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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Norfolk celebrates Year of Black Workers

Norfolk local government and health staff flocked to county hall at the end of October to celebrate UNISON’s Year of Black Workers. They were treated to a range of speakers from UNISON’s regional Black members and local branches, while guest speaker Ruth Pearson talked staff through the legacy of the Grunwick and Gate Gourmet disputes, […]

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 […]

Anglia Ruskin becomes first university to sign Anti-Racism Charter

Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) has become the first university in the country to sign a landmark pledge against racism at a ceremony in Cambridge. UNISON’s Anti-Racism Charter commits ARU and its leaders to a range of pledges designed to prevent racial bias. It includes championing a racially diverse workforce, having a clear programme of anti-racist […]

Five questions for Black History Month: Hetty Okonji

Next up in our Black History Month series is Hetty Okonji. Hetty works in the NHS in Bedfordshire and is Black members officer and health and safety officer for her branch. Who are you? Hetty Okonji — I’m an assistant service manager in the NHS and Bedfordshire Health branch Black members officer, health and safety […]

Five questions for Black History Month: Josette Kennington

We’re celebrating Black History Month 2023 by asking our Black activists five questions. First up, Josette Kennington. She was UNISON Eastern’s equalities activist of the year and is Black members officer at Cambridgeshire County branch. Who are you? Josette Kennington, Cambridgeshire County branch. Why is Black History Month important to you? It is important to […]

A photo of Louis Lewis

‘I would have loved to be on the bus with Rosa Parks’

We talk to Basildon Council branch secretary Louisa Lewis about what Black History Month means to her

Ipswich Borough Council signs UNISON’s Anti-Racism Charter

Ipswich Borough Council has signed UNISON’s Anti-Racism Charter at an event held at Grafton House this week. The charter commits the council to: Recognising the need and benefit in championing a racially diverse workforce. Challenging racism internally and externally wherever it arises in relation to the organisation. Recognising the impact of racism upon staff members’ […]