Never Again - Lessons of the Holocaust exhibition opening rally

Speakers:
Craig Simmons, Lord Mayor of Oxford
Naomi Clayden, Oxford Jewish Congregation
and Oxford Stand Up To Racism

The Never Again Lessons of the Holocaust education exhibition will run from Saturday 18th January until Monday 27th January inclusive. Opening times: Mon - Fri 10-6pm, Saturdays 10-5pm, Sundays – Closed.

The exhibition is organised by Oxford Stand Up To Racism is supported by: Oxford Jewish Congregation, Oxford City Council, Oxford Unite Against Fascism, Oxford Love Music Hate Racism, Oxford & District Trades Council, Oxfordshire Unison Health, CWU South Central Postal, PCS DWP Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, Oxford Unite SE/6232, Oxfordshire NEU, Oxfordshire County UNISON, Henley CLP, with more support expected.

The Holocaust fundamentally challenged the foundations of civilization and serves as a warning of the horror that fascism can unleash. The magnitude of the Holocaust, planned and carried out by the Nazis, must be forever seared in our collective memory. The Nazis "Final Solution" saw the extermination of 6 million Jews in an attempt to ethnically cleanse Europe of all Jews. The terrible suffering of the many millions of other victims of the Nazis has left an indelible scar across Europe as well.

This event is organised by Oxford Stand Up To Racism as part of a national campaign to oppose the rise in racism and racist attacks, and combat attempts by fascists to rehabilitate their dangerous politics. We are working with other groups to organise protests across the world on UN Anti-racism day on March 21st 2020. We urge everyone who wishes to free the world of racism and the threat of fascism to join the national march in London.

To book seats on the Oxford transport visit: oxfordstanduptoracism.org.uk/bookings/Mar21.html

The antiracist movement needs your support in 2020. Please make a donation to Stand Up To Racism: http://bit.ly/SUTRdonation

UNISON support over Christmas

UNISONDirect opening times 

Monday to Friday: 6 am-midnight

• Saturday: 10 am-4 pm
• Sunday: Closed

Christmas and New Year opening hours:

Monday 23 December: Normal hours, as above

Christmas Eve: 6am to 3pm

Christmas Day and Boxing Day: Closed

27 to 30 December: Normal hours, as above

New Year’s Eve: 6am to 3pm

New Year’s Day: Closed

The Twelve Myths of Christmas

Christmas is a special time of year. Even so, it doesn't stop health and safety being - wrongly - cited as a reason for preventing pretty harmless activities from going ahead. Not only does this needlessly ruin the festive spirit but it also trivialises the true purpose of health and safety: protecting people from real risks at, or connected with, work.

In the run up to Christmas we will publish the top twelve festive myths, gifted to HSE from media reports and correspondence received.

Check them out at https://www.hse.gov.uk/myth/xmasmyths/index.htm

UNISON Christmas Party

Thanks to the Conservatives, seeing your GP can feel like mission impossible.

They are destroying our NHS. Your vote can save it. Find out more at unsn.uk/NoMoreWait #YourVoteCan

When we stick together in UNISON

In the UK today, 900,000 people are on zero-hours contracts. 8 million people from working households are living in poverty. And the number of people going to food banks has sky-rocketed.

People are working hard but struggling to get by. That’s why we need new rights so workers can bargain through their unions for fair pay and conditions across industries.

affected by flooding?

Have you or has someone close to you been affected by flooding? There for You has a guide with information on where to get started so you know what to do next.

Read our flood guide NOW👇

Election Day is going to be COLD

Election day is 12 December – and it's going to be cold and dark.

To keep yourself warm, fill in the form for a postal vote!

Click here for more info

Turkey’s war on Rojava

Take action to resist Turkey’s war on Rojava

We are protesting against Turkey’s illegal invasion of the Kurdish region of north-eastern Syria (known as Rojava).

Turkey’s goal is to ethnically cleanse a 30km strip of Rojava, meaning that all major cities in Rojava would be under Turkish control. This week, it was reported that Turkey has allegedly been using white phosphorus against the people of Rojava. Turkish-backed jihadists have been carrying out killing sprees with impunity.

Come and join the Oxford’s “Rise Up For Rojava” protest

Friday 25th October, at 2pm at Carfax Tower, OX1 1ET.

More info can be found at https://www.facebook.com/events/769478150159748/?ti=icl

Stress Warning Signs

Tips to reduce workplace stress

World Mental Health Day

'No More Dirty Money' campaign

Oxford City Branch of UNISON is inviting staff to vote in the 'No More Dirty Money' campaign. Should we divest our pension scheme from fossil fuels? Ballots in the kitchen areas at St Aldate's Chambers.

The UK’s biggest union launches its first Green UNISON Week – here’s how you can help green your office

UNISON is going green 16-20 September and supporting the school climate strike on 20 September

Want to know more? Click HERE

We need a maximum safe working temperature

UNISON backs Labour plans to legislate on excessive heat in the workplace

UNISON has welcomed Labour’s pledge to legislate for a maximum safe working temperature, with legal safeguards to help workers stay cool.

The party revealed plans today for changes to the law, requiring employers to put effective measures in place if the workplace temperature gets above 30˚ Celsius – or 27˚C for those doing strenuous work.

Those measures could include flexible working and travel arrangements, extra breaks, access to water, cooling systems and air conditioning, flexible dress codes or the provision of protective clothing.

Current health and safety legislation specifies minimum working temperatures, but not a maximum. This means most workers have no legal safeguards to protect them from working during uncomfortably high temperatures or dangerous extreme heat.

UNISON head of health and safety Robert Baughan points out that both the union and the TUC “have long called for indoor maximum of 30˚C. We would also call on employers to do more to protect those working outdoors in these temperatures.

“The sort of temperatures we are seeing this week may mean it is just not safe to carry on working as normal. A change of duties may need to be considered or stopping work altogether.

“Other measures would include making sure workers are appropriately clothed to protect them from the sun, and making sure they have enough liquid.

“Employers should also consider relaxing dress codes – whether staff are working indoors or outdoors.”

Want a Free holiday?

Equality is one of UNISON’s core values and every year, we ask our members about the issues affecting them. This then helps our campaigning work.

Last year over 23,000 members took part and helped inform briefings for the union’s service groups and self-organised groups on key issues for their bargaining and organising agendas.

The survey runs annually and is not just for activists, so please get involved – and encourage as many of your workmates and family as possible to take part. It closes on 26 August.

And as a thank you for taking part you’ll be entered into a prize draw to win a mini break in beautiful Devon at UNISON’s own Croyde Bay Holiday Resort.

Click to take part

The survey takes five to 10 minutes and you can complete it anonymously. However, if we don’t have an email address for you, you will miss out on the prize draw and the chance to win two nights in a family room at Croyde Bay.

Protections for new parents and pregnant women

Pregnant women and new mothers could receive up to two years of legal protection against redundancy, with new protections being extended for an additional six months after their return to work, the government has announced.

The improved redundancy protection also covers those employees taking adoption or shared parental leave, to ensure staff are protected from discrimination regardless of gender or circumstance.

Gov.UK: www.gov.uk/government/news/pregnant-women-and-new-parents-to-get-enhanced-redundancy-protections

Missed talking mental health?

Don’t worry catch up the webinar recording of Chris O’Sullivan from the Mental Health Foundation discussing practical ways for union reps to promote good mental health in the workplace.

it is just a click away Webinar 

local service champions

A huge network of people work together to keep our local communities going. Yet very few of us probably recognise the vital local services that we come into contact with everyday. It’s time to give our local service champions the recognition they deserve.

This is your life | Magazine

This is your life | Magazine

Universal Credit scams

Citizens Advice Oxford and Oxford City Council are warning Oxford residents against Universal Credit scams that could leave them seriously out of pocket.

If someone asks for your personal details and says they can get you a government grant or a cheap loan for a fee, it's a scam - and you could end up on Universal Credit as a result. For more info, see our joint release with

@OxfordCAB:(link: https://www.oxford.gov.uk/news/article/1132/citizens_advice_oxford_and_oxford_city_council_say_beware_of_universal_credit_scams)

oxford.gov.uk/news/article/1…
#scamaware

UNISON is proud to be unique among unions in having a dedicated charity, There for You, which supports our members when life gets tough

All UNISON members are eligible for complimentary financial reviews which can take place at home, over the phone or at work so don't take the risk without seeking advice from us if you need our help we are just a click away. 

If you are a member and you are experiencing financial difficulties, whatever the circumstances, There for You can offer you support.

To get help and support just click one of the links below or Check our easy to use benefits calculator to find out if you could be entitled to claim additional benefits.

Financial assistance

Universal credit and other benefits

General advice

Debtline support

Credit unions

Welfare reform

Lighthouse Financial Advise

Support There for You

UNISON will never be too big or busy to care and support you when ever you need us all you need to do is ask

There for You give vital assistance to people in need in the form of debt advice, listening and support, financial assistance, breaks and holidays, and personal advice.

The latest attack on local government pension

The latest attack on local government pension rights is the thin end of the wedge. Email your MP now. www.unison.org.uk/defendLGPS

UNISON equality survey 2019

You could win a holiday by just completing

Win a holiday AND fight for equality by filling out the 2019 equality survey by 26 August. Go to https://unison.org.uk/eqsurvey2019

PENSIONS: Defend local government pensions

The Government is currently consulting on plans to allow universities and colleges in England to opt out of offering the local government pension scheme (LGPS) to new non- teaching staff.

The proposal would:

• Create a two-tier workforce with new starters offered inferior pensions;
• Disproportionately affect women and the lower paid;
• Threaten the future sustainability of the whole scheme.

This attack on pension rights is the thin end of the wedge – if these proposals are enacted, the Government won’t stop there. It is vital that we take action.

UNISON has set up a campaign website which explains more about the situation and encourages branches and members to take a range of actions.

Please use the following links:

1. Find out more about the issue – and share our film Take action
2. Email your MP to defend the LGPS
3. The consultation closes on 31 July: make your views heard – download template responses via the resources section
4. Are you in the LGPS? Respond to the government consultation

Stop Privatisation of Oxford Brookes Catering Staff

Oxford Brookes University is outsourcing its catering staff. From 01 January 2020 over 60 staff will no longer be employed by the university. Workers are worried they will face real reductions to their pay, pensions, terms and conditions. Help support our campaign to keep staff employed by the university by signing our petition.’

We the undersigned call on Oxford Brookes University to revise their current decisions in regard to the provision of catering. In summary we believe that;

1)    Catering services should be provided by Oxford Brookes and contracts should in no circumstances be outsourced to a third party.

2)    That all staff working in catering should enjoy the same benefits, terms and conditions as other Oxford Brookes staff.

3)    Catering staff are a valued and integral part of University life and should be treated with fairness and respect.  

4)    Catering staff should be properly consulted on their employment and their concerns addressed.

Please sign to show your support to this campaign. 

Click here to sign

National Table Tennis Day on Thursday, 18th July 2019

In celebration of National Table Tennis Day on Thursday, 18^th July 2019, with support partners Oxford City Branch of UNISON, Oxford Table Tennis League, Oxford Community Table Tennis Club and Ping

Oxford and Oxford City Counci is hosting the abovementioned event ! 

Come along and show and / or brush up on your table tennis skills !

The event is open to all staff and members of the public alike, with multiple tables, robot challenge, coaching and

competitions !

Hope to see you on there !

Stop Climate Change

great read about council estates

When council estates were a dream

By Ashley John-Baptiste

Very interesting Read when you have a spare 5 minutes

We need more followers

UNISON local government's workers

UNISON local government's workers at there best

With you every step of the way

Local government workers are there for us through every stage of our lives. From birth, through our youth and adulthood, to old age...

Fundraising for Sobell House Hospice Charity

Lewis's Light the Night Oxford page

For over 40 years Sobell House has been providing palliative care in Oxford. Having worked as a Nursing Assistant at Sobell House I have directly experienced the importance of this hospice.

Sobell House provides care to patients at home, at the day centre and in the hospice along with compassionate support for families and loved ones. Sobell House offers many services including art, music and complementary therapies. Having witnessed how having a massage and a glass of wine can really boost the mood of the patients at Sobell House I decided that I wanted to do my part to help allow these services to continue and grow.

Therefore I'll be taking part in Light the Night Oxford, a 10 mile walk at nighttime around the sights of Oxford.

Thanks for taking time to read my story and I hope you'll be able to support me in raising money for one of the best places I've ever worked at.

If you would like to support Lewis's Light the Night Oxford page please CLICK HERE

@oxfordcitybranchofUNISON

UNISON WELFARE

URGENT MESSAGE REGARDING UNISON WELFARE

As some of you may already be aware, as the result of a burst water main on the Euston Road there was a major a flood at UNISON Centre over the weekend.

The building has been closed to staff since Monday 10 June and the earliest date it may re-open is Wednesday 19 June (although even this is not guaranteed).

The 020 7121 5623 telephone number is not currently working.

UNISON Centre departments have not received any post since 7 June.

If members need to contact There for You they should do so by email to thereforyou@unison.co.uk and send any documents as attachments to the email in order for the team to be able to see them now 

The UNISON Welfare casework team is currently only able to provide a limited service however are still assessing emergency grant applications at the current time.

Regional Secretary
Steve Torrance