-
26/7 pay offer consultative ballot results and other updates
Email sent to all branch members 18/06/26 Dear Comrades, We would like to share with you the results of the consultative ballot regarding the 2026/27 2% pay offer, as well as a few other bits and bobs coming up. đź’¸ 2026/27 pay offer consultation results We recently recommended that you vote to reject the Higher Education 2026/27 pay offer consultation – see our May 2026 Newsletter for more information. The overall result of those who voted was 14% accept and 86% reject on a turnout of 25%. Our branch result was 5% accept, 95% reject on a turnout of 48% – a much more…
-
Make office attendance voluntary during extreme heat warnings!
Passed at emergency branch committee meeting on 22/06/26 In response to the extreme amber and red heat warnings in place this week, the University has issued the following policy: “Please tell your line manager if you have any concerns about working conditions or the temperature in your office. They will then be able to consider alternative options with you such as working from home where appropriate or from a different office space.” (“Update on Amber extreme heat warning” email, Friday 19th June 2026) We believe this policy is inadequate and leaves staff at risk. Complicated health concerns that can arise from extreme heat should not be left…
-
How to show solidarity with trans colleagues and students
Our branch will always support and fight for trans colleagues and students. If you are a trans member of staff, we urge you to engage with UNISON’s Change The Law campaign. They want to hear from you: Opposing the EHRC guidance – UNISON needs your voice – UNISON National LGBT+ officer Hafren has put together a further checklist of ways you can show your solidarity: The info above is available in a poster format to display in your workplace. Download it from our resources page:
-
May 2026 Newsletter: Vote now to REJECT the 26/27 2% pay offer
Dear comrades, We hope you’re managing to keep cool in this crazy heat (the TUC (Trades Union Congress) have again called for a workplace temperature cap, more on that later…) 🌞 May’s newsletter is chock-a-block with updates on pay negotiations, strike pay, what the updated EHRC guidance means for the University, and more fun stuff. đź“ťBranch meeting recap – 18/05/26 ➡️ Meeting recording and transcript ➡️ Minutes ➡️ Agenda đź’¸2026/27 pay offer consultation TLDR – key points ➡️ More info: Higher Education Pay Consultation 2026 – UNISON National ➡️ Read the Joint HE Unions full claim ➡️ Vote in the consultation ballot here! 🤔 What’s happening?  Whilst our strikes for the 2025/26 pay round have ended, national negotiations have been taking place between the Joint Negotiating…
-
Branch Social! Tuesday 2nd June
A relaxed evening at the Watershed to get to know your fellow Unison members. Non-member colleagues are also welcome! When? Tuesday, 2nd June, 5:15pm – 7:30pm. Where? Watershed, 1 Canons Road, BS1 5TX
-
Motion Passed: Donate to Bristol Transformed Festival 2027Â
Passed at committee meeting on 14/04/2026 Proposed by: Alex Tissandier Seconded by: Mia Smith The branch notes:  Bristol Transformed is a festival of politics, culture and ideas running since 2019, with an annual attendance of over 600 people. They host a range of workshops, panels and talks: particularly focusing on making politics and economics accessible to all, and on education in practical skills relevant to trade union and community organising.  Each year, many trade unions have made donations to support the festival and help it to stay affordable for working people.  In return for any donation, the festival would offer us:  The festival…
-
Motion Passed: Affiliate to Bristol Palestine Solidarity Campaign and support the Nakba78 demonstrations
Passed at committee meeting on 14/04/2026 Proposed by: Nathan Street Seconded by: Lindsay Coleman This branch notes that:  This branch believes that:  This branch resolves to: Â
-
April 2026 newsletter: ESS restructure negotiations, industrial action updates, and more!
Dear Comrades, We hope you’re managing to keep well amidst the chaos of working at UoB and general bin fire of the world right now. Our spring newsletter brings some hope, including recent restructure wins, strike action updates and reports from our new committee. đź«‚ ESS restructure negotiation You may have received an email from university senior management today sharing new positive outcomes of the ESS consultation. We would like to highlight that these concessions are because of negotiations with us, the Joint Trade Unions (Unison, UCU & Unite). Our branch secretaries have been working hard behind the scenes to…
-
Updates from our lifelong learning Officer
As some of us transition through restructures, the information here may be of interest: As members there are a lot of services/advice offered by Unison that can be utilised at any time. Unison work with a host of local and world renowned providers delivering learning and advice. Some of the categories include ‘Learn for your career‘, ‘Get a new job‘, and ‘Get financial support for learning‘. Watch out for news regarding ‘Learning at Work’ week coming up in May. In solidarity, Lisa (your lifelong learning officer)
-
Updates from our LGBT+ Officer
As LGBT+ Officer, I’ve been most concerned with UNISON’s response post-Supreme Court ruling for trans people. I attended the Trans, Non-binary & Gender Diverse Members Network to hear updates from national officers. They are launching a “Change the Law” campaign, for UNISON to campaign to change the Equality Act (2010) so it can actually work for Trans workers. There will be an event at UNISON’s National Delegate Conference all about this campaign and how we can get involved as members and a branch. I am also undertaking Trans Ally Training, to upskill our Branch Activists & Stewards so that they have a more insightful…
FAIR PAY 2025/26