UNISON BOLTON LG BRANCH AGM PAPERS 2024

AGENDA & ANNUAL REPORT

Annual General Meeting 2024

Lancaster Suite, Bolton Town Hall

Wednesday 13th March 12.30pm

With guest speaker Bernie Gallagher

Bolton Local Government Branch 06450

Second Floor, Bolton CVS Building, Bold Street, Bolton. BL1 1LS

Tel: 01204 338901/2 Email: admin@UNISONbolton.org Website: www.UNISONbolton.org

Membership Total: 5458

Full: 4743

Number of Stewards: 60

Retired/Life: 705 Unemployed/Student/Other: 10

Number of Employers: 284

Including: Bolton Council, Bolton at Home, Bolton Cares, Bolton Community and Sixth Form Colleges, Bolton University, Bolton Community Leisure Trust (Serco), Birtenshaw, Lifeways, Creative Support, Academies and Multi- Academy Trusts

Number of Workplaces: 489

Branch Employed Staff: Vicki Berriman (Admin Officer)

Ryan Quick (CVS Caseworker & Admin Officer)

Sarah Trendall (Office Manager)

Regional Organiser: John Lewis

Political Affiliations: Labour Link

The Branch is affiliated to: Bolton North East Labour Party

Bolton West Labour Party

Bolton South East Labour Party

Bolton Trades Council

Manchester Trades Council (for full 2023 affiliations please see Item 6.3)

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

WEDNESDAY 13TH MARCH 12.30PM

LANCASTER SUITE, BOLTON TOWN HALL

- AGENDA -

1. In Memoriam – Deceased Members since AGM 2023

2. Minutes from AGM 2023

3. Guest Speaker: Bernie Gallagher

4. Motions

4.1 The role of the union in a General Election year

4.2 Branch Rule Book Amendments

5. Ratification of Branch Stewards and Officers

6. Finance

6.1 Treasurer’s Report

6.2 Branch Income and Expenditure 2023

6.3 Donations and Affiliations 2023

6.4 Auditors’ Declaration for 2023 Accounts

7. Annual Reports

8. Branch Organising Framework & Action Plan

9. Presentation of the ‘Graham Walmsley’ Award to Steward of the Year

10. Raffle Prize Draw

ITEM 1:

Remembrance of Branch members who have died since AGM 2023

Arthur, Roland Retired

Brookes, Sandra Retired

Busby, H Retired

Garrity, Colin Employed Bolton Cares

Hemingway-Clark, Kate Employed Mytham Road CP School

King, Gary Employed Bolton College

Loftus, Brenda Retired

Naylor, Gary Employed Bolton Council

Robertson, Martina Retired

Shepherd, Nigel Employed Bolton Cares

Sprout, Joan Retired

Vickers, Anne Retired

Walker, Susan Retired

Waterhouse, Jacqueline Retired

ITEM 2:

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

WEDNESDAY 8TH MARCH 2023

LANCASTER SUITE, ALBERT HALLS, BOLTON

Present: Phil Chanin (Chair); Jayne Clarke (Acting Branch Secretary) John Lewis (Regional Organiser); John Pye (Treasurer); Eileen Turnbull (Guest Speaker); Sam Davies (BES: Minutes) and 82 Stewards and Members

Hard copies of the full Committee papers were distributed at the meeting (and previously made available online).

1. Welcome and Introduction by the Chair

The Chair opened the meeting at 12.35PM and introduced the top table and advised the meeting that papers and agenda were on the tables.

Remembrance of deceased members since AGM 2022

The names of Members who had died in the last 12 months was read out and a one minute silence was held in their memory.

2. Apologies

None received.

3. Speaker – Eileen Turnbull and Harry Chadwick (Shrewsbury 24 Campaign)

Eileen thanked the Branch for the invitation to speak and thanked Bolton UNISON for its “solid support when it was needed” over the last 15 years.

The overturning of a massive miscarriage of justice was a win not just for the pickets but, for all trade unionists.

Eileen gave a brief history of how the NW workers came to be charged 5 months after the event and how the campaign began. How the request for documents was refused by successive governments including the Labour one and how the case was rejected three times by the Criminal Cases Review Board.

Finally the campaign won a judicial review and at the Court of Appeal. All convictions were finally quashed in 2021. Harry Chadwick stated that the victory was down to Eileen’s efforts in researching and organising. Both received a standing ovation from the floor

4. Minutes of AGM 9th March 2022

4.1 The minutes were accepted as a true and correct record

4.2 Matters Arising

No matters arising

5. Financial Reports

The Branch Treasurer sought approval for an honorarium payment of £500 to the auditor - Agreed unanimously

The Treasurer advised that the branch books were open for inspection at any time during the year by any member. Please contact the branch if you wish to see these.

The Financial Report was approved unanimously.

6. Branch Review

Jayne Clarke congratulated everyone on International Women’s Day and thanked everybody for coming.

Jayne referred to the Branch Organising Plan, which was distributed on each table for further reference. This year has been a busy and successful year for the branch, particularly the Black Members and Women’s Self-Organising Groups. The Energy Support fund set up by UNISON was exhausted within hours and a new one is coming soon.

Jayne noted the positive relations with Branches and agencies, and paid tribute to other unions and members in the struggle. She paid tribute to Andrea Egan and the NEC and every member in the union. Jayne also noted that there was a bucket collection for Endeavour (the Presidents designated charity).

The Chair gave a speech of appreciation and in recognition of outstanding activism within the branch the inaugural award of Bolton UNISON Activist of the Year was presented to Jane Howarth.

7. Motions and Branch Rule Amendments

7.1 Rule Amendment: Hybrid meetings: Existing Rule

Rule 5. BRANCH STRUCTURE

a) There will be an Annual General Meeting of the Branch to elect branch officers. The Annual General Meeting will also confirm members of the branch committee, to receive the branch accounts and report on branch development from the branch committee. The AGM may comprise one meeting or a series of aggregate meetings in order to maximise the active participation of members.

b) The Annual General Meeting will confirm the delegations to Regional council, Conferences and group meetings, who have been elected by Branch Committee.

c) The Annual General Meeting will also ratify the appointment of 2 Auditors as proposed by Branch Committee.

d) The Annual General Meeting will also ratify the Stewards of Branch and the members of the Branch Committee.

e) Other general meetings may be called by the Branch Committee, or by 5% of the membership of the Branch, or by the NEC

f) The AGM will determine the basis of representation in the Branch and the number of Stewards and other representatives to be elected in each work group or workplace.

Proposed Change

Rule 5. BRANCH STRUCTURE

Add after k.

l) All branch, general meetings including AGM and Branch Committee, Core Officer and Self Organised Group Meetings can be physical, online or a blend of the two, whichever is safest and most appropriate for member involvement. Branch and Branch Committee quorums will remain as outlined in branch rules and voting at all quorate meetings can take place to make decisions. In addition, where decisions need to be made by the Branch Committee between meetings, an email online vote can take place with the same quorum.

.

Reason:

Hybrid meetings enable those who cannot attend in person the chance to participate in a meeting, whether that be due to reasonable adjustments, distance or time management. This encourages more participation and involvement. It should not be seen as a replacement for in person meetings but as an adjunct.

Proposed by: Christine Collins

Seconded by: Jayne Clarke

Agreed unanimously.

8. Confirmation / Election of Branch Officers, Stewards, and Sub Committees

Approval sought for the election of Stewards, Branch Officers and Sub-Committees

Agreed unanimously.

9. Any Other Business

9.1 Childrens’ Stewards presented Jayne Clarke with flowers and a gift upon her retirement.

Message played for Jayne and the Branch from Andrea Egan, noting that Jayne had postponed her retirement to support Andrea. Andrea thanked her for her personal sacrifice and commended Jayne to the Retired Members.

Bernie Gallagher gave a speech in tribute to Jayne and noted how she had worked to tackle wrongs within the workplace. That Jayne was a dedicated and innovative Membership Officer, Branch Organiser and active conference delegate. Bernie was proud to be her friend and comrade.

Christine Collins paid tribute to Jayne for her commitment to justice, fairness and activism. Christine gave personal thanks for Jayne’s support, leadership and her full commitment to Slimming World!

Jayne Clarke then thanked everyone for their comments.

9.2 Ibrahim Kala stated that there was a leafleting campaign against Britain First in Walkden Sunday 12th March and anybody wishing to support and attend should meet at 11am.

10. Raffle

Winner – Zoe Rothwell

Second prize – Julie Tudor

Third prize – David Shepherd

The Chair closed the meeting at 1.30pm

ITEM 4.1:

MOTION: What part can the trade union movement play in a General Election year?

We are living in a broken society; the Tories have presided over 13 years of devastating cuts across every part of society leaving Britain Broken. What can we do? What do we need?

We know what we can’t take: another 5 years of Tory misery.

• The period 1997 to 2010 saw the most dramatic improvements in our public services, with the largest ever peacetime investment in them.

• Total spending increased by £326 billion in real terms over this period.

• No other 13-year period since the Second World War saw such large increases in spending in any of these areas.

• Between 1997 and 2009 the average wait for hospital inpatient care fell from just over 13 weeks to four weeks.

We saw 44,000 new doctors in the NHS and 80,000 more nurses.

• Adequate funding for local government is crucial for the provision of essential public services, job creation, and social welfare.

It has and can be done; we must vote to ensure we demand change!

The availability of affordable housing is a pressing issue affecting many workers and their families, and it is imperative to address this crisis through progressive policies.

We the trade union movement have the collective power to campaign for decent jobs and decent services and we the trade union movement should do everything in our power to get rid of these corrupt ruthless Tories, and then redouble that effort to hold a future Labour government to account.

Bolton branch resolves to:

1. Encourage all members and their families to register to vote, to make all our voices heard

2. Encourage members to become UNISON Labour Link members to ensure we have a strong voice advocating for workers’ rights and well-resourced public services.

Proposed by: Christine Collins

Seconded by: Leanne Greenwood

ITEM 4.2

MOTION: Proposed amendments to Branch Rule Book

Background:

Bolton Branch Rules have been amended over the years through rule amendments brought to Bolton Branch AGM. However, having evaluated the whole of the branch rule book, Branch Committee are recommending to do a complete over-haul. The amendments are not controversial and are deemed to be tidying up to bring the whole of the rule book in line with the National Rule Book.

Amend:

3. b) To achieve the aims and targets set annually through the branch assessment. The branch assessment has been replaced by the National Organising Framework.

Change to:

To achieve the aims and targets set annually through the Organising Framework.

Replace:

Rule 4 Membership with a new Rule 4 as we have not had a discrimination statement in any previous version of the rule book.

Adding:

4. ANTI-DISCRIMINATION POSITON

The Branch shall seek to ensure that discriminatory acts are not committed against any persons by the branch, it’s members or officers, on grounds such as race, gender, sexuality, gender identity, disability, age or creed.

Re-number as we continue to add:

5. BECOMING A MEMBER

Every person wishing to become a member of the Branch shall complete and sign a membership application form and return it to the Branch Office or the appropriate Regional or National office as may from time to time be determined. Alternatively, prospective members may join on line via the UNISON website www.unison.org.uk An application for membership takes effect from the date upon which a completed form is received by the branch, region or national office.

If the branch declines to accept an application the procedures as laid down in the National Rules will be followed. Such a decision will be explained to the individual in writing together with details of appeal rights.

All Members shall observe the Rules of the Union and shall be afforded such rights and benefits from membership as prescribed in National Rules.

The NEC may terminate an individual’s membership in accordance with the National Rules.

6. SUBSCRIPTIONS

It is the obligation of the member to ensure that their subscriptions are paid to the branch/union on the date on which it is due. Payment will usually be by docas (check-off) arrangements made through the employer or by direct debit. Members will be notified of the appropriate subscription on joining and of any changes prescribed by the National Delegates Conference.

7. ARREARS OF SUBSCRIPTIONS

In accordance with National Rules, any person owing more than three months’ subscriptions shall cease to be a member of the of the branch unless the National Executive Council or Branch Committee decides otherwise.

8. CONDUCT OF MEMBERS

Disciplinary action may be taken by the branch against any member who does not follow the rules of the union.

Renumber:

what used to be rule 5, to rule 9.

Amend:

Rule 10 Remove Campaigns Officer, add Assistant Treasurer and amend Environmental Officer to Environmental/Green Officer, to reflect the work of officers in the branch.

10. BRANCH OFFICERS / CONVENORS

The Branch shall elect the following Branch Officers annually in accordance with rule 10c: Branch Chairperson

Branch Secretary

Treasurer

Vice Branch Chairperson

Assistant Branch Secretary

Assistant Treasurer

Membership Officer

Health and Safety Officer

Education Secretary

Lifelong Learning Officer

Communications Officer

Welfare Officer

Equalities Coordinator(s)

Women’s Officer

Young Members’ Officer

International Officer

Sports and Social Officer

Environmental / Green Officer

Labour Link Officer (elected by members who pay the APF levy only)

Retired Members’ Secretary (elected by the retired members)

Continue to renumber the remaining rules to reflect the additional wording.

Proposed by: Branch Committee

ITEM 5:

Ratification of Elected Stewards 2024-2025

FIRST NAME SURNAME ROLE

Adults Services (Bolton Council)

Gleason Bradburn Steward

Phil Chanin Convenor

Christine Collins Steward

Leanne Greenwood Deputy Convenor

Liam McLoughlin Steward

Ben Moore Steward

Tracey Rigby Steward

Anne Walmsley Steward

Chief Execs and Place

Shelley Duncan Steward

Paula Garstang Steward

Tracy Lord Senior Steward

Alan Norris Steward

Jason Morris Steward

John Pye Convenor

Mike Rawlinson Steward

Glynn Wakley Steward

Sean Warren Steward

Rhiannon Whitehead Deputy Convenor

Liz Whitworth Steward

Childrens Services (Bolton Council)

Lauren Alergant Convenor

Julie Cooney Steward

Lee Hawksworth Steward

Jane Howarth Senior Steward

Wendy Little Steward

Razwana Majid Steward

Andrew Thomas Deputy Convenor

Bolton at Home

Sanzida Alom Steward

Janet Bryan Convenor

Jeanette Clayton Senior Steward

Gaynor Cox Senior Steward

Hanna English Senior Steward

Rachel Hadfield Steward

Annette Hall Steward

Jason Mcerlean Steward

Annabel McHugh Steward

Julie Ralph Steward

Moya Rodgers Steward

Chris Webster Steward

Sara Wolfe Steward

FIRST NAME SURNAME ROLE

Bolton Cares

Oluwaseyi Bamisaye Steward

Julie Tudor Convenor

Bolton College

Jeffrey Brogan Steward

Rebecca Davison Convenor

Richard Lee Steward

Schools

Julie Berry Steward

Karen Casterton Steward

Alicia Piri Sadigh Steward

Diane Rowson Steward

Julie Travis Steward

Sharon Westaway Steward

Election of Branch Officers 2024-2025

FIRST NAME SURNAME ROLE

Phil Chanin Chairperson

Andrea Egan Branch Secretary

John Pye Treasurer

Jane Howarth Vice Chairperson

Christine Collins Assistant Branch Secretary

Liam McLoughlin Assistant Treasurer

Phil Chanin Membership Officer

Tracey Rigby Health & Safety Officer

Janet Bryan Education Secretary

Gaynor Cox Lifelong Learning Officer

Martin Challender Communications Officer

Cat Woodall-Crook Communications Officer

Julie Tudor Welfare Officer

Christine Collins Equalities Co-Ordinator

Christine Collins Women’s Officer

Ben Moore Young Member’s Officer

Karen Dalley International Officer

Andrea Egan Sports & Social Officer

John Pye Environmental Officer

Rhiannon Whitehead Environmental Officer

ITEM 6.1

Treasurer’s Report - John Pye

I firstly need to thank our branch employed staff and other officers for their support especially our Assistant Treasurer Liam McLoughlin and auditor, Shaheed Issak. Branch Committee recommends that AGM elect Shaheed again.

The overall financial position continues to be sound, we hold an appropriate level of cash reserves and sufficient revenue budget to continue the branch’s normal activities. Following the introduction of a new funding formula under Motion 72 adopted by Special Conference in June 2021 our retention income has increased so that we no longer need contributions from reserves to fund those activities. At the end of 2023 the branch held approx £190k in combined General, Industrial Action and Premises Funds (£20k, £60k, £110k respectively).

Core Officers and Branch Committee have continued to prioritise expenditure aimed at retaining existing members and recruiting new ones so as to improve our ability to get the best deal for all of us in our workplaces. We may see reserves reduce towards the minimum necessary as this aim is prioritised above that of purchasing our own premises and maintaining a dedicated fund for that purpose.

Please note that the amounts listed as funds on the balance sheet do not necessarily represent cash at the bank. Cash appears under the headings bank deposit and current account under current assets.

I would remind all branch members firstly that our accounts are fully open and all transactions on our books are open to scrutiny by any member at any time. It would be good to have some back up in the role, particularly from a younger member who would be able to take things forward in the future and/or someone who has experience in payroll.

A list of affiliations and donations is included with the AGM papers.

Expenses have all been paid in accordance with national recommendations.

An honorarium payment of £500 is proposed for our auditor mentioned above; authorised confirmation of the completed audit for 2023 as at Item 6.4.

ITEM 6.2:

ITEM 6.2

General Fund Income and Expenditure Account for Bolton Metro

Consolidated Balance Sheet for Bolton Metro

ITEM 6.3:

Branch Donations & Affiliations 2023

ITEM 7.1

Chair and Branch Secretary Joint Report

Andrea Egan & Phil Chanin

This report highlights some of the areas of work that the branch has participated in. Whilst we do not include all our activities over the year, these have been covered in more detail in the regular members bulletins, flyers and ‘Battling for Bolton’. Our branch membership shows consistent growth, which is phenomenal as declining membership is both a branch and national challenge given the average age of a UNISON member is 55. The report concludes with a proposed Action Plan for our key activities for the coming year.

Organising to Win

We begin the report by highlighting UNISON’s national Organising to Win strategy. This is a strategy that aims to move our union from a reactive, servicing model of UNISON, to a proactive campaigning and organising model. Personal casework is and will always be an important part of the work that as trade unions we undertake, it’s our foundation principle, and we have a great team of skilled, enthusiastic experienced reps who support members in the branch. But we should all be mindful that all our reps are volunteers, they are you from your workplace, who agree to step forward to help keep the movement of trade unionism moving. ‘A union isn’t a model of an outside organisation that comes in to help you, A union is YOU and your colleagues coming together to empower each other as a COLLECTIVE. Trust us, that’s way more powerful!!!’

UNISON’s Organising to Win wants to build on the emphasis on collective action, that increases participation in union activities, and which leads to improved terms and conditions for all members. We know we have proven that we can win, but to win more often we need to improve our organised base. It is this strategy that underpins our work moving forward. That is why we are forever asking for members to identify a steward in their workplace, this is the best way to ensure information between the membership and the branch flows.

Back Pay

In May 2023 Bolton UNISON successfully forced the Council to review how holiday and overtime payments were made. After a successful campaign the branch won back over £340,000 for 2185 employees.

This money would not have been paid out without members taking a stand and demanding Bolton Council resolve this issue. Tony Cowell (steward) added: “After almost two years of a constant battle, we got there in the end. I am pleased we achieved this win for our workforce, thanks to the support of Christine Collins and the union.”

Palestine

UNISON since it’s conception has been a proud part of the international trade union movement, with an established record of international solidarity. It is important to talk about the war that is currently taking place in Gaza. Currently nearly 30,000 civilians have been killed, including a heartbreaking 12,500 children, with the figure constantly rising. Over a million people have been displaced, with the infrastructure almost totally destroyed. Bolton UNISON branch has been part of the many local, regional, and national demonstrations, being the voice of the Palestine people and joining the worldwide call for a ceasefire.

Bolton UNISON does not support terrorism and opposes any expressions of Islamophobia, antisemitism or racism. We condemn the attacks that took place on the 7th October and call for the release of all hostages (on both sides). We reaffirm our opposition to victimisation of anti-war protesters, including those Arab and Jewish people in Israel who face persecution by the state for opposing the war. UNISON’s position is for a viable Palestine state as part of a two state solution, but there has to be a ceasefire now!

Holocaust Study Tour

The branch has agreed to send our International Officer Karen Dalley, as part of the Northwest UNISON delegation on a Holocaust Study tour of Auschwitz.

We know that this will be an emotionally challenging experience for Karen, but we do feel this is an important commitment to make. The horrific history of the Nazi regime, the Holocaust and events at Auschwitz and elsewhere and the lessons to be learnt must never be minimised, trivialised or forgotten.

The IO will be taking part in meetings to share their reflections and experiences and consider how we remember the holocaust and the lessons it taught us.

Bolton Council

This year the council budget has been considered without any significant cuts to services, jobs, and conditions. This is to be welcomed, but we know that years of austerity has taken its toll on the councils’ coffers. We look forward to the future Labour Government addressing the funding crisis in Local Authorities.

The branch adopted a position to start campaigning on an ‘Insourcing’ campaign.

Our sights have never left the outsourcing of our Corporate Property Service in 2019. We knew and warned the council that this would be an expensive experience for the council and at high cost to the public purse. The council didn’t take heed and outsourced the CPS to Robertsons, immediately on transferring incurring a re-estimated cost of over 5 million pounds. The service has not been a positive experience for our members, not just for those who TUPE’d over but for those departments who use the services. The branch reported the lights being faulty in our Ashburner Office, and after establishing contact with the Glasgow office had to wait for Glasgow to contract someone local to come and change our light strips. That in anyone’s books is simply madness. So after motions through the branch and then onto the council and papers to the SLJCC, the highest negotiating body of the council with the TU side, we are pleased to hear the announcement by Bolton Council that they have given notice to Robertsons and are now working with them and us on how to bring the service back in house.

Bolton at Home

After many years of good industrial relationships with the employer a change in Chief Executive has seen a change in that relationship. We still have a recognition agreement with the employer, and this is a sector where we have a strong network of workplace stewards. The branch has reached out to the CEO, and hold hope that we can get our relationship back on track. However, if management are not prepared to come to the table, Branch Committee have expressed their solidarity with their comrades and our members, who have the right to be represented by trained and informed representatives, we will have no option to campaign against what could then only be concluded as an aggressive management team. They probably need to talk to Bolton Council, we are not a branch to shy away from conflict. We want good industrial relationships with all our employers, that can only happen when both sides respect the agreed facilities agreement.

Bolton Cares

We have several key issues that we plan to commence consultations with the new management at Bolton Cares, and our starting point will be the 3 days unpaid sick leave. This practice is unacceptable: when care workers are unwell they should remain at home and recover, both for themselves and to prevent passing on any ailments that can affect our already vulnerable service users.

Bolton University

We have been less active in the University than we would have liked over the last year. We have been in the building, members want to know we are around, but don’t want to get actively involved. Many still talk about the Markeys, but forget we had a great steward Christine Smith active there for years after until she retired. Plans are now underway after a productive JNC with management and their representatives to commence onsite visits and stalls to communicate with our members over in the university and, more importantly, to organise them.

Schools and Academies

We have had another busy 12 months organising in schools. The branch introduced ’10 Minute Talks’ back in February 2023 and since then we have been busy visiting schools all over Bolton, engaging with members, finding out what are the key issues for them and recruiting new workplace contacts and stewards. These have proved popular and have been well attended. In November we celebrated Stars In Our Schools by sending goodie packs and our specially written bulletin to every school in Bolton. This time our focus was on support staff roles and responsibilities, to ensure that they are working to their correct contract and job description and that they know their rights. We included the Know Your Rights fact sheet, and a list of Job Roles and responsibilities for each level of TA. We believe that following 14 years of cuts the lines have been blurred between TA roles and we wanted our members to be able to understand the difference in roles. As a branch we will continue to support and engage with our schools’ members over the next year.

10-minute Talks

The branch has run Ten Minute Talks across the borough at schools & academies, Bolton Town Hall, Castle Hill Centre, Bolton College, Farnworth Town Hall, Royal Bolton Hospital & Howell Croft offices. We have also held online meetings for new members.

Ten Minute Talks allow the branch to have conversations with members & non-members in the workplace, to tell them about what the branch has being doing on their behalf & to listen to issues on the ground.

NJC Pay

The NJC is the mechanism by which the pay rise for the majority of Council and School workers is negotiated: it has a significant influence on the pay negotiations.

Last years pay deal was rejected by 75% of the members in the ballot but in Bolton we missed out by our members not achieving the Tory imposed 50% threshold for the ballot to be valid.

For 2024-2025, 91% of members voted to back UNISON submitting a proposed pay claim of 10% to the employer. We will be updating members through the coming months on the progress of the claim. This year we want to have a clear turnout of above 50% whether that be to accept or reject the offer from employers. We will be seeking a number of members to act as ‘fair pay champions’ to ensure we get a high level of turn out.

ITEM 7.2

Membership Officer Report - Phil Chanin

Over the last 12 months we have recruited over 600 new members. We currently have 5458 members covering workers in:

• Local Government (including schools)

• Bolton at Home

• University of Bolton

• Bolton Cares

• Serco

• Robertsons

• Community and Voluntary sector

Whilst Covid previously had a massive effect on our ability to get out into the workplaces to speak to our members, the branch set out its intentions at the last AGM to get out to speak to members and look to increase recruitment.

The branch has over the last 12 months run Ten Minute Talks across the borough at schools & academies, Bolton Town Hall, Castlehill, Bolton College, Farnworth Town Hall, Royal Bolton Hospital & Howell Croft offices. We have also held online meetings for new members.

Ten Minute Talks allow the branch to have conversations with members & non-members in the workplace, to tell them about what the branch has being doing on their behalf & to listen to issues on the ground. If you’ve not seen anyone from UNISON recently, please email me at phil.chanin@ UNISONbolton.org or contact the branch & we will arrange to come over and visit. There’s also a lot to see on the UNISON website, both Bolton branch and national, all the benefits of being a member.

There have been some great activities been over the last 12 months, to recruit and retain our members, so thanks to our Self Organising Groups we’ve had a range of events to recruit & inform members. It has been great to have some members come forward to be workplace contacts and looking forward to working with them, they can keep you updated on what’s going on and remind you to keep your information up to date.

The branch has also continued to maintain our membership data base, it is a legal requirement to keep our information up to date and we need your help for this. Please either ring branch office on 01204 338901 or email changemydetails@UNISONbolton.org to let us know if any of your workplace details change or your job title and any of your personal information.

Being part of Bolton branch UNISON is to work towards better terms and conditions, having safer workplaces and doing things collectively. If you have colleagues who aren’t in the union, they are the weak link. Don’t forget there’s strength in numbers If you have any questions or want more information either ring the branch office or email me.

ITEM 7.3

Health & Safety Officer Report - Tracey Rigby

Over the past 12 months the Health and Safety committee have been actively focusing on issues in the workplace. There have been concerns about dealing with aggressive behaviour from the public towards staff; this has been a key issue and we have worked to promote reporting of these incidents to obtain clearer statistic. In addition, there are concerns relating to workplace stress - this has also been a primary focus for the health and safety committees and we ran a workshop for health and safety reps focusing on how employees are monitored and supported within the workplace in relation to stress.

UNISON Health & Safety stewards have actively been carrying out Health & Safety inspections in the work place. The majority of the time this has been jointly carried out with managers or team leaders, and any actions or issues are resolved or escalated to senior management. If you have any concerns in the workplace, speak to your UNISON steward.

The Health and Safety committee have now started to have quarterly full day meetings that incorporate health and safety themes, workshops and raising awareness of law and legislation, and policies and procedures relating to health and safety.

ITEM 7.4

Education Officer Report - Janet Bryan

Bolton Branch has for many years made training its Reps, Activists and Members a priority. All Branch Reps must be ERA accredited before taking up Casework and also have access to local mentors and support.

2023 - 2024

Over the last 12 months the Branch has not only sent reps on courses run by UNISON Regionally and Nationally but continues to support TUC learning, both in person and on-line. The Branch has run a system of Representatives Development Days offering training and practical experience locally with a renewed emphasis on Health and Safety. The Branch also funded a local Show Racism The Red Card course for its activists and Black Members SOG

Future Planned Courses

Courses planned for the coming year include Political Education, Neurodiversity, Equalities and Papyrus (suicide prevention) Training, in addition to Stewards, Officers, Learning Rep and Safety Training.

Member Training

UNISON offers training to its members through a variety of partners and details of Member Training can be found on the website. Nationally UNISON also offers financial support to members undertaking Open University and other courses (eligibility criteria apply).

ITEM 7.5

Lifelong Learning Officer Report - Gaynor Cox

In May 2023 Joint Lifelong Learning Officer, Gaynor Cox, completed the four-session Union Learning Representatives training course. This was really useful and the regular online UNISON Learning Cafés also provide great ideas, networking and support. For more information about the Union Learning Rep role see the UNISON College page. If you’re interested in becoming a UNISON Learning Rep in your workplace then contact your Lifelong Learning Officers.

Three displays of UNISON Member Learning and membership materials were developed as part of Learning at Work Week 2023. These displays were distributed around Bolton at Home offices. During Bolton at Home’s Learning at Work Week training sessions at Bolton at Home’s head office I spoke to Members who were interested in career changes and also workers that were interested in joining UNISON. I updated the Bolton at Home People Development Intranet page with links to UNISON Member Learning and UNISON GMPF courses. A Member Learning article was also published as part of the Bolton at Home UNISON Member newsletter.

During UNISON’s Autumn Learning at Work Week (October) 2023 a Learning Bulletin was produced and emailed out to all Bolton UNISON Members. Our next Learning Bulletin will go out to Members in February 2024.

In January 2024 we developed and emailed out an online Learning Survey to all Bolton UNISON Members. As at Friday 2nd February 2024 we’d received 78 responses. This information will help us to develop and schedule learning activities that meet Members’ needs.

Branch Education Officer / Joint Lifelong Learning Officers and Equalities Officer have held meetings to develop Equalities-focused learning opportunities. Learning Survey responses will contribute to the development of the programme.

It’s been a Branch aspiration for a number of years to increase the availability and take up of Member Learning. In order to move that forward we will be looking to promote UNISON’s Member Learning offer through the 10 minute talk model. We are hoping to recruit new members by providing an alternate route for development, and also to recruit more Learning Reps to help promote the education and training courses available to new and existing members.

ITEM 7.6

Communications Officers’ Report

Martin Challender & Cat Woodall-Crook

Communication is absolutely key in any organisation. This is certainly true of our union branch. People are living busier and busier lives both in the workplace and at home. As a union we have to look at different ways to communicate directly with members on the ground to keep them informed.

As a branch we aim to hold member meetings, distribute workplace bulletins and have a social media presence e.g. via Facebook, Instagram and our website (which is about to be relaunched).

The branch magazine, Battling For Bolton, which is sent out to all members’ home addresses twice a year, is another way of ensuring that all members can access a lot of union news and information. Members can read this at leisure in the comfort of home and the feedback we have had is that people enjoy reading about the jobs people do and learning about our union success stories. Equally popular is information about union services and benefits. If you have ideas for future issues of the magazine or want to get involved in anyway, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

ITEM 7.7

Welfare Officer Report -

Julie Tudor

Once again, UNISON’s welfare organisation, There for You, has seen another year of members struggling to make ends meet.

Applications for assistance have been growing year on year, as Tory austerity policies have affected increasing number of people and this year the horrendous rise in the cost of living has made things worse than ever.

There for You offers of specific financial assistance such as school uniform grants and support with energy costs are now so oversubscribed that the allocation limits are exceeded in a matter of hours. There for You are also overwhelmed with the standard applications for financial assistance, and it is now reported that one in four working families need to access foodbanks to support their income.

But it’s not just about finances.

There is a list of some of the things There for You can help support you with, and these can be found on the There for You website.

UNISON is the only union offering this level of support, and in these challenging times it is a valuable resource.

If you need any information please contact the branch office, they will put you in touch with me, Julie Tudor, your branch welfare officer, all information is treated with strictest confidence, and I will do my best to support you.

ITEM 7.8

International Officer Report - Karen Dalley

I have recently taken on the role of International Officer which I am very excited about. UNISON has a long history in supporting both human and trades union rights and tackling inhumane practices. UNISON has always encouraged greater understanding of the importance of international affairs, this is in keeping with UNISON values of equality and social justice for all.

This is a very important time in history to help raise awareness and challenge oppression worldwide. As I watched the recent social media videos of the atrocities in Palestine I knew that I had to do my part and I have been active in supporting the free Palestine campaigns.

I feel passionately that raising awareness encourages activism and see my role as an International Officer is highlighting the injustices in places such as Libya, Cuba, Columbia and Congo or anywhere a self-serving government abuses their power and are in possession of corrupt, oppressive agendas. For me there are many benefits to being an International Officer. I get to give back and achieve a sense of belonging and identity. I do believe that it takes more than individual action to work towards a solution. A collective approach is considerably more powerful.

On a personal level I am looking forward to further opportunities to exp and my knowledge, learning and hopefully my impact. In February I have the privilege to be attending the Holocaust Memorial Study Tour in Krakow alongside other delegates from other branches. I hope to be able to share my experience and help raise awareness so we can better understand antisemitism, xenophobia and hatred ideologies.

My vision as International Officer is to be committed to organising and recruiting new members, networking with fellow international officers, becoming involved in campaigns that highlight international issues. I have a particular interest in girls education and currently support a programme in India that helps young females to have access to education.

ITEM 7.9

Equalities Co-ordinators’ Report

Christine Collins & Hanna English

Black Members (Self organisation)

2023 was UNISON’s Year of the Black Worker and saw our black members group go from strength to strength. Their organising has been phenomenal.

The SOG saw an increase in the group’s membership, actively involved with the running of the Islamophobia Conference in November which saw over a dozen Bolton branch members in attendance. The group ran a stall at the EID Extravaganza in April, they have promoted a number of events within the town and once again produced their brilliant Black History Month magazine in October. Branch activists also attended an in-house bespoke training event run by ‘Show Racism the Red Card’.

At a strategic level we are continuing to challenge the council on race equality and to ensure the council meets its responsibility to ensure they are reflective of the community they serve. The Race Charter has also been placed on the agenda with both the Leader and Chief Executive. We held a Holocaust Memorial event for the first time, and had a speaker whose father was a survivor of Auschwitz.

Women’s Section

In November 2023 we held a great Menopause event and raised awareness of the support available in work from both UNISON and employers, and we highlighted the new endometriosis guidance we developed jointly with the Council as this is important to our members.

Disabled members (Self organisation)

Disability equality has also been area within the branch we want to grow and expand. Leanne, our Branch disability officer produced a newsletter and is holding an event in February to raise awareness on reasonable adjustments, neurodiversity and how the law and employer are there to support you, and how members can best support each other.

LGBT+ (Self organisation)

Finally with 2024 being UNISON’s year of the LGBT+ Worker the focus will be on growing and raising awareness of the fantastic trans guidance we helped develop with the council to help support members and managers, as we know from our members how important the support in work and society is.

Last year we had a stall at Bolton Pride event and participated in the Pride walk, this year Bolton Pride is to be held May 24th - 26th, and with a new Branch LGBT+ officer we look forward to all we can achieve.

ITEM 7.10

Sports & Social Officer Report - Andrea Egan

Events from last year and upcoming events for this year

TRADE UNION FESTIVALS

Each year Bolton UNISON organises around several trade union festivals. These are always well attended and it’s great to see new faces. Dates for your 2024 diary:

• Banners Held High - Saturday 11th May 24

• Durham Miners Gala - Saturday 13th July 24

• Wigan Diggers – Saturday 7th September 24

SOCIAL EVENTS

We continue to run our annual trip to Blackpool. Last year the coach was full, we had a great afternoon in Blackpool and then we drove back through the lights. Blackpool Lights Coach Trip – Sunday 27th October 2024

THEATRE AND PANTOMIME

Annual Pantomime

2023 – Bolton Albert Halls Rapunzel – all tickets sold out this year and a great afternoon was had by all.

2024– Bolton Albert Halls Dick Whittington Sunday 8th December 2024 – tickets go on sale

Saturday 5th October, The Hub

SUPPORTING LOCAL CHARITIES

The Endeavour Project – Bolton based domestic abuse service – The Ellen Strange Walk

FILM SHOWINGS

During 2023 we organised a trip to Bolton Light Cinema to watch the last of Ken Loach’s austerity trilogy, The Old Oak. Before the film we all met in Bolton Socialist Club for pasties and peas. Everyone said that whilst the film was emotional, it was a great experience going together.

GET INVOLVED, GET IN TOUCH!

If you are interested in attending any of these events, please look out for further information or contact the branch office.

We always welcome suggestions and ideas for other sports and social activities. Sports and Social Events are a great chance to get members together and have a great time.

I hope to see you at one of our events during the year!

ITEM 7.11

Environmental / Green Officers’ Report

Rhiannon Whitehead & John Pye

I’ve have been active attending the Northwest Climate Emergency Group Reps meetings. The group want climate change and related issues to be top of UNISON’s agenda, something we are discussing and organising action around.

The Groups ethos is ‘Reassurance: Hope: Think About Action’. Some group bargaining group is around Divestment from Pensions: currently local government pensions are investing in non–renewable energy and we want to change this to investing into renewable energy.

There are regular protests organised, usually in Manchester between 8.00 – 10.30am to target key people. The Branch’s Retired members committee have been regulars attendees with their branch banner.

I also want to campaign for the small wins where we can make a contribution in our workplaces.The challenge of climate issues often leaves people feeling overwhelmed, and feeling the issue is greater than what they can contribute to. I am keen to identify those small changes we can make, which ensures we are all contributing to cutting the carbon footprint.

I want more than anything to start discussion around what we can do as individuals to be more environmentally friendly, even to start discussion about what we cannot do, our limitations in environmental change, because even that is an essential conversation to get to what we can do.

Some ideas!

• remove dishwashers and cut our energy and save costs

• a pop up shop where we can have refillable coffee, shampoo, cereals, body wash etc. to save on plastic

• introduce into your workplaces a Secret Santa tradition over Christmas periods, not purchasing new gifts, but where we encourage people to buy from charity shops and second hand stores rather than to inadvertently add to the growing pile of plastic in our oceans

• no meat Mondays in the office to cut down the amount of methane that comes from meat production and reduce deforestation

• increase the awareness of the energy used having chargers plugged in all day etc.

I want conversations and ideas to flow more often about what we can all do as companies and businesses across Bolton. I want people to see how important they are individually when we stand together, the differences that we can achieve.

Engagement and awareness are key and that is what I want to increase as Green Officer. I realise that even suggesting we get rid of dishwashers will agitate people, why do they have to change their use of energy when big companies and conglomerates are not changing their use of energy? What difference will it make if our pensions are invested in non – renewable energy? I want to harness this and turn it into action let’s make sure our actions count by standing together against these corporations and businesses: let’s make our world a more environmentally friendly place by changing their corporate worlds. Let’s make them accountable so our actions count.

ITEM 7.12

Retired Members’ Secretary Report - Jackie Winstanley

You are already a UNISON member, so why stop just because you retire?

You can join a like-minded group of people, keeping you in the loop in social and campaigning endeavours to assist your colleagues still in the workplace and fight for the rights of all those in the retirement community and others besides.

You can assist new stewards in the workplace by passing on your experiences and join workplace meetings to encourage new membership to the union. In the wider world you can lobby MPs, councillors and council meetings in person or by signing petitions and sending letters covering local, regional, national and international concerns.

On a more local level we meet every month in Bolton town centre, where our individual concerns can be aired, considered and we can decide what we can do next. You can be as active as you choose. We also have social events with a subsidised meal out in summer and Christmas, plus you still have access to the Branch low priced social event tickets like the panto, Octagon, Blackpool lights etc that you were offered as a working member.

We have a wide variety of interesting speakers at the meetings with subjects that vary from mental wellbeing, housing and the WASPI campaign.

For just a one off payment of £15 you’ll become a lifetime retired member and continue to enjoy access to a solicitor and free will service, and UNISON There For You welfare services that you had as a working member.

We meet every second Wednesday of the month 10.30 - 12.00pm at The Hub. Bold St. Bolton. BL1 1LS – the next meeting is 10th April 2024.

We all enjoy it and we hope you can join us too.

Some of us will be at the AGM, so if you need to talk about anything or have any questions, come over and see us.

ITEM 8

2023/24 Branch Review

Bolton UNISON:

• Had 51 accredited stewards with 14 stewards booked in for accreditation in the next few months

• Held 3 Local Government Steward Development Days, 3 Health & Safety Development days, 3 School Steward Development Days, 1 Bolton at Home Steward Development Day, 1 Motion Writing and Speaking with Confidence training day, 1 ‘Show Racism the Red Card’ bespoke training day and 1 Organising to Win Training session

• Undertook 434 formal member cases & numerous informal cases

• Represented the interests of members at numerous formal staffing reviews

• Held over 40 “10 Minute Talks” at various workplaces across Bolton and Schools.

• Are now holding ‘Welcome to new members’ Zoom meetings once a month introducing them to the senior branch officers

Equalities and events:

• Supported the Islamophobia Conference – had over a dozen attendees representing Bolton branch in attendance

• Hosted a Holocaust Memorial Event –the event at Bolton Library featured a guest speaker

and Branch officer Cat Woodall-Crook displaying her photos from a 2023 Holocaust Study Trip

• Hosted a Menopause Awareness and Support Event

• Hosted a Disability Rights Awareness and Support Event

Correspondence:

• Distributed two editions of ‘Battling for Bolton’ to members home addresses

• Supported our Black members SOG to produce a Branch magazine for ‘Black History Month’

• Supported our Schools Convenor to produce a specialist bulletin for ‘Stars in our Schools’ which was delivered to every school alongside a goodies box

• Produced a branch newsletter every month from the Branch Secretary

• Produced other ad-hoc bulletins such as Disabilities ‘Know your Rights’ and Employee

‘Know your Rights’

ITEM 8.1

Bolton Metro (6450) Organising Framework – Action Plan

Recruitment and Retention 2024

Targets, objectives and other information

To achieve net membership growth of 1%

Implement Regional Retention Strategy

Develop detailed plans for recruitment and retention - core officers, Convenors, Sector Committees, Branch Committee, Branch Development Days

Assigned to: Core Officers

To be completed by: 31 Dec 2024

Delivery of Action Plan Priorities

Targets, objectives and other information

Develop resourced plans to deliver the key branch priorities for 2024 as identified in the Organising Framework Action Plan (and as may develop during the year);

Assign responsibilities, budgets and timescales as necessary;

Develop and monitor through discussion at Core Officer group, Convenors, Sector Committees, Branch Committee, Branch Development Days, Branch Health & Safety Days etc.; Sharper focus on looking at outcomes, discussing at Branch Committee, reviewing and amending Action Plan as appropriate.

Assigned to: Core Officers

To be completed by: 31 Dec 2024

Additional Steward and Workplace Contact Capacity

Targets, objectives and other information

Identified need to increase Stewards and Contacts in the Council ‘Place’ service

Assigned to: Core Officers

To be completed by: 31 Dec 2024

Activist Development

Targets, objectives and other information

Hold Quarterly Branch Development Day for all activists

Hold additional Branch Health & Safety Development Day for all activists

Liaise with Regional Education Lead + identify external providers for bespoke training

Assigned to: Core Officers

To be completed by: 31 Dec 2024

Bargaining and Equalities

Migrant Worker Support

Targets, objectives and other information

Understand and seek to secure employer sponsorship status for migrant workers

Assigned to: Core Officers

To be completed by: 31 Dec 2024

Campaigning and Influencing Insourcing Strategy

Targets, objectives and other information

Develop a Branch Insourcing Strategy to provide a framework for seeking to influence commissioning and procurement decision makers with a view to insourcing services where appropriate.

Assigned to: Core Officers

To be completed by: 31 Dec 2024

Building an Efficient and Effective Union

No Action Plans have been created for this section.

Future of the Organising Framework

No Action Plans have been created for this section.

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A union isn’t an outside organisation that comes in to help you. A union is YOU and your colleagues coming together to empower each other as a COLLECTIVE... and trust me, that’s way more powerful.

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