As we approach Christmas and the end of another year, I want to thank all of you who have worked tirelessly to keep our public services going.
It has been, as always, a challenging year. Yet with Labour’s victory at the general election in the summer, it has been a transformative one. We should be proud of the pivotal role we all played in achieving a Labour government. It’s an accomplishment that paves the way for meaningful change for working people across the UK. We have already made a significant contribution to the work on the Employment Rights Bill which will have a real impact for our members everywhere.
And while we know they may not be perfect, and there will be some tough conversations ahead, we can finally look forward to working with a government that has working people and trade unions in its DNA.
I also want to take this opportunity to thank those who give up their time to support our members, through representation and UNISON’s campaigning work. I hope you can spend some precious time with family and friends this Christmas but, as our public services rely on your work every day, I know your jobs may be just as demanding then as the rest of the year.
Throughout the festive period, people still need care in hospitals, care homes and the community; the public still expects refuse services to keep running; winter weather puts demands on environment agencies and pressures on staff working in energy and water companies builds up.
UNISON truly appreciates the vital work you all do, and we are always here for you when you need support in your workplace.
As some of you know may know, very sadly my husband died in November. On behalf of myself and my two children I want to thank you for the many messages of condolence and support that I received from our wonderful “UNISON family”. These have been a great comfort.
My husband, Robert, who was a NALGO and UNISON activist and member, had been a passionate supporter of Palestinian rights for many years and I particularly want to thank those who donated to the Medical Aid for Palestine fund set up in his memory.
In the new year I will be back campaigning and fighting as hard as ever for our members and our union.
As we look forward to 2025, I know we will continue to work together successfully to campaign for better pay, conditions, workers’ rights, equality and world-class public services. We will also continue to be part of the global trade union movement, fighting for peace and justice.
I wish you, your families and loved ones a happy Christmas and let’s hope for a kinder and peaceful new year.
Thank you all once again,
Christina
The article A Christmas message from Christina McAnea first appeared on the UNISON National site.
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