Dear members,
We hope you are keeping safe and well, personally I am starting to struggle with the lock down restrictions. I am missing my family terribly as many of you also are. However, I will continue to follow the guidelines as we all want some kind of normal back – although I’m guessing we will be anything but normal for some time yet. It’s also ok to admit we are not doing ok. Phone a friend, a relative, try a new hobby whatever helps you, do it! We are in this together!
I thought I’d take this opportunity to update you on a few things that are still high on the agenda within the branch. As you can imagine COVID-19 has taken over most of our work and dealing with live situations has been of most importance however it is important that you know other matters have not been forgotten.
Private sector and Academies
Zero Hours contracts are still causing some very stressful situations for members within the private sector during the COVID-19 pandemic, we will continue to put pressure on the employers and encourage them to furlough staff so our members are not suffering a material detriment. Of course we cant enforce the employer to do the right thing but we will support you by putting the pressure on. Please continue to contact us if you are facing difficulty. Our UNISON charity may be able to help you during these times. (more information further on in the branch update.
Equal Pay update
We have heard from Matthew Pull, the solicitor who is leading on the Equal Pay claims we have across our branch.
The good news is that the Council have dropped 58 of the out of time points they were raising, and Matthew expects this trend to continue as DCC are required to firm up the points they are taking. The tribunal have arranged a 2 day hearing to determine all of the preliminary issues on the 7th and 8th October (this is the earliest the judge could go in light of the current restrictions/circumstances. We will of course keep you updated as and when we hear any updated news.
Derby City Council
We have also been informed this week (22/04/2020) that DCC are putting a pause on the adding photos to your email addresses, we are pleased that a pause has been put on this. UNISON, GMB and UNITE have informed DCC that the having no option to “opt out” and the fact the collective and individual grievances are not being recognised we have no option but to open a dispute. While we are not opening the dispute at this time Derby City Council recognises we do need to talk more about this. We respect that the situation is currently paused as COVID-19 work continues. We hope that discussions will begin as soon as time allows and I am still hopeful an “opt out” option can be introduced I will keep you updated.
We have been heartened to hear so many of you have volunteered to be redeployed to other services during the pandemic, UNISON branch officers have also got involved and doing our bit for our city, Anita Jones our women’s Officer has been redeployed to one of the Care Homes in the city, Our Equalities Officer (Tracey) and Welfare Officer (Jayne) are both still working within there school settings and myself and Julie Walker (our Treasurer) have been supporting the team at Nottingham Road Cemetery.
Financial support
We know for many of you these times can be tough financially, please do get in touch with us if you are struggling. Our “there for you” charity may be able to help you.
Everyone being at home all day and eating more food will be adding a strain to an already tight budget.
Gas and electric meters not lasting till the next pay day like they normally would.
Public transport not running and taxis are expensive to get to and from your essential work.
“there for you” may be able to help.
Do not struggle, you are not on your own.
Please get in touch help@derbyunison.org
The process is confidential.
Show your support colouring pages
Recently we sent out a message to you which contained some colouring pictures we were really pleased how many of you requested the pictures to be posted out, We now look forward to seeing them coloured in and on display. I’ve got mine in my car (not that my car is going anywhere at the minute) and on my front door. We can still send these to you if you cant print off at home. please email help@derbyunison.org
A Teaching assistant asked us if she could print for the children who are in school to colour, the answer was Yes, if these colouring pictures help some one adult or child then yes print, colour and display. We really do want to see the pictures displayed. you can alternatively click on the link here
International Workers Memorial Day
Next week is International workers Memorial Day Tuesday 28th April at 11am we will be remembering all who have lost their life while at work, this year especially we will be thinking of all key workers who have lost there life to COVID-19
The hash tag #neverforgotten will be being used. We welcome you to join us as we silently remember our fallen key workers. We will have more about this on our Facebook page UNISON -Derby City Branch
Please continue to support each other, keep safe, keep well and stay home.
Keep in touch.
Becky Everett
UNISON Derby City Branch
Branch Secretary
beckyeverett@derbyunison.org