Branch Women’s Officer @ Oxford City Branch of UNISON

Branch Women’s Officer Post

The branch women’s officer (BWO) offers the opportunity to bring about important changes for women in the workplace. 

UNISON will provide a bespoke suite of Women’s Training Courses as preparation and ongoing support for the role, and the BWO can network and work collaboratively with other branch women’s officers in their area. They can become involved in, and receive support from, the  South East Regional Women’s Committee, attend national women’s conference and help UNISON agree its work plan priorities for the national women’s committee.

The branch women’s officer’s role (which can be job shared) includes:

• Building links with women’s sector organizations and where appropriate signposting to specialist organizations for women (domestic abuse/Rape Crisis) and assisting in negotiations on employer policies on violence against women.

• Ensuring that the branch has a wide range of resources for women, such as books, videos and leaflets, and making these resources accessible to all women in the branch.

• Organizing a women’s group and identifying concerns.

• Identifying women members of the branch, and liaising with the branch committee on progress towards proportionality.

• Being a focal point for women’s issues for members and raising issues affecting women, particularly those with service conditions implications with the branch committee.

• Supporting women in their issues generally and campaigning on issues that are important to women.

Interested?

Contact your Unison Branch Secretary for guidance on how to proceed.

Heart UNISON

Heart UNISON is part of Heart Unions Week, a national event organised by the TUC to celebrate unions and make sure everyone knows why we’re vital at work.

Annual General Meeting

The following are the arrangements for the Annual General Meeting of the branch and details of the elections that will be held in this branch.

The AGM will be held on:
Friday 28th February 2020
15:00 – 16:00
In the Long Room
Oxford Town Hall
St Aldate’s, Oxford, OX1 1BX

The AGM is open to all members and its function is to allow an opportunity for members to receive reports from Branch Officers/Stewards on the performance of the branch in the previous year, including the campaigns that we have been involved with, our services to members and the branch accounts. Members have an opportunity to ask questions about reports that are submitted including the financial accounts of the branch.

Motions/Amendments to Branch Rules
As a full member you are entitled to submit motions and amendments to branch rules to the AGM so that they can be debated,  For a motion to be competent the subject must be relevant to the functions of the branch and be submitted in time for its inclusion on the agenda of the AGM. The final date for motions to be submitted is 12 noon, Friday 31 January 2020.

Election of Branch Officers/Stewards etc
This AGM also endorses the election of Branch Officers and stewards for the forthcoming year 2020/21. if you would like to stand please click the quick link on the right hand side of the page.

All existing stewards and Branch Officers who wish to continue in their role for a further year should return a nomination form.

Any full member of the union can stand for election to any of the Branch Officer Positions (except for the Labour Link Officer who must be a member of the Labour Party), subject to obtaining the appropriate number of members to support the nomination.

Nominations should be received at the Branch Office no later than 12 noon on Friday 07 February 2020. In the event of there being more than one nomination for any officer post a ballot will be held of all full members to determine the successful candidate, in the case of Labour Link Officer any election will be held of Labour Link members only

Branch AGM and Election Timetable
1. Motions, Rule Amendments, to be received by 12 noon on Friday 31 January 2020
2. Branch Officer Nominations, Steward nominations etc. to be received by 12 noon on Friday 07 February 2020
3. Monday 17 February 2020 Ballots papers issued, if required
4. Final Agenda published Monday 24 February 2020
5. AGM - Friday 28th February 2020, subject to the meetings being quorate.

Refreshments
Join us for a free cheese and wine available from 16:00. Tea and coffee will also be provided from 14:00

Finally, just to remind you that our union is a democratic organisation that is member led and the AGM and election process is important in ensuring that the union is and remains accountable to its members, not just for its policies and its activities but also in determining those members who will go on and speak for the union and our members. We therefore encourage you to play a full part in the process and to ask your colleagues to do likewise.

I look forward to seeing you on 28 February

Each new year is a chance to look forwards as well as back

Your union will always be there to stand up for you, every single day of this new decade

Each new year is a chance to look forwards as well as back. To plan for the future, but also to reflect on the year that’s behind us.

2020 marks not just a new year, but a new decade – and one that brings with it a great deal of uncertainty. The election that brought 2019 to a close ensures that we will leave the EU in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, Boris Johnson’s Conservatives have been elected on a wafer thin manifesto that leaves us all in the dark about what comes after Brexit, especially when it comes to public services.

However you voted in last year’s election, I know that you understand more than anyone the pressures that the services you provide are under. 2020 will be another challenging year for public services, but I also know that there’s no group of people I’d trust more than UNISON members to care for, protect and educate our communities through the difficult times.

In return, I promise that your union will always be there to stand up for you, every single day of this new decade.

Read the full story here

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