News

There will be no industrial peace without political action to restore devolution.

Tuesday 23 May 2023

Speaking today after a meeting of trade unions from all sectors of our economy, ICTU Assistant General Secretary Gerry Murphy said:

“Every single day brings the announcement of another salami slice of misery from government departments or a public body for the people of Northern Ireland.

UNISON nursing and health staff continue industrial action

Thursday 18 May 2023

While RCN nurse members protest at an absent Stormont executive, nurse members of UNISON continue on industrial action short of strike.

Since December thousands of other health staff have been joined by nursing staff in the union's ongoing campaign to win pay justice.

UNISON OPPOSES REDUCTION IN NURSING PLACES

Monday 15 May 2023

UNISON notes media reports today (15^th May 2023) that the Department of Health intends to reduce the number of nursing student places in Northern Ireland by 300. Responding to this, UNISON Head of Bargaining and Representation Anne Speed, said:

‘‘UNISON will oppose a move to reduce nursing student places. Our members will be left deeply disappointed and frustrated by any reduction in graduate training places, when the clear message from them is that we need more nurses working within our health service to care for patients.

Workers to take strike action at Bryson Recycling

Wednesday 3 May 2023

Workers at one of Northern Ireland’s largest providers of recycling services, Bryson Recycling, are to take strike action this coming Friday 5th May. Supported by their trade union, UNISON, Drivers and Kerbside Loaders are taking strike action in a dispute over pay.

UNISON Regional Organiser, Joe McCusker, says; “our members in Bryson Recycling are asking for a fair day's pay for a fair day's work. They want their pay to reflect the value of the work they do. Bryson Recycling should be paying these workers a fair and decent wage.”

HEALTH WORKERS IN NI DEMANDING PAY JUSTICE WILL PUSH BACK

Friday 28 April 2023

HEALTH WORKERS IN NI DEMANDING PAY JUSTICE WILL PUSH BACK

In response to the budget for Northern Ireland announcement, UNISON has warned that health workers will not be used as political leverage in the ongoing efforts to restore the Assembly and Executive.

"It is unconscionable that health staff in need of pay justice and protection against inflation can be used in this way", declared Anne Speed, UNISON Head of Bargaining and Representation in Northern Ireland.

UNISON TO HOLD PUBLIC MEETING

Wednesday 26 April 2023

UNISON Causeway Branch is holding a public meeting on Tuesday 2nd May 2023 in The Lodge Hotel, Coleraine at 7.00pm to demonstrate their opposition to the Northern Trust’s decision to move all births from the Causeway Hospital in Coleraine to Antrim Area Hospital. Speaking on this decision, UNISON Branch Secretary Kim Hall has said “we are really concerned about the impact this will have on our community. It is a very worrying time for local people and for our members.

UNISON MOURNS THE LOSS OF PAMELA DOOLEY

Sunday 23 April 2023

UNISON is in mourning at the death of our own Pamela Dooley - an inspirational and utterly determined trade union leader.

As our Head of Organising, Pamela helped UNISON to grow to the largest union in Northern Ireland. Along the way she touched the lives of thousands of workers and their families. We owe her a great debt.

UNISON EDUCATION WORKERS CONDEMN ACTION TO REMOVE THE BUDGET FOR THE EXTENDED SCHOOLS PROGRAMME

Friday 21 April 2023

UNISON education workers meeting in emergency session have condemned action to remove the budget for the extended schools programme.

The Department of Education informed principals of the decision by letter this week. It said funding for the programme would not be available after June.

It follows the ending of Happy, Healthy Minds and Engage schemes, as well as the 'holiday hunger' allowance.

UNISON EDUCATION SECTOR

Monday 17 April 2023

UNISON has launched a major consultation with thousands of members working in schools and the Education Authority.

Encouraging members to have their say on major issues and challenges, this is a big exercise in member participation.

Pay levels and resistance to cuts are key issues raised with members and we want to hear directly from them.

We already know members are determined not to be ignored. The continuing political stalemate will not be accepted for delays in resolving pay issues or cuts to funding for Education.

UNISON Health members vote to accept the NHS England pay offer

Friday 14 April 2023

The results are in!

UNISON Health members have voted to accept the NHS England pay offer. 53% of members eligible to vote returned their votes,

74% of them voted for and 26% voted against.

Other unions will be closing their England ballots over the next two weeks. NHS staff council trade union side will then make a formal response to the government and employers.