Articles

Five Questions for LGBT+ History Month: Peter Oates

We’re marking LGBT+ History Month by getting some of our activists to take the Five Questions challenge. Next up is Peter Oates, co-chair of the Eastern region LGBT+ committee and a health worker. Here’s what he had to say. Who are you? I am Peter, a UNISON activist in the Eastern region As a member […]

Lily Martin

Five Questions for LGBT+ History Month: Lily Martin

February is LGBT+ History Month and this year’s is extra special as it takes place in Year of LGBT+ Workers. To mark the occasion we’re speaking to some of the LGBT+ identifying activists across Eastern. Here’s health worker Lily taking the Five Questions challenge. Who are you? I’m Lily Martin (she/they) and I am a […]

Five Questions for LGBT+ History Month: Ben Edwards

Throughout LGBT+ History Month, we’re asking some of our inspirational LGBT+ activists to tell us a bit about themselves. Next up to take the Five Question challenge Norfolk County’s Ben Edwards. Here’s what he had to say. Who are you? Hello, I am Ben. I am a UNISON steward, health and safety rep, LGBT+ branch […]

Activists join Labour’s New Deal for Working People campaign weekend

UNISON Eastern members pounded pavements across the region at the weekend to garner support for Labour’s New Deal for Working People ahead of the general election. Activists turned out for Unions Together-organised events in the east of England, including, Watford, Peterborough, Great Yarmouth, Welwyn and Hatfield and Ipswich. On Saturday, members of UNISON and shopworkers’ […]

Alex Montgomory

Five Questions for LGBT+ History Month: Alex Montgomery

This LGBT+ History Month is extra special as we’re also celebrating UNISON’s Year of LGBT+ Workers. To mark the occasion we’re asking some of our LGBT+ activists to take the five-question challenge. First up is NHS worker Alex Montgomery. Who are you? I’m Alex (he/him). I’m a queer, disabled transman from Eastern region. I’m also […]

Are you registered to vote?

The general election expected this year will be hugely important for UNISON members and everyone working in public services. It’s essential that public services workers use their voices. The first step towards that is to get on the electoral register. Here’s a handy guide to registering to vote and what you’ll need to take with […]

Last year’s branch of the year receive their gong

Nominations open for One Weekend awards

UNISON Eastern’s One Weekend hosts our annual branch and activist award, a celebration of the fantastic work that goes on in the region. Of course anyone giving up their time and energy to make life better for their colleagues is an award-winner, but we like to pay a special tribute to the branches and activists […]

Suffolk County Council cuts ‘take services past breaking point’

Suffolk County Council has announced plans to make £65 million in spending cuts, including lopping £11m off the staffing budget, it revealed today. Responding to the news, UNISON Suffolk County branch secretary Neil Bland said: “Councils have spent the last decade slashing spending to the bone, cuts on this scale will take services in Suffolk past […]

A graphic reading: Word for UNISON

Want to work for UNISON?

If you care about our public services and want to make sure the people that run them are treated fairly, then a job with UNISON could be for you. We’re on the lookout for two local organisers to join our fantastic Eastern region team. Adverts will be out shortly but in the meantime we’re running […]

The Norfolk African choir performs

Norfolk celebrates Year of Black Workers

UNISON members from across Norfolk flocked to the County Hall Social Club at the end of October to celebrate Year of Black Workers. There were a range of speakers from Norfolk branches of UNISON and the regional Black members’ group, with special guest Ruth Pearson speaking about the Grunwick and Gate Gourmet disputes, two battles […]

Five questions for Black History Month: Sophilia Matengenzara

Rounding off this year’s Black History Month 5 Questions challenge is Sophilia from University of Hertfordshire UNISON. Here’s what she has to say. Who are you? Sophilia Matengenzara, Black members officer and rep, University of Hertfordshire branch. Why is Black History Month important to you? It is important because it provides me with an opportunity […]

Brian Pereira

Five questions for Black History Month: Brian Pereira

Brian Periera is one of our regional Black members group co-chairs. He’s the next Black activist to take part in our 5 Questions series this Black History Month. Who are you? I’m Brian Pereira. I’m communications officer, chair, Black members officer and Labour Link officer for UNISON Essex Police branch. Why is Black History Month […]

Glenn sits in an ambulance

Five questions for Black History Month: Glenn Carrington

Ambulance worker Glenn Carrington holds the Eastern general seat on UNISON’s national executive council. He’s the next person to take the 5 Questions challenge for Black History Month. Who are you? Glenn Carrington, AKA The Bear. I was the first Black paramedic in Cambridgeshire Ambulance Service, now part of the East of England Ambulance Service, and […]

Firdy smiles to the camera

Five questions for Black History Month: Firdos Finch

Firdos Finch fits being co-chair of our regional Black members group into her day job and a host of other UNISON duties. And she’s also found the time to take our 5 Questions challenge for Black History Month 2023. Who are you? I am Firdy Finch and I am branch secretary at UNISON Essex. I […]

Five questions for Black History Month: Lloyd Ledgister

Next up to take the five questions challenge for Black History Month is Lloyd Ledgister of the regional Black members committee. Who are you? My name is Lloyd Ledgister Cambridgeshire Constabulary Branch Why is Black History Month important to you? Black history generally is important to me. It’s an opportunity to recognise how Black people […]