It has been a very busy period in the Branch, and this explains why there has not been one of my Branch Secretary reports for some months. There is a committed but small number of activists keeping the Branch going and doing their very best for members. However, we would always welcome more support, so if you are interested, please contact us on 01785 245000. We are supporting UNISON members with disciplinary investigations, attendance management situations, grievances, restructures, regrading claims and many other representation issues.
I have the following issues to raise for information and to invite comment and discussion:
- NJC Pay Claim. The Staffordshire Branch consultative ballot return was only 28% which is disappointing. I would like to know why 72% of NJC members did not vote, especially when the ballot concerns our pay. Across the Union as a whole, the vote was overwhelmingly against accepting the offer presumably because like me I felt that it did little to address the long term decline in the value of our wages and the cost of living crisis. Unite have voted to reject the offer as well by a big margin, but GMB voted to accept. The 3 Unions are to meet next week to discuss next steps. UNISON West Midlands Region have recommended going for an industrial action ballot.
- The NEU trade union has been misleading its members and telling them that NEU can influence the pay offer. They cannot. The NEU is not a negotiating Trade Union in respect of pay.
- UNISON is initiating a ballot about the Political Fund. It is required to do so by law every 10 years. Ballot papers are just being sent out. The ballot closes on 16/8/24 and we need a big yes vote to ensure we can continue to secure gains such as the Minimum Wage, improved Equalities legislation and increased investment into the NHS. It is not necessarily to fund the Labour Party, although I believe the link with the Labour Party urgently needs to be reviewed.
- Membership numbers in UNISON are on the increase which is a reflection of the positive work we carry out on behalf of members both locally and across the country.
- The General Election brought in a change of Government. Let us hope that there is renewed and meaningful investment in public services which will quickly benefit all parts of our Society. A removal of the unjust Trade Union legislation would be nice to see as well.
- On behalf of the Branch Officers, I have formally requested a change of Regional Officer for the Branch. We feel that a fresh start with another Regional Officer would be good for the membership.
- There is a Rally to oppose the Tommy Robinson inspired gathering of racists in London on 27/7/24. Coaches are going from Stoke and Wolverhampton. Details are available through your Branch Secretary.
- The “Miner Birds” is a Play to commemorate the Miners’ Strike of 1984, produced through North Staffs Miners Wives Support Group and is being put on over the weekend of 26th and 27th July at the New Vic Theatre.
- On 7/10/24, at Fenton Town Hall there will be another Play commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the Miners Strike. The Play is called “We are not going back.”
- Stars in Our Schools- this is a UNISON initiative to encourage recognition of the often unseen but invaluable enhancement work undertaken across all of our Schools. In recent years the Branch has not had the capacity to play as active a role as previously in supporting this initiative. What do members think we should do this year?
- Tim Wareham update. Tim is still away from work through ill health but making a slow and steady recovery. I have passed on all of our best wishes to him for a full recovery.
- Local Government Service Group Election results- the 2 candidates the Branch nominated were both elected. Shazziah Rock and David Hughes.
- UNISON Local Government and National Conference feedback- I attended in June together with other members of the Branch at these conferences in Brighton. There is a lot to be interested in and impressed by at these Conferences, but they also could be shortened and/or made more accessible in my opinion. Many worthy and important motions were discussed and details of how UNISON’s rules and policy initiatives were affected can be found on the national UNISON website.
- I am the International Officer of the Branch and attended a recent UNISON forum where the support we provide for Trade Unions and low paid workers in struggle in Malaysia, Ghana, Palestine and Ghana was discussed. An inspiring experience.
- For Workers Memorial Day this year the Branch funded the installation of a Kissing Gate on a public pathway near Kinver. In 2025 we want to fund the installation of a Kissing Gate in the north of the County. Please send suggestions for sites into the Office. The Gate must be installed on a pathway on County Council owned land.
Michael Vaughan
Branch Secretary
Staffordshire UNISON
18/07/24
