Virtual conference, real democracy

Regional convenor Becky Tye and deputy Rad Kerrigan about a conference like no other

Two people put their heads through a UNISON LGBT+ frame

We don’t have to be out and about to express our Pride

Tim Roberts celebrates another lockdown Pride month

Sara Gorton and Michael Rosen on a Teams call

Michael Rosen says Thank You to NHS staff

“I now have a chance to say thank you to you, you UNISON workers, you have made your contribution to the fact that I’m actually sitting here talking. Thank you very much indeed.” That was poet and author Michael Rosen’s message to the NHS staff that joined last week’s An Evening With… webinar. The former […]

UNISON activists protest outside the Halls in Norwich

Join together, get active, win

Tim Roberts draws inspiration from our workers in Norwich and Bedfordshire in his blog this week

Michael Rosen talks to health workers about Covid, the NHS and pay

Poet and author Michael Rosen will virtually join health workers from across the east of England tomorrow to talk about his battle with Covid-19 and the NHS staff who saw him through it. The former children’s laureate will be interviewed by UNISON head of health Sara Gorton about his debt of thanks to NHS workers […]

Remembering Danny Purton

UNISON Eastern pays tribute to the memory of Danny Purton, a longtime activist in UNISON and its forerunner NALGO, the National and Local Government Officers Association, who continued to serve the Harlow’s workers after his retirement on Harlow Council. We encourage members to take a moment to remember him during his funeral today. Former UNISON […]

East of England NHS workers appeal for public support on pay

Health workers across the east of England are appealing to the public this week to back their campaign so NHS staff can receive a proper pay rise before the summer, says UNISON today. Over the next few days, hospital porters, clerical workers, cleaners, nurses, healthcare assistants and other NHS staff will be urging people to […]

Norwich City council workers vote for strike action over broken promises on pay and conditions

Workers who carry out vital services for Norwich City Council have overwhelmingly backed strike action after bosses broke promises on pay. UNISON and Unite members backed strikes by 82% and 83% respectively. The unions will now begin preparations to announce strike dates at the council’s new arm’s length company, Norwich City Services Ltd (NCSL). Talks […]

A socially distanced May Day won’t stop us working together for change

There’s a lot to keep us active during this second pandemic International Workers’ Day, says Tim Roberts

Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire care workers ask council hopefuls for support

Care workers are calling on council candidates in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire to fight for better pay in the sector if elected in May. Their union UNISON is writing to those standing for Luton Borough, Central Bedfordshire and Bedford councils, which are responsible for commissioning adult social care, asking them to sign its Who Cares? pledge. […]

Essex care workers seek living wage commitment from council candidates

Care workers will make the case for a real living wage direct to Essex County Council candidates today as part of an online Citizens Assembly. They are joining more than 100 community leaders seeking a number of commitments from candidates, including making the council an accredited Living Wage organisation, and ensuring all care contracts in […]

A fight for public services is a fight for the good of society

UNISON Eastern activists are setting up campaign forums across the region to drive change, reports Tim Roberts in his latest blog

Suffolk unions band together for school music

UNISON Suffolk County has helped launch the Music Matters Coalition today to campaign to make music a priority for children and young people. The six-union coalition is conducting a survey asking school staff, music educators, parents, carers, pupils and the wider Suffolk community about which aspects of music education are important to them, particularly in […]

Meet the candidates!

We speak to some of the people hoping to represent public service workers after May’s elections

Create colourful window displays to support NHS staff on pay rise due date

Families and individuals across the east of England are being urged by health unions to create colourful window displays in their homes and workplaces today to show support for NHS staff on the day they should have been getting a pay rise. Artworks designed by children’s illustrators and writers are part of a growing collection […]