Unite finance and legal sector officers and workplace representatives are continuously working to protect you during these difficult times. Unite has three priorities for the workforce across your sector during the current health crisis: 

1. Your health and mental well-being
2. Your income and
3. Your job security.

Your union representatives will continue to work day in and day out to protect you throughout the pandemic.

However, Unite understands that in some workplaces like call centers, processing offices and banking branches there are many challenges around social distancing. Unite has heard from colleagues who are fearful about the easing of lock-down conditions and the eventual return to workplaces. Unite stands shoulder to shoulder with you. This is not the time for a return for business as usual within the finance sector.

If you have concerns about current or changing working practices in your workplace Unite is here to support you. Remember you have the right to work safely and to step away if you’re asked to work unsafely. Please do not hesitate to contact your local representative or regional office so that your union can take action to protect you.

The Unite the union message is clear – your wellbeing, your income and your job security are the only things that matter. There can be no return to business as usual within the finance sector.

You can view the latest news from Unite at: www.unitetheunion.org/campaigns/coronavirus-covid-19-advice/

Dominic Hook and Rob MacGregor
Unite national officers

This May Day (Friday 1 May), let us show our appreciation for all those key workers that are looking after us in these difficult times. #ThankAWorker

This May Day our usual planned events can no longer take place, but it’s more important than ever to mark the contribution that workers make every day.

This pandemic show us how much we owe frontline workers. In health, in care and in all our vital services. They are the best of us and we say thank you.

Here’s what you can do today

Step 1: Post a short video on social media thanking a worker who’s made a difference to you.

Step 2: Then nominate 3 of your family members or friends to also thank a worker in their own video.

Step 3:Tag them in your post and use hashtags #mayday and #ThankAWorker.

You could choose your postie, shop worker, someone in the NHS, delivery driver, food worker or any other frontline worker…

Please spread the word now so as many people as possible can be ready to post their videos to mark the day. Encourage your friends, family members and colleagues to take part. Save this shareable graphic to let others know what to do. 

These workers are risking their lives to ensure we can be safe at home. The very least we can do is #ThankAWorker. 

If you don’t have time to take the action, simply download these social images graphic 1, graphic 2 and post it on your feed.

It is important that everyone tells their own story of appreciation so if you have a special thanks to make, simply post your message using #ThankAWorker

Every year more people are killed at work than in wars. Most don’t die of mystery ailments, or in tragic “accidents”. They die because an employer decided their safety just wasn’t that important a priority. International Workers’ Memorial Day (IWMD) commemorates those workers.

Every year on April 28th, all around the world the trade union movement unites to mark International Workers’ Memorial Day (#IWMD20).

We remember those who have lost their lives at work, or from work-related injury and diseases. We renew our efforts to organise collectively to prevent more deaths, injuries and disease as a result of work.

Workers Memorial Day is commemorated throughout the world and is officially recognised by the UK Government.

We remember those we have lost.

Theme for 2020: Coronavirus

The coronavirus pandemic affects every worker regardless of sector or locality. Tens of thousands of workers worldwide have died. More have fallen ill or continue to go to work risking their lives. Many workers are still attending work ill-equipped and without necessary safety measures in place.

While we may not be able to attend the memorial events which usually take place on IWMD, as public gatherings around the world are not advised or allowed; there are many ways trade union members can take part in our collective day of remembrance.

We remember those we have lost. 

The 2020 Unite in AXA pay survey can be accessed here.

Click here to read the latest Unite in AXA newsletter on upcoming 2014 pay negotiations.

Please contact your local union rep for details of your local pay meeting.

Click here to read the latest Unite in AXA newsletter on today’s announcement of redundancies and redeployments  in AXA Head Office and Corporate Centre.

Please leave your feedback below or talk to your local union rep.

Unite is participating in the ‘March For The Alternative’ national demonstration against Government spending cuts on Saturday 26th March in London. If you are interested in attending and would like to find out more please click here. Transport for Unite members and their families is available for all regions, details of which can be found at the link above.

The TUC has published the first in a series of newsletters to help vulnerable workers, and the union members who protect them in the workplace, find out more about their basic employment rights at work. Whilst primarily aimed at vulnerable workers such as temporary and agency staff, Unite in AXA members may find it useful for friends and family as well. The newsletter can be accessed by clicking this link: Enforcing Minimum Rights

Unite is taking airline BMI to court over its failure to honour a negotiated pay rise.

More on this story can be read here.

The TUC’s latest Pensions Watch survey, which analyses the pension arrangements of 329 directors from 102 top UK companies, showed that the average value of a director’s pension was 26 times higher than that of staff.

Also, whilst most companies are moving away from defined benefit schemes for staff, the survey found that nearly two-thirds of companies continue to provide defined benefit schemes for at least some directors.

You can read more on this news item here.