay.
The government's offer of £1,925 amounts to roughly 9% for the lowest paid, but only around 4% for other staff.
More details on the ballot will be shared in the coming weeks.
March 2023
CELEBRATING WORKING WOMEN: UNISON INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
Celebrating working women: UNISON prepares for IWD 2023. The union will celebrate International Women’s Day with an event in Glasgow in March 2023.
UNISON is organising an International Women’s Day event in Glasgow on 8 March next year to celebrate the contributions of care workers, cleaners, school workers, librarians, and administrators to their workplaces, communities and the union.
March 2023
BRANCH DEVELOPMENT
Branch Development Weekend for UNISON in Gwent Branches at Bryn Meadows Hotel and Golf Club.
Fantastic morning session with Esther, Stuart and Tony from Sight Cymru delivering Sight Loss Awareness Training to representatives from Monmouthshire, Torfaen, Caerphilly, Newport & Blaenau Gwent.
March 2023
TORFAEN AGM
Dear Member,
You are warmly invited to attend the Annual General Meeting of your UNISON branch which will take place on the dates listed. The AGM will elect your Branch Officers, Representatives and ratify the election of Workplace Stewards for the forthcoming year. The aggregate AGM's will be held in person and virtually this year. Please contact the branch at jack.johnson@torfaen.gov.uk
You should be able to access Team's on most devices. You only need to attend the one meeting that best suits you.
Wednesday 1st March 2023 at 16:30pm via Teams
OR
Thursday 2nd March 2023 at 12.00pm, Civic Centre, Glantorfaen Road, Pontypool, NP4 6YB
OR
Tuesday 7th March 2023 at 13.00pm, Mount Pleasent Inn, Wesley Street, Old Cwmbran, NP44 3LX
February 2023
JOIN A UNION
Heart Unions - there's power in a union. When workers act and speak together, their employer has to listen. That’s how unions make things better at work.
Together, we’re stronger. So join a union today.
https://www.tuc.org.uk/join-a-union
#HeartUnions #CaruUndebau #HeartUnionsWeek #UnisonWales #JoinAUnion
February 2023
RIGHT TO STRIKE RALLY
Torfaen UNISON branch Secretary and Caseworker attended the event held in Cardiff! What a turn out of people from lots of Unions’.
Hundreds of trade unionists gathered for major rallies to protect the right to strike in Cardiff and Swansea.
The events took place on Wednesday February 1 as thousands of public sector workers including teachers took part in industrial action over pay and conditions in Wales and across the UK.
January 2023
SCHOOL SUPPORT STAFF MEMBERS
NEU members have voted to take industrial action over pay, as you may have seen reported in the media or heard being discussed in your school.
Schools support staff have already agreed their pay claim for 2022 which you will have received in your pay in either November or December last year. This included back pay to 1st April 2022.
The ONLY unions able to negotiate School Support Staff pay, (namely UNISON, Unite and GMB), have already met to discuss the pay claim for 2023 and you will be consulted on this in the next few months.
You are not eligible or required to go on strike on the days that the NEU announce as we have not balloted you for this. It is only for those members who are a part of the National Education Union.
Your school should remain open to enable you to go to work, if it is closed then you should be paid in full for the day, but you may be asked to do some work from home in that case.
What is really important is that you should not be asked to cover the work of striking staff on that day, whether that is a Teacher or a Support Staff colleague. Some TA’s may cover classes as part of their normal responsibilities, but this would only be under the supervision of a Teacher who has prepared work for you to deliver. When a teacher is on strike it means they do not prepare work for that day, therefore you must not provide cover on that day if the Teacher or support staff colleague you are covering for is on strike. It is really important that you do not agree to do this or to do any work of a striking member of staff.
Your Head Teacher will know this but if you feel under any pressure to do so or you need support from UNISON in relation to this, then your branch should be able to assist. Their contact details can be found here.
January 2023
SCHOOL SUPPORT STAFF SEMINAR
Save the date for the Unison Wales Schools Seminar on Friday January 20, 2023. 9:00 - 16:30. Radisson Blu, Bute Terrace, Cardiff CF10 2FL.
This is a free event available to all UNISON members working in a schools support staff role in Wales.
We are really looking forward to welcoming as many schools support staff as possible at this very important event. This is an opportunity for you to raise issues affecting you and your school with the First Minister and the Minister for Education and Welsh Language as well as receive training in our afternoon workshops.
Spaces are limited so if you would like to attend this event please e-mail d.rees@unison.co.uk before Thursday December 15.
- Welcome from First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford MS
- Keynote speech from Minister For Education and Welsh Language, Jeremy Miles MS
- Workshops include: Appropriate deployment of teaching assistants in Wales / Social prescribing / Violence and sexual harrassment in schools / Managing challenging behavior / Education Workforce Council and how we can support your professional development
- Sessions on violence towards school staff, whether the teaching assistant job description is fit for purpose, and making schools more LGBTQ+ friendly
- Exhibitor visits
November 2022
STARS IN OUR SCHOOLS
Wales Cymru Regional Secretary, Dominic MacAskill, Regional Organiser and Schools Lead for Wales, Rosie Lewis and Branch Caseworker, Jack Johnson visited Crownbridge School in Torfaen and were invited for a special assembly dedicated to the amazing support staff who work there. UNISON Torfaen delivered celebrations chocolates and some goodies to the school alongside other schools in the borough.
Following the assembly we have a tour of the school, finishing off in their amazing Cafe Gouran.
Dominic and Rosie presented a card made by the children to all of the support staff as a big thank you for everything that they do.
Here are some pictures from the day including some of our amazing stars in Crownbridge School.
November 2022
SURVEY FINDINGS
Stars in our Schools, UNISON's annual celebration of YOU – the amazing support staff who keep schools running in good times and bad. But times are hugely tough and that's why we're also using the day to highlight the impact the cost-of-living crisis and insufficient school funding is having on you, pupils and school communities. Thanks to everyone who took part in our recent survey about this which you can read about in today's news.
School support staff are dipping into their own pockets to help pay for food, stationery and uniforms for needy pupils, while skipping meals and taking on multiple jobs to pay their own bills, a union survey has found.
November 2022
ENERGY SUPPORT FUND
UNISON Welfare’s Energy Support Fund is open at 10am on Wednesday 16 November to help eligible members with rising fuel costs.
Please be advised that phase 2 will be closed once the first 4000 applications have been received. The Energy Support Fund is a one-off, non-repayable grant of £200.
November 2022
JOIN US
We went to lobby Parliment around the issues that are facing our members in this awful cost of living crises. We had some good conversations with the MP for Blaenau Gwent Nick Smith. We will be doing lots more of these over the next few month, if your interested in coming along - please get in touch.
November 2022
COST OF LIVING SURVIVAL EVENT - SESSIONS
Here are the edited versions of the talks, workshops and webinars that made up the Unison Cymru/Wales Cost of Living Survival Event on 20 October 2022.
Cost of Living Survival - Sessions | Cost of Living Crisis Survival | UNISON Cymru/Wales
November 2022
NJC PAY UPDATE
Dear Member,
We are pleased to inform you that the NJC Pay award for 2022 has been settled and it has been agreed to accept the 2022 pay offer.
The Employers’ Side has been informed and we have had confirmation that Torfaen will pay the increase and the back pay in the November pay run.
Discussions have already started on the 2023 pay claim and there is agreement that all Trade Unions need to act quickly and submit a claim in January. We will of course keep you updated as this work progresses.
Thank you for having your say, on your pay. As always, if there is anything we can help you with, please contact us on 01495 766356.
Kind Regards
Diane Morley
Branch Secretary
November 2022
WESTMINSTER RALLY
Fantastic evening and superb speakers at the #CostOfLivingCrisis rally in Cardiff. We will not be silent any longer.
Westminster next stop on 2nd November to lobby our MPs.
#WeRise #EnoughIsEnough #Solidarity #UnisonWales
October 2022
SHOW RACISM THE RED CARD
At Unison Wales we are supporting Show Racism the Red Card.
There is no place in our society for racism! Donate to fund anti-racism education across the UK.
UNISON Wales / TUC Cymru
October 2022
NO MORE VIOLENCE
Today The Guardian has published a news article about the devastating violence experienced by teaching assistants from pupils, based on research led by Dr Amanda Holt from the University of Roehampton. Many thanks to the UNISON TAs who bravely shared their stories to bring this issue to the fore.
Mike Short, Head of Education at UNISON said:
“Low pay and high stress are already fuelling an exodus of teaching assistants. Expecting them to put up with attacks and assaults will force more out of the door, and that's bad for pupils and schools alike.”
UNISON will be sharing a template survey for branches to carry out with members and a new model policy for schools to help end this culture.
October 2022
COST OF LIVING SURVIVAL
You are invited to join us for an important online event on 20th October aimed at providing you with the information you need to survive in these challenging times.
September / October 2022
NJC PAY BALLOT - UNISON RESULTS
BREAKING: UNISON members in councils and schools have voted to ACCEPT the national pay offer.
There are three recognised unions involved in the local government pay talks: UNISON, GMB and Unite.
We now await the results of GMB’s and Unite’s consultations on 2022 pay, both of which will end in October.
September / October 2022
UNISON GREEN WEEK
Here's a newsletter from our new Green Rep, Emma Saunders to coincide with UNISON Green Week from September 23rd to October 1st. Look out for more hints and tips across our social media platforms to ‘go green’ throughout the week!
September 2022
GET HELP WITH THE COST OF LIVING
We understand that the rising cost of living can be especially worrying if you have difficulty paying your bills and/or your rent. Here are the latest links from the Welsh Government website for help and advice available.
August 2022
Runs till September
VOTE TODAY,
DECIDE YOUR PAY
NJC Pay ballot opens today runs until 19th September - If we have an email address you will be emailed a link soon to vote. Please check all email address and your spam/junk email folders.
If we don't have an email address for you or you haven't received the email then please let your Unison Branch know ASAP so we can include you in the ballot.
Please send a message and USE YOUR VOTE!!
August 2022
SUPPORT THE RALLIES
Workers across Wales taking industrial action or getting strike ready will have their voices heard in a series of major rallies at the weekend.
UNISON Cymru/Wales has joined forces with trades councils in Swansea and Cardiff for the key events supporting workers currently on the picket lines or preparing to strike.
The rallies will be held on Saturday August 20 with the first in Cardiff outside the city’s central library at 12noon and the second in Swansea at 1pm at Castle Square.
Wales TUC Cymru / Swansea Trades Council / Cardiff Trades Council / Unison Carms / Unison Cardiff Branch / Unison Swansea Branch
August 2022
YOUNG MEMBERS CONFERENCE
If any of our young members are interested. Please get in touch with the branch via email or phone: 01495766356.
The National Young Member conference is coming.
Young members around the country meet each year to share ideas, discuss issues that impact young workers, network with fellow young members, but mostly importantly vote and discuss motions that will dictate how UNISON's National YM organise and campaign.
When and where and who
- 2 - 4th of December 2022
- Bournemonth Highcliff, Marriott Hotel
- The conference is open to all young members (under 27)
This conference is free to attend for members and expenses will be covered, so if your are interested then please contact us.
July 2022
Read PDF link here:
PAY CLAIM 2022
Dear Member,
Please find below a summary of the 2022 pay offer from the National Employers. It is stated to be a final offer.
• It’s a one year consolidated offer, payable from 1 April 2022, for £1925 on all pay points.
• 4.04% on all allowances.
• Deletion of SCP1 from 1 April 2023. This is without prejudice to future negotiations regarding next year.
• Increase of one day in annual leave for all staff from 1 April 2023.
• No increase in NJC mileage rate, but writing to HMRC to lobby them to increase their rates.
• Agreement to continue term time work, discuss family leave and pay discussions, and discuss homeworking policy.
• Rejection of covid payment, homeworking allowance, reduction in the working week
The headline offer is worth 10.5% at the bottom end of the pay spine.
The NJC (National Joint Committee, trade union side) will be meeting on Friday 29th July to discuss the offer. We will keep you informed of any further developments.
July 2022
CROESY FOOD SHARE HWB
We would like to say a huge thank you to Torfaen Unsion for a significant cash donation that will be used for shopping to keep our shelves stocked!
Also, to a resident who so kindly thought of us when organising a loved ones funeral and requested cash donations in lieu of flowers to support our community.
At a time when we are receiving less donations as everyone is feeling the pinch of the cost of living crisis, both donations mean so much to us - thank you.
July 2022
RECRUITMENT DAY
We had a brilliant day at Pontypool Party in the Park on Saturday.
We had so many people looking to join the trade union movement and it’s a real indicator that it’s time for change.
July 2022
SCHOOL STAFF FORUM
Calling all support staff working in schools in Torfaen. What are your thoughts on the Welsh Government plans to explore changes to the school day and school term? Come along to this forum to let us know your opinion.
Rosie Lewis Regional Organiser And Schools Lead for Wales will be attending to answer any questions and take your feedback.
Monday 11th July 2022
16:45 - 17:30 on Microsoft Teams
Email us at jack.johnson@torfaen.gov.uk and we will send you the link.
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.
July 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Happy Birthday NHS. Here’s to the remarkable people who have worked in the NHS over the last 74 years, the lives saved, supported and improved. Proud to support the whole NHS team and fight to defend our national service.
July 2022
SCHOOL WEBINAR
Click here to sign up to a free webinar for all teaching assistants on the 6th July.
UNISON has been working in partnership with the Welsh Government to improve the role of all teaching assistants in Wales.
Our work is fully supported by Jeremy Miles MS/AS.
We hope to update teaching assistant job descriptions, improve access to training and development and work towards improving your pay.
Come along to this free webinar to find out more about what your UNISON reps have been doing on your behalf, ask questions about what we’re trying to achieve and find out how you can get more involved in this work.
This event is aimed at teaching assistants working in Wales but is open to anyone interested in attending. Register here to book your place.
UNISON in Schools Unison Wales School Support Staff Wales TUC Cymru Trades Union Congress (TUC)
June 2022
TORFAEN JOB FAIR
Torfaen Jobs Fair takes place on Wednesday 29 June, 10am -12pm, at Cwmbran Job Centre.
This event is open to anyone seeking work and wishing to meet and speak with the employers in attendance.
June 2022
SCHOOL CLOTHING GRANT
The School Clothing Grant 2022 is now open for applications
June 2022
SOLIDARITY FOR RAIL WORKERS
UNISON Cymru/Wales extended #solidarity to all rail workers and the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) during its latest day of industrial action.
We stand side by side the rail workers as we all fight for job security and a pay rise that deals with the #CostOfLivingCrisis
June 2022
SUPPORT FOR COUNCIL AND SCHOOL WORKERS
Council and school workers need more! Email your local councillor and demand they use their influence to support a pay rise for hard-working staff, delivering vital local services.
#WeNeedMore
June 2022
DEMAND BETTER
An incredible turnout for the TUC march and rally in London today.
Angela Rayner joined Christina McAnea to lead the charge to Parliament.
June 2022
TRADE UNISON CONGRESS (TUC)
We have just one question - When will life get better?
June 2022
LOCAL GOVERNMENT CONFERENCE
TOGETHER WE RISE IN UNISON #TogetherWeRise
Katrina (Branch Chair) & Sue Pritchard (Welfare Officer) are at the UNISON Local Government Conference today!
June 2022
CWMBRAN BIG EVENT
We will be at the Cwmbran Big Event tomorrow! Join with us tomorrow to claim your free goodie bag. If your already a member, pop along and say hello and collect your freebies.
Bouncy Castle, Football, Raft Race, Sports, Live Music, Dance Acts, Angling, Climbing Frames, Face Painting, Art and Crafts, Kiddies Fun Fair, Greenmeadow Farm Animals, Stalls, Dog Show, Refreshments.
June 2022
A CONCERT FOR UKRAINE
Please come and support our next performance, A Concert for Ukraine. Proceeds will go to Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.
Even if you can't be there, please think about buying a ticket by emailing priorysingers20@gmail.com. Every penny counts.
Thank you.
Poster states: Priory Singers, Concert for Ukraine. St John the Baptist Church, Risca Road, Newport, Saturday June 11th at 7:30pm. Tickets £10. All proceeds will be donated to the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. Reserve your seat through choir members or by email to priorysingers20@gmail.com
June 2022
DEMAND ACTION DEMONSTRATION
All public sector workers are being forced to deal with a toxic mix of a decade of cuts combined with low wages and sky high fuel and energy bills as the cost-of-living crisis deepens.
On Saturday June 18, the trade union movement will be taking to the streets of London to demand action and UNISON Cymru/Wales is providing three buses to get our members to this vital demonstration.
Find out how to book your place on the buses here: Complete bus transport details link here
Wales TUC Cymru Trades Union Congress / (TUC) UNISON / Unison Swansea Bay Health Branch / Members Group NPT Unison / Unison Carms / Cangen Unsain Gwynedd / UNISON North Wales / Health Branch UNISON Velindre and PHW Branch Unison / Bridgend Unison / Powys Local Government Branch / Unison Cardiff Branch
Bus Details For South West Wales
Pick-ups: Haverfordwest (train station) at 6.00am; Llanelli (train station) at 7.30am and Swansea Moto services M4 Junction 47 at 7.45am
Bus Details For South Wales
Pick-ups: Merthyr Tydfil (Civic Building) at 7.00am; Pontypridd (bus station) at 7.25am; Cardiff (Museum steps) at 8.00am and Newport (train station) at 8.30am
To book your branches place on these buses, please email Helen Dunn-Jones h.dunn-jones@unison.co.uk with the name, email, mobile number and pick up point for each traveller.
Return journey will be picking back up near Parliament Square at 3pm.
June 2022
SCHOOLS WEBINAR
Calling all those working in schools in Wales. What are your thoughts on the Welsh Government plans to explore changes to the school day and school term? Come along to a webinar this evening (7th June) at 6pm to let us know your opinion. You can book a place here:
June 2022
ABERGAVENNY TOWN COUNCIL
Thursday 2nd June event:
2pm - Town Crier, Mayor and Mace Bearer undertake the Proclamation outside the Town Hall, then over to St Johns Square, and finally on to Frogmore Street.
6pm - 9pm: Night Market in the Market Hall, with Street Food vendor Prego's, sweet treats from Maizie's Sweet Shop and Chock Shop, hot and cold drinks from Espresso Bar, and gifts and welsh goods from Fizzyville and Bellemoon Vintage Welsh Blankets.
Entertainment from The Borough Band 6pm - 7pm, Choirs for Good 8:15pm - 8:35pm. Song for the Commonwealth being performed at 8:35pm, with the Fanfare 'Majesty' at 8:40pm, leading in to the Town Hall clock faces being lit up in red, white and blue.
Spaces are still available for any traders or performers who wish to come along - please email markets@monmouthshire.gov.uk or clerk@abergavennytowncouncil.gov.uk for more information.
June 2022
JUBILEE FUN DAY
Event by Torfaen Leisure Trust, Torfaen Sports Development and 2 others.
Cwmbran Stadium, Duration: 5 hr
Public · Anyone on or off Facebook
Join us at Cwmbran Stadium for a Family Fun Day celebrating the Queen's Jubilee!
There will be SO much on offer for the whole family including:
- Traditional Schools Sports Day Games
- Golf Professional offering Pitch and Putt with Golf Inflatable
- LOTS of Market Stalls
- FREE Group Fight Class Taster
- Vitalize Radio
- South Wales Fire Brigade
- FREE Gym Open Day
- Gym Challenges
- FREE PAS Nutrition Tasters
- Tours of the Stadium Facilities!
This event runs from 10am until 3pm and is ONLY £2 per person for the whole day!
We'd love to see the whole community join us and celebrate this one off special event
May 2022
SUPPORTING NHS STAFF
A surprise visit from the Economy Minister Vaughan Gething and Leader of Torfaen Council Anthony Hunt outside GUH today! Supporting our initiative to give back to NHS staff!
— at The Grange University Hospital
May 2022
POLLING STATION LOCATIONS AND CANDIDATES
Polling stations for #TorfaenLocalElections2022 will open THIS Thursday at 7am.
Don’t know where to go?
Your polling station is on your polling card – or you can find out where to go here:
Where is my polling station link here
Don’t know who’s standing?
Head to our website for details of each candidate in your ward:
Candidate listing link here
Polling stations close at 10pm. The results will be announced on Friday.
May 2022
UNISON PRIORITIES BACKING
An amazing 23 Torfaen Labour Councillor Candidates have pledged their support for our #unisonpriorities2022!
Norma Parish
Joanne Gauden
Colette Thomas
Rose Seabourne
Fay Jones
John Hunt
Paul Stephens
Kathy Evans
Karl Gauden
Stuart Ashley
Peter Jones
Jayne Watkins
Anthony Hunt
Steve Evans
Nick Byrne
David Bolton
Richard Clark
David Williams
Nathan Yeowell
Lewis Evans
Mandy Owen
Anthony Bird
Lucy Williams
A huge thank you from us at UNISON Torfaen for the work you do for the Torfaen and our members.
If you are a councillor candidate, we would love to hear that you will show your support to our priorities, you can contact us on jack.johnson@torfaen.gov.uk
April 2022
INTERNATIONAL WORKERS MEMORIAL DAY
Today is International Workers’ Memorial Day and it is our day to remember those who have died and fight for the living.
Up to 50,000 people die each year in the UK from work-related ill health and accidents. Although few UNISON members die in workplace incidents, many suffer injuries and work-related ill health.
April 2022
SOCIAL CARE WALES ACCOLADES
UNISON was proud to be a sponsor of the 2022 Social Care Wales Accolades Awards yesterday. We want to raise public awareness of best practice in this sector of the thousands of unsung heroes. Care worker and UNISON representative, Sian Stockham
presented the award for ‘Looking after and improving workforce well-being’ to a care provider. Seen in the main picture standing are UNISON care workers, L-R, Peter Garland, Sian Stockham, Nicola Irwin, Pat Jones and lead officer for social care, Mark Turner. Thank you to Mark for these photos.
April 2022
LOCAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS
Check which candidates at the May local elections have already pledged their support for #UNISONpriorities #CllrPledges.
April 2022
WORKING OUT OF HOURS
Aneurin Bevan Health members kick off UNISON Cymru Wales day of action on pay. Cost of living going up. NHS struggling to recruit. It's time to #PutNHSPayRight
Are you being asked to work outside of your job role?
The Omicron variant continues to spread quickly and is leading to high numbers of staff absences in schools which may lead to you being asked to cover absences for colleagues. We are concerned that teaching assistants, admin staff and other support staff will be asked to lead whole classes where they are not trained or paid to do so.
UNISON is urging members to not agree to unsafe practices such as inappropriate cover and deployment arrangements for support staff which may be exploitative of staff and also unfair on pupils. Unless specified in your contract, additional duties should be on a short-term basis only and mutually agreed.
If you believe you have been asked to regularly do duties outside of your job description please raise your concerns immediately with your head. If the school insists on going ahead, please contact us, your UNISON branch for support.
March 2022
FUEL ALLOWANCE REQUIRED
Are you a health worker in Wales who relies on their car?
We have heard from NHS employees whose fuel costs have increased between £150 to £200 per month in the face of skyrocketing prices at the pump.
Enough is enough and we are calling on NHS employers and the Welsh
Government to consider an immediate additional fuel allowance for health workers who are out of pocket.
March 2022
ENERGY SUPPORT APPEAL
In April, energy bills for a typical household will go up by 54% a year and, at the same time, national insurance payments are set to increase by almost 10%. Meanwhile, inflation is hitting record highs, the weekly shop is more expensive than ever and for over a decade public sector pay increases have lagged behind the cost of living.
UNISON’s charity, There for You, provides vital support for thousands of members every year, but this year’s Winter Fuel grant programme was over-subscribed in days – even after it was increased by 50%.
Now more than ever, with the cost-of-living crisis hitting unprecedented levels, UNISON members – particularly those on lower incomes – need financial support.
Getting help as a member of UNISON
Contacting your branch
Calling the UNISONdirect call centre on 0800 0 857 857
March 2022
TORFAEN AGM ON TEAMS
It is our last AGM this morning starting at 11:30am. Here is the link, come along if you can!
Thursday, 10 March 2022 from 11:30-12:30 UTC.
Torfaen UNISON Annual General Meetings, to be held on TEAMS.
March 8th @ 4:45pm
March 9th @ 1pm
March 10th @ 11:30am
March 2022
CALLING ALL CARE WORKERS
The way care workers are registered is changing.
Tell UNISON what you think here.
March 2022
UKRAINE SUPPORT
UNISON is working with the international trade union movement to mobilise support for those affected by the war in Ukraine – and branches and members can help too.
February 2022
February 2022
UNISON WALES UNION LEARNING FUND
The UNISON Wales Union Learning Fund team are offering a range of webinars that are free and open to all schools staff. Be quick to sign up as places go fast! Book your free place on the Using Film in the Classroom (28th Feb 10am-12pm) here.
Heart UNISON link here
The UNISON Wales Union Learning Fund team are offering a range of webinars that are free and open to all schools staff. Be quick to sign up as places go fast! Book your free place on the Supporting Children’s Mental Health – Primary & Young Children Practitioner (16th March, 4-5pm) here.
Heart UNISON link here
February 2022
GET HELP TO KEEP WARM
Apply for a grant of up to £200 towards your winter fuel costs.
February 2022
WORLD CANCER DAY
We are remembering all those we have lost to this awful disease and to wish the absolute best to those who have beaten it.
At Torfaen UNISON, we are keeping you all in our hearts on this day.
World Cancer Day - 4th February 2022
February 2022
This month
TORFAEN UNISON TALK
This is a new initiative that your UNISON branch has come up with to aid us in connecting with our members throughout February as a pilot to see how successful it is.
We will be posting some more information and details on how you can join.
Keep your eyes peeled.
February 2022
LANDMARK MOVE TO RUN LEISURE SERVICES
Public service workers in Neath Port Talbot are today celebrating after Neath Port Talbot Council decided to place leisure services in public hands.
NPT Unison and branch chair Mark Fisher have been campaigning for this for the past two years.
UNISON is now calling for local authorities across Wales to move away from handing contracts to private companies to run these services.
Link to main story here
January 2022
GRITTERS IN CARMARTHENSHIRE
Gritters in Carmarthenshire are today in talks with Cyngor Sir Gâr - Carmarthenshire County Council in the hope of averting further industrial action following two days of strikes earlier this month.
Unison Carms manned picket lines last night with further action planned if talks are not successful. #Solidarity
January 2022
UNSUNG HEROES
It’s time for the ‘unsung heroes’ of the school day to be recognised in Wales.
By Shavanah Taj, General Secretary, Wales TUC
Teaching assistants are the unsung heroes of the school system.
They play a key role in ensuring that our children and young people receive a full and rewarding education. They were the bedrock of operating school hubs for vulnerable children and those of key workers at the outset of the pandemic. Read more Link to main story
January - December 2021/22
UNISON MEMBERS THANK YOU
A big thank you to all Unison Members working over the Christmas and New Year period.
December 2021
Ends January 
WIN A PRIZE!
Recruit a Friend to UNISON and Win a Prize!
This Christmas we are giving our members the opportunity to £150 worth of gift vouchers of their choice.
All you need to do it recruit a friend to join Torfaen UNISON and become a fully paid member for 4 weeks!
Do you have a friend who works for the local authority, schools, social care etc and would want to join the UK's largest UNISON for local government? If so, ask them to join, and then fill in this form.
To enter fill in the attached form and email it to torfaenunison@torfaenunison.co.uk. Alternatively, you can print it and post to Torfaen UNISON, c/o Civic Centre, Pontypool, NP4 6YB.
This needs to be returned by 14th January 2022. We will draw it live on our Facebook page the following week.
Contact Torfaen Branch