Sheffield Rally, Tuesday 3rd December 5pm Outside Town Hall
Organised by Sheffield Stand Up to Racism.
London Rally, Tuesday 3rd December
Category Archives: News & Comment
MENTAL HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE
24 February, 2 March, 9 March 2020 (Apply by 24 January 2020)
This TUC 3 day course is for UNISON reps who want to develop a better understanding of mental health in general and increase their awareness of how the workplace can affect mental health plus gain some practical skills for dealing with mental health related issues.
Non Residential at East Riding College, Hull
Cost to Branch: £75 per delegate
Not a rep? Why not get involved in your Branch?
YOUTH CLIMATE STRIKE ACTION 20 09 19
‘This is not a single-generation job. It’s humanity’s job….Let’s all join together, with your neighbours, co-workers, friends, family and go out on to the streets to make your voices heard and make this a turning point in our history’ – Greta Thunberg and 46 youth activists from the International movement.
On 20th September young people across the globe not only continued their monthly strike action (inspired by the environmental activist Greta Thunberg), but called on all workers, trade unionists, community groups and adults to join them as part of a massive global day of action. Millions of people from Sydney to Manila, Dhaka to London and New York marched for urgent action by world leaders on climate breakdown. This just 3 days before the UN emergency climate summit.
Five thousand joined the students here in Sheffield, with the branch joining the march through Sheffield along Arundel Gate to the City Hall. There were speakers from Sheffield Trades Council, Sheffield Climate Alliance, Sheffield Stand Up to racism, but it was the voices of the young and future workers that dominated the rally and inspired many to join them in their stand against the inertia of those in power, demanding a climate emergency an calling for action to be taken now.
Sheffield Hallam University Branch sent the following message of support to those young people who took to the streets:
“Sheffield Hallam University UNISON Branch sends solidarity to all the young people around the world striking today. Above all else you have shown great strength in creating a wave of urgency and resistance that has shown the way in the struggle against this climate crisis. It is time for all trade unionists, workers and everyone on this planet to join you in calling ‘time out’ to all those in power who continue to ignore you. Together, we can build a better world.”
We will be sending out more information as to future activities from our branch around the climate emergency. If you are interested in getting involved please contact Lucinda Wakefield at l.m.wakefield@shu.ac.uk
PENSION NEWS- LGPS
At the beginning of the month a government consultation paper was released with some very worrying implications for Local Government Pension Scheme members.
The government is proposing that there will no longer be a legal requirement for ‘further education corporations, sixth form college corporations and higher education corporations’ to offer LGPS membership to new non-teaching staff. This has been expected for a while, and sadly has come at the request of universities and colleges themselves. The proposal will no doubt be met with jubilation within many university boardrooms.
To be clear; the paper is proposing that universities will be able to decide whether to offer the scheme to new members of staff and is proposing that current employees’ scheme membership will be protected. The proposals are to be consulted on, and the government will need to pass legislation to make them happen.
Under the proposals, universities can make the decision themselves about whether to continue offering LGPS to new staff members, according to their own needs and ‘business model’. In practice this means that universities may decide to offer the scheme only to staff above a certain grade. Similarly, universities in competitive labour markets (e.g. in London or the South-East) may decide to continue offering the scheme to encourage staff retention.
Universities that decide to partially or fully pull out of LGPS are likely to offer their new non-teaching staff a cheaper (and far worse) pension scheme, with lower employer contributions.
The rationale behind the changes is that universities are now marketised and are in competition with each other, so are effectively no longer public sector employers. This rings hollow – when it comes to pay restraint and blocking strike action the government are happy to consider us public sector employees, but when it comes to pensions we no longer are.
The paper reassures us that current LGPS members will be protected, but as our colleagues in post-92 universities have found, pension ‘reforms’ are rarely final. On top of this, blocking new entrants to a pension scheme will damage it in the long-run. For example, in the current Firefighters’ dispute, a drop in contribution income (due to redundancies) is being given as a reason for cutting their pension scheme benefits.
HE and FE staff currently account for around 20% of LGPS members. Withdrawing access to the scheme for new staff in these institutions will be deeply damaging over the long-term, and will affect the benefits of all LGPS members.
Unison will be working locally and nationally to oppose this regressive proposal. We urge all members to respond to the consultation here.
Stop Cuts to South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service
The Branch supports the campaign, led by the Fire Brigade’s Union, and supported by Sheffield Trades Union Council, against cuts proposed by South Yorkshire Fire Authority.
The proposals would mean a reduction in the number of firefighters crewing a fire appliance from 5 to 4, and reduce night-time cover in Sheffield to one appliance with a four person crew.
The campaign is demanding that the Authority drop these plans and lobby the Government for proper funding.
What is the issue?
The Fire Service has a deficit of £8.3 million, which is being used as the justification for the current wave of cuts. £2.4 million of the deficit is attributable to the pensions deficit, itself caused by a drop in contribution income following previous cuts.
The proposals would mean a loss of 84 firefighter’s jobs. To put this in context, before austerity decimated the service there were 1100 firefighters – there are now 594.
The fifth person on a fire appliance, who would be abolished under the proposals, serves a crucial function in coordinating and monitoring duties to help protect the health and safety of firefighters in a building.
For a domestic incident, nine firefighters are needed, which – with reduced crew levels – would mean three engines rather than two. Support would be needed from other stations, increasing response times and putting pressure on the Service if there was a serious incident.
What has happened so far?
When the Chief Fire Officer presented his proposals to the South Yorkshire Fire Authority, the Authority voted to “note” the report, which means a delay while the proposals are consulted on. Consultation ends in August.
The FBU is lobbying members of the authority, and has set up a petition. If they can get 5000 signatories, this will force a debate in the Council chamber.
The FBU petitioned Parliament in May, held a rally in front of Sheffield Town Hall last week, and is also preparing to submit Freedom of Information requests to obtain more information about how the Fire Service spends its money.
What You Can do
Circulate information about the campaign, the consultation and the petition to your friends and collegues.
Sign the FBU’s petition here: https://www.megaphone.org.uk/petitions/stop-cuts-to-south-yorkshire-fire-and-rescue-service-1
Respond to the public consultation here: https://www.syfire.gov.uk/haveyoursay/
For more information on the campaign locally see:https://sheffieldtuc.co.uk/save-our-fire-service-no-job-cuts-no-reduction-in-fire-engine-crews-no-cut-in-night-time-cover-end-austerity-now/
UNISON PAY CONSULTATION
You should have received an email from Jon Richards, UNISON’s Head of Education in the last week or so, urging that you use your vote in the ongoing pay consultation. You may also have received a reminder.
The email includes a link to allow you to vote. In the past we have conducted these consultative ballots locally, but they are now being run from National HQ.
If you are an eligible member but have lost your voting email or didn’t receive one, you can use this voting link instead (membership number required):
Please do use your vote. You can vote until 1st July.
The pay offer affects you, and your vote helps determine UNISON’s response. UNISON is urging members to REJECT the offer, and will decide whether to proceed to a full ballot for industrial action based on the results of this consultative ballot.
UNISON’s pay claim, submitted jointly with the other Higher Education unions, was for a rise of inflation (using the RPI measure), plus 3% (or a minimum of £3,349). The claim also asked for a £10 an hour minimum rate of pay, for all Universities to become accredited Living Wage employers, a 35 hour working week, action to close gender and ethnicity pay gaps, and action on excessive workloads and stress.
The employers offered a rise of 1.8%, with an offer of between 1.82% and 3.65% for the lowest paid.
Check what it would mean for you here: final pay offer.
Use UNISON’s pay calculator below to see how much pay you’ve lost over the last ten years:https://www.unison.org.uk/at-work/education-services/about/higher-education/pay-now-higher-education.
UNISON PAY CAMPAIGN 2019
University employers improve offer at latest pay talks.
Unions representing workers across the UK higher education sector met employers for the second round of pay talks, and received an improved offer over that made at the first meeting on 26 March.
UNISON head of education Jon Richards (above) said: “While the employers made an increase to their opening offer, this still falls far short of the fair claim made by unions.
“As negotiations continue, the unions will push for an improved deal at the next meeting later this month.”
In March, the university employers said they had “an initial envelope for discussion of 1.3% across all the elements of the pay claim”
This week, they increased that ‘envelope’ to 1.5% and spoke of a 2.5% pay rise for the lowest paid staff.
The unions and employers are due to meet again on 7 May.
UNISON WELFARE “THERE FOR YOU”
UNISON AGM 2019
DIARY DATES:
Collegiate Campus AGM
Tuesday 5 March 2019
HC0.32 – 12-1pm AGM Business followed by a Networking Buffet Lunch 1-2pm
City Campus AGM
Wednesday 6 March 2019
Owen 1025 12-1pm AGM Business
Owen 1031 1-2pm Networking Buffet Lunch
UNISON SHU BRANCH ELECTIONS
BECOME A STEWARD
This is your chance to become a Steward and make a difference.
Workplace stewards are at the heart of our union. They are the first point of contact for our members in your local workplace, and they work to make your workplace a fairer and better place to work.
And we need more! We have vacancies in lots of areas at Sheffield Hallam. As new ways of working are rolled out across all professional services in the University, we need stewards in as many areas as possible.
THE ROLE OF A STEWARD INVOLVES:
- Participating in a range of activities including organising, recruiting and representing UNISON members.
- Being involved in how the Sheffield Hallam University UNISON branch is run.
- Being the first and main point of contact for members in your constituency.
- Supporting and advising members on workplace issues, both individual and collective.
- Acting as a spokesperson for the members in your constituency and informing and involving members in branch activities.
- You will receive facilities time in order to carry out your role – Facility time
You will receive training and support from UNISON in order to carry out your role.
“But I don’t have the skills!”
Ever thought of becoming a steward but you’re worried you don’t have the right skill or the time? Don’t worry – you receive excellent training, plus paid time off work for your union duties.
Here are six common worries you may have about becoming a steward – and how you can overcome them.
I don’t do public speaking……but I do raise issues I am concerned about in team meetings at work.
I don’t do negotiation……but I did complain when my gas bill got too high, and I did sort out a better deal with the company.
I don’t do campaigning……but I did support my local library when it was threatened with closure.
I don’t do recruitment……but I do get my neighbours to support the local school
I don’t organise meetings……but I do organise outings and holidays with my friends and family
I don’t do representation……but I did go to the doctors with my partner to make sure they got their views across.
Sound like you? Your colleagues need you! Shop Steward Nomination Form 2019
BRANCH OFFICER ROLES
Branch Secretary
The Branch Secretary (rule G4.2), is responsible for ensuring the proper completion of the following tasks. It is not expected that, especially in larger branches, the Branch Secretary will personally undertake all these functions but will act as the strategic lead officer and co-ordinator within the branch. The secretary will encourage partnership working within the branch committee and the development of new representatives, will be the manager of branch staff and will manage the delegation of work to other branch officers and branch staff as appropriate, whilst providing support and guidance.
Chairperson
Tasks relating to the office of Branch Chairperson:-
- to preside at all meetings of the branch and branch committee
- to agree the agenda for meetings with the secretary
- to ensure that business is properly conducted
- to advise the branch officers and branch committee in respect of matters relating to procedure and interpretation of rules
- to ensure that all functions of the branch are carried outto work closely with the secretary to provide leadership to the branch.
Vice Chair
- To deputise for the Branch Chair.
- To carry out functions related to Branch elections as set out in the Branch Rules.
Treasurer
Tasks relating to the office of Branch Treasurer:-
- to conduct the branch’s financial business
- to keep accounts in accordance with the rules
- to provide reports on the financial position of the branch committee
- to provide a detailed financial report for the annual branch meeting(s)
- to advise the branch officers and branch committee in respect of matters relating to financial management and appropriate expenditure
- to provide an audited annual return of branch income.
Education Officer
Tasks relating to the post of Branch Education Officer:-
- To make sure all new stewards and safety representatives receive initial information and guidance about their duties, e.g. stewards handbook, rulebook, service conditions agreements, etc
- To publicise the range of educational and training opportunities available to members and activists
- To get untrained stewards, safety representatives and other branch officers onto appropriate training courses
- To co-ordinate and support the work of learning representatives to encourage branch members and activists to make use of the UNISON courses
- To maintain contact with the regional education officer/regional learning and organising committee
- To establish a plan of training for activists and to produce an annual budget to meet its costs
- To keep records of what training has been undertaken and by whom within the branch
- To make sure that activists get paid time off for training where appropriate.
Equality Officer
All UNISON representatives should promote equality and challenge discrimination in their union role. Equality Officer, whilst not expected to be an expert on all equality matters, lead and co-ordinate the branch’s equality work. The Equality Officer is not a representative of self-organised groups but is elected by the members at the Annual General Meeting. They are however expected to work with representatives of self-organised groups, with equality representatives and all activists. They support the training and development of other union representatives and monitor progress. Branch Equality Officer should share good practice where there are multiple workplace representatives within branches.
Branches can elect equality representatives for each of their work groups. The role of the equality rep is to promote equality and challenge discrimination in their local area, keeping the Branch Equality Officer updated on developments.
Health and Safety Officer
Tasks relating to the post of Health and Safety Officer:-
- to increase the awareness of members, health and safety representatives and branch officers of health and safety issues
- to organise the information held by the branch on health and safety
- to co-ordinate the activity of health and safety representatives and to organise regular meetings of health and safety representatives to exchange information and consider priorities
- to be closely involved in all negotiations with the employer on matters related to health and safety
- to advise the branch committee on health and safety issues arising in the branch and to recommend policies and priorities
- to act as a link between the health and safety representatives and other branch representatives to ensure that health and safety issues are treated as an integral part of the work of the branch
Communications Officer
Tasks relating to the post of Branch Communications Officer:-
- to explain UNISON’s policies and to provide the information members need to play an active role in their union
- to assist with efforts to recruit new members
- to help support UNISON’s national and regional campaigns
- to help create a positive image for the branch among members, potential members and the public
- to produce news-sheets or bulletins for distribution to branch members
- to lead on the development of electronic communication with members – email, web, etc
- to ensure branch communications are in the accessible formats members need – audit for any particular requirements such as large print/Braille etc
- to ensure that nationally and regionally produced publicity and campaign materials are distributed, as appropriate, to stewards and onward to members and non-members
- to monitor local media for stories which affect the branch and take appropriate action
To help ensure that the branch makes effective contact with the media whenever necessary by:
- creating and maintaining lists of media and contacts
- writing press releases
- ensuring that appropriate individuals within the branch are available for comments, interviews etc
- writing ‘letters to the editor’.
Membership Officer
Tasks relating to the post of Membership Officer:-
- to map the branch’s membership in order to identify membership density and steward coverage
- to monitor the branch’s recruitment, and also leavers rate
- to work with the branch committee to develop and implement its organisation and development plan
- to make recommendations to the branch committee on recruitment activities, targets, resources, budgets, etc.
International Officer
Tasks relating to the post of International Officer:-
- to co-ordinate the branch’s work on international relations
- to ensure that branch members are informed of national policy on international matters
- to receive and distribute relevant information
- to encourage members to be aware of the importance of international solidarity issues within the context of the overall work by the union
- to liaise where appropriate with regional international structures and to ensure that the views of the branch on international activities are reported appropriately
- to liaise with other branch officers concerning publicity and education on international issues
- to liaise with the solidarity organisations and campaigns that UNISON is affiliated to
- to encourage members of the branch to take action and participate in international solidarity activities organised nationally or regionally
- to ensure that information on branch activity is shared at regional and national level
- to seek to develop an international perspective among members, stewards and branch officers.
Young Members’ Officer
The role of the Branch Young Members’ Officer is ideal for someone who is interested in becoming more active in the union. The post may be a stepping stone to becoming a steward or taking on wider roles.
Branch Young Members’ Officer must be under 27 years of age for the whole of their term of office and be nominated by young members.
Labour Link Officer
The Labour Link Officer is elected and accountable to the Labour Link section within the branch and must be an individual member of the Labour Party – this is because the post holder should work to take UNISON policy forward in the party, often being a delegate to the general committee of the party and encouraging joint work and campaigning with the local constituency Labour Party (CLP).
The branch UNISON Labour Link Officer is the key contact point for information about regional and national UNISON Labour Link matters and is responsible for co-ordinating our activities in the branch. They also represent the interests of Labour Link levy payers on the UNISON branch committee. The Labour Link Officer must be nominated by members paying into the Affiliated Political Fund.
The Labour Link officer will receive support, training and advice on their role and responsibilities from their regional political officer.
Welfare Officer
Tasks relating to the post of Branch Welfare Officer:-
- to ensure that branch officers, stewards and workplace representatives, and also employers, have regular up-to-date information about UNISON “There For You” and its range of services
- to ensure that members seeking welfare assistance receive a prompt, supportive and effective response
- to liaise and co-ordinate with regional and national levels to ensure that UNISON support is provided effectively
- to undertake training and seek advice from UNISON “There For You” where necessary
- to develop and implement local activity
- to develop links with local charities and sources of support such as Citizen’s Advice Bureau and women’s refuges.
2018 elected post holders were:
Branch Secretary Dan J. Bye
Vice-Chair Ian Chesters
Treasurer Tracey Holland
International Officer Lucinda Wakefield
Health & Safety Officer William Tierney
Welfare Officer Tongriang Lohor