Latest news and notices from your Branch:
Posted by Alex L on May 17, 2012 |

The November 30 Strike (Pic.: .Futurepresent. via Flickr)
The huge turnout for the national public sector strike last November wasn’t just a show of anger – it was also a way to force ministers back to the negotiating table over the cuts and changes planned for pensions.
There’s little doubt that our pension scheme, the LGPS, will be changing – but the action taken by millions of members has really helped show the government the strength of feeling on this issue and encouraged them to think twice about imposing rash changes unilaterally.
Negotiations on the proposals for the ‘new’ LGPS are moving closer to a conclusion. We hope that it won’t be too long before we can let you all know what the outcome has been.
Once UNISON nationally has agreed the final details of the proposals and they are cleared by the Treasury and government ministers, UNISON will be circulating the details to affected members.
UNISON’s national representatives will make recommendations on the proposals, but whether or not they are accepted is entirely up to members like ourselves (it is, after all, our standard of living in retirement that’s at stake!)
Once recommendations are public, members will be asked to accept or reject proposals in a national ballot. As members, we all have a clear choice: we can either take what’s on offer, or we can refuse to accept cuts and take further action to push for a better deal.
Whatever your opinion, make sure you use your vote – it’s the only way UNISON can be sure to speak in your interests.
If you’ve got a new job, moved address or changed your name recently (or if you don’t remember receiving a ballot paper for November’s strike) you need to update your details now.
Posted by Alex L on March 1, 2012 |
The official agenda for this year’s AGM is now ready. We can’t pretend it’s the most exciting document you’ll ever see, but do have a look if you’d like an idea of what we’ll be discussing after our meet and greet next Wednesday.
Annual General Meeting Agenda (Word .docx file - 48KB)
Don’t forget to come and join us for food, chat and the chance to tell us your views on the 7th!
Posted by Alex L on February 15, 2012 |
Your UNISON Branch would like to get to know you, so why not come and meet your friendly local representatives after work? Join your fellow union members for a chat, find out what we’re working on – or just come and enjoy the free buffet!
As well as being a way to find out who’s who, it’s a great time to let us know what you think we should be focusing on for the year ahead. Could we be doing more in your workplace? What should we be campaigning for? What’s your view on pay and pensions? Come and tell us – we’d really like to know!
5.30pm, Wednesday 7th March 2012
The Retreat, Poole House, Bournemouth University Talbot Campus (Map)
Also on the 7th March…
Annual General Meeting
Later in the evening, there’s also the formal AGM of your branch of UNISON. This is the annual members’ meeting that decides who your local representatives are. It’s also where we decide our priorities for the year ahead, so you’re very welcome to take advantage of your right to attend and have your say. The full agenda will be circulated later in February.
Call for Motions
All members are welcome to propose Branch policy or a course of action to be voted on at the AGM. The deadline is Monday 27th February and we’ll gladly help you through the very simple process – just contact us.
Posted by Alex L on January 24, 2012 |
We invite you to nominate colleagues you know and trust to represent your during the year ahead.
This is you opportunity to make sure the right people are speaking up for you at work and will be there when you need them. Would a colleague you know fit the bill? Would you be interested yourself?
Any UNISON member can become a ‘rep’: we provide great training and a solid support network. So if you want to make sure your workplace is protected and represented, think about getting involved! Remember – you don’t have to have previous experience!
Find out more in: Help make things happen
Roles available and nomination process
We need Stewards in all workplaces to act as representatives and assist with cases. It’s a rewarding role and training is provided.
Branch Officers have additional specific responsibilities in representing members, campaigning, negotiating and developing the branch – these posts are up for election every year.
To make a nomination:
Please complete and return the nomination form (317KB DOC) by no later than midday on Monday 13th February 2012. All nominations must be made by two existing members; it is not possible to nominate yourself!
Nomination forms to: Denise George, Room S309, Studland House, 12 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth BH1 3NA.
Posted by Audrey A on December 7, 2011 |
Dear Colleagues,

Protesting at BU's Talbot Campus.
Congratulations and well done to everyone involved in and for supporting a historic and magnificant day on the 30th November.
Thank you to those that gave their support on the picket lines, stayed away from work and participated in the March. The anger of the Pension issue was well illustrated by your involvement on the day.
A gallery of photos has been produced and is available at the Up To Speed NCTJ Course website.
Your comments on the day can be posted below.
We await the news on forthcoming discussions with the Govenment!
With thanks,
Audrey Allen
Joint Branch Secretary