Photo: Left to right: James Walker (West Yorkshire Police Branch), Sara Carter (Leeds and York Community Health Branch),Greta Holmes (Wakefield Local Government Branch), Kimberley Orwin (South Yorkshire Police Branch), Kathryn Woodruff (York University Branch)

The National Young Members Conference was held in Sheffield on Friday 17 - Sunday 19 May 2013.

Over 100 young members were there sharing ideas about how we can work together to grow the union and ensure that the voice of young members is heard at every level of the union. Our delegates shown here are looking very pleased with themselves because they've just won the inter-region quiz as the 'The Yorkshire Terriers'!

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If you're struggling with the rising cost of living, and worried about how you'll be able to cope with back-to-school costs, UNISON might be able to help.

The union's welfare charity, There For You, has set up a limited fund to help with school uniform costs with a one-off payment of up to £120, and is now accepting applications from members on low incomes.

To apply, and to find out if you may be eligible, download the application form [pdf file]. Alternatively, you can contact your UNISON branch.

You will need to submit completed application forms by 5 July 2013.

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Happy 65th Birthday NHS!
Summer Gala on Saturday 29th June 2013
11am - 3pm,
Millenium Square, Leeds

Celebrate the 65th birthday of our NHS in the family fun zone:-

• Brass band
• Steel orchestra
• Music and theatre
• Tea, coffee and cakes!
• Baby yoga
• Touch rugby
• much more....!

Watch this space for further information.

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(01/02/13) UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis joined Mid-Yorkshire Health workers on the picket line at Pinderfields Hospital, Wakefield, this morning.

“The message today is that these wonderful Yorkshire lasses are staying strong and standing together – and by doing that, we can defeat these proposals,” he declared.

Clerical and administration staff working at three West Yorkshire hospitals are staging a five-day strike over proposed changes to their pay and jobs.

Workers at Pinderfields, Dewsbury and Pontefract hospitals voted unanimously for the industrial action after talks with management broke down last week.

UNISON says it is willing to work with the trust to achieve the savings they need to make, but doesn't believe it is necessary to cut people's jobs and pay to do this.

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(26/11/12) Once again we have endeavoured to offer courses to suit everyone, as Lifelong Learning is still high on our agenda. We have courses tailored to the needs of activists and members alike and there are a number of new courses designed to further develop the skills of our activists.

In addition to our Regional Education Team our new Area and Local Organisers are working with branches, among the other organising duties they undertake, to develop Lifelong learning.

The programme is designed to help you and your branch. UNISON needs more, better equipped and motivated activists. The courses provided are aimed at building confidence and developing abilities.

Courses are available for potential, new and more experienced activists seeking to improve their knowledge and skills. We are sure that both you and UNISON will benefit from the experience. It is never too late to learn.

Download the 2013 Education Programme and 2013 Calendar here...

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