UNISON South Tyneside Branch Newsletter - Spring 2019

S.T.U.N SOUTH TYNESIDE UNISON NEWS Issue: Spring

www.unison-southtyneside.org.uk

BRANCH SECRETARY MESSAGE Well its been a busy start to the year. As always we held our Branch Annual General Meeting (AGM) in February.

I also attended the Women’s Conference in Bournemouth with two other representatives from the Branch Jen Smith (Branch Treasurer) and Michelle Wall (Branch Steward). I had the great pleasure of speaking on motion 19 at Conference this motion was about celebrating women in History.

I hope you are all enjoying your new S.T.U.N. this is a members magazine and we would welcome any feedback or suggestions that you may have for articles etc for the next issue. I would encourage you to have a look through over a cuppa you could win a prize by simply completing the quiz and sending it into the Branch.

We look forward to hearing from you with suggestions or entries to the competition and would like to wish you all well for the coming year.

National Women’s Conference 2019 – Bournemouth 14.02.19 Conference opened with the usual welcome and housekeeping by the National Women’s Committee Chair Roberta Magee.

Debating started with women’s health & safety at work, sexual harassment, and the WASPI campaign, an emotive subject for the thousands of women born in the ‘1950’s, who without consultation have had their pension age increased, effectively robbing them of at least £40,000!!! Delegates were also asked to support the ‘Backto60.com’ campaign.

Our President Gordon McKay was invited to address conference and he talked about how far women’s equality has come in the last 100 years, while stressing that he wasn’t actually 100 himself! Which brought a ‘wee’ chuckle as he might say. Working class women trade unionists are mostly responsible for the changes that have made our lives better, battles have been won but the war goes on!! UNISON leads the way and is the ‘most trusted union’ and also the BIGGEST with a membership of 1.3 million workers, of which over 70% are women He thanked delegates for all the hard work they do; fighting tirelessly for members, and campaigning, continually building the union, taking on the tory’s and leading the fight back against austerity, which is a designed and deliberate attack on working class people.

Debating continued until the close of conference business …all motions were unanimously carried. For details of motions please go to unison website.

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

WOMENS CONFERENCE REPORT CONTINUED 15.02.19 Dave Prentis – General Secretary addressed conference, saying he was proud to speak at women’s conference which this year is the biggest yet! And is the biggest conference by and for women in the UK! Which is fitting for a trade union with over 1 million women members. He said everything that happens in our union has women at its heart, it was built into the very foundation of the union 25 years ago.

We’ve create a union where women call the shots; nationally, locally and regionally women are leading the union.

Last year more than 100,000 low paid women workers won the living wage in the NHS, a life changing pay deal for the cleaners, cooks, and carers that keep our NHS ticking! The monumental employment tribunal fees victory, which no other union was willing to take on, he announced that UNISON had been granted the right to appeal on our care workers sleep in case. The continuing fight for justice for the Birmingham Homecare workers, fighting a Labour council who are determined to slash their wages by thousands of pounds.

When others have stumbled UNISON has stayed strong, we should be proud of our past and ready for the battles ahead!

Conference continued with motions, our very own Branch Secretary Janet Green spoke on motion 19. Making our Women History, its time to recognise our achievements for the catalysts of change that we so often are. Women have always been influencers but are rarely noted in history!!

For the bookworms amongst you there is a fascinating book written by Nan Sloane called ‘The women in the room – Labours forgotten history’ an excellent read taking you into the world of working class women, a highly recommended read.

I attended a workshop ‘job evaluations and gender pay’ presented by Kathie Dixon, Unisons National Lead on the subject. It was a very informative, and detailed presentation, working through pay & grading packages used by public sector employers; and how they should be used for equal pay, disparities still exist between men & women, despite the campaigns to bring women up to the same levels as their male counterparts.

Friday pm.

Conference welcomed Rosena Allin-Khan MP as a guest speaker.

Rosena is the current MP for Tooting, and is a hardworking NHS doctor and mum of two daughters! her parents of Polish and Pakistani heritage separated and her mum worked 3 jobs to support Rosena and her brother. She spoke of her early struggles to become a doctor and that medical school was considered to be out of reach for an ordinary working class girl like herself. It was through the imaginative thinking of her mum; who crowdfunded to the tune of £40,000 that she was able to eventually study for a degree in medical biochemistry at Brunel Uni, and from there went on to study medicine at Cambridge University, I found her to be a truly inspirational and ‘phenomenal women’ keep going and don’t give up on the things you want to do!

Saturday am Conference welcomed Assistant General Secretary Christina McAnea as guest speaker. She spoke about the significant anniversaries we been recently celebrating 70 years since the founding of the NHS, 150 years of the TUC, and 100 years since women won the vote, and of course 25 years of Unison, the huge amounts we’ve achieved as a union, equality being at the heart of every we do. We have a responsibility to listen to women, speak up for women, and do everything in our power to improve the lives of women, here and around the world.

The business of conference closed on Saturday, with motions and debating concluding. Details of all motions and decisions can be found on UNISON website under ‘events’ Jennifer Smith Branch Delegate

SCHOOL NEWS !!

The consultative ballot of members closed on 5th march 2019 and the results are now in. Members overwhelmingly said that government funding cuts were having a negative impact on schools. Nearly everyone wants UNISON to continue to campaign on school funding and a sizeable majority are prepared to take industrial action to secure improvements.

UNISON’s National Schools Committee were considering the detailed results at its meeting on 12 March to consider next steps and we will keep members informed.

What was the consultative ballot about?

Thousands of support staff posts have been cut in recent years. Workloads have spiralled, with support staff working unpaid overtime just to keep schools running. More than 25% of our members work nearly an extra day each week for no extra pay – just to get the job done.

The recent pay deal put more money in members’ pockets, but it’s still not enough. And, in places, terms and conditions are under attack as schools look for ways to save money.

We can’t go on like this. Our schools are too important to be put at risk by failing government policies, increasing workloads, funding and staffing cuts, which hurt support staff, teachers, and of course, children.

If you work in a school you will be all too aware that the cuts being imposed are affecting the day to day running of schools but did you know 91% of schools face per pupil funding cuts. Is your school on the list? Use this link to look to see. https://schoolcuts.org.uk/ South Shields School is scheduled to close in August 2020. UNISON continue to work closely with the Local Authority and members to establish a best way forward for all affected.

Staffing Reviews Biddick Hall Juniors have undergone a staffing regrade we worked closely with Management and our members and we are pleased to report there were no job losses.

As always we would ask that if you hear anything regarding possible restructures in your school please let the branch know, we may already have been informed but often members are advised first and a heads up allows us to set the wheels in motion to support members.

Pay award 2018/2019 The pay increase for 2018/2019 of 2% will be paid with your salary at the end April.

Teaching Assistant Guidance Notes Another reminder that the guidance notes for teaching assistants and their roles have been issued to Headteachers. These are available on the Branch Website at www.unison-southtyneside.org.uk

Please update your membership details If you have any change of details i.e. marital status (change of name), your workplace, address or job title please contact the Branch office to update your details.

Maureen Makes Chocolate Butterfly Cakes Chocolate cakes with creamy icing then lightly dusted with icing sugar what’s not to love. These little cakes will be a family favourite and just in time for Easter.

Ingredients 4 oz Self-Raising Flour 4 oz Sugar 4 oz Butter (at room temperature) 2 oz Cocoa 2 Eggs 50mls Milk 1 Tub of Philadelphia 2oz Icing sugar Paper muffin cases A little extra icing sugar for dusting Method Pre heat the oven to 180c, 350c gas mark 4 1. Place flour, sugar, butter, cocoa, eggs and milk in a large bowl and mix together with a food mixer until well combined and smooth and creamy.

2. Place the muffin cases in a muffin tray and spoon the mixture in.

3. Put in the oven for approximately 20 mins or until the cakes have risen and bounce back up when gently pressed leave to cool on a wire rack.

4. When cool cut a shallow hole into the top of each cake and keep the piece you cut out and cut each piece in half.

5. Mix the Philadelphia in a bowl with the icing sugar if you like it sweeter simply add more icing sugar.

6. Spoon a little mixture into each cake and then press a pair of “wings” into each one.

7. Dust with icing sugar to finish.

For a little Easter twist you could crush some mini eggs and sprinkle them on the top before dusting with icing sugar.

SPRING WORDSEARCH

UNISON Quiz Competition Please return the answers to the quiz on hard copy below to the Branch Office along with your name and contact details and phone number to be entered into the draw to win a choice of afternoon tea for two, a £20 INTU Gift Voucher or tickets to a South Shields Football Club home game.

This competition is open to UNISON Members only.

Closing date for entries is 17th May 2019.

1. Where in the body is the labyrinth?

2. If an American footballer talked about his 'zippers' what would he mean?

3. What is the centuries old art clipping hedges into various ornamental shapes traditionally called?

4. What is the unit of currency in Poland?

5. Which company launched the 'Walkman'?

6. Which country's flag shows a white cross on a red background?

7. If your birthstone is turquoise, which is your birth month?

8. Where is the rattle in a rattlesnake?

9. Which country has the Nairobi as its capital?

10. On which Street is the Bank of England?

11. Who lives in a Manse?

12. Penne, rigatoni and tagliatelle are all types of what?

THE WINNER OF LAST ISSUES COMPETITION WAS LINDA POWER FROM HAWTHORNE HR SERVICES. LINDA CHOSE AS HER PRIZE A £20 INTU VOUCHER. CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNER !!!!!!!

Spotlight On The Team Kathryn Jeffels (Admin)

1. Which colour of umbrella do you like?

I like a brightly coloured umbrella red, pink or bright blue or with big flowers on. On a horrible rainy day it just brightens the place up.

2. How would you react if you are transformed into a fish?

My first reaction would be panic as I hate deep sea water!! But I am a very good swimmer and I am a Pisces so I’m sure I would soon adjust. I just hope I am a little fish living on a coral reef in the Caribbean and not a big cod in the North Sea. 3. What is your favourite form of exercise?

I love to swim, in a swimming pool, and I love to walk. Nothing better than striding out with my podcast on or an audiobook.

4. When you have 30 minutes of free-time, how do you pass the time?

I love to do crafts knitting/crochet and embroidery/crosstitich. I always have a few projects on the go so any spare time I have I pick one of these up.

5. How long have you worked at UNISON South Tyneside Local Government Branch?

I worked in the Civil Service for 30 years before taking my voluntary redundancy. I applied for the role of Admin Assistant in Branch and was delighted when I got offered the job I have worked for the Branch for 3 years come August.

6. What was the last TV show and movie that made you cry or tear up?

The last TV show was The West Wing, one of the characters had died but what made this even more sad was that the actor himself had died and so the tears on screen were real. The last movie was Bohemian Rhapsody reliving the showman that was Freddie Mercury really remined me of the talent that we lost when he died.

7. What is your role in Branch?

I man the phones and reception in Branch. I also maintain the UNISON membership computer system inputting new members details cancelling membership when requested. I undertake lots of other Admin tasks in Branch making sure it continues to tick over, filing, ordering stationery and processing post to name but a few.

8. When was the last time you had an amazing meal?

I had a weekend away to Benidorm a few weeks ago for my birthday. There was three couples and we went to a Fabulous place called Country Ribs. As you can imagine it was a Tex Mex theme and the food was outstanding.

We were glad we had starved all day as there was so much food but we managed to get through nearly all of it.

9. What’s the most useless talent you have?

This is a very strange one ……… I can wobble my eyes. I said it was strange. I met a girl I went to the juniors with and a few years ago, I hadn’t seen her in years and she asked straight away if I could still do it. Not sure how I feel about being remembered for wobbly eyes but she was delighted when I said yes!!

10. What ridiculous thing has someone tricked you into doing or believing?

My Grandad, we called him Pop, convinced me when I was little that he could speak Italian, I was fascinated and thought he was so clever little did I know that he was just babbling jibberish but always the same phrase. The strange thing is I can still recite it to this day.

INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY Friday March 8th 2019 This month we have celebrated International Womens Day (IWD) and the campaign doesn’t end on the 9th of March it continues throughout the year. The first IWD took place in 1911 and a million women and men rallied in support of women's rights on that first International Women's Day. Today it is a global day to recognise the ongoing struggle to create a gender balanced world and making a different to women everywhere. The theme for 2019 was # BalanceforBetter Balance is not a women’s issue, it’s a business issue. The race is on for the gender-balanced boardroom, a gender-balanced government, gender-balanced media coverage, a gender-balance of employees, more gender-balance in wealth, gender-balanced sports coverage.

All to often in history working class women are not recognised or documented. For example, did you know that in 1888 working class women and girls took industrial action, these were the match workers and they named this action “strike action” a term used to this day but sadly this knowledge has been lost. The 1888 match worker strike showed what true collective action can achieve. This strike action was in part due to the encouragement of Annie Bessant, a woman often unheard of, she was a journalist, recognising the huge profits Bryant and May were making whilst paying their workers terrible wages and disgraceful working conditions, often resulting in illness and death. Annie encouraged the workers to get organised she used the very same techniques we use today in organising. She gained public support, she used the media and she used MP’s but where is her story?

Margaret Bondfield became the first female cabinet minister, and the first woman to be a privy counsellor in the UK, when she was appointed Minister of Labour in the Labour government of 1929–31. She had earlier become the first woman to chair the General Council of the Trades Union Congress (TUC). Why don’t we know about these women?

Women like Mary McArthur who championed for a national minimum wage almost a century before it was introduced, rarely remembered and often forgotten.

A recently published book by Nan Sloane ‘The women in the room, Labours forgotten history’ is a great start to the proper recording and documenting of women’s achievements.

At womens conference I spoke on a motion to re establish womens place in history. This motion asked the following of the Womens National Committee: • Work with the NEC to identify a plan for recording the achievements of our working class women which can be adopted by regions and branches to ensure we are the future, the present and the history of our union, our communities and our country.

• Encourage branches and regions to campaign locally for female blue plaques to recognise the achievements of local women and submit nominations to English heritage for the recognition and installation of blue plaques.

As a union of majority women membership we feel it is the duty of the union to campaign to achieve recognition for these and countless other pioneering women and make sure their contribution is not overlooked for future generations.

Our today is the history on which our daughters build.

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