A letter to the Prime Minister – “After a life fighting for the interests of working people I am under no illusions about your government’s real plans. As things stand, it looks like you have no plan…Read more…
Blog: For public service workers, London’s housing situation is bleak
The housing crisis is one of the greatest problems – and challenges – that our country faces. For too long, not enough homes have been built. As a result, house prices in many parts of the country…Read more…
Blog: A day to celebrate the remarkable work of all school support staff
Recently it was my pleasure to visit Lister Community School in Newham, East London and speak with support staff there. Like UNISON members across the country, they are having to do more with less…Read more…
Blog: Hammond’s budget left public services gasping for air
The budget was another opportunity for Philip Hammond and Theresa May to show they had understood the anger caused by their government, and a nation’s fear of what impact their attacks are having on…Read more…
Blog: Tax cuts for the rich have cost the country dear
Governments should not be afraid to make the case for higher taxes to pay for the investment in pay, services and infrastructure our country needs. A higher rate of income tax for those who can most…Read more…
Blog: The Chancellor’s budget choice is between decent services and lost services
The government must make the right choice, after so many years of making the wrong choices.
The article Blog: The Chancellor’s budget choice is between decent services and lost services first…Read more…
Blog: Time to stop FE cuts and invest in education
This government must show it is willing and able to prepare our country for the challenges of the future – and its treatment of vital public services like further education will show how serious…Read more…
Blog: The time for kind words is over, it’s time for decent pay
The living wage is about being able to live on what you earn. It should be a simple ask. In fact, in 2017, in one of the wealthiest countries in the world, it should be a given. Yet every year unions…Read more…
Blog: Proud of our internationalist union
I have always believed that internationalism matters. I have always been an internationalist. But right now, when Brexit threatens to make Britain an inward looking tax haven on the coast of mainland…Read more…
Blog: Now is the time to stand strong, stand united and put public services first
Together, united, we can break this immoral pay cap for all public-sector workers. All deserve the pay rises they’ve been denied. All deserve an end to attacks on their jobs, their services and their…Read more…
Blog: On mental health, there is so much more that all of us can do
We want to see employers ensure that workers are not overloaded by their jobs, and that they have suitable support systems to help them overcome difficulties – like well trained and supportive…Read more…
Blog: Taking our pay campaign to our local communities, and to the streets
Across the country, MPs are coming under increasing pressure to show whose side they’re on, and stand with those who serve our communities, teach our children and care for our loved ones. Together,…Read more…
Blog: A great day for UNISON and public services
Real pay rises, an end to PFI and fighting welfare cuts, that’s what UNISON achieves in Labour, working with our friend Jeremy Corbyn. Today was a good day – I hope there are more to come this…Read more…
Blog: Lillie McNaughton was one of those special people
She will be missed by her friends in UNISON Scotland and across our union, and by those who she stood up for in the workplace and the conference hall. Our thoughts are with all those who knew…Read more…
The people of Lancashire deserve more
This is a council currently at the centre of a police investigation over the controversial “One Connect” deal with BT. This is also a council where council leader Geoff Driver is currently on police…Read more…
Blog: It’s time for politicians to wake up, stop hesitating, and put pay up now
This afternoon at the TUC, I was proud to lead the debate on public sector pay. For UNISON’s 1.3 million members, and millions more like them, there is no more important issue.
The article Blog:…Read more…
Why UNISON is signing the Anti-Slavery Charter
Slavery not only persists, it’s on the rise. It’s estimated that 10-13,000 people are enslaved across the UK which, according the National Crime Agency is just “the tip of the iceberg”.
The article…Read more…
Pay pressure is beginning to pay off – but there’s so much more to do
We’re not satisfied with ending the pay cap. We want to see public sector workers recover the real terms losses they’ve been subjected to over nearly a decade of austerity. It’s completely unjust…Read more…
Blog: It’s time to raise wages for all public sector workers
This morning I was in Glasgow at the QE hospital to meet our biggest branch, who also happen to be one of our best. Glasgow Health branch epitomise the dedication of our activists around the country,…Read more…
Blog: Women members at the heart of our union
The commitments that were made to women members almost a quarter of a century ago matter as much today as they did then – and as we approach our union’s 25th anniversary celebrations, we must return…Read more…