Around 3000 people representing over 74 organisations marched through Birmingham against racism and the far right on Sunday 4 October. From unions, community groups, faith organisations and social justice campaigners, the event truly reflected the vibrant, diversity of the Midlands.
Permanent link to this article: https://www.sandwellunison.co.uk/west-midlands-against-racism-march-in-birmingham/
This autumn, the government will restore the School Support Staff Negotiating Body (SSSNB) in England, a new body that will be made up of representatives from recognised trade unions (UNISON, GMB and Unite), employer bodies, and an independent chair. The SSSNB will negotiate key issues such as pay, terms and conditions, and vital training for …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.sandwellunison.co.uk/a-new-body-for-pay-and-terms-for-school-support-staff/
UNISON balloted over 200,000 members covered by NJC pay, including members at Sandwell Council, Sandwell Children’s Trust and Sandwell Leisure Trust. The results are listed below:- Sandwell MBC – 81% for action on a 24% turnout. Sandwell Children’s Trust – 77% for action on a 26% turnout. Sandwell Leisure Trust – 89% for action on …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.sandwellunison.co.uk/njc-pay-ballot-results-2/
We are about the enter an unprecedented fifth heatwave of the year, following four heatwaves last year. It is clear to all that the world is warming up and Europe is being hit particularly hard with temperatures 3 degrees above pre-industrial levels. Continuing to burn fossil fuels means temperatures will increase, the droughts will get …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.sandwellunison.co.uk/for-a-maximum-workplace-temperature/
Ballot papers for your vote on whether to accept or reject the NJC pay offer of 3.3% are going out to 200,000 UNISON members across England and Wales, including those employed by Sandwell MBC, Sandwell Children’s Trust and Sandwell Leisure Trust. Look out for your purple envelope at home. To vote – fill it in …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.sandwellunison.co.uk/look-out-for-your-njc-pay-ballot-in-a-purple-envelope/
Here is UNISON’s guide to extreme heat Extreme heat at work | UNISON – the public service union If you are pregnant or have a known health condition then during amber and red weather warnings ensure your employer undertakes individual risk assessments to ensure all is done to keep you safe. Heatwaves are becoming more …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.sandwellunison.co.uk/feeling-the-heat-2/
Picture from 2025 procession up Cradley Heath High Street The Chainmakers’ Festival 2026 Saturday 27th June from 11am – 4:00pm Mary McArthur Gardens, Whitehall Road, Cradley Heath, B64 5BG Taking place annually, it’s a family friendly event bringing alive memories of the past whilst inspiring visions for the future through street theatre, re-enactments, live metalworking, …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.sandwellunison.co.uk/women-chainmakers-festival-2026-saturday-27-june/
The offer of 3.3% on all pay points was rejected by all 3 trade unions. Local government pay is worth 26% less in real terms than in 2010 and over ½ million jobs have been cut. There is now a recruitment and retention problem in many job roles. Although the RPI inflation rate has fallen, …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.sandwellunison.co.uk/ballot-news-for-njc-2026-27-pay-offer/
During Easter week UNISON’s national NJC Committee met to discuss the pay offer of 3.3% on all pay points. The NJC Committee decided to reject the Employers’ 3.3% offer and are finalising UNISON’s next steps to take forward our campaign for a better pay increase. What the pay offer means in terms of Sandwell Council’s …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.sandwellunison.co.uk/update-on-2026-27-njc-pay-offer/
UNISON has been campaigning for improvements for both maternity and paternity leave and pay. Even Lidl recently increased their paid paternity leave to 4 weeks. It is pleasing to report that the Joint Trade Unions have negotiated and agreed the following improved terms for staff working for Sandwell MBC. Paternity leave for staff with 26 …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.sandwellunison.co.uk/improvements-to-maternity-paternity-pay-and-leave/