Derek Hodge President, UCU Stirling Branch

By: Giving advice, support and representation for members if they are having a problem with their employer, through the use of caseworkers Ensuring that changes are negotiated rather than imposed Offering spin-off benefits including attendance on training courses Providing the opportunity to discuss your grievances with other members Staff members in unionised workplaces are usually paid more and the more members are active, the more likely it is that change can be achieved

By: Attending general meetings and participating in the proceedings Volunteering to help with putting up posters and distributing flyers in mail trays, when required Offering to attend courses to enable you to participate in Committee activities Becoming a School representative Volunteering to become a caseworker. Caseworkers are very urgently needed and play a hugely important role in the functioning of the Union Agreeing to speak to non-members to encourage them to join the Union

 “The union is highly experienced and can, therefore, offer support and knowledge that you, as an individual, would otherwise not have access to. Being part of a collective body offers strength in terms of negotiating power, and also solidarity and allegiance in times of trouble”  “… belonging to an organisation that works to protect our pay and conditions”  “… legal representation for individuals who find themselves in professional difficulties for whatever reason”  “… personal support and advice, both from colleagues at Stirling and the CUSN”  “… belonging to an organisation that is working to defend higher education is particularly crucial when higher education is so under attack – in terms of funding, creeping privatisation and academic freedom”  “… protection at work in relation to a series of issues: pay, promotion, dismissal, bullying and harassment and conditions of service more generally” Some quotes from Members “You never know when you will need help and support but then it is too late to join!”

President: Derek Hodge, School of Arts & Humanities, Film and Media Secretary: Marilyn Scott, Information Services Casework Co-ordinator: Bethan Benwell, School of Arts & Humanities Administrator: Pam McGibbon Website:

Unison Staff on clerical, manual, and administrative grades (excluding academics, e.g. secretary, cleaner) Unite All members of technical staff, including scientific, craftsperson (e.g. senior concierge, technician, plumber)