To mark International Migrants Day on 18 December, UNISON pays tribute and thanks all workers, migrant and local, who continue to risk their lives to provide essential services and keep vital sections of the economy going through the COVID19 pandemic.
UNISON is deeply saddened to learn of the death of our member Shirley Lucey, a dedicated Home Care worker with Belfast Trust, who died from Covid 19 last week. The tribute from Shirley's colleagues is deeply moving and we share their regard for Shirley. We extend our condolence to her sister Linda and family circle and to her colleagues in the South and East Belfast branch of UNISON. We call on everyone, everywhere to help keep the health care team safe.
The NHS has begun this week to deliver the Pfizer vaccine against COVID-19. Immunisation of targeted groups of the public in priority groups and some NHS staff has taken place.
We have updated our branch guidance which you can access below.
We also attach information for health branches who represent members in social care.
In October UNISON welcomed the extension of the Department of Health's scheme providing publicly funded financial support to care home owners to subsidise statutory sick pay up to 80% of average salary for workers when they are self-isolating, shielding or ill due to Covid-19.
We raised concerns about its implementation, as it appeared then that many providers were dragging their feet and failing to access the funding.
On this International Human Rights Day, UNISON Regional Secretary Patricia McKeown sends a message of support for the Make Our Future Fair campaign calling for a strong and enforceable Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland.
Today (9th December) the Minister for Health, Robin Swann MLA, has announced that pay lost by health and social care workers taking industrial action from November 2019 to January 2020 will be returned. Reacting to this announcement, UNISON Head of Bargaining and Representation Anne Speed said:
Today (3rd December) marks International Day of Persons with Disabilities. UNESCO’s theme on this day is “Building Back Better: towards an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post covid-19 world by, for and with persons with disabilities.”
UNISON, the largest public sector trade union in Northern Ireland is calling on all Governments and the Northern Ireland Executive for greater inclusion of people with disabilities in society, including covid-19 response and recovery.
UNISON Northern Ireland’s Women’s Committee have been busy preparing for the 16 days of action to end violence against women.
The 16 days of action run from International End Violence Against Women Day on 25 November up until 10 December.
To mark International End Violence Against Women and Girls day, UNISON Northern Ireland Women’s Committee hosted an online event ‘Normal was never good enough’, where they discussed domestic abuse as a workplace issue.
According to Women’s Aid, more than 1 in 5 employed women are experiencing domestic abuse.
