‘No Jobs on a Dead Planet’: How We Combat Climate Change Together with Stephen Smellie & Michelle Singleton #19
There is only one planet for us, and saving it from the climate crisis has been atop UNISON’s agenda for decades - so how do we continue that fight today?
With September’s Green UNISON Week, this episode of the podcast focuses on the huge potential for change that’s possible with the collaborative power of our members.
Joining us to share their collective expertise, and how you can make an impact, are UNISON Policy Officer, Michelle Singleton, and South Lanarkshire UNISON Branch Secretary, Stephen Smellie.
This episode of The UNISON Local Government Podcast covers:
UNISON’s role in combating climate change
Why ‘Just Transition’ is a crucial element in the fight against climate change
Challenges of operating on a local level
Balancing limited resources with the urgent need for climate action
UNISON: https://www.unison.org.uk/
https://twitter.com/unisontheunion
https://www.facebook.com/unisontheunion
Green UNISON Week: https://www.unison.org.uk/tag/green-unison-week/
Stephen Smellie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-smellie-179516160/
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The Care Sector’s Unsung Heroes with Samantha Thornton and Gavin Edwards #18
The care sector has a glimmer of hope in the form of a new National Care Service, but such optimism comes after too many years of unsung heroes keeping the sector together.
One such hero is Dimension UK’s Samantha Thornton, who joins us on the UNISON Local Government Podcast alongside our Senior National Officer for Social Care, Gavin Edwards.
We cover the difference that our Ethical Care Charter makes to carers, the ambitions for a proposed Fair Pay Agreement, and the past & future states of the care sector in the UK right now.
This episode of The UNISON Local Government Podcast covers:
The current state of the care sector, and a typical day for those working within it
What a National Care Service would mean for care workers and the public
The Fair Pay Agreement, and the difference it’d make for care workers
UNISON’s campaigning in the sector and its impacts on the workforce
Advice for care & support workers currently in the profession
UNISON
https://www.unison.org.uk/
https://twitter.com/unisontheunion
https://www.facebook.com/unisontheunion
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Could your council go bankrupt? with Alan Waters & Laura Webster #17
14 years of austerity has hit local government services brutally, but have you ever wondered about the extent of the damage caused?
Between Alan Waters’ experience as Former Leader of Norwich City Council and Laura Webster’s time working with Woking as they faced a bankruptcy situation, this podcast episode exposes the harsh reality of local government funding.
Discover the impact of persistent cuts on your local services, and how the money moves behind the scenes, in episode 17 of the UNISON Local Government Podcast.
This episode of The UNISON Local Government Podcast covers:
The complexity of local government finance, and how councils have been squeezed by austerity measures
Laura’s experiences with Woking Council’s financial troubles from within
How many local government challenges trace back to central government mismanagement
What power we have to improve local government’s situation
How a decade of budget cuts has undermined local democracy and sustainability of public services
UNISON: https://www.unison.org.uk/
https://twitter.com/unisontheunion
https://www.facebook.com/unisontheunion
Alan Waters: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-waters-6a723734/
Laura Webster: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-webster-36b66a77/
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Why YOUR Pension Matters and How to Get Fair Compensation with UNISON’s Head of Pensions, Glyn Jenkins #16
The LGPS, contrary to what some would have you believe, is a vital benefit to those working in the public sector.
That’s why it’s so important for us to ensure two things: that we understand it, and that we provide our support to ensure its survival.
Glyn Jenkins is our very special guest on the podcast this week as he takes us through everything you need to know about the LGPS, and why understanding your pension is paramount.
This episode of The UNISON Podcast covers:
Why it’s important to join the LGPS when working for schools and councils
What are cost strains, and how do they occur
The UNISON campaign for fair pension compensation supported by both WASPI groups
Biggest concerns that UNISON members are bringing to Glyn
UNISON: https://www.unison.org.uk
https://twitter.com/unisontheunion
https://www.facebook.com/unisontheunion
Glyn Jenkins: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glyn-jenkins-09a521104/
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UNISON’s World-Leading Work for the LGBT+ Community with Eileen Best & Mitchell Coe #15
The headway we’ve made in recent years on LGBT+ rights is wonderful and to be celebrated, yet there’s so much more to achieve as we enter 2024: UNISON’s Year of LGBT+ Workers.
Two fantastic leaders for UNISON’s work with LGBT+ communities are Eileen Best (Co-Chair, LGBT+ National Committee) and Mitchell Coe (National Officer, LGBT+ Equality).
Mitchell and Eileen join us to share their work, the national initiatives making change for our workers, and how you can get involved in creating a fairer workforce for LGBT+ workers.
This episode of The UNISON Podcast covers:
How UNISON works with & organises LGBT+ workers
This year’s campaign as ‘Year of LGBT+ Workers’ and how to get involved
Evolutions of LGBT+ rights in recent years
The current state of LGBT+ rights and the work yet to be done
UNISON: https://www.unison.org.uk/
https://twitter.com/unisontheunion
https://www.facebook.com/unisontheunion
UNISON’s LGBT+ Equality Page with Policy Checklist (as mentioned by Mitchell): unison.org.uk/out
Mitchell Coe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchell-coe-82172454/
About Behind The Service: A UNISON Insight into Local Government
Welcome to Behind The Service: A UNISON Insight into Local Government! This show is for members to learn about the work doing, hear from those at the forefront of making change and to inspire you to get involved and make a difference. We’ll be releasing a new episode fortnightly, covering topics such as privatisation, food regulation, workers rights and campaigning for care workers, to name a few. You’ll find inspirational content to campaign for better work and a round up of how your actions can help our guests. Follow the podcast, share it with your friends and family, and join UNISON.
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