Dave Prentis is the former general secretary UNISON.
Read Dave’s blog for views on issues UNISON is working on and information on what he’s doing.
Dave Prentis
As we continue to grow as a union, getting young members more involved will continue to be a priority – the #RespectYourYouth Charter launched in Wales is a great example of how our union can do that.
Thank you to everyone who attended the conference for your involvement, your passion and your dedication to our members – whether it was your first time at NDC, or your 26th, you are the beating heart of this union.
It’s what keeps our union strong. It’s what makes me proudest of all about our great union. And it must always be at the heart of everything we do.
ationalisation would create a “green army” working to decarbonise UK homes and businesses. Customer services and sales staff would have their time freed up to focus on helping consumers become more energy efficient which reduces consumption, bills and emissions. Renewable forms of energy like solar panels or converting homes to greener hydrogen boilers would become the norm among consumers.
UNISON always believed that the rules around NHS pay already allowed for overtime and working beyond the end of a shift to be taken into account when calculating holiday pay. This is a victory for NHS workers who regularly go the extra mile to make sure we receive the best care possible at all times of the day and night.
This week has been a great opportunity to a whole continent of trade unionists to recommit ourselves to fighting and winning the challenges ahead. And based on what we’ve all heard this week, there’s so much to fight for, and so much to be hopeful about.
On behalf of everyone in our union – I want to congratulate the PAH domestics for their courage in the face of real pressure. I am so proud they have stood strong and I am so proud that they are part of our union.
Earlier this year, we set ourselves a target – to keep on growing our union. We’re not resting on our laurels, we owe it to every UNISON member and every potential UNISON member to keep on growing and building our collective strength. Over the past month, activists and staff alike have been working on our […]
If this government had any backbone at all, they’d be standing up to Trump and his hateful ideology, not rolling out the red carpet for him.
This result was a cry of frustration at a political class that seems to lack the answers to the biggest issue facing the UK.
Normally the departure of a Prime Minister who looks set to go down in history as a failure would be a moment for cheer. Yet working people should fear what comes next. The next Prime Minister will be chosen by the hard right of the Tory Party, who want more austerity, increased privatisation and fewer rights for working people.
These workers are united and their strike action is strong. Now it’s up to AFG to pay them what they’re owed.
UNISON will always stand up to those who seek to privatise our NHS – or any public service. The ideological push to dismantle the health service and put it into the hands of those who care more about profit than decent care will always be resisted. Right now, the incredible domestics of PAH are on the frontline of that fight. And our whole union stands with them.
For those working in local services, these elections decide who runs the local councils who employ them or manage their services. A change in council leadership can mean the difference between jobs maintained or lost. It can mean greater support for a service – or its abolition. It can make the difference between privatisation or services coming back in house. It can make the difference between decent pay or poverty pay.
Keeping our members safe at work is one of the most important tasks that trade unions can do. Today, let’s remember how far we’ve come in that fight – and how much more there is to do.