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UNISON South West

@unisonsw.bsky.social
617 followers 26 following 108 posts

Sharing UNISON stories & updates from the South West region of UNISON, the UK's biggest union

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UNISON South West @unisonsw.bsky.social · 23/10/2025
BREAKING 🚨 Support staff working for Cathedral Schools Trust will strike next month in a dispute over pay. Workers will walk out at schools across Bristol and North Somerset on Wednesday 5 and Thursday 6 November. The strike follows a ballot in which 92% of staff backed industrial action.
Decorative graphic. Strike action, 5 - 6 November in white text overlay over an image of Cathedral Schools Trust staff holding placards which read 'UNISON, FAIR PAY NOW"
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Strike Map @strikemap.org · 16/10/2025
Longest strike in NHS history 🪧 We back the incredible Gloucester Phlebotomists, who’ve taken over 2️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ days of action. Back the @unisonsw.bsky.social strikers & sign this petition started by a local resident: megaphone.org.uk/petitions/say-no-to-bullying-of-nhs-staff #StrikeMap
Text reads: longest strike in NHS history. Picture of striking Gloucester Phlebotomists. Text reads visits a picket at strikemap.org. Strike map logo.
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UNISON Health @unisonhealth.bsky.social · 14/10/2025
NHS migrant workers are vital to our NHS, and communities. Recent visa rule changes have left many of them feeling anxious and uncertain about their futures. Visit our new webpage outlining our policy and the work we are doing: · www.unison.org.uk/nhs-migrant-...
unison.org.uk
Migrant workers in the NHS | UNISON National
Changes to government policy on international recruitment, visa rules and earnings thresholds have left NHS migrant workers feeling anxious and uncertain
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UNISON @unison.org.uk · 14/10/2025
'We all have to play our part and stop the hate' UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea urges members to join Hope not Hate’s weekend of action this Saturday and Sunday. Britain's weekend of hope ❤️ 18-19 October
unsn.uk
Opinion: We all have to play our part and stop the hate | Article, General Secretary's blog | News | UNISON National
'In the face of such evil and hate, none of us should stand by and do nothing. That’s why HOPE not Hate’s weekend of action this Saturday and Sunday (18-19 October) is so important'
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UNISON South West @unisonsw.bsky.social · 01/10/2025
92% vote for strike action at Cathedral Schools Trust ✊🏼 Support staff working for the Cathedral Schools Trust have voted overwhelmingly to strike in a dispute over pay. Read more 👇🏼
southwest.unison.org.uk
Cathedral Schools Trust staff vote to strike over back pay - UNISON South West
Support staff working for the Cathedral Schools Trust have voted overwhelmingly (92%) to strike in a dispute over pay.
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UNISON @unison.org.uk · 30/07/2025
Nice feature in @countrystandard.bsky.social by @unisonsw.bsky.social regional secretary Kerry Baigent on the legacy of Tolpuddle and the power of solidarity in shaping our future ✊
Photo of striking Phlebotomists from Gloucester at Tolpuddle festival. Martyrs' blood flows in us today
As we gather for the 2025 Tolpuddle Martyrs' Festival, we are reminded of the power of solidarity in shaping our future. This year, our d celebration carries the
echoes of struggles close to home, particularly the ongoing dispute by Unison Gloucestershire phlebotomists striking against a belligerent employer who refuses to pay them what they are worth.
The "magnificent 37" have surpassed 110 days of strike action with no signs of stopping any time soon.
Inspired by the vic- tories of healthcare assistants across the
by Kerry Baigent Unison South West
country, including those at Derriford Hospital who secured a well-deserved upbanding last year after their own successful strike action, Glouces- tershire's phlebotomists are demonstrating the strength of unity.
Their battle for fair pay is a reminder that the fight for equality in the workplace is far from over and that the strug- gle is alive and kicking.
Meanwhile, in Dorset, Unison members contin- ue to challenge propos- als that would see 1,700 staff transferred into a wholly owned subsidiary,
or SubCo. This proposal threatens to undermine the terms and conditions of workers, shifting them into a structure that could erode their rights and protections and flies in the face of Labour's commitment for the big- gest wave of insourcing in a generation.
The fight to defend their terms is crucial, as it represents a broader struggle against the erosion of public-sector services.
Unison is also at the forefront of the fight for migrant workers' rights. We continue to cam- paign for the introduc- tion of a certificate of common sponsorship, which would allow mi-
grant healthcare workers to change employers without jeopardising their visa status. At the same time, we are chal- lenging the government's proposed immigration white paper, which aims to double the qualify- ing period for indefinite leave to remain from five to…
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UNISON South West @unisonsw.bsky.social · 09/07/2025
Phlebotomists at Gloucestershire hospitals were promised a job review today. Now it’s pushed back another week. They’ve been underpaid for years. They’ve waited long enough ⏳ They've now extended their strike action to Sunday 27 July ✊🏼
Quote graphic: “Staff are exhausted and angry. After 105 days on strike, the hospital finally said the jobs panel would meet.
But now it's been pushed back again."
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UNISON South West @unisonsw.bsky.social · 27/05/2025
Consultation on local government pay has started for school and council workers. Check your inbox for your voting link 🗳️
It’s time for fair pay decorative graphic.
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UNISON @unison.org.uk · 22/05/2025
NHS staff likely to be disappointed with this year’s pay rise, says UNISON 'A reliance on the slow, outdated and unnecessary pay review body process has once again failed to deliver,' UNISON head of health Helga Pile Read full response www.unison.org.uk/news/press-r...
Photo of health staff in scrubs. "NHS staff likely to be disappointed with this year’s pay rise, says UNISON"
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UNISON South West @unisonsw.bsky.social · 22/05/2025
Congratulations to Nasim Dumont-Namin, winner of this year’s Learning Initiative Award at our Get Active event 🏆 Nasim has gone above and beyond as a Union Learning Rep, organising accessible online sessions on key workplace issues like flexible working, reasonable adjustments and more 👏🏼
Nasim collects her award.
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UNISON South West @unisonsw.bsky.social · 17/05/2025
UNISON stands proudly against all forms of homophobia, biphobia and transphobia 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ UNISON's policy is: - Trans men are men. - Trans women are women. - Non-binary identities are valid. If your employer is making changes to trans, non-binary or gender diverse policies, let us know.
UNISON stands against all forms of homophobia, biphobia and transphobia.
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UNISON South West @unisonsw.bsky.social · 16/05/2025
UNISON needs to hear from disabled members about how proposed changes to PIPs (Personal Independence Payments) will affect them. Read more and get in touch 👇🏼
unison.org.uk
Changes to PIPs – we need to hear from you | Article | News | UNISON National
UNISON needs to hear from disabled members about how proposed changes to PIPs (Personal Independence Payments) will affect them
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UNISON South West @unisonsw.bsky.social · 15/05/2025
Since the bombardment of Gaza resumed on 18 March thousands more Palestinians have been killed. UNISON is supporting the TUC endorsed workplace day of action for an immediate and permanent ceasefire.
UNISON staff holding signs reading “ceasefire now”
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UNISON South West @unisonsw.bsky.social · 13/05/2025
UNISON's head of health Helga Pile joined Phlebotomists on the picket line in Gloucestershire today ✊🏼 Today is their 48th day of strike action, with the Trust still refusing to follow NHS rules and properly evaluate their pay and banding.
Helga Pile speaking to Phlebotomists on the picket line. An ambulance can be seen in the background turning into Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.
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UNISON South West @unisonsw.bsky.social · 13/05/2025
Derriford health care support workers named Organising Reps of the Year at our Get Active awards 🏆 Grew UNISON membership from 125 to nearly 600 📈 Led 5 days of strike action following a 98% YES vote ✊🏽 Won up to £5,000 compensation each for over 1,600 staff 💷
Derriford reps hold their award at UNISON's Get Active event.
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UNISON South West @unisonsw.bsky.social · 08/05/2025
Christina McAnea has made it to Exeter for afternoon tea with regional staff. Of course, the question on everyone’s lips, jam first then cream or cream first then jam? How do you eat yours @unison.org.uk?
Christina McAnea sat with regional staff in the Exeter office kitchen enjoying afternoon tea.A spread of afternoon tea. Two options for scones. Jam first then cream or cream first then jam.
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UNISON South West @unisonsw.bsky.social · 08/05/2025
📍 Cornwall UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea headed to the very edge of the South West today to spend time with members and activists in Cornwall. Next stop, Exeter for afternoon tea with regional staff ☕️ 🍰
Christina McAnea is joined by UNISON members and activists in Cornwall.Christina McAnea speaks to a room full of activists and UNISON members in Cornwall.Christina McAnea with UNISON Cornwall branch secretary Kerry Gray.
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UNISON South West @unisonsw.bsky.social · 08/05/2025
UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea is in the South West this week for a four-day visit! Yesterday, she spoke at Torbay Health’s celebration event, where she praised the incredible work of Ali Evans and the local branch in securing Band 3 pay for healthcare support workers 🙌🏼
Ali Evans and Christina McAnea at Torbay Health’s celebration event.
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UNISON South West @unisonsw.bsky.social · 30/04/2025
Congrats to Phlebotomists in East and North Herts hospitals, supported by @unisoneastern.bsky.social, for securing your re-banding to band 3. “Hopefully this will show other NHS trusts that they should be paying phlebotomists fairly as well.” cc: Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 👀
eastern.unison.org.uk
Phlebotomists celebrate £2,000 pay rise | Article, News | News | UNISON Eastern
Phlebotomists in East and North Herts hospitals have won a £2,000 a year pay rise, after successfully arguing that their jobs should be upbanded. The
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UNISON South West @unisonsw.bsky.social · 25/04/2025
🚨 We're hiring! 🚨 Could you be one of our four new regional organisers? You'll help us drive change, support our current members and activists, and lead on employer negotiations. ⏳ Apply before Thursday 8 May 👉 unsn.uk/SWJobs
We are hiring text based graphic set against backdrop of a UNISON march in Cheltenham.
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UNISON South West @unisonsw.bsky.social · 22/04/2025
Schools and council workers have been offered a pay increase of 3.2% from 1 April 2025. Further details to come, keep an eye on your inboxes ✉️👀
BREAKING: Schools and council workers pay offer
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UNISON South West @unisonsw.bsky.social · 21/04/2025
Phlebotomists in Gloucestershire have started their sixth week of strike action over pay ✊🏼 If you can, please consider a donation to their strike fund. UNISON Gloucestershire DHC Branch 21311 Sort code: 60-83-01 Account number: 20301750 Reference: strikefund
Phlebotomists holding placards on the picket line.
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UNISON South West @unisonsw.bsky.social · 11/04/2025
600 full time equivalent jobs could go at Derriford Hospital. Plymouth in UNISON branch secretary Kevin Treweeks said: “I am as shocked as the staff are, no-one was expecting anything this drastic.” Read more 👇
bbc.co.uk
Job cut fears as Derriford Hospital bosses seek £34m in savings
A union says up to 600 full-time jobs could be axed at Derriford Hospital.
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UNISON @unison.org.uk · 09/04/2025
An incredible moment at conference yesterday as health conference joined striking members live on the picket line! Solidarity. Your union is with you!
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UNISON South West @unisonsw.bsky.social · 09/04/2025
Hello Cheltenham, this is Liverpool calling 📞 UNISON national health conference went live to the Gloucestershire phlebotomists on the picket line taking their 14th day of action. Take a look at the moment it happened: youtu.be/v4irblBbA9Y
Phlebotomists on the picket line outside Cheltenham hospital on a bright sunny day.
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UNISON @unison.org.uk · 08/04/2025
The moment health conference went live to the picket line in Gloucestershire! UNISON head of health Helga Pile introduces our phlebotomist members striking for proper recognition of the duties they carry out. @unisonsw.bsky.social
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Needle Picket 💉 @marlenecooke.bsky.social · 27/03/2025
Concluding our 2. week of Industrial Action and we still haven't heard from/seen the shadow of Kevin McNamara.
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UNISON @unison.org.uk · 04/04/2025
NEW: Rats, cockroaches and other pests are a regular hazard in NHS buildings plagued with sewage leaks, defective lighting, broken toilets and crumbling ceilings, according to a new survey today from UNISON unsn.uk/42efK7F
Photo of rat in dilapidated building. NHS crumbling buildings: Rats, cockroaches in crumbling NHS buildings plagued with sewage leaks, and broken toilets
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UNISON South West @unisonsw.bsky.social · 24/03/2025
Gloucestershire phlebotomists say CEO Kevin McNamara is taking the mickey as they begin nine more days of strike action over pay.
Gloucestershire phlebotomists on the picket line outside Gloucestershire Royal Hospital today, with Mickey and Minnie mouse.
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UNISON South West @unisonsw.bsky.social · 20/03/2025
NINE MORE DAYS 🚨 Phlebotomists in Gloucestershire are ramping up their campaign for fair pay with nine more days of industrial action ✊🏼 Here's Dawny to explain why she's taking action alongside her colleagues 👇🏼
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UNISON South West @unisonsw.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
Outnumbered actor Daniel Roche joined phlebotomists on strike outside Gloucestershire Royal Hospital today. Daniel said: "Phlebotomists are essential to our NHS, it's time Kevin McNamara recognised and rewarded these workers with fair pay."
Daniel Roche holds a placard outside Gloucestershire Royal Hospital reading 'Stick up 4 phlebotomists"Daniel Roche joins phlebotomists on the picket line outside Gloucestershire Royal Hospital holding placards.
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UNISON South West @unisonsw.bsky.social · 10/03/2025
Kids’ feet growing faster than you can buy new shoes? UNISON’s members’ charity is There for You. Check whether you’re eligible to apply for £30 vouchers from UNISON's charity, There for You, to buy your family new footwear 👞 Applications open at noon on Thursday 20 March.
unison.org.uk
Get help with the cost of new shoes | There for You (UNISON Welfare) | UNISON National
UNISON’s charity for members has a limited fund available to assist with the cost of spring footwear. Check whether you're eligible and save the date – applications open 12 noon on 20 March.
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UNISON South West @unisonsw.bsky.social · 08/03/2025
We’re celebrating 50 years of both the Equal Pay Act and the Sex Discrimination Act this International Women’s Day 👇🏼
unison.org.uk
Opinion: Standing in solidarity with women everywhere | General Secretary's blog | News | UNISON National
As the largest women's organisation in the country, we're celebrating 50 years of both the Equal Pay Act and the Sex Discrimination Act this International Women's Day
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UNISON South West @unisonsw.bsky.social · 08/03/2025
“As the largest women’s organisation in the UK, UNISON is dedicated to ensuring women have the space and the confidence to raise their voices." “But more importantly, to be heard and to make change happen.”
 - Christina McAnea on International Women’s Day.
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UNISON South West @unisonsw.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
BREAKING 🚨 Phlebotomists in Gloucestershire and Cheltenham will take three days of strike action later this month. Read more 👉🏼 unsn.uk/PhlebotomistStrike
Glioucestershire phlebotomists pose with photos of colleagues.
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UNISON South West @unisonsw.bsky.social · 26/02/2025
Anne Lister 🏳️‍🌈 Often called "the first modern lesbian," Anne defied societal norms, lived openly with a female partner, and recorded her bold life in secret diaries that were later uncovered. 📖✨
Anne Lister in a polaroid style photograph. UNISON's LGBT+ history month ribbon graphic is in the background.
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UNISON South West @unisonsw.bsky.social · 19/02/2025
Linda Bellos 🏳️‍🌈 A prominent Black feminist and LGBTQ+ activist, Linda was a trailblazer in UK politics. As leader of Lambeth Council in the 1980s, she championed policies for gender and racial equality. 💪🏾
Linda Bellos in a polaroid style photograph with UNISON's LGBT+ history month ribbon graphic in the background.
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UNISON South West @unisonsw.bsky.social · 12/02/2025
Ruth Hunt 🏳️‍🌈 As the former CEO of Stonewall, Ruth led groundbreaking campaigns for inclusivity, with a strong focus on transgender rights and intersectionality within the LGBTQ+ community.
Ruth Hunt in a polaroid photograph with UNISON's LGBT+ history month ribbon graphic in the background.
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UNISON South West @unisonsw.bsky.social · 07/02/2025
February is LGBT+ history month 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ Mitchell Coe, UNISON’s national LGBT+ officer, has some suggestions for how branches can mark this month 👇🏼
southwest.unison.org.uk
Opinion: How to celebrate LGBT+ History Month - UNISON South West
Mitchell Coe, UNISON’s national LGBT+ officer, has some suggestions for how branches can mark LGBT+ history month.
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UNISON South West @unisonsw.bsky.social · 05/02/2025
Maureen Colquhoun 🏳️‍🌈 The UK’s first openly lesbian MP, Maureen was a fearless voice in Parliament, championing gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and environmental protections 🌍 This LGBT+ history month, we’re celebrating lesbians who have been at the forefront of activism and social change.
Maureen Colquhoun in a polaroid photograph.
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UNISON South West @unisonsw.bsky.social · 01/02/2025
February is LGBT+ History Month 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ in the South West the legacy of UNISON's year of LGBT+ workers is clear to see. We have a thriving LGBT+ self-organised group who will be hosting a fully-booked training and planning weekend later this month!
UNISON Celebrates LGBT+ History Month.
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UNISON South West @unisonsw.bsky.social · 30/01/2025
Want to make a real difference for workers? We are looking for four new Local Organisers to help build union power and support public service workers ✊🏼 If you're passionate about organising, campaigning, and empowering workers, this could be perfect for you: unsn.uk/SWJobs
We are hiring. Decorative graphic with URL.
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UNISON South West @unisonsw.bsky.social · 27/01/2025
Today is Holocaust Memorial Day. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration camp complex, and the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia. Read more about this year's theme, 'For a Better Future': unsn.uk/HMD25
Never Forget, Never Again. Holocaust Memorial Day. 27 January. Be the light in the darkness.
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UNISON South West @unisonsw.bsky.social · 22/01/2025
North Somerset won Branch of the Year in 2024, but who will take home the coveted award this time around? 🏆 Nominate your branch today: unsn.uk/GAawards
UNISON members from North Somerset branch pose for a photo with their award at Get Active 2024.
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UNISON South West @unisonsw.bsky.social · 22/01/2025
Join us this Friday for an inspiring evening in support of Cuba Vive! 🇨🇺 🗓 7:30 PM, Fri 24 January 📍 Mercure Exeter Rougemont Hotel Hear from incredible speakers, enjoy a short film from & refreshments. 👉 Book now: unsn.uk/CubaFringe
Cuba Vive fundraiser with UNISON graphic giving details of the event taking place on Friday 24 January at 7:30pm at Mercure Exeter Rougemont Hotel.
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UNISON South West @unisonsw.bsky.social · 21/01/2025
Get Active returns to Croyde Bay from Friday 9 - Sunday 11 May. This event is aimed at new UNISON activists. Booking will open next week, please speak to your branch about coming along. We can't wait to see some new faces 💜
Save the date graphic for Get Active festures a repeating Get Active logo.
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UNISON South West @unisonsw.bsky.social · 21/01/2025
🚨 UNISON's Higher Education Pay Ballot is now open 🚨 Vote YES for strike action to demand the pay you deserve 🗳️ More info: unison.org.uk/hepay2024
Stand together for better pay. Higher education pay 2024/25.
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UNISON South West @unisonsw.bsky.social · 20/01/2025
How can you keep staff in the health service without putting NHS pay right? 🤔 You can’t. Ask your MP to back urgent negotiations between government, unions & employers to Put NHS Pay Right: unsn.uk/timefortalks
Campaign graphic featuring a healthcare worker supporting a patient. Text reads 'Time for Talks' accompanied by the UNISON logo and Put NHS Pay Right logo.
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UNISON South West @unisonsw.bsky.social · 17/01/2025
Congratulations to our very own Sharon Foster, recipient of UNISON's Nelson Madela Award for 2025! 💜
southwest.unison.org.uk
Sharon Foster wins UNISON’s Nelson Mandela Award 2025 - UNISON South West
Her unwavering passion, leadership, and dedication to equality have made a significant impact on countless lives.
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UNISON South West @unisonsw.bsky.social · 15/01/2025
New for 2025 is our LGBT+ special recognition award, designed to recognise the work of individuals, groups or branches who made a difference during UNISON's year of LGBT+ workers 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ Make a nomination today: unsn.uk/GAawards
Handpainted sign for UNISON's year of LGBT+ workers, pitched in the ground at Tolpuddle 2024.
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