University of Exeter UNISON Branch Newsletter
November 2015
Trade Union Bill clears Commons
UNISON wins concessions to the controversial bill - but vows to keep up the fight
The government’s controversial Trade Union Bill passed its final reading in the House of Commons and
will now move onto the Lords for further scrutiny.
The only parties to support the bill were the Conservatives and UKIP, with a majority of 34 votes.
Labour’s shadow business secretary Angela Eagle maintained that the bill was “bad for workers and it’s
bad for business”. She added: “The bill is a divisive piece of legislation which undermines the basic
protections trade unions provide for people at work.”
Ministers did make some concessions, including dropping a requirement for two weeks’ notice of
picketing plans on social media. The government also committed to doubling the time allowed unions to
remove the check-off arrangements, to the end of 2017.
UNISON was mentioned numerous times in a positive light during the debate and the union’s general
secretary Dave Prentis said that the concessions were “testimony to the hard work of our members in
opposing the bill, and conveying the adverse affect it will have on their working lives. Their passionate
advocacy for trade union rights made an impact on their employers and on their MPs, including
Conservative ones.” But he added: “Make no mistake , despite these concessions UNISON continues
to oppose the bill. The union will do everything in its power to have a positive influence on its passage
through the House of Lords.”
You can read this story in full here: https://www.unison.org.uk/news/article/2015/11/trade-union-billclears-commons/
YOUR UNION - YOUR VOTE! GENERAL
SECRETARY ELECTION 2015
UNISON is holding an election this year to choose who will be general secretary and lead the union for the next five years.
If you’re a UNISON member, it’s time to be heard and use your vote in the ballot which is open now! When government ministers or
employers sit down with an elected general secretary, they know they’re dealing with someone with 1.3 million trade unionist behind
them. It gives us political clout. It helps UNISON get things done. That’s why it’s vitally important all our members cast their votes!
You will have received or will shortly receive a ballot paper in the post, you can request a replacement ballot paper any time from 16
November until noon on 1 December by emailing elections@unison.co.uk.
The ballot closes at 5pm on 4 December.
Free training opportunities from
UNISON: making the most of the
internet
This course is provided FREE to UNISON members and lunch will be provided. Your branch will help you cover travelling
costs & childcare if needed, and they will also help you to approach your employer to seek time off to attend.
This course will help you learn how to:

Understand safety and security on the web

Buy &sell things online

Read the news & enjoy online entertainment

Use online banking

Book your holidays
For further details or to book onto the course please
contact
Caroline Richards
Union Learning Representative
C.M.Richards@exeter.ac.uk
01392 72 6717
CONTACT US:
Are you a UNISON Member based at our Penryn
Campus? Would you like to meet a UNISON representative? During
Website: http://www.exeter.ac.uk/staff/
employment/union/join/unison/
term time we make monthly visits to the Penryn campus, to make an appointment to see us please email: a.s.moscrop@exeter.ac.uk
Key contacts: http://www.exeter.ac.uk/staff/
employment/union/join/unison/keycontacts/