Coleg Cambria is celebrating Heart Unions Week by showcasing its commitment to promoting the voices and rights of staff and lecturers. The campaign, which began on 10 February, highlights the contributions of trade unions to workers’ rights and well-being.
The college, with campuses in Wrexham, Deeside, Llysfasi, and Northop, has been recognised for its strong culture of Social Partnership, which prioritises collaboration between management and union representatives. This approach ensures that, before any significant decisions or changes are made, union representatives are consulted to assess how these changes might affect staff and to challenge any potential outcomes.
Heart Unions Week serves as an opportunity for the college to further demonstrate its dedication to creating a positive working environment by supporting the rights of its employees. Through this initiative, staff are encouraged to engage more actively in decision-making processes and to liaise regularly with union representatives.
Coleg Cambria Chief Executive Yana Williams spoke of the importance of unions in shaping a fair and supportive work environment. She said: “We are delighted to celebrate the pivotal role trade unions have played in shaping our working lives – both on a national scale and here at our college.”
Williams highlighted the significant impact that unions have had nationally in securing better working contracts and fair pay. She also noted the positive changes made locally at Cambria, thanks to the efforts of college union representatives, including improved health and safety measures, increased work flexibility, and more adaptable holiday arrangements, all of which contribute to a better work environment for staff.
David Schwarz, the lead for Social Partnership at Coleg Cambria, emphasised that the college’s approach is firmly grounded in the ‘Welsh Way’ of social partnership. “At the heart of these achievements is our commitment to ensuring that the invaluable perspectives of our union members and colleagues are always at the forefront of decision-making,” he said. “This collaborative spirit drives us to make the best choices for the future of our college.”
The college’s commitment to social partnership extends beyond internal operations. In 2022, Coleg Cambria participated in a pilot project that helped shape the Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) Bill. This bill seeks to improve the economic, environmental, social, and cultural well-being of Wales by embedding the principles of social partnership in the functioning of public bodies throughout the country.
As part of the college’s continued commitment to the values of social partnership, information about union activity and opportunities for staff involvement are regularly shared through the college’s intranet and internal communications channels. This transparency helps ensure that all employees feel informed and empowered to engage in discussions about the future of the college and their own roles within it.
Coleg Cambria’s celebration of Heart Unions Week serves as a reminder of the ongoing importance of trade unions and the positive impact they have on workplace culture, well-being, and decision-making. Through its focus on collaboration and inclusion, the college continues to build a supportive and equitable environment for all its staff and lecturers.
