MWL Unison Health Branch

16/03/2026

Reform's leader in Wales said he wouldn't consider changing the NHS to an insurance-based system, despite Nigel Farage consistently saying he would

16/03/2026

16/03/2026

On Mother’s Day, UNISON Cymru regional secretary Jess Turner reflects on the women who inspired her.

“This photo of me and my mum from 1984, at a march supporting the miners, is one I treasure. (That’s me in the pink tracksuit.)

“In south Wales you grow up acutely aware of the Tory decimation of the mining industry and our valley communities, a legacy that still shapes our lives today.

“Through those difficult times, the strength and solidarity of women shone through. My mum was a civil service union activist and one of the many politically aware women fundraising for striking miners and their families.

“Growing up around these no-nonsense women taught me what solidarity really means. Rolling up your sleeves, getting organised and making things happen.

“We still talk every day about the state of the world, the threat of Reform in Wales, especially for women and minorities, and what we can do about it.

“Her sense of urgency is just as strong now as it was then. She’s 76 and already preparing to travel to the Together demonstration in London in a few weeks’ time.”

Solidarity runs in the family. ✊

02/03/2026

🌍 UNISON North West Launches Year of Green Activity (YOGA) 🌱

And just like that… YOGA is underway!

UNISON North West has officially launched its Year of Green Activity, and your Environment Officer, Phil Brockway-Hughes, was proud to be there representing our branch.

It’s clear from the launch that there is a lot to do.

With the ongoing war in Ukraine and the recent escalation of conflict in the Middle East, the environmental and economic cost of war is something we cannot ignore:

🔥 Armed conflicts generate huge carbon emissions through military operations and reconstruction.
🏭 Damage to industrial sites can release toxic chemicals into air, land and water.
💧 Destruction of energy and water infrastructure leads to pollution and long-term environmental harm.
🌾 Agricultural land can be contaminated, impacting global food supply chains.

These conflicts also disrupt global energy markets, contributing to rising fuel and food prices — something we’ve all felt during the cost-of-living crisis. Energy insecurity and climate change are deeply connected.

That’s why now, more than ever, the green agenda matters. Protecting the environment isn’t separate from protecting workers — it’s part of the same fight. A just transition means safer jobs, secure energy, and fairer costs for working people.

And the good news? Small changes can make a big difference — including to your own pocket:

💡 Switching off unused lights and equipment at work and home
🌡 Turning heating down by just 1°C (which can cut energy bills by around 10%)
🚲 Walking, cycling or car sharing where possible
🥗 Reducing food waste and planning meals
🔌 Unplugging devices instead of leaving them on standby

Collectively, these actions reduce emissions and help tackle rising household costs.

If you’re passionate about making our workplace greener — and fairer — why not step forward as a Green Rep? You’ll help support the Environment Officer and deliver UNISON’s green agenda locally.

If you’re interested, speak to Phil Brockway-Hughess.

Let’s make this Year of Green Activity count — for our members, our communities, and our planet. 🌍💚

02/03/2026

Attention

Please see below the 2026 AGM dates and times as below

02/03/2026

UNISON general secretary Andrea Egan: “The Greens won because Labour under Starmer has abandoned progressive values, imitating the far-right instead of taking the fight to them.

If the government wants to survive, it urgently needs to stand up for workers and defend our fundamental values.”

UNISON comment on Gorton and Denton result: https://www.unison.org.uk/news/2026/02/green-win-must-mark-a-change-of-direction-for-labour-says-unison-leader/

02/03/2026

📢 Millions rely on social care, but the system is in crisis. Staff need fair pay and proper funding now.

It’s time for a national care service that puts people before profit.

Read more here ⬇️
https://www.unison.org.uk/news/2026/03/fair-pay-and-introduction-of-a-national-care-service-are-vital-to-transform-social-care/

11/02/2026

11/02/2026

'Heart unions week is a chance to recruit – because the more workers that join us, the greater our power to win the pay, conditions, and dignity we deserve'

11/02/2026

11/02/2026

Boosting nurses’ pay and improving their career prospects is essential to delivering better patient care.

UNISON is clear that fair pay, proper progression and real investment in the nursing workforce are key to fixing the pressures facing our NHS.

Read more here ⬇️
https://unsn.uk/4qy4WeK

02/02/2026

💬 "Together we will continue to campaign for the idea, it's not that radical, that education is valued and should be available to all, for all ages and at all levels."

UNISON general secretary Andrea Egan speaking to delegates at the 2026 National Higher Education Conference in Brighton.

🎓️