International Workers Memorial Day - 28 April

Research shows that 50,000 people die every year from injuries and illness related to their job. Most don't die of mystery ailments, or in tragic "accidents". They die because an employer decided their safety just wasn't that important a priority.
International Workers' Memorial Day on 28 April is marked around the world to Remember the Dead, Fight for the Living. We remember those killed, made ill or injured at work. Their pain and suffering and that of their families should not be forgotten. We also renew our commitment to, and demand once more, safe and healthy working for all.

The safest workplaces are those where there are well-organised and active safety reps using their rights fully. UNISON has over 7,000 safety activists across the UK who are committed to making are workplaces safer. We know things would be far worse without them. Workplaces with union reps are twice as safe.

 

Here at the University UNISON marked this day on Friday 26 April with a stand, display, information, leaflets and freebies in the CSB Atrium.

 

 

 

 

 

With the government continuing to attack the protection we receive from good health and safety practice, the work that union safety reps do is all the more important. There is no better time to     - 

Remember the Dead and Fight for the Living

• Have a look at the attached paper - Health & Safety – Unnecessary Red Tape or Life Saver?
• Try the attached “Hazard’s Campaign” Quiz – what do you know about the problems caused by some work places in Britain today?

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Recruitment Raffle Prize Winners

The Branch held a raffle at the end of 2012 to encourage current members to recruit new members where both the new members and the recruiters had the chance to win a brand new Kindle fire.
The raffle was drawn on the 17 December by our guest, Helen Walker, from Staff Development.
The winners were –

1. Elizabeth Cussans who is a new member and works in Computing Services
2. Julie Rogers who is a long-standing UNISON member and Workplace Contact who has recently recruited 3 new members for this promotion and many other members in the past. She works in the Hospitality section of Catering Services.

Pictured below is Julie with her prize, Helen and Elizabeth Boulton (Branch Secretary)
(Elizabeth was not at work on the day of the draw so received her prize later.)

UNISON Roadshows

UNISON roadshows have been held in various venues around the University. They give an opportunity for members and colleagues to say hello, ask questions or advice and pick up the latest information from UNISON. These events have also proved to be useful to recruit new members.

From time to time, visitors have been given eco-friendly, 'climate neutral' jute shopping bags. This is a natural, renewable and biodegradable plant resource. Made by Jutexpo Ltd. in their Bengal factory, employing around 8,000 workers and no child labour. The company adheres to strict international fair trading regulations.

The bags are shipped to avoid air pollution and their manufacture and transport emissions is offset by contributions to Climate Care, who run climate repair services and projects across the world to help improve people's standard of living and protect wildlife habitats. This is the first 'climate neutral' bag and extremely durable - one jute bag lasts longer than thousands of plastic bags and, unlike plastic, decomposes naturally.

UNISON AGMs

Branch AGMs take place each year and follow a similar pattern, with financial and other reports and elections of officials. The Branch provide a free lunch and refreshments before the meeting, to allow as many members to attend as possible. These meetings are for members only. The AGM agenda covers branch finances, union topics and the election of officers and stewards.

The first picture shows a very full AGM meeting in 2012 with Branch Secretary Elizabeth Boulton giving her report. The picture below is from the 2009 AGM, where Treasurer Liam Adams is shown in full flow at the podium giving his Treasurer's Report as Elizabeth (sitting to his right) follows her notes.

In thenext picture below, Tony Pearson, the Regional Officer for Yorkshire & Humberside Region, is shown addressing the 2007 AGM.

UNISON Fairs

The UNISON Fair and stands at University events promote UNISON to all Support Staff. It helps to raise awareness of the offers and discounts available to members from companies associated with the union, such as Brittania Building Society and Frizzel Insurance. These pictures show a fair in Quayside.