UWE UNISON

28/05/2026

The UNISON Higher Education Service Group Executive is running a consultative pay ballot over UCEA's pay offer of an increase of 2% on all pay points. UNISON is recommending that you vote to reject the offer.

If you haven't already, you can vote here: https://unison.tfaforms.net/322

This is your opportunity to have your say. Please vote and encourage your colleagues who are UNISON members to vote. The vote is open until 5 June.

20/05/2026

Joint statement - solidarity with trans staff and students

UNISON and UCU at UWE Bristol, alongside the LGBTQIA+ staff network, stand in solidarity with UWE’s LGBTQ+ student society. We applaud their successful petition to stop Bristol Pride from accepting UWE’s sponsorship.

Whilst this has received considerable public attention, we would urge others to recognise that at the heart of this decision is the University’s exclusion-focused Trans and Non Binary Policy. This restricts facilities use, removes any commitment to trans inclusive teaching, and ultimately erodes the support and protection afforded to trans people. This has already led to forced outings, discrimination and hate crimes on campus.

We affirm that we will continue our campaign to revoke this policy. We will only support policy which genuinely upholds the rights and dignity of trans+ individuals at UWE, which requires active and sustained co-development with trade unions, student and staff communities.

Finally, we want to reiterate that the policy’s impacts are still being felt every day, and the community is being harmed. We strongly encourage trans, intersex, non-binary, gender non-conforming and cisgender individuals who have experienced discrimination and harassment as a result of this policy to contact their relevant union. The staff network can also submit reports on your behalf. You are not alone and we will defend your rights to exist safely at UWE.

14/05/2026

HUGE UNISON WIN: NEW TRANS INCLUSION POLICY AT THE STUDENTS' UNION

Last week, The Students’ Union at UWE’s Board of Trustees passed our proposed Trans Inclusion Policy for staff members. The policy is closely shaped by the UNISON model policy which was drafted by Thompsons Solicitors. Especially in the context of rampant transphobia across society and cowardly employers unnecessarily throwing trans people under the bus, we are proud to have worked to give give trans staff at the SU the protections, dignity and support that they deserve.

The policy was written in consultation with our UNISON Steward, management, and a trans SU staff member who serves as our Branch LGBT+ Rep. This is what strong trade unionism looks like and demonstrates the immense value of positive industrial relations. In the context of a legal limbo, we urge UWE to follow suit and engage constructively with the relevant unions, staff networks and student groups.

29/04/2026

Britain deserves a pay rise.

22/04/2026

Come along to Castle Park, meet fellow trade unionists and show Bristol the strength and diversity of the workers' movement!

https://universitywestengland.unison.site/events/may-day-2026/

18/04/2026

Every year more people are killed at work than in wars. Most don’t die of mystery ailments, or in tragic “accidents”. They die because an employer decided their safety just wasn’t that important a priority. International Workers Memorial Day (IWMD) 28 April commemorates those workers.

Come along to our IWMD event at 1pm on 28th April: https://universitywestengland.unison.site/events/international-workers-memorial-day-2026/

17/04/2026

UNISON is strongest when it is truly representative. Vote in the SGE Elections to determine the future of our union. If you haven't received your ballot yet, call 0800 0 857 857

🚨 UNISON's Service Group Executive elections

Have you voted yet? You decide 🫵

☎️ No ballot paper? Call 0800 0 857 857
🗳️Vote closes on 13 May
https://unsn.uk/4tm3pdC

14/04/2026

UWE UNISON statement: Solidarity with Rojava

Our branch draws attention to the present grave and, for the most part, overlooked humanitarian crisis in North and East Syria.

Since the 2011 Rojava Revolution, the Kurdish-led democratic governance of multi-ethnic North and East Syria has been a beacon of hope in the region, and internationally. After breaking away from the Ba’athist regime during the Syrian Civil War, the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria has embraced democratic confederalism, promoting a progressive agenda of gender equality, social ecology, and direct democracy.

The city of Kobanê, in particular, has been symbolic of resistance against the Islamic State. Today, Kobanê is in extreme peril once more. The Ahmed al-Sharaa government has taken control of NE Syria’s principal cities Heseke and Qamişlo. Currently, the population of Kobanê is experiencing dire conditions as essential supplies have been blocked, with limited aid getting through, and communications have been cut. The current siege began on 18th January 2026.

We support the efforts of Kurdish Red Crescent (Heyva Sor a Kurdistanê) to bring humanitarian aid to NE Syria. We call for an end to UK arms sales to Turkey and to the former Al-Queda affiliates in the Syrian Transitional Government.

We would also like to express our academic solidarity with the education workers of NE Syria’s universities.

Please reach out if you want to support our international work.

03/04/2026

Join a union today! As a result of UNISON pressure, a new wave of workers' rights is now in place through the Employment Rights Act, meaning:

- Statutory sick pay (SSP) is now a day one right for all workers, and the earnings threshold is eliminated

- Paternity leave and unpaid parental leave are now day one rights

- Bereaved partners’ paternity leave will enable bereaved fathers and partners to take up to 52 weeks of paternity leave if the mother or primary adopter dies within the first year of the child’s life

- A worker’s disclosure of sexual harassment will now be protected under whistleblowing law

- The Fair Work Agency has been established, whose powers will include enforcing tribunal judgements that have been ignored and the payment of settlements, and tackling exploitation in the labour market

- The TU recognition process is simplified, and the support threshold will be lowered

- The maximum protective award for failure to inform and consult on collective redundancy will double from 90 days’ pay to 180 days pay.

25/03/2026

3 more days to go until the Together Alliance march in London against the far right! The branch still has some free coach tickets left - please get in touch if you'd like to join ✊