UNISON Rotherham Local Government

1.      Advice to members on immigration matters

UNISON is launching a pilot service which provides free immigration telephone advice to UNISON members who have come to work in the UK from countries outside of the European Union. This scheme will run for one year, starting on March 6. For more, visit: http://www.unison.org.uk/blackmembers/pages_view.asp?did=8339

2.      Migration and Asylum Update

For the latest update on migration and asylum, visit: http://www.unison.org.uk/blackmembers/pages_view.asp?did=8349

3.      G20 Mobilisation

UNISON is encouraging as many members as possible to join the G20 demo taking place on Saturday, March 28. Assemble at Victoria Embankment, London, WC2R 2PP at 11am. March moves off from noon for carnival with speakers and entertainment in Hyde Park Corner from 2pm. For more, visit: http://www.unison.org.uk/blackmembers/pages_view.asp?did=8342

4.      Consultation events for the Further Education workforce

Lifelong Learning UK, in consultation with UNISON and the University and College Union, will be holding a series of consultation events for the further education workforce, to explore staff experiences in relation to race equality. These events offer an opportunity for members of the further education workforce to provide information about their specific experiences in key areas of work.  For more, visit http://www.unison.org.uk/blackmembers/pages_view.asp?did=8344

5.      LGPS Seminar

UNISON is organising a Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) Seminar on Thursday, 26 March 2009. This seminar is being held to explore what the DCLG consultation is for and how far away the government is from creating statutory recognition rights for scheme members. For more, visit: http://www.unison.org.uk/blackmembers/pages_view.asp?did=8346

6.      Victory to anti- fascists as Nick Griffin's BNP meeting cancelled in Manchester

Following an announcement that the Nazi BNP intended to use a room at Manchester Town Hall for their NW Euro-election launch on Saturday 28th February, Manchester Unite Against Fascism supporters launched a campaign petition and called an urgent protest to keep the BNP out of Manchester Town Hall for 12 noon on Saturday. For more, visit: http://www.unison.org.uk/blackmembers/pages_view.asp?did=8350 

7.      Government outlines new plans for achieving race equality in the UK

A consultation on improving opportunities for Black and Asian people was announced by Communities Secretary Hazel Blears. A new report demonstrates that the Government has made significant progress in tackling race equality in everything from the job market and health services, to education, housing and criminal justice. For more, visit: http://www.edf.org.uk/blog/?p=2087

8.      World Autism Day

World Autism day will take place on 2 April. World Autism Awareness Day aims to give a voice to the millions of people worldwide who are undiagnosed, misunderstood and looking for help. People affected by autism will be joining a rally in London on 28 March 2009. The rally starts at 2pm at Temple tube station and finishes in Trafalgar Square. For further information, visit: http://www.autism.org.uk/waad

9.      Scottish Women’s Convention

The Scottish Women’s Convention is hosting ‘An Evening with Thabitha’ at the STUC, 333 Woodlands Road, Glasgow on Monday 9 March 2009 at 6 p.m. – 8.30 p.m. Thabitha Khumalo is a member of the newly elected democratic government of Zimbabwe. She has been an active member of the Women’s Labour Movement for many years and has led the ‘Dignity Period Campaign’.  If you would like to come and meet her and hear about the plight of women in Zimbabwe please contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 0141 248 818.