GMB Union at Neath Port Talbot Council

21/08/2026

📢 NJC PAY – THE WORK STARTS NOW

Following consultation across GMB, the 3.3% NJC pay offer has been accepted, with the increase applying to all NJC pay points and backdated to 1 April 2026

Let’s be clear, this is not an outcome many of us are happy with.

Members have every right to be frustrated. Local government workers continue to deliver essential services under increasing pressure, while we repeatedly find ourselves having the same battles over pay, recruitment, retention and recognition.

But there is an important lesson from this year:

If we want a stronger outcome next year, we cannot start organising when the pay offer arrives. We have to start now.

A successful pay campaign isn’t built in a few weeks. It is built through strong workplaces, active representatives, growing membership and members who understand that our collective strength comes from being prepared to stand together when it matters.

Over the coming months, that means:

✊ Strengthening workplace organisation
✊ Recruiting and developing new representatives
✊ Growing our membership
✊ Having honest conversations about pay and industrial action
✊ Building confidence well before the 2027 negotiations begin

This autumn, we need branch secretaries, workplace representatives and local government members involved in shaping our strategy for 2027.

GMB will also continue working alongside our sister unions, UNISON and UNITE. We may not always take exactly the same position, but the challenges facing local government workers do not change depending on the badge on your membership card.

When workers stand together, our voice is stronger.

The reality is simple:

Our negotiating strength is only as strong as our organisation in the workplace.

Thank you to every member who took part in the consultation, whether you supported acceptance or rejection. Your voice mattered and it will continue to matter.

The decision on 2026/27 may have been made.
The campaign for better pay in 2027 starts today.

✊ Organise. Recruit. Build. Be ready.

Phill Taylor
GMB Branch Secretary
Neath Port Talbot Council

03/08/2026

GMB Pensions Bulletin - What It Means for You
As your GMB Branch Secretary, I know pension updates can sometimes be full of technical language, so here's the key information in plain English.
The overall message is positive for Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) members.

✅ The LGPS remains in a strong financial position. Many pension funds are currently in surplus, meaning they have more assets than expected to meet future pension commitments. This reflects strong investment performance and improving funding levels.
Importantly, there are no changes to the pension benefits you've already earned.

The Government is consulting on reforms that would see larger pension funds work together, simplify retirement options for members and encourage investment that supports UK economic growth. GMB will continue to ensure that these changes never come at the expense of members' pensions.

One point GMB is very clear on is that your pension fund exists to pay your pension. While investment in the UK economy can be beneficial, pension assets must never become a replacement for Government funding or be used in ways that put members' retirement security at risk.

The bulletin also highlights the new Pensions Dashboard, which will allow you to view all of your pensions in one place and see an estimate of your retirement income. It won't let you make changes, but it should make pension planning much easier.

Finally, it's a timely reminder to think about your own retirement planning. Even with an excellent defined benefit pension like the LGPS, it's worth understanding what income you'll need in retirement and whether you're on track to achieve it.

If you have any questions about your LGPS pension or the bulletin, please don't hesitate to get in touch. As always, GMB is here to support and represent our members.

Phill Taylor
Branch Secretary
GMB Union
NPTCBC

10/07/2026

GMB Welcomes Proposed Mileage Rate Increase

GMB warmly welcomes the proposal to increase the Council's mileage allowance to the HMRC-approved rate of 55p per mile, subject to approval by Full Council on 2 September and backdated to April.

This is a positive and long-overdue outcome for employees who use their own vehicles for work. It reflects the determination of GMB, working alongside our recognised trade union colleagues in UNISON and Unite, to make the case for a fair and realistic mileage allowance.

For some time, GMB has highlighted the growing financial burden placed on staff by rising fuel, maintenance and motoring costs, together with the widening gap between the Council's mileage rate and the HMRC-approved rate. We are pleased these concerns have been recognised and that a recommendation has now been made to address them.

We would also like to thank our fellow recognised trade unions, UNISON and Unite, for the constructive and collaborative approach taken throughout these discussions. By working together and engaging positively with the Council, we have helped secure a meaningful financial benefit for employees across the organisation.

If approved by Full Council, the increase will provide welcome support to staff who rely on their own vehicles to deliver essential services and ensure they are more fairly reimbursed for the costs they incur while carrying out their duties.

This is a clear example of what can be achieved when trade unions work together with the employer to find practical solutions that benefit the workforce. GMB remains committed to standing up for our members, promoting fairness in the workplace, and delivering real improvements to pay, terms and conditions.

A long-overdue improvement, a fairer deal for staff, and another example of trade unions making a real difference for working people.

24/06/2026

A personal message from your Branch Secretary, Phill Taylor ✊

I won't pretend this heat is easy.

I've been up most of the night myself, unable to sleep because of the temperature. I'm tired, restless, and if I'm being completely honest, a little miserable today. If I'm feeling it, I know many of you will be feeling it too.

The next couple of days are going to be challenging for many workers, especially those working outdoors, driving for long periods, loading, lifting, caring for others, or working in buildings that simply aren't designed for this kind of heat.

Please don't underestimate it.

Heat exhaustion and dehydration can creep up on you before you realise it. Fatigue affects concentration, judgement and reaction times. A simple mistake made when you're exhausted or overheated can have serious consequences.

So I'm asking everyone to do three things:

💧 Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
🌤️ Take breaks when you need them.
🤝 Look out for one another.

If a colleague doesn't seem themselves, check in with them. If you need a few minutes in the shade, take them. If you feel unwell, say something. No job is more important than your health.

As trade unionists, we look after each other. That's what solidarity means. We stand together when conditions are difficult and we make sure everyone gets home safely to their families.

If you have any concerns, if water isn't available, if breaks are being restricted, if workloads are unsafe, or if you simply need support, please contact me directly. My phone will be on.

Let's get through this safely together.

Our Union. Our Fight. Our Future. ✊🧡💪

Stay safe and look after yourselves.
Phill Taylor
GMB Branch Secretary
07554669406

23/06/2026

🌡️ Hot weather isn’t just uncomfortable — it’s a workplace safety issue.

As temperatures rise, so do the risks ⚠️ Dehydration, heat exhaustion, sunburn, fatigue and heat stroke can all lead to serious illness, injury or accidents — whether you work indoors or outdoors.

Employers have a legal duty to protect staff by providing:

✅ Regular rest breaks
💧 Easy access to cold drinking water
🦺 Suitable clothing and PPE
🌳 Shade and shelter for outdoor workers
🌬️ Adequate ventilation and cooling for indoor workplaces

Know the warning signs 🚨

⚠️ Dizziness
⚠️ Headaches
⚠️ Muscle cramps
⚠️ Nausea
⚠️ Confusion
⚠️ Excessive tiredness

If the heat is affecting your health, safety or ability to work safely, speak up. Raising concerns isn't complaining — it's protecting yourself and your colleagues.

✊ Speak to your manager, GMB representative or workplace safety representative if you have concerns.

Everyone deserves a safe and healthy workplace - whatever the weather.

For further guidance: https://www.gmb.org.uk/assets/media/downloads/1894/hs-heat-2025.pdf⁠�

Our Union. Our Fight. Our Future. ✊🧡 💪

14/06/2026

10/06/2026

Unions slam 'untenable' progress on school support staff pay 👇

Unions representing 500,000 school workers write to Education Secretary

07/06/2026

GMB Congress 2026 has officially begun, and what an incredible start it has been. Day One has now concluded, and I can honestly say it has been an amazing experience.

Today was a powerful reminder of what trade unionism is all about. Thousands of delegates, activists and representatives from across the country coming together with a shared purpose: standing up for working people and making work better.

The passion, solidarity and determination on display throughout the day have been truly inspiring. From thought-provoking debates and passionate speeches to discussions on the challenges facing workers and communities, the energy in the hall has been remarkable.

For me personally, it is a privilege to be here representing our members, learning from colleagues across the union, sharing experiences and contributing to discussions that will help shape the future of GMB. Looking around the hall today, I was reminded that no matter the challenges we face, we are always stronger when we stand together.

As someone who once questioned whether they belonged in rooms like this, it is a proud moment to be standing here with my GMB family, representing our branch and speaking up for the members who place their trust in us.

Day One has been busy, inspiring and motivating in equal measure, and there is still so much more to come. I'm looking forward to the debates, discussions and opportunities ahead over the coming days.

Our Union. Our Fight. Our Future. ✊🧡
Onwards to Day Two.


Phillip Taylor
GMB Branch Secretary

28/05/2026

GMB LOCAL GOVERNMENT & SCHOOLS – NJC PAY 2026/27

Thank you to all GMB members who took part in the ballot on the 2026/27 Local Government Pay Offer.

Following the ballot result, GMB members have voted to reject the employers’ pay offer. GMB has now formally written to the Local Government Association (LGA) requesting that pay negotiations are re-opened.

The GMB National Local Government Committee and GMB National Schools Committee will meet on 18 June 2026 to consider the next steps in the campaign.

Further updates will be issued in due course.

Thank you once again for your continued support, engagement, and solidarity.

Phill Taylor
GMB Branch Secretary
NPTCBC

21/05/2026

⏰ LAST CHANCE TO HAVE YOUR SAY ON PAY!

The NJC Pay Ballot 26/27 closes tomorrow at 12pm. If you work in a school, academy or local government don’t miss your opportunity to make your voice count!

🗳️Use your vote!
🤔Can’t find your vote check your email and texts, if not call the Cardiff office on - 02920 491260

Every vote matters ✊