The statement below was sent out as an email to members on Thursday 9th April 2020.
As we approach, what will no doubt be a very different Easter weekend, we wanted to get a message out to members.
We know that more of our members will be working than usual this weekend – and we know the demands you are dealing with – so our office number will remain accessible. If you need us with something that cannot wait until Tuesday, don’t hesitate to give us a call on 0161 794 7425.
Yesterday we held a Zoom meeting for all members. The maximum capacity was 100 and we naively thought this would be enough. It wasn’t! Apologies therefore if you are one of those members who got locked out. We are updating our capacity so we can fit more in next time.
Full notes will be sent out early next week, but to mention the key points, the meeting was addressed by branch officers and reps in key areas like social care, refuse. social work and schools. Members had the opportunity to raise questions during the meeting through the “chat” facility and these were answered. Off the back of this meeting, we know that stewards are looking to organise their own online meetings for their sections and we already well on our way towards a meeting for our social care members – who are of course at the sharp end.
Our intention is to organise another all members Zoom meeting during the week commencing 20th April and then to hold them fortnightly. We are interested in your views on this though – and any other aspect of the meeting yesterday. What went well? What didn’t? What should we change? Please do let us know.
We are proud of the agreements we have reached to protect members’ pay and terms and conditions and we are making progress on workplace-specific issues, with the support of our fantastic team of reps. We continue to fight for correct PPE and access to testing and we are linking up with other UNISON branches to strengthen our voice. If you aren’t sure of what PPPE you should expect, please follow this link – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-infection-prevention-and-control/covid-19-personal-protective-equipment-ppe
If you can take a break this weekend, please do so. We’re in this for the long haul. Please stay as safe as you can and if you need us, you know where we are.
Take care, and if you are celebrating any of the religious festivals taking place over the next few days, we wish you all the best.
Thank you – and as always, if you’re team doesn’t have a rep, now is definitely the time to get one!