09 June 2020

UCAC has expressed our serious concerns about the proposed re-opening of schools and has emphasised the concerns of our members to the Education Minister in the strongest way terms.

Today we met with the Welsh Government for the first time since the statement and have clearly set out our concerns and dissatisfaction in correspondence which is available here:

LETTER

In addition to the formal letter we have shared a comprehensive list of questions with a request for urgent answers. That document is available here:

QUESTIONS

We welcome any comments that may feed into the discussion with the Welsh Government and with local authorities in order to ensure the health and wellbeing of staff and pupils at our schools.

I trust you are safe and well, remember that UCAC is here for all your inquiries.
 

3 June 2020

UCAC education union has responded robustly to today’s announcement by the Minister for Education that schools in Wales will re-open step-by-step for all pupils from 29 June.

Dilwyn Roberts-Young, UCAC General Secretary said “Education unions have been in regular discussions with Welsh Government since the beginning of this emergency, including about reopening schools. In partnership, the profession has put provision in place in a heroic manner for pupils across Wales during this period of disruption.

“However, we are shocked that the Government has ignored the unions’ opinion that Years 6, 10 and 12 should have taken priority if schools were to reopen before the summer.

7 May 2020

As we approach the Bank Holiday I wanted to draw your attention to the statement from the Education Minister today which confirmed the latest position for education in Wales: 

https://gov.wales/situation-schools-will-not-change-june-1st-education-minister-says

I hope you are safe and healthy – remember that UCAC is here for you to respond to any query.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 01970 639950

7 May 2020

As we approach the Bank Holiday I wanted to draw your attention to the statement from the Education Minister today which confirmed the latest position for education in Wales: 

https://gov.wales/situation-schools-will-not-change-june-1st-education-minister-says

I hope you are safe and healthy – remember that UCAC is here for you to respond to any query.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 01970 639950

1 May 2020

A message from Frances O’Grady, TUC on May Day:

This year we can’t be all together on May Day – the day to recognise the contribution of working people.

 This crisis shows us how much we depend on frontline workers in our NHS, care, schools, supermarkets, transport and other essential services.

They are the best of us. And we say thank you.

But as we clap and cheer, this country should also do more.

Everyone who’s kept Britain going deserves a pay rise. It’s time to ban the zero-hours contracts and bogus self-employment that leave carers, shop workers and delivery drivers struggling. Everyone must get decent sick pay. 

That’s how the government should thank working families.

And ministers must make a promise to them too. When this crisis is over, we can’t go back to business as usual.

We need a new deal for working people. Jobs for everyone, decent pay, a strong safety net, fair terms and conditions.

Tough times are still ahead. That’s when you need your union to have your back.

So, we say to the working people of Britain: join a union today. Tell your children and grandchildren, your workmates and neighbours. Search “join a union”.

With pride and solidarity.