3rd June: parliamentary lobby for HE
As part of our campaign against cuts in higher education, UNISON has arranged a lobby of parliament, to take place on Tuesday 3 June.
On that day branches are bringing members to parliament, so they can try to meet their MPs. This is their chance to talk to MPs about the state of higher education – the lack of funding, the threat to courses and jobs – and what needs to be done. We need MPs to put as much pressure as possible on the Government, calling for emergency funding for the sector and a new, radical approach to funding universities in the future.
Unison National will send out further guidance soon, with advice for members on how to book appointments with MPs and tips on what to say. But in the meantime branches are asked to keep the date free.
We will also have a room booked in Parliament – so that members and branches can come together and hear from speakers about the state of HE.
We want to ensure that at least all Bristol and the surrounding area constituencies are covered, and we will coordinate with other Unison HE branches in the surrounding area.
Please email the branch at unison-office@bristol.ac.uk so we can get an expression of interest in attending the lobby and booking an appointment with their MP.
We will discuss this in more detail in upcoming branch executive and branch meetings.
10th May: National ‘Protect Education Now’ rally Saturday
On 10 May, the Universities and Colleges Union (UCU) are holding a national rally in central London, entitled ‘Protect Education Now’. UNISON is keen to work closely with UCU in our campaign for new funding for HE and a new, radical, approach to HE based on progressive taxation and public funding.
We are working with other local UCU and Unison branches for transport to London, and will be taking along our UNISON banners. Please attend and stand up for the future of HE!
Please email the branch at unison-office@bristol.ac.uk so we can get an expression of interest in attending.
More details about the rally can be found here.
1st May: Say “No” to Arron Banks at West of England Mayoral elections
Our branch recently passed a motion of support for Stand Up to Racism (SUTR) campaign against the Far Right and Racism at the local elections including the racism of the Reform UK Party.
Motion passed: Join Stand up to Racism Trade Union Network – University of Bristol UNISON
As an anti-racist union and branch we encourage our members to vote on May 1st in the West of England Mayoral elections to stop Arron Banks, the Reform UK Party candidate, from being elected. Please see the attached leaflet which details Arron Banks’ racism and the threat of his party to workers’ rights and public services. There are also hard copies of the leaflets in the Unison office.
21st May: NEC vote and nominations reminder
NEC Elections 2025: branch nominations – University of Bristol UNISON
Please be reminded that elections for UNISON’s National Executive Council have begun.
Members should have started to receive their ballot papers.
These elections are about who runs our union and determine the kind of union we are and can become. NEC elections this year are hugely important to determine whether UNISON succeeds and wins for you at work and on pay.
If individual members have not received a paper or email, then they should contact the ballot helpline operated UNISONdirect on 08000 857 857 .
Your returned ballot papers need to be received by 21st May for your vote to count!
University of Bristol Unison branch has nominated:
- Higher Education General Seat: Joanne Tapper
- Higher Education Female Seat: Kath Owen
- South West General Seat: Mark Wareham
- South West Female Seat: Becky Brookman
- Black Members Male Seat: Amerit Rait
- Black Members Female Seat: Antonia Bright
- Black Members Female Seat: April Ashley
- Black Members Low Paid Seat: Julia Mwaluke
- Disabled Members General Seat: Michael Craig
- Disabled Members Female Seat: Ellie Waple
- Young Members General Seat: Cameron Thompson
- Young Member Female Seat: Micaela Tracey Ramos
3rd May: May Day rally
Celebrate May Day (international workers’ day) on Saturday 3rd May in Bristol.
Bring your flags, banners, union groups, family and friends to stand in solidarity with workers across the world.
We stand on the soldiers of giants: so let’s remember the fights of the past and use them to shape the wins of the future!
The workers united, will never be defeated!
10th May: Bristol Nakba 77 March and Rally
Sat 10th May, 12 noon, College Green, Bristol BS1 5SH
Nakba means ‘catastrophe’ – the ethnic cleansing of 750,000+ Palestinians in 1948 by Zionist colonists leading to the ‘State of Israel’. It is observed on 15th May.
Join with us in demanding an end to genocide, occupation, and apartheid. Speakers include Ben Jamal, PSC National Director.
We defend the right of Palestinians to:
- EXIST as a sovereign, free people
- RESIST tyranny and oppression
- RETURN to their historic homeland
Members from our Unison branch will be in attendance again this year with our banner, so do join and march together!
17th May: National Demo – Nakba 77 – Free Palestine – End the Genocide
Saturday 17 May, 12PM, Embankment Tube, London
Join us on 17 May as we mark the 77th anniversary of the 1948 Nakba and demand our government take action to end the ongoing ethnic cleansing of Palestinians from their land.
Please book tickets early if you can & share this message widely.
Bristol & Weston coach tickets available here: https://hdfst.uk/e127318
Public petition UoB divest for Palestine
Despite the continued genocide of Palestinians in Gaza, the university continues its links with arms companies supplying the weapons for the genocide.
We’ve attached a public petition for anyone living or working in Bristol to express their support for our campaign urging the university to cut their ties to these companies. Please consider signing to show your support by by signing before the survey is submitted to the University.
15th May: Workplace day of action for Palestine
The next workplace day of action for Palestine is on Nakba day on Thursday May 15th. Please save the date and attend on your lunchbreak if you can. More details of what is being organised at UoB to follow in future communications.
Save University of Nottingham Jobs!
Unison colleagues at University of Nottingham inform us their institution is planning devastating job cuts among support staff that will undermine the quality of education, staff wellbeing, and the student experience.
Please sign and share their petition to show your opposition!