Together in UNISON

UNISON East Midlands
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What have the trade unions ever done for us? Join former national radio host turned UNISON East Midlands communications guy Chris Birks as we answer that question and many more in this light-hearted journey through the world of trade unions.

Episodes

  1. 12/18/2025

    S1 E7: Migrant Care Workers in Parliament

    This time we're in Westminster - joined by hundreds of migrant care workers. In the first lobby of its kind, carers travelled to Parliament from around the country to push for a reversal of immigration plans that would make it harder for some healthcare staff to settle in Britain.  In this podcast, you'll hear from two of those care workers - David and Audrey from Northampton - as well as hearing just what goes in to organising an event of this size and importance. Send your questions and comments to: eastmidlandsmedia@unison.co.uk Follow UNISON East Midlands on X: https://twitter.com/UNISONEastMids Join UNISON here:  https://join.unison.org.uk/

    15 min

  2. 06/23/2025

    S1 E6: UNISON National Delegate Conference 2025

    We're on the ground at UNISON's National Delegate Conference in Liverpool. From big debates in the main hall to campaign-packed fringes (and maybe even a bit of socialising), this episode lifts the lid on what really happens when UNISON comes together. Hear from three brilliant East Midlands delegates on why they made the journey, what conference means to them, and what they'll be taking back to their branches. Plus, catch a powerful moment from the General Secretary's keynote speech as we unpack why this week matters, not just for UNISON, but for every public service worker across the UK. In this podcast you'll hear a few UNISON abbreviations, here's what they mean: NDC - National Delegate Conference NEC - National Executive Council (our most senior decision making body) CAFCASS - Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service SGE - Service Group Executive - service groups are where members get to organise with other workers in the same sector. The executives oversee each group and provide leadership. PCS - Public and Commercial Services Union Send your questions and comments to: eastmidlandsmedia@unison.co.uk Follow UNISON East Midlands on X: https://twitter.com/UNISONEastMids Join UNISON here:  https://join.unison.org.uk/

    18 min

  3. 04/24/2024

    S1 E5: We're on strike!

    A different sounding episode this time, as we join Leicester's healthcare assistants on the picket line as they strike for a better pay deal.  Also, we chat speak to Megan Wilson-Ibbotson, the co-chair of our regional young members forum, and hear why she got involved in the trade union movement. Plus you'll meet another member doing incredible things in their workplace. Send your questions and comments to: eastmidlandsmedia@unison.co.uk Follow UNISON East Midlands on X: https://twitter.com/UNISONEastMids Join UNISON here:  https://join.unison.org.uk/

    25 min

  4. 03/21/2024

    S1 E4: Stephanie Sirr MBE

    On this episode, Stephanie Sirr MBE joins us. Stephanie runs Nottingham Playhouse and has plenty of stories from her time in the industry - especially from her time in Blackpool! How do we make theatre and jobs in the arts more accessible to working class kids? Stephanie has plenty of ideas. You'll also find about UNISON East Midlands Learning Charter initiative and hear from another member making a real difference in the East Midlands. Send your questions and comments to: eastmidlandsmedia@unison.co.uk Follow UNISON East Midlands on X: https://twitter.com/UNISONEastMids Join UNISON here:  https://join.unison.org.uk/

    29 min

  5. 03/05/2024

    S1 E3: UNISON College and Learning

    UNISON has a proud history of providing high quality learning opportunities for our members however, we don't shout about it enough! In this episode, Chris Birks speaks to Gavin McCann who helps organise learning courses in the East Midlands. You won't believe just how many courses are open to UNISON members. Plus, Labour's East Midlands Mayoral Candidate Claire Ward stops by to explain what the new role is all about and what she plans to deliver if elected in May. Send your questions and comments to: eastmidlandsmedia@unison.co.uk Follow UNISON East Midlands on X: https://twitter.com/UNISONEastMids Join UNISON here:  https://join.unison.org.uk/

    27 min

  6. 02/13/2024

    S1 E2: Year of the LGBT+ Worker

    Cast your mind back to New Year's Day, did you make any resolutions? The real question is are you still sticking to them? No, us neither. Well, back in January, UNISON launched the Year of the LGBT+ Worker, a year long campaign to embed LGBT+ rights in to our organising and campaigning efforts. Chris Birks speaks to Michael Wrighton, chair of the regional LGBT+ network, and hears about the pioneering work UNISON's regional Black Members are doing to tackle racism.  Send your questions and comments to: eastmidlandsmedia@unison.co.uk Follow UNISON East Midlands on X: https://twitter.com/UNISONEastMids Join UNISON here:  https://join.unison.org.uk/

    28 min

  7. 02/06/2024

    S1 E1: Christina McAnea

    It's the first podcast, and we've only gone and landed the boss! UNISON's general secretary, Christina McAnea, tells us what leading the UK's biggest trade union is really like. Hear from two award-winning school support staff, and we do some trade union mythbusting. Send your questions and comments to: eastmidlandsmedia@unison.co.uk Follow UNISON East Midlands on X: https://twitter.com/UNISONEastMids Join UNISON here:  https://join.unison.org.uk/

    20 min

  8. TRAILER

    Together in UNISON Trailer

    What exactly is a trade union, and what have they actually done for us? In this new tongue-in-cheek podcast from the UK's biggest trade union, members and leaders will answer those questions and many more! Join former national radio host turned UNISON East Midlands communications guy Chris Birks for this light-hearted yet informative journey through the world of trade unions. Subscribe now and never miss an episode!

    1 min

Trailer

About

What have the trade unions ever done for us? Join former national radio host turned UNISON East Midlands communications guy Chris Birks as we answer that question and many more in this light-hearted journey through the world of trade unions.

Information

  • Creator
    UNISON East Midlands
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024
  • Show Website
    Together in UNISON