Suspend Westminster Parliament

02 August 2019

Suspend Westminster Parliament

The current political climate is creating a great deal of uncertainty with the possibility of a ‘No Deal’ Brexit.
 
Frances O’Grady, the General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), has responded on behalf of all unions including the Undeb Cenedlaethol Athrawon Cymru (UCAC) to the latest threat to suspend the Westminster parliament:
 
“This is a deliberate ploy by the prime minister to duck basic democratic scrutiny, at a time when people’s jobs and livelihoods are on the line.
“By denying parliament a voice, this government is treating the people with contempt.
“The effects of crashing out of the European Union without a deal would be felt for a generation.
“People and parliament together can stop this.
“We’ll support any democratic initiative to stop a disastrous no-deal whether through legislation, a general election or a popular vote.”
 
UCAC will continue to discuss the situation with the TUC and TUC Cymru over the coming days and weeks.
 

Eisteddfod Genedlaethol 2020

31 July 2019

Eisteddfod Genedlaethol 2020

This year, like every year, UCAC will have a presence on the National Eisteddfod field and we’re really looking forward to the Conwy County Eisteddfod in Llanrwst
 
UCAC officers and members will be at our stall (Stand 117) throughout the week and there will be an opportunity for conversation and discussion and to hear more about the inter-union School Cuts campaign.
 
We look forward to welcoming our members.
 

Discussions with the Treasury at Westmister

29 July 2019

Discussions with the Treasury ar Westminster

On Tuesday, July 23rd, 2019 General Secretary Dilwyn Roberts-Young attended an inter-union meeting with the Treasury at Westminster. The meeting was organised by the TUC, in order to ensure an opportunity to consider the judgment of the court case relating to pensions of firefighters. 
 
Although the judgment is specific to that profession there may be far-reaching implications for all those working in the public sector including teachers, lecturers and leaders.
 
Co-incidentally, a written statement was received from Hannah Blythyn, Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government, Welsh Government on the morning of the meeting. 
 
This statement can be read here:

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Who will fund teachers’ pay rise?

22 July 2019

Who will fund teachers' pay rise?

In response to Welsh Government’s announcement today (22 July) on teachers’ salaries for the school year 2019-20, UCAC education union has raised concerns about who will fund the pay rise.
 
Dilwyn Roberts-Young, UCAC’s General Secretary said “Today is a historic day – the first time that Wales has determined the salaries of its own schoolteachers. That is a major, positive step in acknowledging that Wales should take responsibility for its teaching profession.
 
“UCAC welcomes the recommendations made by the Independent Welsh Pay Review Body (IWPRB) which has published its report today. If implemented in full, these will reinstate a truly national pay system for schoolteachers, which will provide clarity, consistency and equity across the board.
 

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‘Overwhelming evidence’ of school funding problems across Wales

9 July 2019

‘Overwhelming evidence’ of school funding problems across Wales

UCAC education union has welcomed the publication today (10/07/19) of the 'School Funding in Wales' report by the National Assembly for Wales’s Children, Young People and Education Committee.

Dilwyn Roberts-Young, UCAC’s General Secretary said “The Committee has conducted its research, has received a deluge of evidence, and has come to the conclusion that ‘there is not enough money going into the education system in Wales and not enough finding its way to schools’. UCAC agrees whole-heartedly with that conclusion.

“Schools are unable to afford the numbers of staff that they require to provide a high-quality education. In turn, that means increasing class sizes, fewer teaching support staff and less support for vulnerable learners.

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