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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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Reposted by UNISON South West
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
Instead, Cathedral Schools Trust has delayed these payments until the start of the school term in September, leaving staff without several months’ worth of pay increases compared to colleagues in other schools.
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UNISON South West @unisonsw.bsky.social · 01/10/2025
The workers have been missing out on hundreds of pounds every year because of their employer’s failure to implement annual pay awards when they are announced in April.
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UNISON South West @unisonsw.bsky.social · 01/10/2025
More than 100 teaching assistants, administrators, librarians, finance officers, caretakers and caterers will take action at schools across Bristol and North Somerset.
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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
The 37 phlebotomists have been on strike for over 100 days, marking the milestone on Friday.
Phlebotomists with big balloons in the shape of the number one hundred.
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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 · 18/05/2025
Important point. Thanks for raising. You’ll be pleased to hear that, at women’s conference, our women members back trans rights 👇🏼 www.unison.org.uk/news/article...
unison.org.uk
'Unite for more rights!' | Article | News | UNISON National
UNISON's women's conference opens with clear calls to champion trans rights, healthcare and childcare
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UNISON South West @unisonsw.bsky.social · 17/05/2025
First step would be for you to raise it with your local branch, then get the motion written, agreed by the branch and submitted to NDC. If you need help finding your local branch, let me know ☺️
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UNISON South West @unisonsw.bsky.social · 17/05/2025
That’s a different question. If a motion were to be taken to our national delegate conference then that would have the ability to impact our position / policy.
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UNISON South West @unisonsw.bsky.social · 17/05/2025
If you’re a member of UNISON and you have a concern, issue at work or just want to speak to someone then your local branch is the first point of contact. Alternatively feel free to email us (SW region) on southwest@unison.co.uk Or you can call UNISONdirect on 0800 0 857 857
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UNISON South West @unisonsw.bsky.social · 17/05/2025
Hi, to explain the article reference - UNISON members voted last year to retain the Labour Link fund. It’s a vote we have to have every 10 years.
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UNISON South West @unisonsw.bsky.social · 17/05/2025
Here’s our branch finder so you can get in touch with your local branch if you’d like to discuss this further: branches.unison.org.uk
branches.unison.org.uk
UNISON Branch Finder | UNISON Branch Finder
The branch finder helps you find your branch through a quick search of employers on the UNISON database. Start entering your employer’s name to continue.
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UNISON South West @unisonsw.bsky.social · 17/05/2025
Hi 👋 replies are actually off cause it’s a Saturday and our social media team (one person) is back on Monday. But, of course the best way to challenge this, if you hold a different view, is to speak to your local UNISON branch. We’re a member-led union, that was the point here.
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UNISON South West @unisonsw.bsky.social · 17/05/2025
When signing up to join UNISON, members can choose to opt in to the Labour Link fund, or the campaign fund, neither, or both. In 2024, members voted to renew both funds for a further 10 years. More here 👇🏼 www.unison.org.uk/news/article...
unison.org.uk
UNISON votes to renew political fund | Article, News | News | UNISON National
Ballot results show members voted overwhelmingly to renew support for Labour Link and the Campaign Fund
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UNISON South West @unisonsw.bsky.social · 17/05/2025
When signing up to join UNISON, members can choose to opt in to the Labour Link fund, or the campaign fund, neither, or both. In 2024, members voted to renew both funds for a further 10 years. More here 👇🏼 www.unison.org.uk/news/article...
unison.org.uk
UNISON votes to renew political fund | Article, News | News | UNISON National
Ballot results show members voted overwhelmingly to renew support for Labour Link and the Campaign Fund
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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
Pick a side!
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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
Today she’s heading to Cornwall, before joining us at Get Active in Croyde tomorrow 🌊
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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
You can also make a donation via SumUp 👇🏼
pay.sumup.com
Please pay [ ] to UNISON South West
Phlebotomy Strike donation
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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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Reposted by UNISON South West
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 · 25/03/2025
Pun level 100
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UNISON South West @unisonsw.bsky.social · 24/03/2025
More here 👇🏼
southwest.unison.org.uk
Striking Gloucestershire NHS staff call on hospital boss to end dispute, says UNISON - UNISON South West
Specialist healthcare workers at Gloucestershire Royal and Cheltenham General hospitals are to begin a second round of strike action.
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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
Read more 👇🏼
southwest.unison.org.uk
Gloucestershire NHS staff announce nine more strike days over unfair pay - UNISON South West
Phlebotomists at Gloucestershire Royal and Cheltenham General hospitals have announced a further nine days of strike action.
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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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