NEU Wirral District: A Year of Growth, Advocacy, and Community Impact
The National Education Union (NEU) Wirral District is celebrating a highly successful year, marked by significant growth in member engagement, robust support services, and powerful advocacy for education professionals.
Our new team has been pivotal in providing crucial support, particularly with complex TUPE and academisation processes, as well as assisting members in the independent sector. The Wirral State Branch demonstrated exceptional dedication, handling 115 casework issues this year, ranging from disciplinary matters to pay disputes. Notable victories included preventing a “fire-and-rehire” initiative and resolving significant workload issues at a local secondary school, showcasing the power of collective action.
The NEU Wirral has actively participated in Joint Consultation and Negotiation Committees (JCNC), contributing to vital policy advancements in areas like dignity at work and maternity/paternity rights. The union’s presence was also strongly felt at New Brighton Pride, promoting equality and their pay and funding campaign.
Digitally, the District has seen remarkable expansion:
- Webpage views increased by 123%
- New visitors rose by 98%
- Facebook engagement soared, with views up 946% and content interaction increasing by 1021%
- While Twitter metrics are no longer trackable, the District has already established a presence on Blue Sky
With key leadership changes, including the departure of former secretary Ian Harris, Michael Farrelly has taken on expanded responsibilities, supported by a dedicated committee and newly welcomed assistant branch secretaries. The District’s success has even led other local districts to seek their guidance on member engagement.
Remembering Srebrenica: Neil Sledge’s Inspiring Contribution
We can not summarise this year without mentioning our International Officer, Neil Sledge. He has played a deeply appreciated role in promoting remembrance and education around the Srebrenica genocide, both at NEU Conference and across the Wirral. His work included:
- Leading commemorative efforts through Remembering Srebrenica UK,
- Supporting and organising a range of local community events, fostering dialogue and cultural understanding.
- Advocating for the lessons of Srebrenica within educational spaces, reinforcing the importance of human rights, tolerance, and collective memory.
Neil’s contributions have not only strengthened community bonds but also highlighted the union’s commitment to global justice and inclusive education.
Looking ahead, the NEU Wirral is excited for another year empowering education professionals across the region, while continuing to champion equality, remembrance, and solidarity.
