UNISON members provide so much for their workplaces and their communities, going above and beyond the call of duty on a daily basis to provide the public services that we all rely on.
Most of this work – far too much of it – passes without comment. When people are cared for by nurses, helped in their home by careworkers, assisted in the classroom by teaching assistants or supported by PCSOs there’s little fanfare.
But it’s great to see the kindness of UNISON members being recognised from time to time. And I’m always proud to hear stories of our members coming together to support each other and their colleagues.
Nursing Times picked up on a great example this week – the story of Tanja Bajic. Tanja is a nurse, originally from Croatia, and had only been in the UK for 10 days when she had £1,700 stolen out of her handbag from a public area of University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust. The money was to rent a flat and bring her husband and young daughter to visit her.
That’s when UNISON activists swung into action. As branch secretary Stewart Robinson has said:
“On that day, Tanja was at an induction where UHNM UNISON was present. Even though Tanja wasn’t one of our members, as soon as we heard of the incident we knew we wanted to help.”
That help was to raise – from members, other staff and the public – £1500, almost the entire sum stolen.
For Tanja, she says this gesture has restored her faith in humanity.
For the rest of us, let this be a reminder of the generosity and support UNISON members give to those around them each and every day.
