October 2026
Ealing PSC to present pension divestment petition to Full Cabinet
Ealing Palestinian Solidarity Campaign will be presenting their petition for Pension Fund divestment at next Tuesday’s full Council meeting.
Supporters of the petition, which includes Ealing Unison, shall be gathering from 6.00pm by Ealing Town Hall/Outside Perceval House.
Find out more about the national march for Palestine here
Ealing UNISON Black History Month Event- Wednesday 14th October 12-2PM- Liz Cantell Room Perceval House and via Teams
Join:
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/368912834001061?p=qjQgsrMfs2GA1Y3q6j
Meeting ID: 368 912 834 001 061 Passcode: FW62Cq97
Ealing Unison Black Workers Group is delighted to invite unison members to our Black History Month celebration, a moment to honour, recognise our shared history, and champion equality, inclusion and meaningful change across our workplaces and neighbourhoods.
We will be joined by Margaret Greer, National Officer for Race Equality at UNISON; advocate for race equality, social justice and community empowerment and
Moyra Samuels, UNISON member in the Health Sector; community campaigner for justice for Grenfell
What to Expect
- An uplifting afternoon of conversation, connection and celebration
- Opportunities to network and connect with colleagues and community partners
- Refreshments, music and a welcoming atmosphere that celebrates Black heritage and collective strength
Event Details
14 October 2026
- When: 12:00pm – 14:00pm
- Where: Liz Cantell, Ground Floor, Perceval House
- Microsoft Teams meeting
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/368912834001061?p=qjQgsrMfs2GA1Y3q6j
Meeting ID: 368 912 834 001 061
Passcode: FW62Cq97
Ealing UNISON Women’s Group Menopause Event- Wednesday 28th October 12:30-1:30pm
Hello everyone!
We are delighted to invite you to the very first event of the newly established Ealing Women’s UNISON Group. My name is Lucy Protheroe and I am the chair and our vice chair is Thania Duggal.
As we launch our group, we wanted to start with a bang by bringing members an important, relevant, and empowering discussion on menopause and its impact in the workplace. Our event will be a Menopause and the Workplace Webinar, delivered by Jenny Haskey, CEO of The Menopause Charity.
This informative session will help improve understanding of menopause, its symptoms, and the impact it can have on individuals both personally and in the workplace. In the UK, around 13 million women are currently going through menopause, with many experiencing symptoms that can affect their physical, emotional, and social wellbeing.
During the one-hour webinar, participants will learn about:
- What menopause is, common symptoms, and its impact on future health.
- Treatment and lifestyle options that can help manage symptoms.
- How menopause symptoms can affect people at work.
- Ways to confidently start conversations and provide support in the workplace.
There will also be an opportunity to ask questions during a Q&A session.
Date: 28th October 2026
Time: 12:30 to 13:30
Location: online- link to follow
We encourage all members to attend this important event and help raise awareness of menopause in the workplace. Whether you are experiencing menopause yourself, supporting a colleague, or simply want to learn more, this webinar offers valuable information and practical guidance.
Meeting link will be sent out shortly.
If you have any questions you would like to ask in the session but feel uncomfortable to ask them personally, please forward them to myself or to vice chair Thania Duggal and we can ask them for you.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Lucy Protheroe
Ealing Women’s UNISON Group Chair.
UNISON Branch Women’s Officer
NJC Pay 2026 Update
Following the ballot for industrial action over NJC Pay, the 50% turnout threshold was not met in enough large employers to have the impact needed to improve the offer.
The employers’ offer of 3.3% has been accepted by the joint unions and will be implemented as soon as possible with back pay from 1 April.
Ealing Payroll have confirmed this will be implemented in the September pay run.
You can read the letter to the employer’s here:
NJC letter from joint unions to employers (accept) 2026
SSSNB Consultation
The SSSNB will decide pay, terms and conditions for ALL school support staff in England, as well as take a new approach to staff training and development.
Find out more about what this involves and how this might affect you
UNISON will be consulting school support staff in England in between 15 September – 6 October 2026, giving all affected members a say on the SSSNB.
Please ensure that all of your contact details are up to date on your member account, so you do not miss out on being consulted.
NJC Industrial Action Ballot
Following receipt of the full and final offer of 3.3% for council and school workers in England and Cymru, UNISON’s committee of leading activists have decided to ballot members for strike action.
The ballot will run in a selected number of target employers from 9 July until 6 August.
Members under NJC Pay in Ealing will be balloted. Look out for a purple envelope coming to your home address from 9th July!
UNISON will be recommending that members being balloted vote YES for strike action
Please make sure your contact details ( home address, email address, phone number) are up to date by contacting the branch at Ealingunison@ealing.gov.uk
You can also log in to your MyUnison account and check/update your details this way
Find out more about the Pay Ballot here
March for Palestine- United against the far right- Saturday 16th May- 12PM- London
Palestine solidarity campaign has organised a March on Saturday 16th May at 12PM in London.
The march will be a commemoration of Nakba and to stand against the far right.
Let’s show that our unity and solidarity is stronger than their hatred and division
Legal Support through Thompsons
Unison members can access a range of legal support and services through Thompsons.
Check out all the member benefits you can access
NJC Pay 2026
Latest news – 2026 pay offer rejected
In March 2026, the NJC Employers’ Side for England, Cymru and Northern Ireland made a pay offer of 3.3% on all pay points. This was in response to our headline claim of £3,000 or 10%, whichever was greater.
In April 2026, UNISON’s NJC Committee met and agreed that this pay offer falls short. The Committee have therefore decided to reject this offer on behalf of the members.
Preparations are being made for the next steps and you will hear more soon.
You can view all the details of this year’s pay campaign here
UNISON National News
See the latest news and campaigning from UNISON
March Together against the far right- Saturday 28th March in Central London
The together alliance is organising a march against the far right in Central London on Saturday 28th March. The event is supported by several Trade Unions, including UNISON.
You can find out more on their website:
IRON LADIES: Special Film Screening Saturday 7th March at 3PM at Actone Cinema
IRON LADIES is a new documentary about the amazing working-class women who were the backbone of the 84/85 Miners’ Strike, as told by them. From Scotland down to Kent, real ‘Iron Ladies’ from the coalfields shed light on their experiences of the year long struggle against the British state, trying to save their communities.
The film comes to West London next month for a special Q&A screening. It plays at the ActOne Cinema on Saturday 7th March at 3pm and features a Q&A with the director.
Here’s a link to the listing: https://www.actonecinema.co.uk/movie/iron-ladies-live-qa
You can watch the trailer here
Find out more about the Palestine Solidarity Campaign workplace day of action here
Andrea Egan Wins Unison General Secretary Election
Andrea Egan has been elected as the next Unison General Secretary. Her 5 year term will begin on 22nd January 2026.
Ealing Unison nominated Andrea for General Secretary and we send our best wishes to her on her success.
It’s our hope that her leadership will allow all aspects of Unison to better represent members and protect, preserve, defend and improve your terms and conditions.
You can read more about her victory here
2026/27 NJC Pay Claim Submitted
Unison and the joint Trade Unions submitted our 2026/27 NJC pay claim to the employer’s side yesterday, 1st December.
Our headline claim is for an increase of at least £3,000 or 10% (whichever is greater) and a minimum of £15 an hour.
In addition, we are asking for:
• One extra day of annual leave for all staff
• A reduction in the working week by two hours, with no loss of pay
• The ability for school staff to take [at least] one day of their annual leave during term time, with no loss of pay
• The abolition of Level 1 Teaching Assistant role and instead all Level 1 role holders be moved onto Level 2
It is our hope that in submitting our pay claim on 1st December, it will give us a better opportunity to be able to negotiate meaningfully with the employer’s side and reach agreement by 1st April 2026. The employers will consult on our claim during December and January, and we are urging them to respond to us a s soon as possible.
If you have any questions about the claim, feel free to contact your local Unison rep if you have one in your workplace or email us at Ealingunison@ealing.gov.uk
If you work in a school, you can also contact our schools convenor at Judged@ealing.gov.uk
We are going to do all we can to reach the best settlement possible for you as our members, and we’ll need you to be involved in giving us your views and responding to any consultations or ballots which may come.
Unison General Secretary Election Underway
Dear Ealing UNISON Member
UNISON is entering a very important election. As a UNISON member, you will now get the opportunity to have YOUR say on who becomes our next General Secretary for the next 5 years.
Members will receive a postal ballot to your home address. The ballot runs from now until 5pm on Tuesday 25th November.
If you haven’t received your ballot papers by 11th November, you can call the ballot helpline on 0800 0 857 857 to request a replacement.
The General Secretary is the most senior role in the union. They represent UNISON when talking to the media, other unions, employers and to Parliament. UNISON has to elect its general secretary every five years.
As the largest trade union in the UK, who runs UNISON matters. It matters in the country at large, and it matters here in our workplaces.
Following a branch committee meeting, discussion and a vote, your Ealing branch has decided to nominate Andrea Egan for General Secretary.
Our Ealing Branch is backing Andrea Egan for General Secretary because Andrea:
- Has a clear plan for successful action on Pay, ending the stagnation of the last fifteen years.
- Will take the wage of a social worker, not the £181,000 package our current General Secretary receives. Andrea’s pay will go up when yours does.
- Opposes UNISON’s subservience to Starmer’s Labour. UNISON members will come first, not the Labour Party.
- Will free up and resource branches so we can better support you, giving you access to legal advice when needed.
- Has successfully led campaigns to defend Schools and Council terms and conditions.
Members are strongly encouraged to use their vote in this important election that comes only once every five years. Make your choice and have your voice heard!
Unison Black Worker Group are sharing this event being hosted by Grace Quansah, who is a resident of Ealing
Unison Black Worker Group would be hosting a black history month on the 30th October 12-2pm. Put the date in your diary. More information to come soon.
Say No To Racism
National Demo for Palestine- 11th October at 12PM- Victoria Embankment
Black History Month
October is Black History Month. Find out more about events by following the link below
Divest for Palestine
Ealing Unison passed a motion at the June 2025 Branch committee meeting, calling for the Ealing pension fund to divest from companies complicit in Israel’s war crimes, including companies supplying weapons, components and military technology to Israel.
NJC Pay 2025/26 Pay Settled
The 2025/26 NJC Pay negotiations have been settled. The final outcome is 3.2% uplift on all pay points, backdated to 1st April 2025.
View the new pay spines here
APTC_Pay_Award_2025_26_Corporate_final_acc3
APTC_Pay_Award_2025_26_Schools_acc3
You can find out more about the pay claim below:
The People’s Assembly- National Demonstration Saturday 7th June at 12pm- Welfare Not Warfare! Stop The Cuts! Tax The Rich!
The People’s Assembly has organised a national demonstration on Saturday 7th June at 12pm Portland Place for a march to Whitehall. The demo calls for an end to austerity 2.0, welfare not warfare and taxing the rich. The demo is backed by Unison and many other Trade Unions and campaign groups.
Find out more here
National Demonstration- Nakba 77
Find out more here
2025/26 NJC Pay Offer Received- UNISON to launch consultation with recommendation to reject
The NJC employers have made a pay offer in response to our pay claim.
The key points are:
• A 3.2% increase on all pay points, backdated to 1st April 2025
• Rejection of the other elements of the claim on £15 an hour minimum, leave and a reduction of hours in the working week with no loss of pay
The employers have said that this is their full and final offer.
As you will know, UNISON asked for a £3,000 increase on all pay points as well as an additional day of leave, amongst other additional claims.
We would like to hear your views on this offer. Please get in touch by emailing ealingunison@ealing.gov.uk
If you have a Unison workplace rep, you can let them know your views and they will pass that on to us.
Unison’s NJC Committee met on 8th May and agreed to launch a consultation of members on the offer, with a recommendation to reject.
We’ll be in touch with any updates as soon as we have them.
You can read the pay offer here
Emps to NJC TUs pay offer 22Apr25
2025/26 NJC Pay Claim Submitted
UNISON, alongside other unions has submitted a claim for a pay increase of £3,000 on all pay points. This would be pro rata’d for part time and term time only staff.
This claim would begin to reverse the pay depletion that members have suffered under.
In addition, the claims asks for:
- A clear plan to reach a minimum pay rate of £15 an hour
- One extra day of annual leave for all staff
- A reduction in the working week by two hours, with no loss of pay
- The ability for school staff to take (at least) one day of their annual leave during term time, with no loss of pay
You can read the full pay claim here
You can keep up to date with the pay claim and the employers response at the link below:
Council and School Pay | Campaigns | UNISON National
NJC Pay Settled
For members under NJC Pay
Dear Ealing Unison members,
Ballot Outcome and settlement of 24/25 Pay Award
Unfortunately, we didn’t reach the 50% turnout threshold here in Ealing or nationally, and nor did we meet the threshold in enough large employers to be able to take industrial action on this year’s pay offer.
As a result, Unison’s national NJC pay committee has reluctantly accepted the offer, and agreement has now been reached with the employers.
Here in Ealing, the offer amounts to an increase of £1,491 (pro-rata for part time staff) on all pay points 1-48, with a 2.5% increase on pay points 49-62. Please see attached a circular outlining the details of the pay award and a table which explains the local percentage increase on each Ealing pay point for your information.
Ealing payroll will implement the pay award in November’s salary. This includes back pay to 1st April and the ongoing monthly uplift.
Thanks to all of you who engaged with this year’s pay claim and took your opportunity to vote.
Please see below the Pay agreement letter and updated Ealing Pay Scales
Pay Agreement GLPC letter Oct24
APTC_Pay_Award_2024_25_Schools_acc4
Stand Up To Racism National Demo
https://standuptoracism.org.uk/
Formal Industrial Action Ballot of members on 2024 NJC Pay offer
Following a recent consultation of members on this year’s NJC pay offer, Unison’s national pay committee has decided to formally ballot all members under NJC pay for industrial action.
The ballot is now open and runs from 4 September to 16 October. You will receive your ballot by post to your home address. It will arrive in a purple envelope like this:
All you need to do is complete the ballot paper and return by post using the pre-paid envelope provided. You’ll hear plenty more about this in the coming weeks from us here in the branch and from Unison nationally, and feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions or would like to talk. Please spreads the word amongst colleagues and fellow members.
Not received your ballot papers? You can request a new one by calling our Ballot Hotline on 0800 0 857 857 or via My UNISON | UNISON National
You can find out more about the pay offer and the ballot here
Each vote is crucial, so Please use your chance to have your say on your pay by voting in this important ballot!
It’s really important that we have the correct information for you, especially as we prepare for a formal ballot of members, so if there are any changes to your job role or contact details such as home address, email or phone number now or in the future, please let us know. You can do this by emailing Ealingunison@ealing.gov.uk or creating/logging into your myunison account here:
NJC Consultative Pay Ballot Closed
Unison’s consultative pay ballot on the NJC pay offer closed on Friday 28th June.
Thank you to those of you who took part in the ballot and used your opportunity to have your say on your pay.
Unison’s national NJC pay committee meets on 2nd July to discuss the results and next steps, and we will be in touch as soon as an outcome is communicated to branches.
Find out more about the pay offer and the ballot here
2024 NJC Pay Claim Submitted
Despite providing some of the most vital services in our communities, council and school staff have seen 25% wiped from the value of their pay since 2010. Staff are continuing to struggle with the cost-of-living crisis and will find better-paid, less-stressful work elsewhere if their pay continues to lose its value.
As part of the 2024 pay claim, we are asking for all council employees to receive
A wage increase of £3,000 or 10%, whichever is the greater
This is the only way to maintain the staff levels necessary to deliver services to the public, looking after the most vulnerable, giving children the education they need and keeping neighbourhoods safe.
National Demonstration – Ceasefire NOW – Stop the Genocide in Gaza
meet up with Ealing Friends of Palestine and Ealing Trades Council around 11.00AM at Ealing Broadway Station
Ealing Council Proposes to close careline service
Ealing Unison is opposing these plans, read about it here
Notice of Ealing Unison AGM
Agreement reached on 2023 NJC Pay Award
Find the latest news from Unison’s National website here-
Ealing Unison Black Members Group
Ealing Unison’s Black Workers Group launched on 31st October 2023.
To find out more about our self-organised group, and/or to become part of it, email Ealingunison@ealing.gov.uk
Update on 23 NJC Pay- 15th September
Following Unison’s unsuccessful Pay Ballot in July (Ealing Unison had a 42.17% turnout) Unison, Unite and GMB are meeting on 19th September to further discuss next steps. It’s likely that Unison will push the joint Unions to settle this year’s pay award and reluctantly accept the offer made by employers back in February. This is because we did not secure enough of a mandate to successfully take industrial action to force an improved offer on pay.
We will keep you updated with the outcome of this meeting and hope that we can get the offer settled and backdated to 1st April 2023 asap.
Emps to NJC TUs pay offer 23Feb23
Unison Statement on NJC Pay Ballot
The ballot of council and school members covered by the NJC in England and Wales, on the pay offer for 2023, closed on 4 July. Regions have been sent the full results, and branches should now have the ballot results for employers in which they have members. As this was a ballot of 345,000 members in more than 4,300 employers, the process of getting results out has been a complicated one, and branches are thanked for their patience.
UNISON’s NJC Committee met on 11 July to consider the full results of the ballot. Due to the Tory anti-trade union laws, we can only take industrial action in employers where we achieved a turnout of 50% or more (with a majority voting for action). We passed this turnout threshold in a number of employers, but most of these were smaller employers. Given the legal restrictions placed on action, the NJC Committee agreed to await the ballot results from our sister union Unite, whose ballot closes at the end of July, before confirming publicly our agreed next steps.
We appreciate this causes some delay for members in moving on from the ballot, but under the circumstances we know branches will understand and bear with us.
Unison NJC Pay Ballot Closed- Results
We have now received our NJC Ballot results. It’s not what we’d hoped for.
In Ealing:
The NJC Pay disaggregated ballot for the majority of our branch, which included the council and community schools (all LBE Employees) achieved a turnout of 42.17%.
Sadly, this means we did not meet the 50% threshold to have a successful ballot.
We only achieved an over 50% turnout and vote for possible strike action in 5 specific schools (Non-community and balloted as individual employers). We will write to these members separately.
As a result, the Branch Committee and reps are considering what to do about this and whether or not it would be right and appropriate to ask members in these schools to take strike action.
We also need to await the result of several National Meetings being held next week to have a clearer understanding of what will happen next – which may including having to accept the employers pay offer.
We will be in touch with further information as soon as we have some next week.
On behalf of the branch, I’d like to thank those of you who took part and voted in this ballot.
Please feel free to get in touch if you have any questions or would like to talk.
Ealing Unison Branch Bulletin:
Ealing Unison Bulletin 16th June 2023
Following Unison’s rejection of the employers below inflation pay offer in March, our National NJC Pay Ballot opens on 23rd May. The ballot will run until 4th July.
If your employer follows NJC pay (including LA maintained, VA and foundation schools and the vast majority of academies), a ballot will be sent to your home address in a red envelope.
The employers made it clear that their below inflation offer was their final offer, so if we want an improved pay offer we will need to be prepared to take strike action in order to do so.
All you have to do is open the envelope, vote yes and return your ballot using the pre-paid envelope provided. You can also help by discussing this ballot with your colleagues and encouraging them to make sure they’ve used their vote too. Thanks to this government’s anti-trade union legislation, we require a 50% turnout in order to achieve a successful ballot.
The best way that we can respond to cuts in our pay and attacks on workers rights is to vote in this ballot, so let’s make it happen!
During the ballot, we will be holding online and face to face meetings across our schools and workplaces, and will also be emailing, calling and texting to make sure build momentum and do all we can to engage with each other during this crucial time.
If you’re interested in becoming a pay ballot contact or workplace rep during this time to help get the vote out and spread the word, please get in touch with us at Ealingunison@ealing.gov.uk or call 0800 0 857 857.
If you don’t receive a ballot or are worried that you’ve not been included in the ballot, you can call a dedicated helpline to request a new ballot be sent to you. Details will be shared here on our website when the phoneline goes live.
You can keep up to date with the latest news about the ballot and download resources for your workplace, as well as digital materials for social media, on the Unison NJC Pay website
Use the Unison pay calculator to work out how much your pay should increase based on the current inflation rate so you can see just how ineffective the current offer really is
Unison moves to strike ballot on 2023 NJC Pay Claim
National Joint Council (NJC) pay is due to be awarded on 1 April this year. Our claim, including a permanent increase of RPI + 2% on all scale points, was submitted on 30th January. This would equate to an increase of 12.4%.
The National Employers responded on 23rd Feb, making what they call a full and final offer of an increase of £1,925 (£2,229 in Ealing with London Weighting and pro rata for part-time employees) to be paid as a consolidated, permanent addition on all NJC pay points 2 to 43 inclusive, with an increase of 3.88% on all pay points above the maximum of the pay spine but graded below deputy chief officer.
Given that the offer falls short of what we asked for, Unison’s National pay committee has decided to move straight to a ballot of all members under NJC Pay to secure a mandate for industrial action. This will require at least a 50% turnout. Ballot papers will be posted to your home address in May. Please make sure that your membership details are up to date. You can do this by
- Logging on to my unison
- Call- 0800 0857 857
- Email- EalingUnison@ealing.gov.uk
You can read the full pay claim, the employers response and keep up to date with the latest on this years pay negotiations here:
NJC: Council and school pay 2023 | Campaigns | UNISON National
You can read the full pay claim here:
You can also find out who your local councillor is and contact them about our pay claim here:
Hackney Unison announces strike action to protect jobs and services- Sign their petition
Hackney UNISON members in libraries are taking strike action over the coming two weeks against severe job cuts, current risk of Compulsory Redundancies and other detrimental changes being made.
Despite the postal strikes (ironically) stopping members receiving and/or returning their ballots in time, Hackney branch are really pleased to have still achieved a fairly strong turnout and mandate.
The 4 strike dates planned so far are: Tues 10th Jan, Thurs 12th Jan, Mon 16th Jan and Fri 20th Jan
Hackney Unison have said:
“Management are rather cynically closing all libraries on the first two dates, but still expecting staff to attend “development sessions” at the Tomlinson Centre (a non-library site) which we deem to still be ‘crossing the picket line’. We’re still going ahead with pickets outside Hackney Central (8.30am-midday) and Dalston libraries (8.30-10am), and rallies with speakers outside Hackney Town Hall from midday on both days (UNISON Vice President Amerit Rait speaking on Tues, President Andrea Egan and Diane Abbot MP speaking on Thurs). I’ve attached a poster with the details which can be circulated.
We did meet with management late last week at which we put forward a number of changes to the restructure plans to potentially resolve the dispute, and will likely hold further talks next week.”
You can sign their public petition here:
https://www.megaphone.org.uk/petitions/save-hackney-library-services-stop-the-cuts)
Archbishops must honour Real Living Wage pledge for Chruch School Staff, Says Unison
The following communication has been received from Ealing Payroll in relation to the School Support Staff pay rises for 22/23.
The pay awards will be implemented in the December pay run (backdated to April 22).
- Pay Award value – As Ealing apply the outer London pay spines, the award value is £2229 on each scale point (slightly higher than the national award of £1925). The award only applies to Basic Pay and London Weighting. Ealing Supplement is not included in the award and will not be uplifted as this is a local agreement.
- Additional Holiday – From 01 April 2023, support staff will get an extra day’s annual leave entitlement. The term time only calculation will be updated at this time and TTO staff will see the increase in the Gross Pay. There will be a 0.2 increase to the ‘weeks paid’ for TTO staff. For ‘all year round’ support staff, the additional day will be added to the annual leave balance.
Please note that employees in receipt of Universal Credit (UC) may suffer financial penalties as a result of the payment of the backpay element of the NJC pay award.
All employees affected by this issue should firstly speak to their Universal Credit Work Coach via their online account or call the Universal Credit Helpline on 0800 328 5644 and once they have done this and if they are affected should contact the Payroll section in the HR & OD department at Ealing Council on genpayroll@ealing.gov.uk for assistance
2022 NJC Pay Award Settled
The trade union side of the NJC Executive (Unison, Unite, GMB) met on 1st November to share the respective unions’ consultation results and agree the way forward. UNISON members and GMB members had voted to accept the 2022-23 pay offer, while Unite members had voted to reject it.
Consequently, the meeting agreed to accept the 2022-23 pay offer.
We will liaise with employers (covered by the NJC pay arrangements) to ensure the pay increase and backpay are paid as a matter of urgency. In Ealing, the pay increase and backpay will be implemented in the December 2022 Salary.
Pay Agreement GLPC letter Nov22
The Pay consultation closed on Tuesday 20 September and we have now received the results. UNISON members have voted to accept the pay offer. Of those who voted, 63.5% voted to accept the offer and 36.5% voted to reject.
There are three recognised unions involved in the local government pay talks: UNISON, GMB and Unite. We now await the results of GMB’s and Unite’s consultations on 2022 pay, both of which will end in October.
Once all three unions have their consultation results, we will meet to agree a joint trade union position.
UNISON schools newsletter Autumn 2022
The cost of living crisis is driving Teaching Assistants into other work- Guardian Article
Unison Consultative Ballot on Pay Offer
Unison’s National negotiators have decided to hold a consultative ballot of members on the pay offer made by employers.
This will not be a ballot about taking strike action, but on your view about whether to accept or reject the pay offer made by the employers.
To those of you who have already given your views to the Branch, thank you very much for your responses. They have all been noted. You may need to vote again even if you did respond to us before, but we will let you know as soon as we find out.
The consultative ballot is now on and ends on 19th September.
Please email your name, Place of work and Employer as well as ACCEPT or REJECT to Ealingunison@ealing.gov.uk
Ealing Unison recommends you VOTE TO REJECT the pay offer.
NJC Pay offer Details- 25th July 2022
FAO Unison Members under NJC Pay and Conditions
The employers side have made an offer to raise pay from April 2022, in response to the unions claim. This will apply to all members employed by the Council and other employers, including schools, whose wages and conditions are set by the National Joint Council (NJC).
Unison’s claim was for £2,000 on all spinal column points or the rate or Retail Price Index – currently over 11%
The offer is for:
• An increase of £1,925 on all NJC pay points 1 and above (This equates to £2,229 including London Weighting)
• An increase of 4.04 per cent on all allowances
• From 1st April 2023, An increase of one day to all employees’ annual leave entitlement
• The deletion of pay point 1 from the NJC pay spine
The increased salary payments do not reflect the Inner or Outer London Allowances, but it is understood that these will be raised commensurately with the percentage rise of your pay point.
Salary increases range from 10.5% for the lowest to 4.04% for the highest grades. You can see the proposed percentage increases for your individual pay points (SCPs) in the employers letter here:
Emps to NJC TUs pay offer 25Jul22
The employers have rejected the introduction of a school support staff retention payment scheme, as well as a one off Covid 19 recognition payment.
Ealing Unison Reaction
This is a pay cut for all members – even the lowest paid. With inflation at 11%, heating and energy costs set to rocket, and food prices rising every week, this pay offer just adds to our problems. The employers offer means that no staff will receive an inflation-equivalent pay increase
Unison members have lost 27% of their 2010 wages through pay settlements that failed to meet up with inflation. This offer, if accepted will just add to that figure.
On 31 March, the energy price cap was £1,277 per year. It is predicted to rise to £3,244. The pay offer will not even cover the increased cost of your energy bills.
Unison National negotiators will meet on Friday 28 July to respond and consider next steps. They want to know how members feel about this offer.
As a branch committee, Ealing has made our National negotiators aware that we recommend rejecting the employers offer and moving straight to an Industrial Action ballot.
Please feel free to give your reaction to the offer by emailing Ealingunison@ealing.gov.uk
Do you feel Unison should accept this offer – Reply ACCEPT
Or
Do you feel Unison should reject the offer and move to an industrial action ballot. Reply REJECT
We will keep you updated as soon as we hear the outcome of today’s meeting with Unison national negotiators.
You can also follow the latest on twitter and our website:
EalingUnison (@EalingUnison) / Twitter
Michael Ford QC on the Supreme Court Judgement
Read the full Supreme Court Judgement here
Listen to the Judgement here
Latest for School Members- July 2022
UNISON and Labour highlight the importance of School Support Staff
NJC pay claim 2022-2023 – 6 June 2022
Ealing Unison letter to Ealing Cabinet- NJC Pay Claim 2022
18th June TUC Rally: Together we will rise in UNISON
Ealing TUC Rally to Parliament Portland Place, London
Benefits of being a Unison Member
From Discounts on insurance, holidays, health cover to free legal advice for you and your family, find out more about the benefits you’re entitled to as a Unison member here
Take the Unison Sick Pay Survey for a chance to win £250!
Free Legal support for Unison Members and their Families
As a member of UNISON Greater London, you and your family have access to specialist legal advice and representation from the UK’s leading trade union law firm, Thompsons Solicitors.
Over the past year, Thompsons has secured just under £5 million in compensation for UNISON Greater London members who have suffered injury or illness at or away from work.
Ensure you and your loved ones receive 100% of compensation
As a UNISON Greater London member, you and your loved ones keep 100% of any
compensation secured. You get access to Thompsons Solicitors’ specialist expertise and you won’t pay a penny in legal fees – win or lose.
Call your dedicated legal specialists for a chat about how they can help on 0800 0 857 857.
Fill out a form online Start a Claim | Thompsons Trade Union Solicitors
Here’s a reminder of your full legal package
UNISON Greater London members are covered for a wide range of legal matters, including:
· Personal injury – at or away from work, on holiday or on the roads
· Serious injury – including brain injuries and spinal cord injuries
· Industrial disease or illness – including asbestos-related diseases.
Members also have access to:
· Special funding terms for medical negligence claims
· Employment law support (accessed via your UNISON branch)
· A free, online simple wills service and reduced rates for more complex wills, conveyancing and powers of attorney
· Help defending work-related criminal allegations
· Advice on settlement agreements.
Family members get help with:
· Personal injury advice and representation for accidents and injuries away from work, on holiday or on the roads
· Reduced rates for wills, conveyancing and powers of attorney.
Ealing Unison Branch AGM- 22nd and 24th March 2022
You can view the AGM Documents and powerpoint here:
Branch Officers plus delegates 2022 2023
UNISON BRANCH AGM 2022 presentation
2022.03.UNISON_Legal Powerpoint
Dear Ealing UNISON Member
Please see below agenda for our Branch Annual General Meeting.
Ealing UNISON Annual General Meeting
22nd & 24th March 2022
Agenda – Please make every effort to attend one of the meetings.
Please note both meetings will be held virtually – Microsoft Teams invite will be sent upon request (via ealingunison@ealing.gov.uk or 0208 825 7953).
The Annual meeting of the Branch will be an aggregate virtual meeting. Members are entitled to attend any one of the meetings in work time, providing establishments and services remain operational for the duration of the meeting.
The Meeting dates are as follows:
Tuesday 22nd March 10 – 12am
Or Thursday 24th March 2 – 4 pm
AGENDA (note; items may not necessarily be taken in the order listed)Introductions.
- Minutes of 2021 AGM – Not available as meeting was not quorate no formal business was taken.
- Branch Audited Accounts (below) – draft Branch budget for 2022 also below.
- Branch Officer elections and delegates to conferences – Report available at meeting.
- Branch Committee report – Verbal update.
- Branch Reports including:Council’s ongoing and recovery of services response, Covid, Council Budget, and latest changes within the LBE.
- NJC Pay Campaign 2022/23.
- Reports from Branch Officers including Inequalities at work.
- Website and branch communication.
- Thompsons (UNISON solicitors) presentation
Mary Lancaster – Branch Secretary.
March 2022
Ukraine Public Meeting
Stop the War Protest
2021 Pay Offer Settled
Agreement has been reached on the pay award for local government services (‘Green Book’) employees, covering the period 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2022. The attached circular sets out the detail.
In accordance with London agreement the London pay spines and allowances will be uprated as follows.
• With effect from 1 April 2021, an increase of 2.75 per cent on pay point 1
• With effect from 1 April 2021, an increase of 1.75 per cent on all pay points 2 and
above
Ealing Payroll has indicated that it will implement the new rate plus the 11 months of back pay in the March 2022 Payroll.
Joint_union_checklist_Jan_2022_FINAL_
UNISON Pay Calculator- Click here to try it
UNISON Pay Ballot: 1st December 2021-14th January 2022
Local government members working in councils and schools are balloting for strike action. But why? What has happened? And what’s next? Here is everything you need to know about council and school pay:
1 People working in councils and schools have been offered a 1.75% pay rise. Or 2.75% if they are on the lowest pay point.
2 Inflation is expected to average over 3% for 2021 – and RPI (rate of inflation) is currently running at 4.8%. That means that in real terms this offer is really a pay cut.
3 Over the last year, some costs have risen significantly – even higher than inflation:
petrol and oil – 17.9%;
electricity bills – 5.8%;
house prices – 8%;
rents – 6.9%;
nursery place for a child under two – 4%.
4 The value of local government pay is now 25% lower than it was in 2010. Year after year, it’s been chipped away. That means, in effect, local government workers work at least a day a week for free, compared to 2010.
5 41,202 staff working in councils and schools don’t even earn the real living wage of £9.50.
6 68% of those working in local government are women.
7 From December 1 to January 14, UNISON is balloting its local government members, asking if they are willing to go on strike to improve their pay.
8 375,000 thousand people are being balloted.
9 They work in 40,000 workplaces across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
10 This would be the first local government pay strike since 2014.
11 79% of members who voted in the first indicative ballot voted to reject the pay offer and move to ballot for strike.
Find out more on the campaign hub here
If you work in a council or school, you’ll receive an important letter and your voting papers through the post from 1 December. Keep your eyes peeled! Every member must return their vote in the free post envelope by 14 January. Your vote is vital.
Are your address details up to date? Check here
Public Sector Pay- Enough is Enough!
Local services face catastrophic cuts. Watch here
Member support and services- ThereForYou, Legal services, Rep support
A view from Unison National Secretary on the NJC 1.5% Pay Offer
1.5% pay offer rejected by Unison
2021/22 Pay Campaign- Lobby your Local MP
1.5% NJC pay offer
On 14 May the NJC Employers responded to the trade unions’ pay claim, with a pay offer of 1.5%, along with completion of the outstanding work of the joint term-time only review group.
The Employers also responded to various elements of the unions’ conditions claim. They proposed exploratory discussions on a national minimum agreement on homeworking policies, a best practice national programme on mental health, and a joint review of maternity, paternity, shared parental and adoption provisions.
The Employers made no offer on a homeworking allowance, working hours or annual leave. The three unions issued a press release, making clear that after a year in which local government staff showed more than ever how indispensable they are to our communities, going beyond the call of duty and risking their lives to provide services, this
offer came as a shock, and it would be surprising if it went down well with our members.
Read the joint trade union press release here
UNISON’s NJC Committee meets this week, on Friday 21 May, to decide on UNISON’s formal response as well as our next steps for the negotiations and the campaign.
Ealing Unison Secures Pay Increase for 300 staff who work under the Ealing Schools Catering Contract
Julian Bell letter to Unison LLW 05/05/2021
UNISON EALING BRANCH
NOTICE – ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2021
Fair pay for low paid workers-Read here
Click here for more details about our AGM
Latest Advice and Guidance for School Members
NJC Pay Claim 2021/22 Summary
Three local government unions have today (Monday) submitted a pay claim for 2021/22, which they say begins to redress a decade of cuts and recognises the key role played in the pandemic by school and council staff.
They want to see a ‘substantial’ pay increase from this April with a wage rise of at least 10% for all council and school support employees in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Under the claim, the pay of the lowest paid workers would go above £10 per hour – lifting them above the real living wage of £9.50 per hour (outside London).
UNISON, GMB and Unite – which between them represent 1.4 million council and school employees – say only a significant pay award can begin to tackle ten years of savage local authority cuts and pay restraint. Staff working in local government have seen up to 25% wiped from the value of their pay, the unions say.
Council employees include refuse collectors, library staff, teaching assistants and care employees – key workers who help communities to function, say the three unions.
The Covid crisis has been a reminder that local authorities are vital to the communities they serve, especially during the past hugely challenging year. Staff deserve better pay and working conditions, the unions say.
UNISON head of local government Jon Richards said: “Local government workers have kept the country going during the Covid crisis.
“Many face daily risks to do their vital work and keep communities safe. But slipping wages and job insecurity have hit morale.
“Paying staff properly and investing in the workforce would recognise those at the sharp end who’ve given everything. It will benefit local economies and give workers a boost as they keep delivering important services into the future.”
Ealing Solidarity with Tower Hamlets Unison members on Strike
Why Are Tower Hamlets Unison on Strike?
Branch Secretary John McLoughlin explains why calling this industrial action has been necessary:
“Shockingly our Labour Council are using sacking and reengagement to impose detrimental contracts that the workforce has overwhelmingly rejected.
Our Branch suspended industrial action in March to focus on supporting our community through the Covid 19 crisis,
Having been applauded as essential workers we are now being sacked by the imposition of these contracts at a time when the Council think it will be difficult for workers to resist.
We have been left with no option other than to take action.
Any solidarity will be greatly appreciated.”
In solidarity
John McLoughlin
Branch Secretary Tower Hamlets UNISON
View Tower Hamlets Unison leaflet outlining the detrimental cuts they face to their terms and conditions:
Tower Hamlets Proposals and why they are on strike
Ealing Branch Secretary Mary Lancaster says the following:
“Tower Hamlets are one of the largest London Branches within UNISON , they have a large network of reps and activist, recently they held a meeting (before lockdown) in connection with this threat of whole scale dismissal and re-engagement – and over a 1000 UNISON members attended – but still this labour council and labour elected mayor – believe they can win this battle over the terms and conditions of all staff. They held lawful ballots to confirm the position taken at the meetings – getting significant turn outs and an agreement from members for this action. If the employers succeed in Tower hamlets – than other boroughs and the National employers will also look to see if they can save money by making changes to not only our local terms and conditions but also what we have within the national agreements.”
You can join the rally virtually:
We are with you Tower Hamlets! Solidarity Forever
Unison consultation on latest pay offer- Have your say!
Latest National Unison News- Calls for a National Care Service- Unison’s 5 demands
Shielding Extended to 1st August
Covid -19 Response Fund- Financial assistance for members
Govt U-Turn on free summer school meals- 17th June
Unison learning- free online CPD, Courses, resources
Covid-19 advice for health workers- 15th June
NJC Circ Coronavirus and return to work test trace and hospital admission 12Jun2020
Plan for all primary schools in England to return before summer are dropped by govt- 9th June
Coronavirus Workplace checklist PDF 18th May
Health Unions publish blueprints for safe opening of NHS-15th May
There For You- Find out about how the Unison Charity can help you
Unison Gen Sec Response to PM’s Statement- 10th May
Unison Statement about PM’s Statement in Relation to Schools- 10th May
Unison Local Govt Update- Pay, Pensions, Social Work and More- 5th May
Unison Posters and Social Media Graphics
NJC Letter_Local_Gov_Testing- 1st May 2020
PPE Not Promises- Unison Advice and Petition- 29th April
NJC Pay Offer and Union Response- 28th April
TUESDAY 28th April – Is Workers Memorial Day. Please take some time to watch this video made by Camden UNISON. We would ask all workers to take some time at 11am tomorrow to join with UNISON and all Trade Unionists across the world to think of all those front line workers who have lost there lives not only during this crisis but while doing their job.
Govt Guidance on PPE- 12th April 2020
Unison Letter to Education Secretary- 31st March
Visit our Schools page for the latest on School closures
Find out how to volunteer with Charities in Ealing
Or become a community reserve volunteer
And how to support and donate to Ealing Foodbank
Update on School partial opening- 20th March 2020
Corona Virus Guidance from/NJC/UNISON/Ealing LA/Government
LGA Guidance on School Closures
Government Guidance for Schools, Colleges and Local Authorities on Maintaining Educational Provision
Government Free School Meals Guidance
Council Leader’s statement- 18th March 2020
Government Guidance on Social Distancing and for Vulnerable People
EGFL Gatekeeping- Staff Absences – 17th March 2020
NJC Circular on Working from Home- 17th March 2020
Government Stay at Home Guidance- 16th March 2020
Unison Guidance- 10th March 2020
Ealing EGFL Gatekeeping- 6th March 2020
Government Guidance for Education Settings
If you have any employment based queries regarding Corona Virus, self-isolation or sickness absence then please contact us at EalingUnison@ealing.gov.uk or 0208 825 7999.
If you have any medical concerns or queries regarding the virus, consult the government advice on self-isolation, social distancing and vulnerable people, contact 111, your GP or a medical health professional.
Ealing Unison AGM
Ealing Unison held three aggregate meetings of our AGM earlier this month. Members had the oppotunity to view last years budget and consider the draft budget for the year ahead t0 31st December 2020.
The Branch Chair, Branch Secretary and other Convenors updated members on casework, campaigning and recruitment/retention within the Branch and there was discussion and questions about the upcoming Mayoral elections, Corona Virus, Ealing Council and members in outsourced services such as careworkers.
Some branch officer positions were filled and those vacant positions will now be considered by the branch committee.
Unfortunately the meeting was not quorate and as such no minutes will be published.
Unison backs Kier Starmer for Labour Leadership and Angela Rayner for Deputy Leadership
Read the full articles here:
Winter Fuel Grant 2019-20
We are delighted to be launching this year’s Winter Fuel Grant Programme next week on Monday 2 December!
The Winter Fuel Grant Programme is run by UNISON’s charity, There for You. It is a limited fund to help UNISON members who are on a low income with their heating costs over the winter.
Download an application form here
Member Benefits
Find out about what benefits you can enjoy as a Unison member
PAY CLAIM 2020
UNISON submitted a pay claim for all council and school workers, employed on NJC pay in England, Wales and Northern Ireland on 24 July 2019. UNISON, GMB and Unite’s joint claim is asking the Local Government Association for:
- A real living wage of £10 per hour for the lowest paid (NJC scp 1)
- A 10% increase for everyone else
- A one day increase to the minimum paid annual leave entitlement
- A two hour reduction in the standard working week
- A comprehensive joint national review of the workplace causes of stress and mental health
NJC-Pay-Claim-2020-FINAL-24-July
There For You
Members experiencing financial and emotional difficulties can contact our welfare charity, There for You, which provides a confidential advice and support service for members and their dependants.
Check out their website for more details
Advice for our EU Members as Brexit approaches
If you are an EU National and a Unison member, you can contact us for advice about your status in the UK after Brexit.