Sisters/Brothers
At the Works Council this afternoon there was a presentation from Occ health about the new premises in Nantgarw. It is now operating in partnership with the Fire Service and the NHS and has an expanded service. In a way the success of this service is an example of how in-house provision can out do the private sector in terms of capacity, effectiveness and efficiency.
When Capita were providing the service in 2004/05 there were 727 referrals and 731 appointments. By bringing it in house the Council were able to expand the use of Occ Health as one of the positive measures to help bring down sickness absence figures. In 2007/08 there were 1006 referrals which generated 1826 appointments and so far this year there have been 2402 cases processed and 1851 appointments. Of course, we could muse on whether the increase is partly due to increse in sickness absence as well as expanded referrals but nontheless, we can ony estimate that this has contributed positively to sickness absence levels.
Now the new facility should see expanded opportunity for staff to self refer. Also there will be facilities for physiotherapy rehabilition (a gym) and a joint initiative with the NHS to offer wider mental health support. In fact they will now have the capacity to address poor availability of services in some areas of the NHS for psychological treatment and support and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
I asked the question as to how this fits in with the Staff Counselling Service, which we regualrly advise members with stress and other related problems to make use of. The reply was that they will be working closely with the Staff Counselling Service to develop a clear protocol for our guidance. However, Lyndon suggested that if the member is suffereing from stress or any emotional/mental issue that is either related to work or affecting work (eg. they off sick), then it would certainly do no harm to advise self referral to Occ Health. their only course of action might well be to advise use of Staff Counselling, but better to err on the side of caution if we are not sure.
Obviously, as stewards and representatives it is not our role to diagnose or offer such support. But we can act as signposts to the services which are available and appropriate and these may be able to offer real tangible help and support for our members.
Good news for a change!
Mark
Thursday, 17 December 2009
Wednesday, 16 December 2009
December UCN out now
Friday, 19 June 2009
UNISON National Delegate Conference- last day
Thursday afternoon was a thrill a minute, set piece series of debates. The NEC's proposed ammendments to the rules of the union always provoke lively discussions and this year was no different. The main debates were around changes to union organisation, giving more 'devolved' power to secotors within service groups. For instance the voluntary sector and the careers sector are within the Local Government service group, but because of the size of local government these valuable groups of members ofetn feel their concerns are being sidelined. The change in our organisation would help facilitate greater involvement of our members in these smaller sections.
However, many conference delegates felt that the rule changes did not go far enough in specifically, in rule, ensuring lay member democratic decision making in those sectors. Lay member democracy is a highly prizeed principle in our union and following a close vote a card vote was agreed. The NEC needed a two thirds majority but in the end failed to get even a simple majority so this and another connected proposal consequently fell.
Similarly a proposal to change the wording in the rules which allows the union to expel members of the BNP and other far right groups led to a brilliant debate. The problem with the proposals was that many conference delegates thought perfectly good wording which was specifically tarhgetted at racist, facist and white supremicist groups was widened to include anyone who encouraged or particiapated in a political party not in line with UNISON's aims and objectives. Many felt that this wording was unnecessary and could be used to expel other political parties, from the Tories to the Sociualist Party oe Socialist Worker Party.
The debate resulted in another vote too close to call and a subsequent card vote. The proposals were defeated- although a simple majority was secured, the two thirds majority needed for a rule change was not achieved and the motion fell.
This morning we have had a closed debate on funding the equal pay challenge, followed by a grouped p[ensions debate. Conference has just supported a composite motion calling for continued defence and improvement of final salary pensions and a motion (moved by the Retired Members representative- our very own Dave Kippest, who those with a long memory will know well!)
The rest of the day will be a rollercoaster ride of fast and furious debates, as delegates try to get as many motions as possible debates and voted on by the close of the day.
I thank the Branch for giving the delegates and visitors an opportunity to come to this year's conference on you r behalf. the whole team has served you well and I am proud of our Branch's significant participation. In my view cardiff has always been the best Branch in Wales and this year has been no different- so thanks to the delegates and visitors for their conscientious and hard working approach to conference.
Mark
However, many conference delegates felt that the rule changes did not go far enough in specifically, in rule, ensuring lay member democratic decision making in those sectors. Lay member democracy is a highly prizeed principle in our union and following a close vote a card vote was agreed. The NEC needed a two thirds majority but in the end failed to get even a simple majority so this and another connected proposal consequently fell.
Similarly a proposal to change the wording in the rules which allows the union to expel members of the BNP and other far right groups led to a brilliant debate. The problem with the proposals was that many conference delegates thought perfectly good wording which was specifically tarhgetted at racist, facist and white supremicist groups was widened to include anyone who encouraged or particiapated in a political party not in line with UNISON's aims and objectives. Many felt that this wording was unnecessary and could be used to expel other political parties, from the Tories to the Sociualist Party oe Socialist Worker Party.
The debate resulted in another vote too close to call and a subsequent card vote. The proposals were defeated- although a simple majority was secured, the two thirds majority needed for a rule change was not achieved and the motion fell.
This morning we have had a closed debate on funding the equal pay challenge, followed by a grouped p[ensions debate. Conference has just supported a composite motion calling for continued defence and improvement of final salary pensions and a motion (moved by the Retired Members representative- our very own Dave Kippest, who those with a long memory will know well!)
The rest of the day will be a rollercoaster ride of fast and furious debates, as delegates try to get as many motions as possible debates and voted on by the close of the day.
I thank the Branch for giving the delegates and visitors an opportunity to come to this year's conference on you r behalf. the whole team has served you well and I am proud of our Branch's significant participation. In my view cardiff has always been the best Branch in Wales and this year has been no different- so thanks to the delegates and visitors for their conscientious and hard working approach to conference.
Mark
Thursday, 18 June 2009
UNISON Conference- the Welsh Emerge from the Shadows!
Yesterday morning Jane Moore spoke well, off the cuff, to conference alongside a string of Welsh delegates on the Cymru wales Region's motion on domestic violence.
The afternoon was fairly quiet, but this was, I think, the calm before the storm, because Thursday afternoon is... RULES day! Yes, you may think I am a Conference anaorak, but the Rule Change debates, traditionally scheduled for Thursday afternoon, often herald the most interesting and heated debates. This year looks to be no exception, with the usual prospect of sides limbering up for accusations of the powers that be being anti democratic and the opposers being labelled scaremongers. There are some critical debates around changes to the rules which allow us to expel members of far right and rascist organisations, with a change to the wording so that UNISON can expel anyone who is a member of a political party which does not agree with UNISON's aims and objectives. This is intersting wording which conference delegates will want to scrutinise very carefully. Could that wording be used to expel those on the left as well as the right? members of the Liberal democrats or Plaid Cymru? The debate will be critical to the future opertaion of the union and it is hotly anticipated.
I spoke today on Motion 82.02 on Cuba, supporting the call for Regions and Branches to affiliated, as we have done, to the Cuba Solidarity Campaign, but also gave a warning to our comrades in Cuba, that the motion, which rightly called for the lifting of the US blockade, contained a danger to the revolution. When I visited Cuba the Higher Education Minister expressed concern about the limited areas where the feree market was allowed to develop, and that in areas like the tourist resort of Varedero, a waiter could earn more than a surgeon because of tips! This imbalance is a danger for the revolution, and the lifting of US economic sanctions may be a huge boost to the Cuban economy, but the private sector and free market, as we know, is not keen on limits, but is rapacious in its greed. I warned the conference to look at China, which, whatever you thought it was before, is now undoubtedly a capitalist country 'red in tooth and claw' and if we are to save the Cuban revolution the workers in Cuba must not be tempted down that road- all that glitters is not rum!
The motion, as ammended, was passed.
The debate on Palestine was, as usual a set piece intense debate, with feelings running high. In the end the Branch, after much discussion, voted against the Composite because the majority opposed the concept of a UNISON boycott. However, the Composite was passed.
So, now I'm going back to the fray and preparing for the excitement of Rules!
Cheers
Mark
The afternoon was fairly quiet, but this was, I think, the calm before the storm, because Thursday afternoon is... RULES day! Yes, you may think I am a Conference anaorak, but the Rule Change debates, traditionally scheduled for Thursday afternoon, often herald the most interesting and heated debates. This year looks to be no exception, with the usual prospect of sides limbering up for accusations of the powers that be being anti democratic and the opposers being labelled scaremongers. There are some critical debates around changes to the rules which allow us to expel members of far right and rascist organisations, with a change to the wording so that UNISON can expel anyone who is a member of a political party which does not agree with UNISON's aims and objectives. This is intersting wording which conference delegates will want to scrutinise very carefully. Could that wording be used to expel those on the left as well as the right? members of the Liberal democrats or Plaid Cymru? The debate will be critical to the future opertaion of the union and it is hotly anticipated.
I spoke today on Motion 82.02 on Cuba, supporting the call for Regions and Branches to affiliated, as we have done, to the Cuba Solidarity Campaign, but also gave a warning to our comrades in Cuba, that the motion, which rightly called for the lifting of the US blockade, contained a danger to the revolution. When I visited Cuba the Higher Education Minister expressed concern about the limited areas where the feree market was allowed to develop, and that in areas like the tourist resort of Varedero, a waiter could earn more than a surgeon because of tips! This imbalance is a danger for the revolution, and the lifting of US economic sanctions may be a huge boost to the Cuban economy, but the private sector and free market, as we know, is not keen on limits, but is rapacious in its greed. I warned the conference to look at China, which, whatever you thought it was before, is now undoubtedly a capitalist country 'red in tooth and claw' and if we are to save the Cuban revolution the workers in Cuba must not be tempted down that road- all that glitters is not rum!
The motion, as ammended, was passed.
The debate on Palestine was, as usual a set piece intense debate, with feelings running high. In the end the Branch, after much discussion, voted against the Composite because the majority opposed the concept of a UNISON boycott. However, the Composite was passed.
So, now I'm going back to the fray and preparing for the excitement of Rules!
Cheers
Mark
Wednesday, 17 June 2009
Dave The Brave!
What was looking likely to be a quiet conference was completely turned around yesterday afternoon when the General Secretary, Dave Prentis threw a verbal hand grenade onto the conference floor. We may have thought things couldn't get more exciting after Cardiff delegate Jane Moore spoke to Cardiff's excellent motion on supporting members who work with children and vulnerable adults, Dave followed Jane with a barnstorming speech which took everyone by surprise.
Dave called on the Labour Link to suspend payment of Constituency development funds to Labour constituencies, to 'ensure that our union only promotes and supports prospective Labour candidates who are willing to stand up for our values of public service' and that we should 'only work with and support trade union MPs who also stand up for our values.' In a speech punctuated by cheers, long periods of applause and finally the longest standing ovation Dave has ever had, he said 'our members are tired feeding the hand that bites them'.
It stirred everyone up and turned conference into the most exciting place in Britian to be.
This morning Tom Woodruff, Vice President of UNISON's sister union in the US, canada and Puerto Rico, gave a tour de force of a speech about the applaing state of affairs for workers in America ad how they have used the organising approach to become the US's fastest growing union - stirring stuff and a lesson for us all.
Mark
Dave called on the Labour Link to suspend payment of Constituency development funds to Labour constituencies, to 'ensure that our union only promotes and supports prospective Labour candidates who are willing to stand up for our values of public service' and that we should 'only work with and support trade union MPs who also stand up for our values.' In a speech punctuated by cheers, long periods of applause and finally the longest standing ovation Dave has ever had, he said 'our members are tired feeding the hand that bites them'.
It stirred everyone up and turned conference into the most exciting place in Britian to be.
This morning Tom Woodruff, Vice President of UNISON's sister union in the US, canada and Puerto Rico, gave a tour de force of a speech about the applaing state of affairs for workers in America ad how they have used the organising approach to become the US's fastest growing union - stirring stuff and a lesson for us all.
Mark
Tuesday, 16 June 2009
Cardiff County at UNISON Local Government Conference
Sunday and Monday saw UNISON Local Government Delegates converge on sunny Brighton for another year's debates on future union policy for Local Government.
Cardiff's motion on the Independent Safegusrding Authority and POVA and POCA investigations was 'composited' with the National Womens Committee's motion. But the composite still looked mainly like ours. The main points were that UNISON should develop a toolkit to help Branches negotiate support packages for staff who are subject to allegations and investigations under these protective processes. And also that we should develop a pack with advice and support to give to members who are in such an unfortunate position. The motion almost didn't get debated because conference time was taken up with a number of lengthy presentations and a 'panel' on Personalisation of social care- very focussed on English matters.
But I managed to speak (but with time cut to 2 minutes!) and the motion was passed unanimously.
Our ammendment to the Welsh motion on School Support Staff didn't fare as well. The Welsh motion was not 'prioritised' and was then reprioritised to the bottom of the list of motions, meaning that there was no way it would be discussed. This caused some frustration amongst Welsh delegates, who had sat through 2 days of anglo centric debates, and the one motion referring specifically to Wales was not considered important to the rest of the Country. In my view this should provoke Welsh Branches to consider putting a rule change to next year's conference allowing some 'weighting' to devolved regions so that their concerns are not sidelined by the much bigger voting strength of the English Regions.
The weather has been kind to us, but the hotel has not! Still, I'm sure members will be pleased to know that their delegates are not living it up at their expense!
Today, (the first day of National delegate Conference) Mike Hayes has spoken twice in his role as Chair of the National Finance Committee and Jane Moore is due to speak on Cardiff's similar motion on the ISA, this afternoon.
Hopefully the Branch will be comforted by the knowledge that Angie Shiels, Deputy Secretary, is looking after you all at home- but I'm never more than phone call away.
Cheers
Mark
Branch Sec
Sunny Brighton
Cardiff's motion on the Independent Safegusrding Authority and POVA and POCA investigations was 'composited' with the National Womens Committee's motion. But the composite still looked mainly like ours. The main points were that UNISON should develop a toolkit to help Branches negotiate support packages for staff who are subject to allegations and investigations under these protective processes. And also that we should develop a pack with advice and support to give to members who are in such an unfortunate position. The motion almost didn't get debated because conference time was taken up with a number of lengthy presentations and a 'panel' on Personalisation of social care- very focussed on English matters.
But I managed to speak (but with time cut to 2 minutes!) and the motion was passed unanimously.
Our ammendment to the Welsh motion on School Support Staff didn't fare as well. The Welsh motion was not 'prioritised' and was then reprioritised to the bottom of the list of motions, meaning that there was no way it would be discussed. This caused some frustration amongst Welsh delegates, who had sat through 2 days of anglo centric debates, and the one motion referring specifically to Wales was not considered important to the rest of the Country. In my view this should provoke Welsh Branches to consider putting a rule change to next year's conference allowing some 'weighting' to devolved regions so that their concerns are not sidelined by the much bigger voting strength of the English Regions.
The weather has been kind to us, but the hotel has not! Still, I'm sure members will be pleased to know that their delegates are not living it up at their expense!
Today, (the first day of National delegate Conference) Mike Hayes has spoken twice in his role as Chair of the National Finance Committee and Jane Moore is due to speak on Cardiff's similar motion on the ISA, this afternoon.
Hopefully the Branch will be comforted by the knowledge that Angie Shiels, Deputy Secretary, is looking after you all at home- but I'm never more than phone call away.
Cheers
Mark
Branch Sec
Sunny Brighton
Friday, 12 June 2009
UNISON Conference
Delegates from Cardiff County UNISON will be heading to Brighton tomorrow (13th) to take part in the Local Government Conference on Sunday and Monday, and National Delegate Conference Tuesday to Friday.
The Branch has one motion( which has now been included in a Composite motion) on Supporting Members in Social care, about those under investigation under POVA. POCA and the impact of the new Independent Safeguarding Authority. We also have an Ammendement to the Welsh region's motion on School Support Staff,(to include the abolition of Term Time Only Pay as a priority in negotiations on a new negotiating body). We also have a similar motion on Social Care a the National Delegate Conference.
Hopefully, we will be keeping the Branch up to date via daily blogs - so keep watching the Blog!
Mark
The Branch has one motion( which has now been included in a Composite motion) on Supporting Members in Social care, about those under investigation under POVA. POCA and the impact of the new Independent Safeguarding Authority. We also have an Ammendement to the Welsh region's motion on School Support Staff,(to include the abolition of Term Time Only Pay as a priority in negotiations on a new negotiating body). We also have a similar motion on Social Care a the National Delegate Conference.
Hopefully, we will be keeping the Branch up to date via daily blogs - so keep watching the Blog!
Mark
Thursday, 7 May 2009
Rob Williams sacked by brutal bosses
Step up the struggle
Rob Williams, trade union Convenor of Linamar Swansea, was sacked by the Linamar management last week, and then temporarily re-instated following militant action by the Linamar workforce. Disgracefully, however, Rob today had his sacking confirmed. Negotiations between Linamar management and Tony Woodley took place all day in London, but Linamar did not shift. Meanwhile at the Swansea plant Linamar revealed their brutality. Massive intimidation of the workforce took place - including foremen going around the shop floor threatening workers with the sack if they dared walk out in support of Rob. The bosses even went to the ludicrous lengths of removing the door from Rob's trade union office.
This brutal action by Linamar is an attempt to return to the nineteenth century. What Linamar do not realise, however, is that all hell is going to break loose when workers, both in the Swansea and the wider labour movement, hear how Rob and his members have been treated.The official reason for his sacking was "irretrievable breakdown of trust" - one of the most blatant excuses to behead a trade union organisation ever used in any factory. Rob's record in standing up for his members, both inside and outside the factory, is second to none. However, what is at stake here is not the fate of one individual but the right for workers to be represented by the best militant fighters. This sacking has to be totally opposed. The union has promised rapid action to organise a ballot for an official strike, but the anti-trade union laws mean this could still take up to a month between the ballot and the strike action actually taking place. That time, which must be kept a short as possible, needs to be used to pull out all the stops in support of Rob. Messages of support and donations should flood in. If Linamar are allowed to get away with this, no convenor or shop steward, either in the already weakened car industry or in the wider trade union movement is safe. Allow the employers to inflict a defeat here and no trade unionist, shop steward, let alone a convenor, will be able to put their head above the parapet without the bosses seeking to cut it off. Workers are facing the worst economic crisis since the 1930s. Big business is doing their utmost to make sure that it is the working class that pays for the crisis. Militant, fighting trade unionism - symbolised by Rob Williams and the union organisation in Linamar - must not only be preserved but strengthened in order to prepare the working class for the capitalist offensive that is under way in Britain and worldwide.
Continue to phone protests to:
Head of Swansea Linamar Brian Wade 01792 656339
Personnel Manager 01792 656238
Messages of protest to linda.hasenfratz@linamar.com
Messages of support to Rob Williams: robbo@redwills.freeserve.co.uk
Step up the struggle
Rob Williams, trade union Convenor of Linamar Swansea, was sacked by the Linamar management last week, and then temporarily re-instated following militant action by the Linamar workforce. Disgracefully, however, Rob today had his sacking confirmed. Negotiations between Linamar management and Tony Woodley took place all day in London, but Linamar did not shift. Meanwhile at the Swansea plant Linamar revealed their brutality. Massive intimidation of the workforce took place - including foremen going around the shop floor threatening workers with the sack if they dared walk out in support of Rob. The bosses even went to the ludicrous lengths of removing the door from Rob's trade union office.
This brutal action by Linamar is an attempt to return to the nineteenth century. What Linamar do not realise, however, is that all hell is going to break loose when workers, both in the Swansea and the wider labour movement, hear how Rob and his members have been treated.The official reason for his sacking was "irretrievable breakdown of trust" - one of the most blatant excuses to behead a trade union organisation ever used in any factory. Rob's record in standing up for his members, both inside and outside the factory, is second to none. However, what is at stake here is not the fate of one individual but the right for workers to be represented by the best militant fighters. This sacking has to be totally opposed. The union has promised rapid action to organise a ballot for an official strike, but the anti-trade union laws mean this could still take up to a month between the ballot and the strike action actually taking place. That time, which must be kept a short as possible, needs to be used to pull out all the stops in support of Rob. Messages of support and donations should flood in. If Linamar are allowed to get away with this, no convenor or shop steward, either in the already weakened car industry or in the wider trade union movement is safe. Allow the employers to inflict a defeat here and no trade unionist, shop steward, let alone a convenor, will be able to put their head above the parapet without the bosses seeking to cut it off. Workers are facing the worst economic crisis since the 1930s. Big business is doing their utmost to make sure that it is the working class that pays for the crisis. Militant, fighting trade unionism - symbolised by Rob Williams and the union organisation in Linamar - must not only be preserved but strengthened in order to prepare the working class for the capitalist offensive that is under way in Britain and worldwide.
Continue to phone protests to:
Head of Swansea Linamar Brian Wade 01792 656339
Personnel Manager 01792 656238
Messages of protest to linda.hasenfratz@linamar.com
Messages of support to Rob Williams: robbo@redwills.freeserve.co.uk
Sunday, 1 March 2009
ACAS Awards further Pay Increase
It's 0.3%!
Following submissions from both the employers side and the trades unions ACAS have awarded a further 0.3% increase for the year 2008/2009. This brings the award up to 2.75% plus £100 on the bottom 3 pay points. ACAShave recognised that NJC employees are amongst the lowest paid in the public sector and that the award is 'affordable and justifiable'.
We will now ask Cardiff County Council when the increase and back pay will be making their way into members' pay packets.
Mark
UNISON joins campaign against Royal Mail Privatisation
UNISON Genereal Secretaray Dave Prentis has joined with the leaders of the affiliated trade unions to warn, in a letter to the Guardian, that the government must honour its pledges and keep the post office public.The letter says:
'At Warwick University, in the summer of 2008, the affiliated trade unions collectively participated in a series of policy discussions with representatives of the Labour party and Downing Street. The purpose and outcome of those discussions was to reach a policy agreement that was satisfactory to all participants.Within that Warwick agreement was a clear commitment to maintaining Royal Mail in the public sector: "We have set out a vision of a wholly publicly owned, integrated Royal Mail group in good health providing customers with an excellent service and its employees with rewarding employment."This commitment was agreed by all affiliated trade unions in the belief that it guaranteed the future of Royal Mail as "wholly publicly owned". This was our belief in the summer, and it was the belief of the 2008 Labour party conference, which voted to support this policy.We are deeply concerned that the Labour party now appears to be willing to break that commitment by adopting the recommendations of the Hooper report. Its proposals to bring in a "strategic partner", via an exchange of equity, clearly constitutes the part privatisation of Royal Mail.The affiliated trade unions believe that the part-privatisation of Royal Mail is electorally unpopular, politically unwise and damaging to the concept of universal service provision. Furthermore, to break a pledge so recently made undermines the legitimacy of our policy process and raises questions about the validity of other agreements reached.We are unanimous in our opposition to the proposed privatisation of Royal Mail, and ask that the government reconsiders its response before it becomes a dividing line within our movement., TSSA Lord Mandelson introduced plans to part-privatise the Royal Mail on Thursday, 26th February. '
John McDonnell - Labour MP, said:
“Gordon Brown and Peter Mandelson should not underestimate the opposition that this will unleash among MPs, trade unions, postal workers and communities. This is a privatisation beyond what even Thatcher proposed.”
Billy Hayes, CWU General Secretary, said:
“There is still no convincing argument for privatisation. Any private stake in Royal Mail will take money out of the business for private profits and lead to a reduction in services and rise in consumer prices.
"Privatisation will also trigger thousands more jobs losses at a time when the government should be leading on job retention.
"The British public does not want its postal service to be flogged off. It's also clear that there's no support among Labour MPs for this move, which is why Lord Mandelson introduced it in the House of Lords.
Read the CWU response to the Hooper Report in full. Download the CWU NW region briefing and 10 good reasons briefing.
Ask your MP to sign EDM 428 ‘Royal Mail’. Over 100 Labour MPs have now signed. Download the model motion and get it passed in your party or trade union branch.
Find out more details from the CWU website: Keep the Post Public!. Find out details of the National March & Rally in Wolverhampton on 14th March 2009.
Shool Support Staff- If you want a 'Voice' join UNISON
Friday afternoon I visited a school and discussed the issue of UNISON members who have apparently left to join another 'union'.
They have joined a 'union' called 'Voice'. School Support Staff are ,of course, entitled to join any trade union they wish and whatever union they join is secondary to the main point, that all staff should be in a trade union.
But staff need to be aware of some of the follwing points:
They have joined a 'union' called 'Voice'. School Support Staff are ,of course, entitled to join any trade union they wish and whatever union they join is secondary to the main point, that all staff should be in a trade union.
But staff need to be aware of some of the follwing points:
- UNISON is by far the biggest trade union representing all School Support Staff, from Teaching Assistants and Technicians to Catering Staff, Cleaners and Caretakers.
- In Cardiff County UNISON represents one thousand members, giving us great strength in negotiations, to secure a better deal for Support Staff members.
- UNISON sits on the National Joint Council which negotiates pay, terms and conditions for schools staff- 'Voice' has no place on the NJC.
- UNISON is leading the trades unions in direct negotiation with the UK Government and the Welsh Assembly in negotiating a new agreement to give schools support staff similar terms and conditions to teachers- 'Voice' has no place at this table.
- 'Voice' is not a recognised Trade Union in Cardiff County and therefore has no negotiation rights.
In addition, UNISON, as a locally recognised trade union has its subscriptions deducted directly from your pay, on a monthly basis- 'Voice' is not recognised and so cannot have this facility- staff in Cardiff who have joined 'Voice' have to pay their fees for the whole year up front!
When approached by someone to join a trade union- you need to know that the trade union you join and give your hard earned money to actually has a voice - is recognised by your employer and can play a part in negotiating your pay, terms and conditions. Stay with a genuine trade union which really can and does work for you- join UNISON.
Mark Turner
Branch Secretary
Thursday, 26 February 2009
Elected Officers 2009 / 2010
After the aggregated AGM's yesterday at County and City Hall we can confirm that the officers elected for 2009/2010 are as follows
Officers Elected at 2009 AGM
Chairperson
Mike Hayes
Vice Chairperson
John Rees
Secretary
Mark Turner
Deputy Secretary
Angie Shiels
Treasurer
Chris Bellringer
Deputy Treasurer
None Received
Black Members' Officer
(job share)
Mohammed Hassan
Kebebush Mulugeta
Disabled Members' Officer
(job share)
Ann Bellringer
Ann Harrington
Education Officer
(Job Share)
Jackie Clarke
Kate Weston
Equality Officer
(Job Share)
Tina O’Shea
Angela McCarthy
Health & Safety Officer
Jane Moore
International Relations Officer
Mark Turner
LGBT Members' Officer
None Received
Membership Officer
Ross Saunders
Publicity Officer
(job share)
None Received
Sports & Social Officer
None Received
Welfare Officer
Angela McCarthy
Tina O’Shea
Women's Officer
None Received
Young Members’ Officer
None Received
Officers Elected at 2009 AGM
Chairperson
Mike Hayes
Vice Chairperson
John Rees
Secretary
Mark Turner
Deputy Secretary
Angie Shiels
Treasurer
Chris Bellringer
Deputy Treasurer
None Received
Black Members' Officer
(job share)
Mohammed Hassan
Kebebush Mulugeta
Disabled Members' Officer
(job share)
Ann Bellringer
Ann Harrington
Education Officer
(Job Share)
Jackie Clarke
Kate Weston
Equality Officer
(Job Share)
Tina O’Shea
Angela McCarthy
Health & Safety Officer
Jane Moore
International Relations Officer
Mark Turner
LGBT Members' Officer
None Received
Membership Officer
Ross Saunders
Publicity Officer
(job share)
None Received
Sports & Social Officer
None Received
Welfare Officer
Angela McCarthy
Tina O’Shea
Women's Officer
None Received
Young Members’ Officer
None Received
Wednesday, 18 February 2009
Welcome
Welcome to our newly created blog for Cardiff County Unison branch.
This blog complements the current website http://www.cardiffunison.co.uk/ and will expand with News, Campaigns and officer contributions
This blog complements the current website http://www.cardiffunison.co.uk/ and will expand with News, Campaigns and officer contributions
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