Category: General secretary’s blog

Blog: Give your ?? to our unions

It’s Valentine’s Day tomorrow, which also means it’s ?Unions Week. Whatever your relationship status, you can still show your endless love for your trade union.

Besides me shamelessly trying to fit a few love puns and song titles into this blog, you’ll find here my message about how important unions are to me, to everyone’s working lives and to the whole of society.

I’ve spent my whole working life in the trade union movement, because I know that trade unions make life better for working people. Unions help boost pay by up to £60,000 over a working life, while workers in unionised workplaces also have better pensions and much safer workplaces.

On any given day, there could be a new reason why someone needs their trade union. It might be for a national pay deal, for a local re-banding claim, for better protections in the workplace – as during COVID – or for support with a grievance or disciplinary.

Trade unions will always be needed, and right now that need is growing stronger every day that this Westminster government stays in power. As long as the Tories are in Parliament, working people’s lives and living standards are being hammered. It’s been so clear in their attacks on workers’ rights and trade union rights that they don’t have workers’ best interests at heart.

Getting to meet so many of our members and activists is the best part of being general secretary. And I’m proud that UNISON gives public service workers a union for life – from school uniform grants, representation for student nurses and our young members’ forum, right through to our support for retired members.

So, this ?Unions Week, remember that UNISON loves you just the way you are. And why not take the opportunity this week to show your love for UNISON, by telling more of your friends and work colleagues all the good reasons to join us.

The article Blog: Give your ❤️ to our unions first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Blog: The hope Labour can bring

Winning seats like Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy in Scotland is a must for Labour at the next election.

If Labour does win back the seat (and many others like it) to secure a general election victory, it will be because of the promises the party is making in the New Deal for Working People. This package of rights, protections and actions was written up in partnership with trade unions and is packed full of UNISON priorities.

It’s not difficult to see the huge part UNISON played in developing the transformational plan for workers and the economy.

I spent yesterday with Angela Rayner, the deputy leader of the Labour Party, and Wilma Brown, UNISON activist and parliamentary candidate in that Scottish seat, bringing hope of what the New Deal can achieve to voters’ doorsteps.

Christina McAnea with Angela Rayner, Wilma Brown, and UNISON activists

Christina McAnea with Angela Rayner, Wilma Brown, and UNISON activists

The Westminster government’s only plan for workers is to threaten them with the sack if they try to take strike action to secure better pay and conditions. Labour’s plan offers so much for trade unions and the workers they represent.

A new government needs to make work pay with a genuine living wage, pay equality and Fair Pay Agreements in social care. Workers need more security, with an end to zero-hours contracts and fire and rehire. Trade unions need strengthened rights to organise and our whole society will benefit from better sick pay, parental leave and day-one rights at work. The New Deal promises all of this.

Workers can only thrive when they’re being treated fairly and paid enough to have a decent life. Good employers already know that and do the right thing by their staff. But for so many others, they’re at the whim of unscrupulous bosses.

UNISON is fully behind the New Deal and Labour’s promise to introduce an Employment Rights Bill within the first 100 days of office. UNISON will hold an incoming Labour government to account, making sure it delivers on its promise to make Britain work for working people.

The article Blog: The hope Labour can bring first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Blog: The hope Labour can bring

Winning seats like Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy in Scotland is a must for Labour at the next election.

If Labour does win back the seat (and many others like it) to secure a general election victory, it will be because of the promises the party is making in the New Deal for Working People. This package of rights, protections and actions was written up in partnership with trade unions and is packed full of UNISON priorities.

It’s not difficult to see the huge part UNISON played in developing the transformational plan for workers and the economy.

I spent yesterday with Angela Rayner, the deputy leader of the Labour Party, and Wilma Brown, UNISON activist and parliamentary candidate in that Scottish seat, bringing hope of what the New Deal can achieve to voters’ doorsteps.

Christina McAnea with Angela Rayner, Wilma Brown, and UNISON activists

Christina McAnea with Angela Rayner, Wilma Brown, and UNISON activists

The Westminster government’s only plan for workers is to threaten them with the sack if they try to take strike action to secure better pay and conditions. Labour’s plan offers so much for trade unions and the workers they represent.

A new government needs to make work pay with a genuine living wage, pay equality and Fair Pay Agreements in social care. Workers need more security, with an end to zero-hours contracts and fire and rehire. Trade unions need strengthened rights to organise and our whole society will benefit from better sick pay, parental leave and day-one rights at work. The New Deal promises all of this.

Workers can only thrive when they’re being treated fairly and paid enough to have a decent life. Good employers already know that and do the right thing by their staff. But for so many others, they’re at the whim of unscrupulous bosses.

UNISON is fully behind the New Deal and Labour’s promise to introduce an Employment Rights Bill within the first 100 days of office. UNISON will hold an incoming Labour government to account, making sure it delivers on its promise to make Britain work for working people.

The article Blog: The hope Labour can bring first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Blog: A strike of last resort that’s been forced on members

A day of historical strike action took place in Northern Ireland yesterday.

The first walk-outs started at midnight when UNISON’s health members left their hospital workplaces.

I was with community assistant nurses, catering staff, admin staff and health care assistants at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, as their strike started when the clock struck 12.01.

A few hours later, I joined education staff on their school picket lines along the Falls Road. And on we marched to the Royal Hospital again and into central Belfast, where we met thousands of other striking public sector workers for our joint union rally.

Many health workers stayed behind, providing the emergency cover UNISON always ensures on strike days. They forfeited their right to strike, so that others could protest and rally, without affecting patient safety.

Essential workers shouldn’t have to be out in the freezing cold, demanding the pay they’re owed. But they’ve been forced into it. It’s the failure of politicians to release the £600m that’s already been fought for and won, that’s pushed them to the last resort of strike action.

Until power sharing in Stormont is restored, public sector workers won’t get the money they’ve been promised. Unless of course, the secretary of state, Chris Heaton-Harris, takes action to unlock the funding.

The Westminster government might have given up on the people of Northern Ireland, but UNISON hasn’t. That’s why I was there in Belfast, to show solidarity with our members.

Their frustration is real. Watching colleagues on the other side of the Irish Sea earning more than them for doing the same job, and having governments that they can actually negotiate with, makes them feel left behind.

Northern Ireland’s public services rely on workers staying in the job, but they’ll only stay with decent pay, pay parity and recognition for the essential work they do.

The message was clear from the streets of Belfast and from picket lines across Northern Ireland, Mr Heaton-Harris must release the money. Until we get that result, UNISON’s determination will not falter.

The article Blog: A strike of last resort that’s been forced on members first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Blog: A strike of last resort that’s been forced on members

A day of historical strike action took place in Northern Ireland yesterday.

The first walk-outs started at midnight when UNISON’s health members left their hospital workplaces.

I was with community assistant nurses, catering staff, admin staff and health care assistants at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, as their strike started when the clock struck 12.01.

A few hours later, I joined education staff on their school picket lines along the Falls Road. And on we marched to the Royal Hospital again and into central Belfast, where we met thousands of other striking public sector workers for our joint union rally.

Many health workers stayed behind, providing the emergency cover UNISON always ensures on strike days. They forfeited their right to strike, so that others could protest and rally, without affecting patient safety.

Essential workers shouldn’t have to be out in the freezing cold, demanding the pay they’re owed. But they’ve been forced into it. It’s the failure of politicians to release the £600m that’s already been fought for and won, that’s pushed them to the last resort of strike action.

Until power sharing in Stormont is restored, public sector workers won’t get the money they’ve been promised. Unless of course, the secretary of state, Chris Heaton-Harris, takes action to unlock the funding.

The Westminster government might have given up on the people of Northern Ireland, but UNISON hasn’t. That’s why I was there in Belfast, to show solidarity with our members.

Their frustration is real. Watching colleagues on the other side of the Irish Sea earning more than them for doing the same job, and having governments that they can actually negotiate with, makes them feel left behind.

Northern Ireland’s public services rely on workers staying in the job, but they’ll only stay with decent pay, pay parity and recognition for the essential work they do.

The message was clear from the streets of Belfast and from picket lines across Northern Ireland, Mr Heaton-Harris must release the money. Until we get that result, UNISON’s determination will not falter.

The article Blog: A strike of last resort that’s been forced on members first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Blog: Let’s make 2024 a success

Happy New Year to everyone in UNISON and here’s to a successful year for you and your families.

I have high hopes for 2024 – 12 months of campaigning for UNISON’s Year of LGBT+ workers and for a national care service, securing pay deals across all public services and a general election that will push the chaotic Tories out of Westminster and bring in a new government.

A new government is a must for our members and for our public services. Our NHS, schools, local councils and emergency services are on their knees and stuck in a state of crisis. The current government’s legacy is one of slashing jobs, squeezing budgets, and falling living standards for millions of working people. We need a Labour government that will rebuild our public services, put workers first with a new deal for working people and create a national care service.

Campaigning for that change in government will be a big part of our mission this year, but we won’t let election fever take over our daily task of fighting for our members’ pay and conditions. Day in, day out, our activists and organisers are supporting members in workplaces across the UK, and our teams in head office are mounting legal challenges, influencing politicians, preparing campaigns and helping members when they need us most.   

We’ll also be celebrating our Year of LGBT+ workers in UNISON style – continuing to be loud and proud against homophobia and transphobia, and ensuring that UNISON always remains the best trade union for LGBT+ public service workers.  

And later this year, there’s something that every working member can get involved with. From 22 April to 17 May, voting will be open for your representatives on UNISON’s service group executives (SGEs) – the lay leaders who decide on campaigns, pay claims, strike ballots and industrial action. Ahead of that member ballot, from next Monday (8 January) until 9 February, branches can nominate their preferred candidates.

Our SGEs are so important in UNISON. They’re powerful groups of activists that keep UNISON with you throughout your working life, campaigning for fair pay and conditions, safe and healthy working conditions, job security, work-life balance, equal pay and against discrimination.

So if you want some more new year’s resolutions, here’s two for you – have your say in UNISON’s SGE elections and get involved in our Year of LGBT+ workers activities that will be taking place throughout 2024.

From everyone in UNISON, we hope you have a happy, healthy and successful 2024.

The article Blog: Let’s make 2024 a success first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Blog: Let’s make 2024 a success

Happy New Year to everyone in UNISON and here’s to a successful year for you and your families.

I have high hopes for 2024 – 12 months of campaigning for UNISON’s Year of LGBT+ workers and for a national care service, securing pay deals across all public services and a general election that will push the chaotic Tories out of Westminster and bring in a new government.

A new government is a must for our members and for our public services. Our NHS, schools, local councils and emergency services are on their knees and stuck in a state of crisis. The current government’s legacy is one of slashing jobs, squeezing budgets, and falling living standards for millions of working people. We need a Labour government that will rebuild our public services, put workers first with a new deal for working people and create a national care service.

Campaigning for that change in government will be a big part of our mission this year, but we won’t let election fever take over our daily task of fighting for our members’ pay and conditions. Day in, day out, our activists and organisers are supporting members in workplaces across the UK, and our teams in head office are mounting legal challenges, influencing politicians, preparing campaigns and helping members when they need us most.   

We’ll also be celebrating our Year of LGBT+ workers in UNISON style – continuing to be loud and proud against homophobia and transphobia, and ensuring that UNISON always remains the best trade union for LGBT+ public service workers.  

And later this year, there’s something that every working member can get involved with. From 22 April to 17 May, voting will be open for your representatives on UNISON’s service group executives (SGEs) – the lay leaders who decide on campaigns, pay claims, strike ballots and industrial action. Ahead of that member ballot, from next Monday (8 January) until 9 February, branches can nominate their preferred candidates.

Our SGEs are so important in UNISON. They’re powerful groups of activists that keep UNISON with you throughout your working life, campaigning for fair pay and conditions, safe and healthy working conditions, job security, work-life balance, equal pay and against discrimination.

So if you want some more new year’s resolutions, here’s two for you – have your say in UNISON’s SGE elections and get involved in our Year of LGBT+ workers activities that will be taking place throughout 2024.

From everyone in UNISON, we hope you have a happy, healthy and successful 2024.

The article Blog: Let’s make 2024 a success first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Blog: the clock ticks to the next general election

I remember the feeling of horror, four years ago today, as I watched the disaster of Boris Johnson re-entering Downing Street with a big majority.

The cold and wet winter general election campaign was centred around his many slogans that promised a lot but would deliver very little.

“We will put you first” was the biggest joke of all. I could never reconcile these words with what I saw from the self-centred politician on the screen in front of me. Johnson’s chaotic handling of the pandemic proved this to be a lie.

Had that really been his guiding principle throughout the pandemic, the UK wouldn’t have one of the highest COVID-19 death rates in Western Europe, his government wouldn’t have enabled the deaths of so many care home residents, and essential workers would have had proper PPE, not unusable stock from dodgy crony contracts.

What about the promises for the NHS and investing in our public services? Well, “50,000 more nurses” might have been recruited, but vacancies are stubbornly high. Demand is rising so high that staff are struggling to care for too many patients. Many of these new recruits were from overseas, but now the government wants to either kick them out and make it harder for more to come here.

Their manifesto harped on about “supporting workers and families”. But the only people doing that are trade unionists, while the Tories have been introducing draconian measures to stop us getting the best for working people. New laws that they have no mandate for.

And the big one, “get Brexit done”. That happened, but far from “unleashing Britain’s potential”, we’ve seen our living standards plummet, sluggish growth, a stagnant economy and crumbing public services.

We’ve endured three Conservative Prime Ministers since the 2019 general election, countless secretaries of state and ministers, and they are now terminally infighting over a cruel and unworkable immigration policy.

While the clock ticks to the next general election, the public are watching, arms folded, waiting for their chance to vote them out.

The article Blog: the clock ticks to the next general election first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Blog: The clock is ticking to the next general election

I remember the feeling of horror, four years ago today, as I watched the disaster of Boris Johnson re-entering Downing Street with a big majority.

The cold and wet winter general election campaign was centred around his many slogans that promised a lot but would deliver very little.

“We will put you first” was the biggest joke of all. I could never reconcile these words with what I saw from the self-centred politician on the screen in front of me. Johnson’s chaotic handling of the pandemic proved this to be a lie.

Had that really been his guiding principle throughout the pandemic, the UK wouldn’t have one of the highest COVID-19 death rates in Western Europe, his government wouldn’t have enabled the deaths of so many care home residents, and essential workers would have had proper PPE, not unusable stock from dodgy crony contracts.

What about the promises for the NHS and investing in our public services? Well, “50,000 more nurses” might have been recruited, but vacancies are stubbornly high. Demand is rising so high that staff are struggling to care for too many patients. Many of these new recruits were from overseas, but now the government wants to either kick them out and make it harder for more to come here.

Their manifesto harped on about “supporting workers and families“. But the only people doing that are trade unionists, while the Tories have been introducing draconian measures to stop us getting the best for working people. New laws that they have no mandate for.

And the big one, “get Brexit done“. That happened, but far from “unleashing Britain’s potential“, we’ve seen our living standards plummet, sluggish growth, a stagnant economy and crumbing public services.

We’ve endured three Conservative prime pinisters since the 2019 general election, countless secretaries of state and ministers, and they are now terminally infighting over a cruel and unworkable immigration policy.

While the clock ticks to the next general election, the public are watching, arms folded, waiting for their chance to vote them out.

The article Blog: The clock is ticking to the next general election first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Blog: The final hammer blow to our crumbling social care system

The government has put the final hammer blow to our crumbling social care system. The home secretary’s announcement of new immigration plans will sacrifice migrant care workers and risk a total collapse of the UK’s care system, just to appease extremist Tory backbenchers.

The health and care visa was introduced in 2020 to plug workforce gaps, but because headlines of soaring immigration numbers are compounding Rishi Sunak’s polling problems, he’s playing roulette with our essential services.

Had he, or his ministers, spoken to any employer in the care sector, they would know that any plans to curb the migrant care workforce will cause utter disaster. Not allowing migrant care workers to bring any dependants with them to the UK, will do exactly that. Potential recruits will be put off coming to the UK, and the ones already here may have to send dependants home when their visas come up for renewal.

Staff vacancies will soar from the current number of 152,000, and I don’t see a queue of British workers waiting to take up those posts. We will see care homes closing and care companies going bust.

UNISON had just released findings of appalling abuse of the migrant workers propping up social care, in its report Expendable Labour. These new plans will leave migrant care workers vulnerable to more abuse, as they can only come to the UK isolated, with no close family with them.

Finally, everyone in the UK can see what little regard this government has for the people who rely on social care, for care workers and their employers. But why would government ministers be so careless with people’s lives and so reckless with one of the biggest industries in the UK?

Maybe it’s because its workforce is predominantly low-paid women, doing work they view as low value and low intelligence. This was made clear yesterday by the home secretary in his announcement in the House of Commons.

While migrant care workers won’t be allowed to bring family with them to the UK, he said that international students coming to the UK on postgraduate research programmes could bring dependants, because, as he said, “we always want to attract the global brightest and best”.

I find the stirring of culture wars and spouting of anti-immigrant rhetoric sickening. I’ve clashed with characters from the far right on TV recently and when they talk about ‘British culture’, I’m left confused. Because I always thought we were a country that strived to be caring and welcoming. But what’s more callous than putting our older and vulnerable citizens at risk and being hostile to the people who come here to care for them.

The article Blog: The final hammer blow to our crumbling social care system first appeared on the UNISON National site.