If you have any issues or concerns you would like to discuss please email unison@sheffield.ac.uk or call 2228829 for an appointment.

University employers improve offer at latest pay talks.

Unions representing workers across the UK higher education sector met employers for the second round of pay talks, and received an improved offer over that made at the first meeting on 26 March.

UNISON head of education Jon Richards (above) said: “While the employers made an increase to their opening offer, this still falls far short of the fair claim made by unions.

“As negotiations continue, the unions will push for an improved deal at the next meeting later this month.”

In March, the university employers said they had “an initial envelope for discussion of 1.3% across all the elements of the pay claim”

This week, they increased that ‘envelope’ to 1.5% and spoke of a 2.5% pay rise for the lowest paid staff.

The unions and employers are due to meet again on 7 May.

 Wreath laying ceremony and speeches by The Memorial Tree

outside Sheffield Town Hall, Pinstone Street

12:30- 13:30

FRIDAY 26 APRIL 2019

“Remember the Dead – Fight for the Living”

International Workers Memorial Day is commemorated throughout the world, the purpose of which has always been to “remember the dead-fight for the living”. *There are on average 15 work related fatalities per year in the Yorkshire and Humber region alone.

It’s a worrying time for workers. Across the world we are seeing growing attacks on health and safety protection, including the UK where the Tory Government have removed protection from millions of self-employed workers, and across Europe where the European Commission are pursuing a dangerous de-regulatory strategy.

However, laws aren’t enough if they’re not enforced. That’s why we need proper inspections and enforcement action against those who break the laws. The number of inspections has fallen in the last five years, and in many other countries enforcement is non-existent.

That’s why we need a strong union. Unionised workplaces are safer, yet the Government is trying to stop unions protecting the health and safety of their members by restricting the right of health and safety reps to take time off to keep the workplace safer, and attacking the right to strike should things go wrong.

Building strong trade unions and campaigning for stricter enforcement with higher penalties for breach of health and safety laws is vital. By working together we can all make a difference to the health and safety standards in our workplace. If you can spare the time please attend the Memorial Day event outside the Town hall 1230hrs- 1330hrs Friday 26th April 2019. Look out for the SHU Unison Banner.

SPEAKERS

Opened by a representative of the Lord Mayor Cllr. Majid Majid

And presided over by Sheffield TUC President Bob Jeffery

 Paul Blomfield MP and Louise Haigh MP

(On behalf of the Sheffield Labour MPs)

Bill Adams

Regional SecretaryYorks and Humber TUC

Cllr. Julie Dore, Leader, Sheffield City Council

Tristram Sterry Thompsons Solicitors

Brian Lawton, Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign

Representatives from Health and Safety Campaigns:

Jawad Qasari, Hazards Campaign

SARAG (asbestos victims support group)

 John Campbell, UNISON NHS Teaching Hospitals

Plus speakers invited from other major unions in the city

 including UNITE, GMB FBU, RMT

There will be a minute’s silence after the above speakers, followed by a short closing address by:

Martin Mayer, Secretary STUC

This is an internationally recognised event with similar activities taking place in towns and cities all around the globe.

UNITY IS STRENGTH…….

PARTY…….

… that people give for not joining a union, and some helpful hints for changing their minds

The best people to recruit new members are the UNISON members working alongside them. Successful recruiters can influence non-members to join when the union is seen to be active, has credibility, organises in a workplace and actively contacts potential members on a regular basis.

UNISON runs high profile advertising campaigns to support activists, branch members and the union’s organising staff, letting potential members know the essential cover that UNISON provides.

But whatever the resources UNISON invests in recruiting – money, materials, people and time – there are always occasions when you come up against people with an argument for whey they shouldn’t join the union.

Here are some of the most common – along with suggested answers that might help persuade non-members to become part of the UNISON family.

Continue reading 16 reasons … →

May says spring. It’s the season of growth. And our branches and regions across the country, and across the union, are gearing up to Go for Growth in May: making plans to host events and talk to members and potential members about the benefits of being in UNISON.

Our Go for Growth Campaign starts on 29 April and runs to 2 June, to allow for May’s bank holidays.

Diary date:  Tuesday 21 May – Branch event

Free one day taster workshops for UNISON members.