2025
AndreaEgan BranchSecretary
The Trade Union Side of the NJC Executive met last week to receive feedback from each union’s consultation on the 2025 pay claim, and agree the headline claims.
UNISON’s reps put forward our proposed headline claim of £3,000 on all pay points (with appropriate variations in London), and also a reiteration of our demand for a plan to reach a minimum rate of £15 an hour We also emphasised our desire for each stage of the negotiations and campaign to happen as quickly as possible.
GMB and Unite endorsed these headline claims, and also put forward proposals on annual leave and working hours
The meeting agreed a headline claim of an increase of £3,000 on all pay points, along with claims for:
A plan to reach a minimum pay rate of £15 an hour
An increase of one day of annual leave, with no loss of pay
The right of school staff able to take at least one day of annual leave within term time
A reduction in the working week of two hours for all staff – while recognising the complexities this would involve for some groups of staff, we want to discuss them with the employers as part of meaningful negotiations
Given that we obtained agreement for UNISON’s proposed headline claim, we felt able to agree to the other elements proposed by GMB and Unite. We’ll keep you updated on next steps.
STANDING TOGETHER GETS RESULTS!
Almost a year ago, a small group of UNISON members in the Civic Cleaning section took on the Council over the failure to pay the 30% enhancement for hours worked before 7am
The underpayment came to light after the Council proposed to change their working hours: the cleaning staff voted to not only oppose management proposals through a collective dispute, but to also challenge the council for back pay of their 30% enhancement
The workers accepted an offer equating to nearly 3 years of back pay (the most a tribunal would have awarded would have been 2 years) which was over £5k for some people! Management have now realised that more than 100 other workers are also owed the 30% enhancement and UNISON are currently supporting those members in their back-pay claim.
Many members are struggling to make ends meet as the cost-of-living crisis continues to cause financial difficulty.
Even a small change in circumstances can turn a manageable situation into a debt problem. Whatever the amount, dealing with debt can be stressful, overwhelming and all-consuming. But you’re not alone and UNISON can help.
UNISON Debtline was launched last year. It’s a free debt advice service for members run by trusted partners, PayPlan. The service offers free, confidential debt advice to help you on the road to becoming debt-free.
The service deals with all types of debt from credit cards through to County Court Judgment (CCJ) claims and priority debts such as mortgage, rent and council tax arrears.
As part of the UNISON Debtline service, your advisor will look at the financial support that’s also available to you through our charity, There for You, to ensure you’re getting all the help you’re entitled to.
Get advice in the way that suits you – by phone, email, live chat or WhatsApp
Free and nationwide confidential service with no hidden charges
A personal Case Officer to advise you and negotiate with the people you owe money to An overview of your options for dealing with your debts, including manageable debt plans to suit your circumstances
Any further support you might need
You can start the process by scanning the QR code to visit the website or by calling freephone 0800 389 3302
WEDNESDAY 12TH MARCH
GUEST SPEAKER
GOODY BAGS
SPORTS
UNISONBOLTONhasboughtalimited numberofticketsforaperformance ofJohnSteinbeck’sclassicnovella, OfMiceandMen,at7.30pmon
Theseticketscost£20perperson(lessthan half-price!)andarelimitedto2permember Theygoonsalefrom9amonTuesday4th MarchfromtheBranchOffice(addressbelow) Wednesday2ndAprilatBoltonOctagontheatre.