Winter Newsletter 2020

UNISONBridgend 01656 766661 February 2020 Edition [email protected] Its that time of the year again! This is an important event. It’s a chance for all members to have a say in how our branch operates and hold us all to account. Everyone welcome! Meeting dates and venues….. Congratulations to • Tuesday 3rd March 2020 at 5.30pm John Hughes on his Morganstone Brewery Field (President's Room), Tondu Road, Bridgend CF31 4JE re-election as Branch Secretary and also to • Wednesday 4th March 2020 at 12noon Council Chamber, Civic Offices, Angel Street, Bridgend Sue Whittaker who has CF31 4WB been elected Branch Chair. WELL DONE TO YOU BOTH! • Monday 9th March 2020 at 12noon BE THERE TO BE A PART OF IT! The Boardroom, Bridgend College, Cowbridge Road, Bridgend CF31 3DF COME ALONG HAVE YOUR SAY! • Tuesday 10th March 2020 at 5.30pm Bayside Suite, Hi-Tide Inn, Mackworth Road, Porthcawl CF36 5BT • Wednesday 11th March 2020 at 5.30pm Function Room, Maesteg Sports Centre, Old Forge Site, Maesteg CF34 9EB INSIDEBeing a union rep or branch officer can be There are a variety of branch officer roles that challenging. All our reps and branch officers have need filling. All you need is for two other volunteered to play a part in UNISON, often in their members to nominate and second you. own time. We urgently require members for the following.. That doesn’t mean though that ordinary members Membership Services Officer, can’t question what we’re doing and what we plan International Officer, to do, on behalf of all our members. Life Long Learning Co-ordinating Officer, Young Members Officer, 2 Budget Plans/Leadership Elections Black Members Officer, 3 Women's Conference Convenor-Halo. 4 Why join UNISON To name but a few………... @UNISONBridgend www.unisonbridgend.org Bridgend UNISON

UNISONBridgend 2 February 2020 Edition Welsh Government reveals budget plans for 2020/21……………….. Tanya Palmer, UNISON Cymru Wales regional secretary said... “For the first time in recent memory, public service workers will breathe a sigh of relief that for once, the headlines will not be about further service cuts and job losses….Ten years of severe spending cuts by Westminster starved Welsh government and Welsh councils of money….“ “One of the reasons why our NHS is so stretched, is councils have not been given the funds they need to invest in social care focused on keeping people in their own homes and out of hospital….Communities have been crying out for investment in their local public services” “One reasonable settlement doesn’t undo the cumulative effect of nearly a decade of Westminster austerity, or signal its end. Public services remain at crisis point in Wales. If you want quality public services to meet the growing needs of our communities, that needs sustained investment and an end to the unpredictable budget setting timetable from Westminster.” Good News, Yes! But remember where we are... Commentating on the cuts, The REAL EFFECTS are… UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said:……….. • 9 years of cuts cost Welsh councils £1.6 billion. “This is the shocking legacy of nine years of • 28,100 Local Jobs Gone! Tory spending cuts.” • 193 Youth Centres closed! • 32% of Libraries closed! • 87 less Council Libraries! UNISON reveals true cost of austerity cuts in Wales…. The Labour Party leadership elections are being held between 21 February – 4 April 2020 UNISON are backing Kier Starmer and Angela Rayner for Leader and Deputy Leader of the Labour Party respectively. Dave Prentis said: “Keir Starmer would be a leader...to win back the trust of the thousands of voters who deserted Labour…” Linda Dobson said: “Angie will be a powerful passionate voice at the top of the party to win back voters and create a brighter future.” Don’t forget. There are other candidates also standing in the leadership election. Who you decide to vote for is entirely your own choice. Your vote your choice. But please exercise that choice….VOTE! The event is open to all members who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or plus (You do LGBT+ not have to be out to attend). Development For further details contact the Branch or the event organiser Ryan Williams on 02920729413 or Email Weekend. [email protected]. Also look at the download link...https://cymru-wales.unison.org.uk/events/lgbt- 6-8 March 2020, Holiday Inn, city centre, Cardiff development-weekend/ @UNISONBridgend www.unisonbridgend.org Bridgend UNISON

UNISONBridgend 3 February 2020 Edition 2020 Women’s Conference...Bournemouth International Centre. February. Dave Prentis shares the “This year’s conference is the biggest in a quarter of with UNISON’s a century. More than a women thousand women from all UNISON will stand up to walks of life and every ‘laddism and misogyny’ corner of the country are typified by Trump and here to defy those who said, ‘unions are for only Johnson for men’. Today UNISON has a million women shaping our agenda and driving us forward...UNISON women are leading the way Helen Weeks (Women’s Officer for Bridgend Branch) attending the conference as a first-time delegate made the following report….. Josie Bird “union must As a first-time attendee I must admit I did initially feel a little continue to grow” overwhelmed (Lets be honest, I think everyone does). After attending the ‘meet and greet’ stall, signing a few petitions and picking up lots of useful information I soon found my feet after and began to circulate and attend various meetings and events. I attended our Regional meeting and thankfully recognized quite a few faces from a Women’s development weekend which I had previously Christina McAnea defiant been to. message to Tories The conference hall was incredible! (felt overwhelmed again). But as the seating arranged was at the front I couldn’t do a runner. Everyone was introduced and the conference began. There were various speakers over the next two days. Angie Rayner, Dave Prentis, (and I was in the group photo), with Josie Bird. Fighting against NHS fees for I was very moved by many of the motions discussed and felt moved pregnant migrant women enough to write a speech for the motion concerning stalking and its UNISON guidance for devastating effects which I delivered on the Saturday. I also managed to preventing sexual harassment attend various workshops which I found extremely interesting. at work I was surprised by the amount of people begging/sleeping rough on the streets, there was even people begging outside the Conference Centre, which I found both heartbreaking and sad, but unfortunately is an indictment on the times that we live in. There were obviously numerous issues discussed at the conference but it was quite disheartening to hear one delegate say, “I can’t believe we are still discussing sexual harassment, it’s been over twenty years, when will it end”. Unfortunately as said in conference it will only get worse with misogynistic leaders in power and we have to work harder as we can’t just wait and hope for the next Labour government in five years’ time. “I feel empowered after the experience. My first project will be to establish a Women’s group for our branch. Will be in touch shortly” @UNISONBridgend www.unisonbridgend.org Bridgend UNISON

UNISONBridgend 4 February 2020 Edition Each of our 1.3 million members has their own reasons for joining UNISON. But here are 7 basic reasons to join today…... Legal services for you at work and your family at home Our free help can either be from our specialist in-house lawyers or by local union reps, branches and officers in the UK. Free initial legal advice on any matter not related to work, plus a range of other legal help for you and your family. Advice, support and help when you need it at work We have a network of trained local advisors and negotiators who will provide help at work when you need it most, as well as professional legal advisors and experts when appropriate. Helpline open until midnight Helpline is open from 6am to midnight Monday to Friday, and 9am to 4pm on Saturdays. Your call will be dealt with by a professional who will ensure that the person who can best help will ring you back at a time convenient for you. Member discounts – including up to 50% off holidays Exclusive member discounts and offers which could save you up to £250 – more than the cost of your membership. Savings on holidays through the UNISON travel club, plus discounts on home, car, pet and travel insurance, dental and health plans, cashback on mortgages all add up to a great deal for UNISON members. Education, training and support We are here to help you learn more – UNISON offers a range of courses and short workshops that are free to members. UNISON can help you develop your confidence, skills and knowledge. Compensation for accidents and injuries at work If you have an accident or are injured at work our specialist lawyers are there to help when appropriate. You are covered for things like assault, accidents, industrial diseases and accidents on your way to or from work. Financial assistance and debt advice in times of need We’re here for you when you I’ve joi ned I’ve joined need us most. UNIS ON UNISON I’ve joi ned I’ve Joine d I’ve joined UNISON I’ve joined I’ve jo UNISON UNIS Our confidential service (and registered charity) There for You, is your safety net when times get tough. We can help with sorting out finances and advise on benefits. We offer grants to help with household bills, ease debts or help with the cost of a much needed break. https://join.unison.org.uk @UNISONBridgend www.unisonbridgend.org Bridgend UNISON