Dear Unison Member
I just wanted to take this opportunity to send an end of year message to you all from myself and on behalf of UNISON Branch Committee.
None of us could have predicted the year we have had. I am proud of every one of our members who have kept all our services running while throughout the Covid Pandemic. Unfortunately it is a sad fact, that some of our members and their families have also paid a heavy price for their commitment, in Health and wellbeing terms.
Our top priority is safety; please continue to follow the guidance which has been issued, keep yourself and family members as safe as possible throughout the Christmas and New Year period.
The challenges this pandemic has thrown up have also affected your UNISON representatives. I recognise that there have been times when we have not responded to enquiries as quick as we normally would. I understand that our members have frustrated as some work had to be postponed and or not finalised this year, grievances, suspensions and negotiations with employers have taken much longer than normal. Please be assured your representative have been working throughout the Year but have prioritised safety.
Throughout the year we watched our TVs with Westminster Government Ministers on their door steps clapping away saying how they support public sector workers (YOU),
Their true beliefs have now come out, and been shown in the contempt they truly have for local government workers i.e.
- Imposed Exit Cap on payments when a member leaves employment.
- Imposed Pay Freeze.
- Proposals to change our Pension Scheme.
They will pay the price for their betrayal of Local Government Workers.
This Covid crisis is not over your continuing commitment will have an important part to play in helping us to return to some form of ‘normality’.
Again, please accept our heartfelt thanks for all that you are doing.
Many will hopefully enjoy a well-deserved restful and (SAFE) Christmas Holiday.
But we must always remember those staff who will be working throughout the Christmas period.
Again, please accept our heartfelt thanks for all that you are doing.
Stay safe and well,
A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR.
Peter Crews (Branch Sec)
Jo Murphy (Branch Chair)