Category: General secretary’s blog

A new dawn for public services – a hopeful vision under Labour

After 14 long years of Conservative rule that left our public services in a mess, the UK finally stands at the beginning of a new era.

The recent general election has put an end to a government marked by chaos, infighting, and cronyism. We can all breathe a sigh of relief as we say goodbye and good riddance to an era that has seen our essential public services so terribly mismanaged.

The Conservatives have left a legacy of underfunded and overstretched services. Our NHS is in crisis, social care is woefully inadequate, and local governments are barely coping with community needs.

Fixing these vital services will be a massive task, requiring significant investment and a serious effort to restore public trust in our political system.

Fortunately, with Keir Starmer’s Labour government now at the helm, there’s a beacon of hope. Labour’s resounding victory is a testament to our calls for real change and renewal. Starmer’s historic landslide win isn’t just a political triumph; it’s a clear mandate for a brighter future for all of us.

The priority for the new government must be clear: to invest in and revive our public services. This means ensuring NHS patients get the care they need promptly, building a social care system that supports everyone in need, and restoring local services so that local governments can effectively serve their communities.

These steps aren’t just about fixing services; they’re about reaffirming the social contract that holds us together as communities and as a nation.

Keir Starmer’s first speech as prime minister highlighted his dedication to this mission. Unlike many before him, Starmer isn’t a career politician; he’s a true public servant who understands the critical value of high-quality public services and the crucial role of the workers who deliver them.

His leadership brings a fresh perspective and a much-needed focus on the well-being of the many, not the few.

Investing in public services is more than just a budgetary choice; it’s a moral duty. High-quality public services are the foundation of a fair and just society. They drive economic growth, support the most vulnerable, and foster community spirit.

With Labour in charge, we have the chance to build a more equitable and prosperous future for everyone in the UK.

We won’t always agree with the new government. But UNISON is very clear about what our priorities are – for our members and for working people – and I will be doing everything I can to make sure they are the government’s priorities too.

The road ahead won’t be easy, and the work to repair the damage of the past decade and a half will be tough. But with a Labour government dedicated to public service and led by a prime minister who values integrity and dedication, there’s hope that we can rebuild a country where public services once again serve the people effectively and compassionately.

The dawn of a new era is upon us, and with it, the promise of a better, fairer Britain.

The article A new dawn for public services – a hopeful vision under Labour first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Opinion: A new dawn for public services – a hopeful vision under Labour

By UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea

After 14 long years of Conservative rule that left our public services in a mess, the UK finally stands at the beginning of a new era.

The recent general election has put an end to a government marked by chaos, infighting, and cronyism. We can all breathe a sigh of relief as we say goodbye and good riddance to an era that has seen our essential public services so terribly mismanaged.

The Conservatives have left a legacy of underfunded and overstretched services. Our NHS is in crisis, social care is woefully inadequate, and local governments are barely coping with community needs.

Fixing these vital services will be a massive task, requiring significant investment and a serious effort to restore public trust in our political system.

Fortunately, with Keir Starmer’s Labour government now at the helm, there’s a beacon of hope. Labour’s resounding victory is a testament to our calls for real change and renewal. Starmer’s historic landslide win isn’t just a political triumph; it’s a clear mandate for a brighter future for all of us.

The priority for the new government must be clear: to invest in and revive our public services. This means ensuring NHS patients get the care they need promptly, building a social care system that supports everyone in need, and restoring local services so that local governments can effectively serve their communities.

These steps aren’t just about fixing services; they’re about reaffirming the social contract that holds us together as communities and as a nation.

Keir Starmer’s first speech as prime minister highlighted his dedication to this mission. Unlike many before him, Starmer isn’t a career politician; he’s a true public servant who understands the critical value of high-quality public services and the crucial role of the workers who deliver them.

His leadership brings a fresh perspective and a much-needed focus on the well-being of the many, not the few.

Investing in public services is more than just a budgetary choice; it’s a moral duty. High-quality public services are the foundation of a fair and just society. They drive economic growth, support the most vulnerable, and foster community spirit.

With Labour in charge, we have the chance to build a more equitable and prosperous future for everyone in the UK.

We won’t always agree with the new government. But UNISON is very clear about what our priorities are – for our members and for working people – and I will be doing everything I can to make sure they are the government’s priorities too.

The road ahead won’t be easy, and the work to repair the damage of the past decade and a half will be tough. But with a Labour government dedicated to public service and led by a prime minister who values integrity and dedication, there’s hope that we can rebuild a country where public services once again serve the people effectively and compassionately.

The dawn of a new era is upon us, and with it, the promise of a better, fairer Britain.

The article Opinion: A new dawn for public services – a hopeful vision under Labour first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Opinion: The New Deal will be transformational

By UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea

Labour’s election is full speed ahead, and the polls still predict a Labour majority. With that, comes delivering the New Deal for Working People.

I’m sure the party’s promise to make work pay is turning out to be a key part of their popularity throughout the campaign.

We worked closely with the Labour Party and other trade unions in turning this idea into a manifesto pledge and a deliverable plan. We put the needs of all UNISON members and working people at the heart of it. It will be transformational – not only for working people, but also for the economy.

The day we get a Labour government will be the day we can start to get the job done. We will hold a Labour government to account on the commitments in the New Deal for Working People.

I expect to see the Employment Rights Bill introduced within the party’s first 100 days in office. I expect to see a genuine living wage, pay equality, and fair pay agreements set up in social care.

Workers deserve security, and I expect to see the end of exploitative zero-hours contracts and fire-and-rehire practices.

While good employers already do what’s right by their staff, too many workers suffer under ruthless bosses. Workers can only thrive when treated fairly and paid enough to live a decent life.

With your vote on 4 July, you could be making sure that bad bosses can no longer exploit workers.

Strengthened rights for trade unions are also essential, and better sick pay, parental leave, and day-one rights at work will benefit working people and our economy. The New Deal offers all of this – the biggest upgrade in workers’ rights in a generation.

We will make sure a Labour government keeps its promise to create a Britain that works for working people.

As you head to the polls on 4 July, remember what’s at stake.

The article Opinion: The New Deal will be transformational first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Opinion: The New Deal will be transformational

By UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea

Labour’s election is full speed ahead, and the polls still predict a Labour majority. With that, comes delivering the New Deal for Working People.

I’m sure the party’s promise to make work pay is turning out to be a key part of their popularity throughout the campaign.

We worked closely with the Labour Party and other trade unions in turning this idea into a manifesto pledge and a deliverable plan. We put the needs of all UNISON members and working people at the heart of it. It will be transformational – not only for working people, but also for the economy.

The day we get a Labour government will be the day we can start to get the job done. We will hold a Labour government to account on the commitments in the New Deal for Working People.

I expect to see the Employment Rights Bill introduced within the party’s first 100 days in office. I expect to see a genuine living wage, pay equality, and fair pay agreements set up in social care.

Workers deserve security, and I expect to see the end of exploitative zero-hours contracts and fire-and-rehire practices.

While good employers already do what’s right by their staff, too many workers suffer under ruthless bosses. Workers can only thrive when treated fairly and paid enough to live a decent life.

With your vote on 4 July, you could be making sure that bad bosses can no longer exploit workers.

Strengthened rights for trade unions are also essential, and better sick pay, parental leave, and day-one rights at work will benefit working people and our economy. The New Deal offers all of this – the biggest upgrade in workers’ rights in a generation.

We will make sure a Labour government keeps its promise to create a Britain that works for working people.

As you head to the polls on 4 July, remember what’s at stake.

The article Opinion: The New Deal will be transformational first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Opinion: Seeing the reality of life in occupied Palestine

By UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea

Travelling from Amman in Jordan to Ramallah the administrative centre of the Palestinian West Bank, as I did recently, gave me a first-hand view of the grim reality of being in an occupied territory.

I was there in the last week in May as part of an international trade union delegation, at the request of the Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions (PGFTU), pictured above.

It was the first time all eight international union federations had come together, representing over 200 million workers across 170 countries.

I was there as part of Public Services International (PSI) along with PSI general secretary Daniel Bertossa.

We all travelled in a minibus through a mountainous desert landscape, passing the Jordan River, through Jericho to Ramallah.

We saw many Israeli settlements on high ridges, distinctive because of the protected barriers and telecoms masts.

The Israeli presence is everywhere in the West Bank. It is clear that the Israeli government controls all the borders, all the roads, movement of people and goods as well as money and even the flow of water.

Roads are closed and checkpoints appear at will, making life difficult for ordinary Palestinians.

While there, we met ministers and President Abbas from the government of the Palestinian Authority run by Fatah. Gaza is controlled by Hamas.

The president was clear “we are against killing civilians, whatever their background”.

He condemned the killings on 7 October 2023 and the devastation and death toll inflicted on Gaza and in the West Bank. He asked for the trade union movement’s support in getting recognition for the State of Palestine.

I also met Palestinian workers, including those providing public service, and hearing about their daily lives and challenges had a huge impact. Workers only get paid for 2-3 days per week as there is no money for public services, while they face daily challenges in just moving around.

Everyone told stories of journeys of just a few kilometres taking hours because of Israeli checkpoints, and described the fear and worry about their families and friends in Gaza.

Everyone spoke of the need for help in rebuilding Gaza and supporting those still there.

All of the union federations are calling for an immediate and lasting ceasefire alongside increased aid.

But, daily life, of course, often comes down to simple things. I spoke to a public service worker from the Jenin refugee camp and his dream was for a night where he didn’t worry about Israeli soldiers coming into the camp and for a small patch of ground where he could play safely with his children. Such modest dreams yet so out of his reach.

On my return journey to Jordan, at the border crossing, this was once again under the scrutiny of Israeli guards – even though this is not Israel but Palestine.

I felt inspired and motivated, more than ever, to campaign and fight for justice for all Palestinians.

The article Opinion: Seeing the reality of life in occupied Palestine first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Opinion: ‘The past is gloomy, but the future doesn’t have to be’

By UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea

It’s hard to believe that, less than a week ago, a rain-soaked prime minister rolled the dice in front of the nation. It’s been a hapless campaign start for Rishi Sunak, but at least he put us out of our misery and called the general election. In his own words, we can now decide between “the past and the future”.

Calling the election is just about all we can thank him for. He may try to distance himself from his party’s record over the past 14 years. He may try to convince us that our crumbling public services and the cost-of-living crisis are all because of COVID and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. But we know it’s those 14 long years of Tory political choices, chaos and cuts, that have broken our country.

A revolving door of prime ministers and ministers, scandal and sleaze. No plan to rebuild everything they broke, and no vision for the future, is the record the prime minister now stands to defend. To top it off, the Tories have degraded standards in public life.

Remember how this government treated NHS workers during our dispute two winters ago. Remember how they partied in Downing Street while most of our members risked their lives to protect and look after others.

The Tories can’t even unite their own party, let alone be trusted on security, the economy or our public services. Our NHS is in a dire state, our social care and childcare systems are broken beyond belief and there’s a pipeline of local authorities about to go under.

On 4 July, we have a chance to put that all in the past.

The future that public service workers need can only be led by a government that can respect their work, the services they provide and the communities that rely on them.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve waited a long time to get to this point. A tipping point where change really is possible. A chance to give working people a better deal and a chance to create a national care service that will benefit care users, social care staff and allow family members to stay in work.

Labour is offering a plan to grow the economy by making work pay, ending austerity and treating public services as a driver of economic growth, not a drain. Labour’s plan is about building a better future for everyone, not just allowing a few elites to pile up all the wealth everyone else helped to create.

The choice at the ballot box on 4 July is between the past and the future. The past is gloomy, but the future doesn’t have to be.

I will be voting Labour. I hope you will join me.

The article Opinion: ‘The past is gloomy, but the future doesn’t have to be’ first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Opinion: ‘The past is gloomy, but the future doesn’t have to be’

By UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea

It’s hard to believe that, less than a week ago, a rain-soaked prime minister rolled the dice in front of the nation. It’s been a hapless campaign start for Rishi Sunak, but at least he put us out of our misery and called the general election. In his own words, we can now decide between “the future and the past”.

Calling the election is just about all we can thank him for. He may try to distance himself from his party’s record over the past 14 years. He may try to convince us that our crumbling public services and the cost-of-living crisis are all because of COVID and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. But we know it’s those 14 long years of Tory political choices, chaos and cuts, that have broken our country.

A revolving door of prime ministers and ministers, scandal and sleaze. No plan to rebuild everything they broke, and no vision for the future, is the record the prime minister now stands to defend. To top it off, the Tories have degraded standards in public life.

Remember how this government treated NHS workers during our dispute two winters ago. Remember how they partied in Downing Street while most of our members risked their lives to protect and look after others.

The Tories can’t even unite their own party, let alone be trusted on security, the economy or our public services. Our NHS is in a dire state, our social care and childcare systems are broken beyond belief and there’s a pipeline of local authorities about to go under.

On 4 July, we have a chance to put that all in the past.

The future that public service workers need can only be led by a government that can respect their work, the services they provide and the communities that rely on them.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve waited a long time to get to this point. A tipping point where change really is possible. A chance to give working people a better deal and a chance to create a national care service that will benefit care users, social care staff and allow family members to stay in work.

Labour is offering a plan to grow the economy by making work pay, ending austerity and treating public services as a driver of economic growth, not a drain. Labour’s plan is about building a better future for everyone, not just allowing a few elites to pile up all the wealth everyone else helped to create.

The choice at the ballot box on 4 July is between the past and the future. The past is gloomy, but the future doesn’t have to be.

I will be voting Labour. I hope you will join me.

The article Opinion: ‘The past is gloomy, but the future doesn’t have to be’ first appeared on the UNISON National site.

UNISON opinion: Supporting our LGBT+ members is crucial

By UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea

Today is the international day against homophobia, bi+phobia (IDAHOBIT) and transphobia. It’s always been an important date for UNISON since its creation in 2004. Each year since then, we’ve reflected on how we can combat LGBT+-phobic discrimination and harassment.

Of course, some progress has been made over the last couple of decades, but I’m saddened to say that in some ways, LGBT+ equality is going backwards in the UK.

The 2024 ILGA Europe rainbow map was released just a couple of days ago. It ranks European and Central Asian countries in terms of how inclusive the country is for LGBT+ rights. Disappointingly, the UK has dropped to 16th place after ranking first right up until 2015.

The Conservatives’ culture wars have certainly contributed to our diminished standing on the rainbow map. In particular, ILGA Europe highlighted the lack of a ban on conversion practices, no self-determination legal framework for gender recognition and the passing of the Illegal Migration Act that could send LGBT+ asylum seekers to Rwanda, a country that is not safe for LGBT+ people.

Our union has a long, proud history of fighting for LGBT+ rights. I’m delighted that this year, our Year of LGBT+ Workers, has been embraced wholeheartedly by members. It’s been great to see the various launches, events and workplace activities that have been taking place across the UK to celebrate the year.

And we do have a lot to celebrate – the campaign has already been successful in encouraging members to step up to become leaders, with over 40 branches electing an LGBT+ branch officer since the start of the year and regional LGBT+ SOGs reporting a surge in new members coming along to meetings.

The young LGBT+ network is now 300 members strong, many of whom have gone on to other avenues of activism within the union.

Our trans equality campaign, which has been a key campaign of ours, has been wildly successful. Over 4,000 members have now been trained on how to be a good trans ally and over 70 of our trans, non-binary and gender diverse members have now completed a programme on how to deliver the trans ally training.

UNISON continues to lead the union movement in pushing for greater LGBT+ rights and inclusion. We have recently established an asexual (ACE) and aromantic network, which is a first for a UK trade union. We are focused on making workplaces inclusive of ace/aromantic workers, who are often misunderstood and many of whom experience appalling discrimination and harassment at work.

We have a lot more to do. The theme for this year’s IDAHOBIT is “no one left behind: equality, freedom and justice for all.” At UNISON, equality is at the heart of everything we do, hardwired into our DNA.

I look forward to being part of the Year of LGBT+ workers activities throughout the rest of this year and promoting why UNISON really is the union for LGBT+ public service workers.

The article UNISON opinion: Supporting our LGBT+ members is crucial first appeared on the UNISON National site.

UNISON opinion: Supporting our LGBT+ members is crucial

By UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea

Today is the international day against homophobia, bi+phobia (IDAHOBIT) and transphobia. It’s always been an important date for UNISON since its creation in 2004. Each year since then, we’ve reflected on how we can combat LGBT+-phobic discrimination and harassment.

Of course, some progress has been made over the last couple of decades, but I’m saddened to say that in some ways, LGBT+ equality is going backwards in the UK.

The 2024 ILGA Europe rainbow map was released just a couple of days ago. It ranks European and Central Asian countries in terms of how inclusive the country is for LGBT+ rights. Disappointingly, the UK has dropped to 16th place after ranking first right up until 2015.

The Conservatives’ culture wars have certainly contributed to our diminished standing on the rainbow map. In particular, ILGA Europe highlighted the lack of a ban on conversion practices, no self-determination legal framework for gender recognition and the passing of the Illegal Migration Act that could send LGBT+ asylum seekers to Rwanda, a country that is not safe for LGBT+ people.

Our union has a long, proud history of fighting for LGBT+ rights. I’m delighted that this year, our Year of LGBT+ Workers, has been embraced wholeheartedly by members. It’s been great to see the various launches, events and workplace activities that have been taking place across the UK to celebrate the year.

And we do have a lot to celebrate – the campaign has already been successful in encouraging members to step up to become leaders, with over 40 branches electing an LGBT+ branch officer since the start of the year and regional LGBT+ SOGs reporting a surge in new members coming along to meetings.

The young LGBT+ network is now 300 members strong, many of whom have gone on to other avenues of activism within the union.

Our trans equality campaign, which has been a key campaign of ours, has been wildly successful. Over 4,000 members have now been trained on how to be a good trans ally and over 70 of our trans, non-binary and gender diverse members have now completed a programme on how to deliver the trans ally training.

UNISON continues to lead the union movement in pushing for greater LGBT+ rights and inclusion. We have recently established an asexual (ACE) and aromantic network, which is a first for a UK trade union. We are focused on making workplaces inclusive of ace/aromantic workers, who are often misunderstood and many of whom experience appalling discrimination and harassment at work.

We have a lot more to do. The theme for this year’s IDAHOBIT is “no one left behind: equality, freedom and justice for all.” At UNISON, equality is at the heart of everything we do, hardwired into our DNA.

I look forward to being part of the Year of LGBT+ workers activities throughout the rest of this year and promoting why UNISON really is the union for LGBT+ public service workers.

The article UNISON opinion: Supporting our LGBT+ members is crucial first appeared on the UNISON National site.

UNISON opinion: Your vote matters

By UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea

It’s the final countdown to the close of UNISON’s important service group executive elections.

It’s because UNISON members are at the heart of all our work, that we put power into members’ hands. That’s why your votes in these elections matter.

The ballot closes this Friday 17 May at 5pm, so if you’re planning to vote by post, don’t delay in returning your paper ballot. You can also vote using the link sent to you by email from CES – search your email inbox to dig it out.

Voting only takes a few seconds, but could be significant in shaping your future.

The members who win in these elections are not just figureheads for your health, local government, community, higher education, energy or WET service groups, they’re decision-makers, negotiators and advocates.

Your vote gives them the power to deliver fair wages, safe working conditions, and advocate for your rights at work.

They could also be in charge of taking decisions on pay consultations, strike ballots and strike days.

Throughout this election, it’s members doing similar jobs to you, or working for similar sorts of employers, who’ve been asking for your vote.

So if you haven’t already voted, now is the time to choose your rep and get the best from your union. Don’t delay. Vote today.

The article UNISON opinion: Your vote matters first appeared on the UNISON National site.