Somerset Local Government and Community branch has been awarded the title of Branch of the Year at this UNISON South West’s Get Active event at Croyde Bay Holiday Resort.
The award recognises the branch’s exceptional resilience and dedication through a turbulent year marked by redundancies, restructuring and public service cuts.
Despite Somerset Council cutting the equivalent of 550 full-time posts, the branch not only maintained but grew its activist base, with strong recruitment among migrant workers and continued engagement across local employers. Their success in member retention in the face of job losses stands as a testament to the branch’s organising strength and workplace presence.
The branch has shown a clear commitment to equality, with active involvement across all self-organised groups and equalities strands. Over 40% of branch officers identify as women, and the branch has pushed for more inclusive structures by promoting intersectionality and supporting underrepresented members into leadership.
Campaigning has been innovative and engaging, from ‘Pizza and Pay’ meetings that boosted turnout in the NJC pay ballot to the creative and colourful ‘LGBT+ Officers on Tour’ and “Murial” mural displays at regional events. Their work has not gone unnoticed, with local media coverage of their council lobbies and Pride events shining a spotlight on UNISON’s work in the community.
The branch has also played a leading role in regional and national democracy, with members contributing to numerous committees, speaking at conferences and representing the region at the TUC and in Parliament, especially on the critical issue of Tier 2 visa reform.
In the words of the nominator: “I am very proud to have such an active branch both locally and regionally.”
UNISON South West congratulates Somerset Local Government and Community branch for their incredible work in 2024 and their unwavering dedication to representing, supporting and empowering their members.
