International committee

There are 6 seats on the Regional International Committee. This year our Chair is Jamshid Ahmadi. The Committee supports the work of Branch International Relations Officers, known as BIROs. As a committee we are supported by Regional Organiser Claire Jones.

BIROs and Committee members attended Branch International training in July 2010 and developed a list of easy action points for all BIROS. For details of this years BIRO training and to book a place please click here.

We also sent a full delegation to both of the International Seminars run by the National International Unit in Paris Spring 2010 and Liverpool October 2010.

As a region we are affiliated to the following organisations. ACTSA, Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Nicaraguan Solidarity Campaign, Venezuelan Solidarity Campaign, Cuba Solidarity, Justice for Colombia, CODIR, West Saharan Women

Over the last year we have hosted visits from our sister unions in Venezuela and Uganda. We work closely with Thompsons (our solicitors) International Department  to highlight and support work around the globe, including regional training events and speakers. We are asking all branches to take the following action:

• Elect a Branch International Relations Officer
• Affiliate to groups
• Think about their employers  investments made by the pensions schemes – and where necessary work to put pressure on to divest in line with UNISON policy for example in Israel
• Work with Women’s Officers, Equalities Officers,  Communication Officers and other Branch officers should work with International Officers to promote and support International days of solidarity
• Complete the Regional BIRO which is critical for us to plan our work in the region. Click here to take survey

We are jointly funding an event with Regional Women’s Committee, Sister unions and the TUC to support International Women’s Day on 8 March 2011.  Click here for more info.