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Welcome

Welcome to the October 2024 edition of My Accord magazine. Hear from Ged and get the latest headline news.

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Things can only get better? A message from Ged 

Ged Nichols

This is our first edition since the July general election, which saw a new government take office with a strong majority. While Accord remains proudly independent and without political affiliation, we always seek to engage with the government where it matters to our members. Through our role as part of the TUC family, we continue to ensure that your voice is heard.

In my last message, I shared my hope for a government that would drive economic growth, sustainability, and strengthen public services like health and education. I called for a shared sense of optimism and purpose, backed by meaningful action.

Well, while the first 100 days haven’t been without challenges, I’m optimistic about the direction we’re heading. The relationship between this government and trade unions feels different, and that opens up new opportunities for us to work together.

I’m especially proud that the UK’s first-ever woman Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, has a connection to our very own sector—she once worked for HBOS in Halifax and was a union member during her time with the bank. I recently met her as part of a TUC delegation ahead of the budget.

The big news ahead of the budget is the announcement of the Employment Rights Bill, which aims to Make Work Pay. As Paul Nowak, General Secretary of the TUC, rightly said:

“Everyone deserves a decent, secure job they can build a life on. This positive and ambitious plan to make work pay will raise incomes and boost living standards across Britain. Improving the quality of work in this country has to be a national priority.”

While the Bill might not be revolutionary, it’s a step forward, and here at Accord, we continue to tackle our own challenges. One of our biggest is showing employees across all grades in LBG and TSB that being part of an independent union makes a real difference. But we need more than just support from the sidelines. We need more bank staff to join us, to get involved, and to be part of our collective strength.

Rest assured, the President, Principal Executive Council members, the entire Accord team, and I will always work hard to protect and promote your interests. But we’re stronger together—so if your colleagues aren’t members of Accord or Unite yet, now’s a great time to encourage them to join.

Let’s keep moving forward with that shared sense of purpose and optimism!

Warmest wishes,

Ged

Accord reps' get-togethers

At least once a year, we gather our reps from across Lloyds Banking Group to discuss the issues that matter most to our members. In November 2023, more than 200 reps joined us for these important discussions. 

We've planned some face-to-face reps' meetings in October, and we’d love to see all reps attending one of the sessions. 

We want to hear what members are concerned about and we have some important things to talk about with you too. 

The dates and locations are: 

  • Tuesday 22nd October: Glasgow 
  • Wednesday 23rd October: Leeds 
  • Thursday 24th October: London 
  • Monday 28th October: Online meeting

Reps have already been sent an invite by email and should already have registered to attend. These meetings are exclusively for Accord reps within Lloyds Banking Group.

Get your workplace’s voice heard

Some workplaces and branches within the network may not have a local rep, but it’s important that your voice is heard too. Our local reps provide invaluable support, keeping us informed of key issues and ensuring we stay connected with all parts of the organisation.

We’re always on the lookout for new reps to help support their colleagues and workplaces. If your workplace doesn’t have a rep, we encourage you to consider stepping up and be part of the conversation on the issues that matter most. And hopefully we'll see you at our next set of rep meetings.

Being a rep is a rewarding role, bringing a sense of satisfaction from knowing you’ve made a difference in supporting your colleagues. Don’t just take our word for it—watch our new video where people like you share their thoughts and experiences on why they decided to stand up and ensure their colleagues’ voices were heard.

Find out more about becoming a union rep

What our reps are saying

Accord rep: Iona McCallum, Edinburgh

It was quite enlightening to hear from people in different parts of the business and learn about their concerns. It was good to know that there is a level of accountability.

Iona McCallum, Edinburgh
Accord rep: Yemi Olayemi, Milton Keynes

Being a rep gives you a voice and the opportunity to influence your workplace. You spend 8 hours a day, 5 days a week at work—more time than anywhere else—so you want it to be the best place it can be.

Yemi Olayemi, Milton Keynes
Krisna Lakhani & Stephen Abel at TUC LGBTQ+ Conference 2024 - Credit: Rod Leon
Krisna & Stephen at TUC LGBTQ+ Conference. Credit: Rod Leon

Accord at the TUC LGBTQ+ Conference

The TUC LGBTQ+ workers’ conference was held on the 27th and 28th of June at Congress House in London. This year’s conference brought together 229 mainly LGBTQ+ workers from across finance, education, transport, healthcare and many other industries. The conference offers an opportunity to hear the everyday experiences of LGBTQ+ workers in the UK, as well as discussing the challenges LGBTQ+ people face around the world. Accord was represented by Krisna Lakhani (Accord Officer), Stephen Abel (TSB rep) & Michael Campbell (Accord PEC member).

TUC research, published ahead of the conference, found that the cost-of-living crisis has hit LGBTQ+ workers hard. One in five report having skipped meals or gone without food in the last year. The same proportion have had to work two or more jobs to make ends meet.

Recognising this, speakers discussed pay and working conditions. Meeting shortly before the election, a motion called on a new Labour government to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ people both at home and on the world stage.

Delegates also discussed the now-defunct ‘Rwanda Plan’ and the impact it would have had on LGBTQ+ people, as well as the need to end HIV discrimination. Another theme was around challenging far right narratives and hate crime against LGBTQ+ people. The conference called on government to stop fanning the flames with toxic and reductive language and so-called ‘culture wars’.

Reflecting on his experience at conference, Stephen Abel said:

 

It was great to be part of a wider network of unions, coming together and striving to create a better environment for LGBTQ+ people. We’ve come a long way over the years in creating diverse and inclusive workplaces, but there’s more to do still. Conference is sobering, hearing the struggles still faced both in and outside workplaces. It’s really encouraging to see the supportive nature of the LGBTQ+ community, promoting unity, challenging injustice, and building hope for the future, at home and abroad.

CONTACTS 


My Accord is the magazine for Accord members. If you have a story, question, letter or anything you think would interest readers, please get in touch: [email protected]

General Secretary:
Ged Nichols  |  [email protected]  |  07973 642 592

Magazine editor:
Niamh Ní Mhaoileoin  |  [email protected]

Accord HQ:
[email protected]  |  0118 9341 808  |  Freepost ACCORD UNION