Category: Branch Secretary

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Branch Secretary Update – October 2019

Dear Member,

UNISON Derby City Branch has seen lots of changes since the summer. As many of you will have heard our long standing Branch Secretary Nicole Berrisford has returned to work. Many of you will know that Nicole has fought long and hard for our members across the city.

Whilst Nicole has stood down as a representative of UNISON Derby city she still represents the East Midlands Region on the National Executive Council.

As a branch we wish Nicole well in her new role, and would like to thank her for her years of service and dedication to the branch.

Paul Berrisford is also returning to work this week, Paul has been a long standing member of the branch and has had outstanding results in his case work and campaigns over his many years of service. The branch would like to thank Paul for his service to UNISON and wish him success in his new role.

We would also like to thank our previous chair Jill Crossling for her commitment to the branch during her time with us.

UNISON Derby City Branch held an executive meeting in 9th October, where I was elected as Interim Branch Secretary and Jill Cartwright elected Interim Branch Chair. Annual elections for all branch officer positions for 2020 will open soon, and more details about this will be sent to all members in due course.

One of the most recent issues affecting members in DCC and Derby Homes is the proposal to add Photo ID to email accounts. We have sent a separate email to DCC and Derby Homes members asking for your views. If you are affected by this and not received the link for us to be made aware of your opinion. Please email me at becky.everett@derby.gov.uk. We have some very serious concerns about this proposal and are currently seeking legal advice on the matter.

Ongoing restructures and TUPE transfers across our employers are always a cause for concern. Do not hesitate to contact us should you need a work place visit or a meeting to support you and your team through these difficult times.

We need you!
Now is a good time to get on-board and ensure your voice is heard. We are a member led union and your voice is what keeps us as the strongest union. With over a million members across our union we strive to support you with what’s important to you within your work place.

Have you thought of becoming a steward? Or even a work place contact for your team?
Why not contact the branch for more information. I will be happy to meet you for a coffee and have an informal chat.
01332 643216 / 7

I look forward to working with you.

Kind regards
Becky Everett
Interim Branch Secretary

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Blogs Branch Secretary Campaigns Derby City Council News Newsletter Schools Schools UNISON

School Support Staff Update July 2018 – Schools out …almost

Dear Schools members

There are a number of matters we want to update you with at this time .

Equal Pay Claims

Please check below to see if any action is needed from you as follows..

  • If you have heard from Thompsons solicitors and responded to any requests for further information you do not need to do anything at this stage, they will get in touch with you as the case proceeds.
  • If you haven’t yet completed an equal pay claim form and you think you may have a case. Please contact the office on 01332 643216 or via email unison@derby.gov.uk to request a form. You must return the form to the office and it will be sent to the solicitors for assessment.
  • If you have completed a claim form but have not heard from Thompsons solicitors, please email the office with your name and school and we will check to ensure that your case has been logged and is in the system.

Please note that if your school has converted to academy status, there is a time limit for submitting a claim. Equally if you have left the employment of DCC through redundancy or any other reason you will have a limited time to submit a claim.

Restructures

Your UNISON reps at the branch and local stewards having been working hard to protect jobs and support you in schools undergoing restructure. As a result of UNISON members responding collectively to redundancy proposals we have avoided compulsory redundancy in all but one restructure this year.

We know that where UNISON’s members respond collectively and creatively to school proposals we can often improve the outcomes for our members. This is further improved where we have active stewards.

Stewards

Thank you from the branch to all of the 25 stewards we have working in derby schools . Stewards are volunteers in the workplace who receive training and support from the branch to represent UNISON  members . Our stewards do a great deal of valuable work that avoids employment matters escalating and with support they represent individuals when they are in formal proceedings. . If you would be interested in the role, contact the branch for a no obligation chat about what it involves and the support offered. Our aim is to have a steward in every workplace. We are underrepresented in some employment groups and would welcome new stewards from all backgrounds and roles.

Finally Thank you to each and every UNISON members working in Derby Schools. Thank you for the support you give to children , from keeping sites clean and safe, supporting children in the classroom and at lunchtime, Thank you to those of you who provide school meals and also to those who work in the school offices. UNISON knows that each and every one of you goes far beyond your role each day to serve your school communities. As the biggest recognised trade union by far for school support staff we want to thank you and wish you all the best for the summer holidays.

Have a great break everyone , see you in September

From everyone at Derby City UNISON Branch

PS why not take the summer break as an opportunity to check that your subs are being collected and that your membership details are up to date. You can do this online via My UNISON at Unison.org.uk

 

 

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Archive Blogs Branch Secretary Campaigns Demonstration Derby City Council Derby Homes Events News Newsletter Schools Social Training UNISON

Are you interested in Stepping Up for Public Services?

The TUC has called a national demonstration on Saturday 12 May 2018 in London.
 
This is going to be a key moment in the fight for public services.
 
If you are please contact us at the branch to register your interest…
Call us on 01332 643216 / 643217
Email us on – unison@derby.gov.uk
or pop and see us at – Royal Oak House, Market Place, Derby, DE1 3AR
 
We’ll show decision-makers we’re scared for the public services we love – and the public are on our side. We won’t take the cuts and pay freezes lying down.
 
This march is set to be a big one. UNISON, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and other trade unions are putting considerable support behind it. You’ll join thousands of like-minded people under the banner, Step up for Public Services.
 
It’s a march with a serious message but it’ll have a fun, family-friendly feel. Dig out your UNISON colours and let’s turn the streets purple. Plus there will be activities to keep your energy bubbling throughout the day.
 
https://www.unison.org.uk/events/tuc-national-demonstration-new-deal-working-people/