In an inspiring move that marks a significant milestone in the journey towards inclusivity and equality, UNISON has declared 2024 as the Year of LGBT+. This declaration is not just a statement; it is a testament to the unwavering commitment of UNISON to champion the rights, recognition, and respect of LGBT+ individuals across all sectors. Among the numerous branches and sectors taking a stand for this cause, the Scottish Ambulance Branch stands out as a beacon of progress and inclusivity.

UNISON's Commitment to LGBT+ Rights

UNISON, the UK's largest public service union, has long been at the forefront of advocating for equality and rights for all its members, including those from the LGBT+ community. By dedicating 2024 as the Year of LGBT+, UNISON is reinforcing its commitment to creating workplaces and communities that are safe, welcoming, and inclusive for everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

This year-long celebration includes a series of initiatives, events, and campaigns designed to educate, raise awareness, and foster an environment of inclusivity. Through workshops, seminars, and collaboration with LGBT+ organizations, UNISON aims to address key issues facing the community, such as discrimination, health disparities, and the need for greater representation in all levels of decision-making.

The Scottish Ambulance Branch: Leading by Example

The Scottish Ambulance Branch, an integral part of UNISON, is setting a remarkable example of how inclusivity can be seamlessly integrated into the fabric of public services. Recognizing the unique challenges and healthcare needs of LGBT+ individuals, the branch has implemented comprehensive training for its staff. This training ensures that all employees are equipped with the knowledge and sensitivity required to provide care that is not only professional but also empathetic and respectful of each patient's identity.

Furthermore, the Scottish Ambulance Branch has established a supportive network for its LGBT+ employees, offering a platform for sharing experiences, addressing concerns, and fostering a sense of belonging and community. This initiative reflects the branch's holistic approach to inclusivity, focusing on both the service it provides and the well-being of its workforce.

A Year of Celebration and Beyond

The declaration of 2024 as the Year of LGBT+ by UNISON, with the active participation of the Scottish Ambulance Branch, is a call to action for other organizations and the wider community. It is an invitation to join hands in celebrating diversity, promoting equality, and building a society where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, is valued and respected.

As we move through the year, let us all be inspired by the efforts of UNISON and the Scottish Ambulance Branch. Let us participate in the events, educate ourselves and others, and contribute to making our workplaces, communities, and society more inclusive. The Year of LGBT+ is not just a milestone; it is a step towards a future where equality and love triumph over discrimination and prejudice.

In conclusion, 2024 promises to be a year of significant progress, celebration, and hope. As UNISON leads the way with its dedicated Year of LGBT+, supported by the exemplary efforts of the Scottish Ambulance Branch, we are reminded of the power of unity and the importance of inclusivity. Together, we can create a world where everyone is free to be themselves, celebrated for their uniqueness, and supported in their rights to equality and respect.

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All members are invited to attend the UNISON Scottish Ambulance Service Branch AGM which will be held at 10:00 am for 10:30 am on Friday 16 February 2024 at UNISON House, 14 West Campbell Street, Glasgow, G2 6RX

Due to the importance of this meeting we would urge all members of the Branch to make every effort to attend. Looking forward to meeting old and new faces on the day.

It’s Valentine’s Day tomorrow, which also means it’s ❤️Unions Week. Whatever your relationship status, you can still show your endless love for your trade union.
Besides me shamelessly trying to fit a few love puns and song titles into this blog, you’ll find here my message about how important unions are to me, to everyone’s working lives and to the whole of society.

I’ve spent my whole working life in the trade union movement, because I know that trade unions make life better for working people. Unions help boost pay by up to £60,000 over a working life, while workers in unionised workplaces also have better pensions and much safer workplaces.

On any given day, there could be a new reason why someone needs their trade union. It might be for a national pay deal, for a local re-banding claim, for better protections in the workplace – as during COVID – or for support with a grievance or disciplinary.

Trade unions will always be needed, and right now that need is growing stronger every day that this Westminster government stays in power. As long as the Tories are in Parliament, working people’s lives and living standards are being hammered. It’s been so clear in their attacks on workers’ rights and trade union rights that they don’t have workers’ best interests at heart.

Getting to meet so many of our members and activists is the best part of being general secretary. And I’m proud that UNISON gives public service workers a union for life – from school uniform grants, representation for student nurses and our young members’ forum, right through to our support for retired members.

So, this ❤️Unions Week, remember that UNISON loves you just the way you are. And why not take the opportunity this week to show your love for UNISON, by telling more of your friends and work colleagues all the good reasons to join us.

Link to Blog: Give your ❤️ to our unions

Watch and Share our new ❤️ UNISON film

The Scottish NHS is at a crucial juncture, facing challenges that demand immediate attention and action. UNISON, Scotland's largest NHS trade union, has raised significant concerns about the impact of budget cuts on the quality and safety of healthcare services. The union's letter to the Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health, and Social Care outlines these issues in detail, emphasizing the need for a constructive dialogue and immediate reforms.

Budget constraints have led to overspending accusations, but UNISON argues this is a misrepresentation of the underlying issue: chronic underfunding. The NHS in Scotland struggles to meet rising demand, and cost-cutting measures, such as the reduction of vacant posts and essential services like the staff shuttle bus in Lothian, exacerbate access and service delivery problems. These cuts not only affect patient care but also increase the workload and stress on existing staff, leading to a cycle of inefficiency and decreased morale among healthcare workers.

UNISON's letter highlights specific instances of concern, including the unilateral decision to cancel the staff shuttle bus in Lothian, disputes over cutting vacant posts in Glasgow, and the need to cut unfunded beds in NHS Ayrshire and Arran. These examples illustrate the broader issue of "right-sizing" the NHS—not through cuts but through informed, community-involved discussions about modernizing and adequately funding the service.

The letter concludes with a call to action, urging the Cabinet Secretary to engage with UNISON and other stakeholders to ensure that any reforms are patient-centered, adequately funded, and designed to sustainably improve the NHS in Scotland. It's a call for a balanced approach that respects the needs of both healthcare workers and the communities they serve.

As Scotland's NHS faces these critical challenges, it's clear that open dialogue, comprehensive planning, and a commitment to investment are essential. The health of the nation depends on it.

Please see the links below to documents for further details and for the letter sent to the new Scottish health Secretary from UNISON.

Link to Letter sent to the new Health Secretary from UNISON.

Link to document on the staffing crisis within the NHS.