South Tyneside Local GOVERNMENT BRANCH Visit our new website at www.unison-southtyneside.org.uk
13 April 2018
PAY AWARD 2018/2020
The consultation of members took place in March unfortunately we were unable to visit as many workplaces as intended due to the dreadful weather however we were able to return our ballot results to be included in the national vote. We can now confirm that agreement has been reached between the National Employers and the NJC Trade Union Side on rates of pay applicable from 1 April 2018 until 31 March 2020. UNISON and GMB both voted to accept whilst Unite voted to reject. However, in line with the Constitution of the NJC, Unite accepts the collective majority decision of the other unions that the pay award should now be implemented. This means that the new rate of pay is payable with effect from 1st April 2018 and will be included in April’s pay.
EASTER EGG APPEAL We were overwhelmed with the generosity of our members in donating Easter eggs. We were able to give the womens refuge 100 eggs and treats and they were absolutely delighted. Your donations are much appreciated and will make a great difference to people at their most vulnerable.
Printed and Published by Unison South Tyneside Local Government, 27 Westoe Road, South Shields, Tyne & Wear Tel (0191) 4544167 Email: office.admin@unison-southtyneside.org.uk
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CELEBRATING IOO YEARS SINCE WOMEN WON THE VOTE On 6th of April 2018 we commemorated that one hundred years had passed since Bri<sh women were given a voice. For the first <me, many mothers, daughters and sisters could have a say in how their country was run. When Emmeline Pankhurst founded the Women’s Social and Poli<cal Union in 1903, it was the beginning of a revolu<on which would fight for 15 years before Votes for Women were secured. 1903 The Women's Social and Poli<cal Union (WSPU) is founded in Manchester by Emmeline Pankhurst (1858-1928) 1905 SuffrageVe militancy begins 1907 The Women's Freedom League is formed aYer a break from the WSPU Within just a few years, suffrageVes up and down the country would stop at almost nothing to get their voices heard in parliament. 1908 Hunger striking by Marion Wallace-Dunlop adopted as a WSPU strategy. 1909 Forcible-feeding begins. 1910-1912 Parliament considers various 'Concilia<on Bills' which would have given some women the vote, but none pass. 1911 The suffrageVe Emily Wilding Davison (1872-1913) hides in a cupboard in the House of Commons on census night. 1913 The Prisoners' Temporary Discharge for Ill-Health Act, also known as 'The Cat and Mouse Act', is introduced, targe<ng suffrageVes on hunger-strike. 1914 Britain declares war on Germany on 4 August. During the war years, 1914-18, an es<mated two million women replace men in tradi<onally male jobs. 1916 A conference on electoral reform, chaired by the House of Commons Speaker, is set up and reports in 1917. Limited women's suffrage is recommended. 1918 The Representa<on of the People Act is passed on 6 February giving women the vote provided they are aged over 30 and either they, or their husband, meet a property qualifica<on. 1918 The Parliament (Qualifica<on of Women) Act is passed on 21 November allowing women to stand for Parliament The struggle to win the vote was long and arduous, but in 1918 these brave women won. 1918 Women vote in a general elec<on for the first <me on 14 December with 8.5 million women eligible
In recogni<on of these brave women we have a display in the window of our Branch office complete with our very own suffrageVe.
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Branch Officers and Stewards 2018/2019 On 22nd February the Branch held the AGM at the Town Hall in South Shields and further supplementary meetings were held. A vote was taken at each meeting asking for the ratification of Nominated Branch Officers and Stewards. The combined votes from these meetings meant that the Nominations were carried. Below is a list of your new Branch Officers and Stewards for 2018/2019 a diagram of the Branch structure.
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DISCLOSURE AND BARRING SERVICE !!!!!!! It has been brought to UNISON’s attention that Council Staff are not supplying an updated DBS certificate. Your employer does not get a copy, you have to supply it. This will result in you being sent home from work without pay.
Please ensure your certificate is up to date and your employer has a copy. UNISON members and their families can access free legal advice as part of their union membership. Thompsons is proud of its longstanding partnership with UNISON and the comprehensive legal support we provide to its members. Whether it’s large or small, if you’ve been injured the UNISON legal service, delivered by Thompsons, is here to help you to claim with confidence. No legal fees, just dedicated experts to help you through the process and the promise that you will keep 100% of any compensation. If you’re a UNISON member and you or a family member have been injured or involved in an accident in the last three years, and are considering whether or not to claim, give UNISON a call. You’ll be put in contact with an expert who can talk you through the process and give you advice on whether you have a case – all free of charge. Members also benefit from employment law advice plus a range of services for family members too. Contact the UNISON legal service for free legal advice and representation on: •
Personal injury – at or away from work, on holiday or on the roads
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Serious injury – including brain and spinal cord injuries
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Industrial disease or illness
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A free initial assessment in clinical negligence cases
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Basic will writing and reduced rates for conveyancing
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Employment law (accessed via your UNISON branch or regional office)
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Settlement agreements – our expert lawyers work with UNISON to provide comprehensive advice on the agreements and their implications, within 48 hours of initial contact
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Criminal law advice (0800 587 7530)
UNISON members’ families are also covered for: •
Personal injury away from work, on holiday or on the roads
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A free initial assessment in clinical negligence cases
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Reduced rates for conveyancing PAGE 4
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