As a new activity introduced in 2008, UNISON roadshows have been held in various venues around the University and have continued since then. They give an opportunity for members and colleagues to say hello, ask questions or advice and pick up the latest information from UNISON. These events have also proved to be useful to recruit new members.
From time to time, visitors have been given eco-friendly, 'climate neutral' jute shopping bags. This is a natural, renewable and biodegradable plant resource. Made by Jutexpo Ltd. in their Bengal factory, employing around 8,000 workers and no child labour. The company adheres to strict international fair trading regulations.
The bags are shipped to avoid air pollution and their manufacture and transport emissions is offset by contributions to Climate Care, who run climate repair services and projects across the world to help improve people's standard of living and protect wildlife habitats. This is the first 'climate neutral' bag and extremely durable - one jute bag lasts longer than thousands of plastic bags and, unlike plastic, decomposes naturally.
Branch AGMs take place in the Catering Restaurant and follow a similar pattern each year, with financial and other reports and elections of officials. Catering students provide a free lunch and refreshments before the meeting, as part of their coursework. These meetings are for members only. The AGM agenda covers branch finances, union topics and the election of officers and stewards.
The first picture shows a very full AGM meeting in 2012 with Branch Secretary Elizabeth Boulton giving her report. The picture below is from the 2009 AGM, where Treasurer Liam Adams is shown in full flow at the podium giving his Treasurer's Report as Elizabeth (sitting to his right) follows her notes.
In thenext picture below, Tony Pearson, the Regional Officer for Yorkshire & Humberside Region, is shown addressing the 2007 AGM.
The Unison Fair is an annual event to promote UNISON to all Support Staff. It helps to raise awareness of the offers and discounts available to members from companies associated with the union, such as Brittania Building Society and Frizzel Insurance. These pictures show the 2006 fair in Quayside hall.
Leonie Sharp was our previous Regional Officer and did an enormous amount of work with the Branch, particularly during negotiations on the National Framework Agreement. At the end of 2005 she was relocated to work for Leeds Local Government Branch. She is pictured here receiving flowers from Elizabeth Boulton and Liam Adams as a farewell gift.
(Please note that pictures on this page have been used with the permission of those involved.)
