Bradford UNISON

Terry has been a UNISON Steward for 12 years. He started his career as a mechanical sweeper at Harris Street before moving to Dealburn Road as a Waste Operative, where he has supported members across both the street cleansing and waste services.

The Bradford UNISON team would like to thank Terry for his hard work, dedication and commitment to support our members over the years. His contribution as a steward has been greatly appreciated by colleagues and members alike.

Yesterday, Terry was presented with a gift in recognition of his service, in line with the National UNISON Policy.

From everyone at the Bradford Branch we would like to wish Terry all the very best for the for the future.

UNISON Yorkshire & Humberside

How Turkish trade unionists finally walked free after 14 years on trial

UNISON has long shown solidarity with the women belonging to KESK, the largest public services union federation in Turkey

By Mark Beacon, UNISON head of international

On 27 April, 15 leading trade unionists in Turkey were finally acquitted following a legal battle lasting 14 years.

The women, all members of the public service trade union federation KESK, were initially arrested in February 2012, following a planning meeting for International Women’s Day. After being charged with alleged membership of an illegal terrorist organisation, some were permanently dismissed from working in public services. Many endured 8-10 months in pretrial detention before being released on strict bail conditions, including a travel ban lasting several years.

On 21 April, I joined the chair of UNISON’s international committee, Margaret McKee, to observe the 26th hearing in their trial at the Heavy Penal Court in Ankara. It’s a place I’ve visited several times before to observe the trials of leading trade unionists facing trumped-up terrorism charges for their legitimate trade union work.

But this hearing felt different. Whilst there was the usual presence of riot police, a press conference was permitted prior to the hearing, with trade unionists from Turkey and Europe allowed to say a few words to the independent journalists still allowed to operate.

Ordinary trade union members

Before the hearing we met with some of the women on trial and their lawyers. They explained how they had been targeted by police for demanding peace and workers’ and women’s rights, including an end to femicide. Months of surveillance had produced no evidence of any crime, yet their case had continued through the courts for 14 years. Until recently, their regular court hearings were combined with the trial of 77 leading members of KESK, also charged with membership of an illegal terrorist organisation.

UNISON, along with other European public service unions, has followed this and other trials closely, with general secretaries sending solidarity messages ahead of each hearing and observers attending key hearings. Canan, a former executive member of the education union Egitim Sen, explained that during her nine months in prison, “We always felt your solidarity”.

In the hearing, three male judges sat above the courtroom alongside the public prosecutor, with the defendants and their lawyers beneath them and the words “Justice is the foundation of the State” inscribed behind them. But those foundations have been severely weakened, particularly since the constitutional referendum in 2018 which further eroded the independence of the judiciary, diminished the powers of parliament, and increased the powers of the presidency.

One by one, the defendants objected to the charges against them, explaining that being a member of a trade union was not a criminal offence and certainly not an act of terrorism, and neither was their attendance at a planning meeting for International Women’s Day. These were ordinary trade union members, working in hospitals, schools and local government. They took part in ordinary trade union meetings and participated in ordinary trade union campaigns, which the government clearly disliked.

Dismantling the charges

Each of the defence lawyers then took it in turn to dismantle the charges. The prosecutor’s case remained the same as it did in 2012, no new evidence had been found and established procedures for surveillance were not followed. Evidence was non-existent, replaced by accusations ranging from owning a widely available political book or a Kurdish music cassette, to attending a meeting which according to the police didn’t take place.

They cited other relevant case law, including examples from the European Court of Human Rights, all of which had been disregarded. It felt very similar to the other politicised trials I had observed in Turkey.

At the end of the hearing, each of the accused stood for a final time to reject the charges against them. They expressed their pride in being trade unionists and requested their acquittal. As the judges and prosecutor deliberated in private, we gathered outside a smaller courtroom, with riot police to accompany us. Although the judges reserved their judgement, there was a clear sense of optimism that this 14-year ordeal would soon end.

Last Monday the judges finally gave their verdict and acquitted all 15 women trade unionists. The public prosecutor has appealed, but for now these brave trade unionists can celebrate.

Mining museum strike ends as workers vote to accept pay offer

A long-running strike at the National Coal Mining Museum near Wakefield has ended after staff voted to accept a significantly improved pay offer.

The decision brings to an end a continuous strike by more than 40 workers which began on 20 August 2025.

Employees voted in favour of accepting the pay deal so they can return to work and ensure proper upkeep of the historic mine so it remains open to the public. Striking staff repeatedly raised concerns about the maintenance of the mine during the walkout.

The improved pay deal for workers will see wages increase by 10.5%. This means mine guides will see their pay increase by £1.35 an hour, from £12.86 to £14.21.

All disciplinary clauses previously included in pay offers have also been removed.

UNISON Yorkshire and Humberside regional organiser Rianne Hooley said: “It’s fantastic news that these dedicated workers can return to what they love doing – telling the stories of coal mining and keeping the history alive for future generations.

“It’s just a shame this deal has taken so long to reach.

“Staff have been keen to explore different options to get the dispute resolved, but have continually been met with resistance.

“They’ve even had managers attempt to insert disciplinary clauses into pay deals. Getting those removed has added months on to negotiations.

“Staff have chosen to accept the pay offer so they can get back to work and protect the museum. Securing its long-term future on behalf of the public has always been their main priority.”

Local government unions have rejected the 2026 pay offer and are demanding meaningful pay negotiations in a letter to employers signed by all three unions - UNISON, Unite and GMB.

UNISON are balloting members for strike action from 9 July.

Download the letter: https://unsn.uk/4ofuC0p

REMINDER: ⏳🎒 The UNISON School Uniform Grant opens at 12 noon on Wednesday 27 May for 24 hours only.

Be ready and check your eligibility here ⬇️
https://buff.ly/DVpE25X

Wondered about getting more involved with UNISON but not sure where to start? This course will be perfect for you!

👉 yorks.unison.org.uk/events/get-active-in-unison-9-cloned/

𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝟒𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞, 𝟏𝟐.𝟑𝟎𝐩𝐦 - 𝟏.𝟑𝟎𝐩𝐦, 𝐌𝐒 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬

A New Deal for School Support Staff - latest update

UNISON continues to be at the forefront of work to set up the new School Support Staff Negotiating Body (SSSNB). The SSSNB will impact all school support staff in England, deciding pay, terms and conditions, as well as looking at new approaches to training and development.

Our bulletin sets out the latest news, including how UNISON members are involved and how you are shaping the process.

You can find out more about the School Support Staff Negotiating Body, including frequently asked questions, on our website -

https://www.unison.org.uk/about-2/schools/sssnb/?utm_campaign=SSSNB%20Bulletin%20May%202026%20%28Branches%29&utm_content=https%3A%2F%2Fmsg.unison.org.uk%2Fc%2F13PXa2SHOLwsgwE2p&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Education

Bradford UNISON are seeking expressions of interest from its members for anyone interested in taking up one of the following Branch Officer Posts

Branch Treasurer
Black Members Officer
Membership Officer
Equalities Officer
Labour Link Officer
Education Coordinator
International Officer
Welfare Officer
Young Members Officer
Communications Officer
Environmental Officer
Health & Safety Officer

More details can be found by clicking on the below link.

https://www.unison.org.uk/about/our-organisation/activists/branch-roles/ -1

If you are interested then please contact the branch office by emailing [email protected] and a nomination form will be sent to you. Nominations must be received by Thursday 28th November 2026

Official branch roles - UNISON National Some members are elected by their workforce to play different branch roles. Branches must elect certain core officers. They may also create other posts according to their rules. Officers are elected either at the AGM or by postal ballot beforehand.

UNISON charity There For You's 𝙎𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙡 𝙐𝙣𝙞𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢 𝙂𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙩 allows eligible members to apply for a one-off, non-repayable grant of £75 per school-aged child.

It launches Wednesday 27 May at 12 noon.

See if you can apply 👉 unsn.uk/schooluniformgrant

Join hundreds of thousands of school workers across the UK and get involved with UNISON, making a difference for your life at work.

Sign up

https://www.unison.org.uk/about-2/schools/