Nearly 100,000 UNISON members are speaking as one in the 2026 Senedd election. This is about the future of our NHS, our schools, our care services and our communities.
Public services are the backbone of our nation. Every day, UNISON members care for our loved ones, support our children and keep our communities running.
After years of austerity and rising costs, those services are under real strain. Too many workers are stretched thin. Too many families are struggling with the cost of living.
This Senedd election is a choice about the kind of Wales we want.
A Wales where public services are properly funded and publicly delivered, where workers are paid fairly and that stands together, not divided.
Darllenwch y maniffesto (Cymraeg)
What UNISON members are demanding in 2026
UNISON members want:
Fair pay to tackle the cost of living
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Fully funded fair pay agreements.
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£15 minimum hourly rate in social care.
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An end to term-time only pay in schools.
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Direct pay bargaining in the Welsh NHS.
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A shorter working week in health with no loss of pay.
When workers are paid fairly, local economies benefit.
Keep profit out of care
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A publicly funded, publicly owned National Care Service.
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Insourcing across the public sector.
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Support for migrant care workers facing exploitation.
Outsourcing squeezes wages and weakens services. Public money should stay in public services.
Invest in universal public services
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A strong NHS with safe buildings and enough staff.
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More council housing in every community.
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Affordable public transport, including £1 bus fares.
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Long-term preventative funding.
Public services are not a luxury. They are the foundation of a fair Wales.
Strong voice for workers
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Social partnership embedded across all public bodies.
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A Wales School Support Staff Negotiating Body.
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Investment in skills and apprenticeships.
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Protection for workers facing climate impacts.
Fairness for Wales
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Greater devolved powers.
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Fairer funding.
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A government that listens to workers.
What’s at stake in 2026
The next Welsh Government will decide:
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How social care pay is funded.
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If public services are brought back in house.
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If waiting lists fall.
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If council housing is built.
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If public money goes into services or into private profit.
Some politicians want to undermine universal public services, or promise quick fixes that don’t add up. Some would cut jobs and weaken workplace protections.
UNISON members know better. We see what happens when services are cut, when profit is put before people and when workers are ignored. Wales succeeds when we stand together.
Register to vote and help others register
If you are over 16 and live in Wales, you can vote in the Senedd election. You do not need photo ID to vote but you must be registered.
Help make sure:
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Young people aged 16–23 are registered.
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Colleagues who have recently moved house are registered.
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Migrant workers and overseas staff know they have the right to vote.
Request copies of our voter registration flyer and share it in your workplace or community.
Request register to vote flyers
Use your vote in Wales
This election uses a new proportional system and the Senedd will expand to 96 Members. Every vote will shape the balance of power and the future of public services in Wales.
Not sure how it works? Join one of our short online sessions.
Book your place on a “Use your vote in Wales” session
These sessions explain:
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What the Welsh Government controls.
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How the new voting system works.
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Who can vote.
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How to register and vote.
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Why this election matters for public service workers.