HOW UNISON WORKS!
UNISON In NUMBERS UNISON has more than 1.3 million members, making us one of Europe's largest unions. More than 70% of our members are women. UNISON is spread over 12 UK regions, each of which contains branches organised by sector. There are more than 1,000 UNISON branches around the UK. 2Wines S/ RBM Forum/2014
UNISON was formed in 1993 when three previous public sector trade unions, the National and Local Government Officers Association (NALGO), the National Union of Public Employees (NUPE) and the Confederation of Health Service Employees (COHSE) merged. UNISON's current general secretary is Dave Prentis. He was elected on 28 February 2000, and took up the post on 1 January 2001, succeeding Rodney Bickerstaff who had held the post for five years. 3Wines S/ RBM Forum/2014
Structure The branches-- The branch is the main way members take part in developing UNISON policies, campaigns and objectives. So it is essential that stewards get involved in their local branch as much as they can. Branches must elect certain core officers, including a chair, secretary, treasurer, equalities officer, health and safety officer, education co-ordinator, communications officer, international officer and young members' officer. Branches support you in getting training, becoming organised, recruiting and negotiating etc.
The Regions Geographical split across the four countries UNISON branches are grouped into 12 regions which cover the UK. Each region has its own head office and a regional council made up of delegates from all branches in the region. The regions work with branches and head office to campaign, recruit, represent, inform and educate their members. 5Wines S/ RBM Forum/2014
Service Groups Service groups represent groups of members working in the same sector and make sure that UNISON's services stay relevant and useful to all members. Find out about our eight service groups and how they can help you. UNISON has eight service groups which represent groups of members working in the same sector: Local government, health care, education services, police and justice staff, community, energy, private contractors and water, environment and transport. 6Wines S/ RBM Forum/2014
Self Organised Groups Black members Disabled members LGBT members Retired members Women Young members UNISON members who share common concerns come together in self-organised groups to discuss, campaign and organise events around the specific issues that affect them. UNISONs self- organised groups are for black members, women, disabled members, LGBT, retired, women and young members. 7Wines S/ RBM Forum/2014
This is Us! With more than 1.3 million members, UNISON is one of the UKs largest trade unions and Europe's largest public service union. Our members work in the public services, for private contractors providing public services and for utility companies. 8Wines S/ RBM Forum/2014
A Recent Campaign 9Wines S/ RBM Forum/2014
UNISON CONTINUED! International campaigns Fighting the cuts Defending members Promoting learning opportunities Challenging the workplace changes to terms and conditions Promoting the living wage Campaigning with others Creating safer workplaces Listening to members Supporting activists Wines S/ RBM Forum/2014