Unison Birmingham Branch

17/08/2026

My statement on the tragic death of Jason Arday:

17/08/2026

14/08/2026

13/08/2026

Ballot outcome on Local Government and Schools (NJC) pay claim

Dear Member,

We are writing to update you on the recent UNISON NJC pay industrial action ballot.

Unfortunately, despite the hard work of activists, the support shown by many members and workplace stewards across Birmingham local government, we did not achieve the 50% turnout required by the anti-trade union legislation for industrial action to proceed.

As a result, Birmingham UNISON and other participating branches will not be able to take industrial action over this year's NJC pay claim.

This is a disappointing outcome. Many members are continuing to feel the impact of the cost of living crisis and are rightly frustrated that local government pay has failed to keep pace with rising costs over many years. The ballot result means that we do not currently have a mandate for strike action, but it does not diminish the strength of feeling among members about the need for fair pay. Over 80% of members who voted supported rejecting the offer and taking industrial action.

We would like to thank every member who took the time to vote. Your participation is vital, and we are grateful to all those who supported the campaign and encouraged colleagues to return their ballot papers.
While industrial action will not be possible on this occasion, Birmingham UNISON will continue to press for improved pay and conditions for local government workers. We will continue to work with UNISON nationally and locally to campaign for the investment and recognition that council and local government staff deserve.

One of the lessons from this ballot is that if we are to be successful in future campaigns, we need to increase participation and engagement across our membership. We will be looking at how we can strengthen our organisation in workplaces and ensure that more members are involved in future consultations and ballots.

Once national agreement has been reached with the minority NJC unions (GMB and UNITE) Birmingham UNISON will negotiate with the employer for the backdated pay increase to be implemented asap.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our union.
In solidarity,

Caroline Johnson
Joint Branch Secretary
Birmingham UNISON

04/08/2026

We're looking to build the list of supporting organisations for the West Midlands Against Racism Unity Rally.

If you're a member of a trade union branch, faith group, community organisation, campaign group, student group or any other local organisation, please consider asking them to add their logo in support of the rally.

A wide range of supporting organisations shows the strength and breadth of opposition to racism across the West Midlands and helps encourage others to get involved.

We're also asking organisations, branches and individuals to consider making a donation to help us build the biggest rally possible. Every contribution, large or small, helps us with publicity, materials and event costs.

If your organisation would like to support the rally or make a donation, please let us know and we'll send over the details. Every logo and every donation helps us build a stronger, more visible movement against racism.

04/08/2026

Solidarity with Birmingham’s Muslim Communities and Mosques

Statement from Birmingham UNISON

Following the recent spate of attacks on Mosques in Birmingham (occurring also nationwide) the Branch Committee made up of Branch Officers and Stewards at its meeting on the 29/07/2026 agreed the following statement.

Solidarity with Birmingham’s Muslim Communities and Mosques

Dear Friends,

Birmingham UNISON sends its deepest solidarity and support to the city’s mosques, Muslim communities, and all those affected by the recent rise in anti-Muslim hatred and attacks on places of worship.

Reports of mosques being vandalised with racist graffiti in Birmingham, including repeated attacks on the Jami Community and Education Centre in Kingstanding, together with wider concerns about rising anti-Muslim hate incidents across the West Midlands, are deeply disturbing. These acts are designed to intimidate, divide communities, and make people feel unwelcome in their own city. They must be unequivocally condemned.

As trade unionists, we stand firmly against all forms of racism, Islamophobia, hatred, and discrimination. An attack on a mosque is an attack on the values of equality, dignity and respect that underpin both our movement and our diverse communities. Birmingham’s strength has always come from its diversity, with people of different faiths, backgrounds and cultures living and working together.

Muslim workers have made, and continue to make, an enormous contribution to public services, workplaces, local government, education, healthcare, transport, and every aspect of civic life in Birmingham. Muslim trade unionists are an integral part of our movement. They organise workplaces, represent colleagues, challenge injustice, campaign for better pay and conditions, and help build stronger, fairer communities for everyone.

The history of the trade union movement is one of solidarity across differences. Muslim members have stood shoulder to shoulder with fellow workers in struggles for decent jobs, equality, anti-racism, and social justice. Their contribution has strengthened our unions and enriched our communities.

At a time when some seek to spread fear and division, Birmingham UNISON reaffirms its commitment to unity. We reject any attempt to scapegoat Muslim communities or to normalise Islamophobia. We stand with our Muslim sisters, brothers and siblings, and we pledge to continue challenging hatred wherever it appears.

To the congregations, volunteers, leaders and worshippers of Birmingham’s mosques: please know that you do not stand alone. Your communities are valued, respected and an essential part of the fabric of our city. We extend our friendship, our support, and our solidarity.

An injury to one is an injury to all.

In solidarity,

Birmingham UNISON Branvh

31/07/2026

Have you voted yet? Only ballots received back by the 6 August will count.