Unison - the public service union

UNISON Northamptonshire County Branch

 

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What’s on

What's happening in your branch… 

 

Teaching Support Call For 52 Weeks Pay

UNISON representatives from across the county have called for teaching support staff to join their teacher  colleagues and be paid for 52 weeks of the year. Stewards from schools in Northampton, Wellingborough and  South Northants met recently to discuss various issues and the lack of parity with teachers came top of the agenda. They agreed to launch a long term campaign with the aim of achieving 52 weeks of pay for all classroom staff.

Julie Beck, UNISON  Branch Education Convenor, said, “Teachers rely on their support staff every single day. Despite our crucial role
, when it comes to pay, we are treated as second class citizens.” She went on to add, “Schools are happy to pay their teachers for 52 weeks a year, but many support staff, who spend just as much time in the classroom, are only paid for 39 or 40 weeks of the year.”

These views where supported by UNISON stewards with similar experiences. Jeanette Long, a UNISON Lower School steward said, “Teachers and Heads always tell us how they could not cope without the support staff. That is very easy to say, but it’s time to put
some money where their mouths are.” Asked about being paid for 52 weeks she said, “We are worth it!”

Local representatives where joined at the meeting by Pam Shepherd, UNISON Regional Organiser. Pam brought news of similar and successful   campaigns in Nottinghamshire and
Lincolnshire. She said, “Schools across the East Midlands are waking up to the fact that they need to recruit and retain more teaching assistants. Both Nott's and Lincs have improved pay and conditions in recent times. It is now Northamptonshire’s turn.” She added, “ Both of those campaigns relied upon the staff themselves taking the initiative. Only by making the case loud and clear will schools and the Local Education Authority sit up and take notice.”

UNISON education stewards and Branch Officers will now prepare a detailed proposal for the
52 Week Campaign.

If you want to join UNISON, become a workplace rep or
need more information on getting involved, then contact Jeanette Long on 01604 661011 or 470769.  

 

Continuing campaign for real investment in local public services

 

Under funding continues to be a major problem for the public sector. Nowadays another problem is the use of public funds for private profit. The most efficient use of our taxes is keeping that money in the public sector, not boosting failing companies profit margins. UNISON’s positively public campaign will continue to major part of the union locally and nationally.

 

In the coming weeks we will be publishing further information on the website. This will include health and safety updates, dates of future meetings that members can attend, training information and plans for social events. 

 

If you have an issue that you think other members should hear about let us know. Contact the branch Communications Officer, Nathan Birch, on 01604 499381(W), 01604 470769(H) or e-mail any articles/info to:nathanunison@hotmail.com

 

The Past 12Months, The Next 12 Months

 

The past 12 months have seen your UNISON branch involved in major campaigns, including:

  • National Pay Dispute & one day strike
  • Better pay deal for staff at University College Northampton
  • Stopping any reduction in employee rights at WS Atkins
  • Fight against privatisation of County Council services
  • Campaigning for holiday pay for casual staff

 

UNISON Branch and Regional officers have also taken on dozens of individual cases for members during the past year.

 

2003 will see UNISON Northants continue this work and look at other areas of concern to members.

  • Secure the best terms & conditions for County Council staff transferred to Hyder Business Services
  • Support members with all types of work related issues
  • Improve links with local organisations to benefit members
  • Increase awareness and profile of UNISON in Northants

 

 

UNISON Northants County Branch 01604 630087

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